Smart Backpacker: Sorsogon

Showing posts with label Sorsogon. Show all posts

Wednesday, June 4, 2014

Pink Sand Beaches in the Philippines

The Philippines is blessed with a variety of sand colors

ranging from white, brown, black, gray and pink.

Yes, pink sand beach in the Philippines!

What causes the beach to turn into pink sand?

The color of the sand comes from the pulverized red organ pipe coral from eons of surf erosion mixed with the white sand.

from Wowzamboangacity

The Organ pipe coral (Tubipora musica) is an alcyonarian coral native to the waters of the Indian Ocean and the central and western regions of the Pacific Ocean. It is the only known species of the genus Tubipora. This species is a soft coral but with a unique, hard skeleton of calcium carbonate that contains many organ pipe-like tubes. On each tube is a series of polyps which each have eight feather-like tentacles. These tentacles are usually extended during the day, but will swiftly withdraw with any sort of disturbance. The skeleton is a bright red color, but is typically obscured by the numerous polyps, which are green or gray in color. In size, colonies can reach up to a meter across, while the individual polyps are typically less than 3 mm wide and a few mm long. They are restricted to shallow waters and tend to live in sheltered areas. They eat plankton. They are close relatives to other soft coral and sea fans (from Wikepedia).

In the Philippines, we have some island destinations having pink sand beaches, namely:

1. Sta. Cruz Island, Zamboanga City

Related link:
http://junvillegas.blogspot.com/2013/01/the-great-sta-cruz-island-zamboanga-city.html

2. Subic Beach, Matnog, Sorsogon

Related link: http://junvillegas.blogspot.com/2013/05/subic-beach-matnog-sorsogon.html

3. Sila Island, San Vicente, Catarman, Northern Samar

from vigattintourism.com

So far, I have visited only, Sta. Cruz Island and Subic Beach and I am planning to explore the other pink sand beaches not only in Sila Island but also in the other nearby towns in Northern Samar.

There are other pink sand beaches in the Philippines. And as of now, there are still debates on their location. In fact, my friend told me that there is another one in Surigao Del Sur. And locating and exploring these pink sand beaches will surely be part of my next travel in the Philippines.

It's More Fun in the Philippines! =)

Related link:
7 Pink Beaches in the World: http://realwonderoftheworld.com/7-pink-beaches-in-the-world/

Wednesday, June 5, 2013

Whale Watching in Donsol, Sorsogon

Donsol, Sorsogon, Philippines

Whale watching is one of the best ecotourism activities one can enjoy in the Philippines. It is best enjoyed only in two places in the Philippines. Either you go to Donsol, Sorosogon or Oslob, Cebu. There have been sightings of the whale sharks in Pangasinan, Zambales and Quezon but these are not frequent sightings.

Insofar as Donsol is concerned, the best time to do whale watching is from February to April only. After April, whale shark sightings become less and less frequent. It may happen for one week there will be no sightings or worst there will only be one whale shark present. But during March and April, hundreds of whale sharks appear. My guide told me that as early as November, initial sightings of whale sharks appear. But the best time to see them is still March.

How to get there

First you have to go to either Legazpi or Daraga, Albay. The best way is to board a plane to Legazpi. Flight time is only less than an hour. By land, travel time is 9-10 hours.

From Legazpi or Daraga, Albay, either take a jeepney or van ride to Donsol/Pilar, Sorsogon (1.5 - 2 hours). Pilar is the town before Donsol. Should you take the Pilar ride, you need to board a tricycle or another jeepney ride to Donsol. Once you are in Donsol, a tricycle ride (8-12 minutes) to the Donsol Tourist Center.

From Matnog or Bulusan, Sorsogon, jeepney ride to Legazpi and alight at the crossing of the road going to Pilar. From that spot, ride another jeepney to Donsol and then a tricycle ride to the Donsol Tourist Center.

You will love the road going to Donsol from the crossing. There will be a lot of twist and turns along the way.

Once you reach the town of Donsol, it is a must that you should go and register to the Donsol Tourist Center.

The center will be the one to arrange for your boat ride for the whale watching.

