Summer Getaway: 11 Best Beaches of Sorsogon
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Sorsogon is a quaint province in the Bicol Region of the Philippines. The charm of the province lies in its simple communities, attractions, and its beaches. The province is located at the southernmost part of Luzon and has Albay to its North. Apart from beautiful lakes, rivers, and mountains, there are several stunning beaches in Sorsogon that you should go to if you want to experience and discover tropical paradise.
Best Time to Visit Sorsogon
The best time to visit Sorsogon is from December to May because it’s the driest months of the year and it’s also the time when you can go whale shark (butanding) watching in Donsol.
Beaches in Matnog, Sorsogon
Subic Beach
Tourists can’t help but be amazed at the pink sands of Subic Beach. It’s a rare phenomenon for the beach to have hints of pink. Aside from that, other activities include snorkeling, diving (but you need to bring your own equipment), and pitching a tent. You need to bring your own food, charcoal, and other cooking ingredients before going to the beach.
Entrance Fee: Php50 (for locals), Php300 (for foreigners)
Calintaan Island
One of the best Sorsogon beaches in terms of clear waters and fine sand is located in Calintaan Island. It’s in the town of Matnog and provides a warm and friendly atmosphere for visitors. There are some small rock formations by the shoreline but overall it’s smooth. There are also trees behind the shoreline for shade.
Juag Island
One of the lesser-known Sorsogon tourist spots, Juag Island has a secret gem. It’s the Juag Lagoon which houses many marine species. Touring the place will give you some insights on how the marine sanctuary works. You can also swim with the fishes.
Tikling Island
The name of Tikling Island is derived from a bird that used to live in many numbers on the island. It’s an untouched white beach that you can reach by a boat ride. The sand is also a bit pinkish thanks to the red coral powder throughout the beach. This Sorsogon beach being a virgin beach doesn’t offer many activities but you’ll love the aquamarine waters and there are wooden chairs under some trees.
Entrance Fee: Php50
How to get to Matnog
Take the Isarog, Philtranco, and Raymond bus from Cubao, Pasay or Alabang to Matnog. From the port, ride and rent a boat going to the respected beaches. Expect travel time to be around 14 hours from Manila.
Beaches in Sorsogon City
Libanon Beach
This Sorsogon beach will have you swooning for its black sands. They say that this happened probably because of the effects of the eruptions of Mount Mayon as well as the volcanic rocks by the shore. There are some activities you can try at this beach like surfing, snorkeling, scuba diving, Jet Skiing, fishing.
Paguriran Island
Paguriran Island is more of a cluster of islets and its magic lies in its curvaceous shape and green waters. When you swim towards it, it will look like you’re entering a not-so-hidden spot where a separate swimming pool is located. It’s only 100 meters away from the beach.
Entrance Fee: Php5
Tolong-Gapo Beach
You won’t find a fine sand beach if you visit Tolong-Gapo. You will, however, find a rustic kind of setting because the beach isn’t that commercialized yet but there are some eateries, stores, and cottages around should you want a place to stay and eat something. There are also three uniquely-shaped rock formations by the shore.
How to get to Sorsogon City
Take the DLTB or Penafrancia bus from Manila going to Legazpi, Albay and get off at Legazpi City. Go to the terminal and ride the van going to Sorsogon City. Once there, ride the tricycle going to Paguriran Island. You can also ride the tricycle or boat to Tolong-Gapo Beach and Libanon Island. Estimate travel time is about 14 hours from Manila.
Other Beaches in Sorsogon Province
Sabang Beach
Location: Bulan, Sorsogon
Sabang Beach is located in a government-owned reclaimed area. It has a long stretch of beach and the area used to be a swamp where the sea comes into contact with the river but right now many people visit it for its mixture of salt and fresh water.
Entrance Fee: Free
How to get to Bulan
Go to EDSA, Cubao and ride the Philtranco bus that goes directly to Bulan then ride the tricycle which can take you to Sabang Beach. Travel time is around 13 hours from Manila.
Dancalan Beach
Location: Bulusan, Sorsogon
This Sorsogon beach resembles the shape of a crescent moon. It’s located in the quiet town of Bulusan. It’s a public beach that’s near the highway and looks out to the Pacific Ocean. The first few meters are still shallow but as you go further, you’ll notice it getting really deep. It features a lightly-colored sand and Talisay tree (a tropical tree). Some resorts can be found in the area and pitching of tents is allowed.
Entrance Fee: Php10
How to get to Bulusan
Board the Penafrancia bus from Manila going straight to Gubat proper. Take on another jeepney ride going to Bulusan and get off at Dancalan Beach. Travel time is between 13-14 hours from Manila.
Rizal Beach
Location: Gubat, Sorsogon
Rizal Beach is one of the Sorsogon tourist spots that will mesmerize you for its wide shoreline, coconut trees and endless view of the blue sky. This beach also faces the Pacific Ocean and offers a quiet retreat for everyone.
How to get to Gubat
From Cubao or Alabang, ride the Penafrancia bus going straight to Gubat, Sorsogon and alight at Gubat town proper. Take a tricycle ride going to Rizal Beach. Estimated travel time is between 13-14 hours from Manila.
Bagatao Island
Location: Magallanes, Sorsogon
The main attraction of Bagatao Island is its centuries-old lighthouse. The historic lighthouse is a 29-ft round iron structure situated on top of a rock formation. Other than that, you’ll find that the water of the island is calm and its sand is cream-colored. There are some trees that are the perfect backdrop for photo ops.
How to get to Magallanes
Ride the DLTB bus going to Legazpi City, Albay then from there, ride the bus or vans going to Sorsogon City. From Sorsogon City, go to the jeepney terminal and board the jeepney going to Magallanes. Travel time is between 12-13 hours from Manila.
Some of the best beaches of Sorsogon are in this list and the best part is that most are open to the public for a minimal fee to no fee at all. These beaches either have black, light gray, pink or fine white sands and you get the chance to enjoy it by yourself or with few tourists.
Check out our complete list of recommended Hotels and Resorts in Sorsogon via Agoda or you may also see available Airbnb properties in the city.
See also:
- Lakawon Island Budget Travel Guide
- Samal Island Travel Guide
- Top 15 Things to Do in Leyte
- Caramoan Travel Guide
- Minalungao National Park Travel Guide
