Melo Villareal
During our recent visit to Sorsogon with PHILTOA in preparation for the Philippine Travel Mart 2013, we visited Tikling Island in Matnog Sorsogon. As you know, I have been to maybe more than a thousand islands in the country, but only a few landed on my favorite list.
Tikling Island in Matnog Sorsogon
Pink Sand Beach in Tikling Island
The perfect place to have an exciting yet relaxing vacation is the shores of some of nature’s best creations, that is, the beaches. For me, Islands with beautiful beaches draw a sense of joy and divine feeling and give me the best for relaxation. One of the beaches that provides a magnificent view of tides hitting the shores with lush vegetation and deserves to be called a tropical paradise is located near Matnog Town in Sorsogon. The island having mesmerizing pristine beaches is known as Tikling Island, which may not be as popular as Boracay or Bohol but is equally beautiful.
The beauty of the beach
In just half an hour, one can reach Tikling Island from the shores of Matnog on a boat. Matnog, along scenic Matnog Bay, is located at the southernmost tip of Luzon. From the port of Matnog, Tikling Island can be spotted, and as the boat sails nearer to the island, one can catch a glimpse of the blue waves leading to the shores of fine white sands in front of the stretched green trees. However, once the boat reaches the shores it is very surprising to discover that these finest sandy beach does not have any ordinary white sand like any other beach; instead, the sands gloom with light pink color due to the scattering of the tiniest pink corals on the entire shore.
The Beach of Tikling Island is considered one of the magnificent beaches of the Philippines. The weather around the island never masks the island’s beauty as even in the rainy season, the scenic look of green vegetation and glooming pink beach captures the heart of the visitors…. including mine.
Splendid view of the island
The uniqueness of the island lies in its view:
- Even in worse weather, the island’s beauty glows and lights the hearts of the visitors.
- The island’s scenery is breathtaking, with the shimmering water driving to touch the pink beach surrounded by tall trees.
- The breeze, smoothness, and soothing blend of the air surrounding the island give a sense of a stress-free experience.
- The sands of the beach are not common with the other beaches as the beach has a combination of sand particles and parts of red coral that brings out a pinkish appearance of the beach.
- One can enjoy the crystal clear waters and surf on the tides arousing from the beach.
Privately owned
Tikling Island is well-maintained, with only native huts of caretaker inhabitants and one tree house. No resorts, tents, or cottages are built on the island. The island is filled with coconut trees scattered unevenly throughout the island. As the island is owned by people, people are not allowed to loiter around without permission; hence, only day trippers are generally permitted. However, if asked beforehand, visitors can be granted permission to night camping by the island’s inhabitants.
Hotels and Resorts in Matnog Sorsogon
| Name of Establishments | Address | Lodging Amenities |
| Matunog Pensionne | Camcaman, Matnog, Sor. | Air Conditioned rooms |
| Fragas Mansion | Caloocan, Matnog, Sorsogon | Non Aircon Rooms at affordable price |
| Bantigue Resort | Banuang-daan, Matnog, Sor. | Air Conditioned cabanas big enough for a family, non aircon closed cottages |
| Richwell Beach Resort | Banuang-daan, Matnog, Sor. | Air conditioned and non air conditioned rooms |
| Stardust Resort | Banuang-daan, Matnog, Sor. | Air conditioned rooms |
| Primo’s Lodging House | Caloocan, Matnog, Sor. | Non Aircon Rooms at affordable price |
How to get to Tikling Island
The trip to Tikling Island, including a day tour of Juag Lagoon and Subic Beach, can be arranged with any boat operators at the Matnog Port.
From Manila:
If you prefer to travel by land, you can take a bus going straight to Matnog — you may inquire at Philtranco, Raymond, and Amihan (Cubao, Quezon City).
By Air, you can take a flight going to Legazpi City. A bus to Sorsogon City is available at Legaspi Central Terminal, which can be reached by trike from the city center. Once in Sorsogon City, Matnog can be reached by taking a jeepney with a Matnog sign. Once in Matnog, you can take a trike to bring you to Matnog Port.
Visit http://www.lgumatnog.com/ – The official website of the Municipality of Matnog Sorsogon.
Is Tikling Island now part of my Favorite Islands in the Philippines list? Definitely YES!
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Read:
- Subic Beach in Matnog Sorsogon
- 10 Awesome Ways to Spice up your Sorsogon Adventure
- Top 11 Best Beaches in Sorsogon Province (Plus How to Get There)