Habal-habal Ride – Inok (0907-754-1796)

Boat ride - P3,500 (4 pax)

Should you have inquiries relative to the whale shark interaction -

Ms. Nenita Pedragosa-Loria – 0927-483-6735 / 0919-7070394

Mun. Tourism Operations Officer

Donsol, Sorsogon

Other than whale watching, you can enjoy the beach, engage in firefly watching or go to the Grotto.

Accommodations

Vitton Beach Resort

Standard room (4 pax) – P2,300 Single Deluxe (2 pax) - P2,200

Woodland Beach Resort

Contact person - Ms. Annie (0927-912-6313)

Single deluxe (2 pax) P1,800

Standard room (4 pax) P2,200

Backpackers room – P500 (3 pax per room)

And another option is the Amor Beach Resort.

Before the actual whale watching, there will be a preliminary orientation about the activity and make sure you listen carefully to the guidelines.

Enjoy your whale watching in Donsol!

Youtube link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1x4P_e0dODo

Saturday, May 25, 2013

Subic Beach, Matnog, Sorsogon

As far as I know, there are only two pink sand beaches in the Philippines. The first one is the Sta. Cruz Island in Zamboanga City and the other one is in Subic Beach, Matnog, Sorsogon. The color of the sand is due to the fact of the multitude of the pipe organ coral in both beaches.

Last May 23, 2013, I visited Subic Beach after the previous visit last year at Sta. Cruz, Island. Just came from Masbate and Ticao Island and from Bulan port, I went directly to Matnog.

How to get there

By Land - by bus to Matnog, Sorsogon (12-13 hours)

By Air - Flight either to Catarman, Samar or Legazpi (1 hour more or less)

From Legazpi, ride a bus to Matnog, Sorsogon (2 hours)

From Catarman, go to Allen port (45 minutes), RoRo ride to Matnog Port (2 hours)

Matnog Port

Once you reach Matnog Port, you have to hire a boat going to Subic Beach. The minimum rent for the boat is P500 and the maximum is P1,500.

If you are traveling in a group, it is better to hire the P1,500 boat (bigger). But if you are traveling alone, I suggest you try to haggle for P500 boat or if you are lucky, you can even get a small boat for P300.

Contact persons and numbers of the boatman

Mr. Vicente – 0917-928-1395 (small boat) P300.00

Mark – 0926-520-9228 (big boat) P500-P1,500

The water current is rough during November and December and I suggest you opt to hire a bigger boat during those months. The trip going to Subic Beach is good for 20-30 minutes.

But before going to Subic Beach, it is a must that you drop by at the Juag Lagoon (Marine sanctuary).

And while at the lagoon, you can take pictures of the fish or better, swim or interact with the fish!

After the thrill of swimming with the school of fish, you have to choose where to spend the day/night. There are actually 2 Subic Beach in the area, namely - Subic "Liit" (small) and Subic "Laki" (big). Below is the picture of Subic Laki.

Subic Liit's beach is smaller. It has no electricity, stores, and accommodations. It has only open cottages. It is good only for day tour/swimming. But it has the best tree shade and you can truly enjoy your privacy here.

On the other hand, Subic Laki has electricity, plenty of stores, a community at the other side of the island and accommodations (no aircon).

camping tents

The price of closed cottages is P600/day. You can rent tents for P300/day. Should there be no tents or closed cottages, you can ask/request the locals that you be allowed to sleep at their house and pay the appropriate price.

Cottage- Badong 0915-949-244

Tent - Yette – 0927-724-4143

open cottages

There are other tourist spots near the area such as the Tikling Island, Subic Liit, The Cave and Juag Lagoon.

You need to rent a speed boat to go to the cave. It costs P300/ hour.

Mr. Eddie – 0917-618-6561

email – echua60@yahoo.com / www.subicbeach.ph

sunset at the other side of Subic Beach

You can watch the sunrise at the beach and you can watch the sunset at the other side of the island. Water in Subic Beach is crystal clear and the pink sand beach is best seen early in the morning and late in the afternoon.

It's Really More Fun in Subic Beach!

Youtube links:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bO5yUR3hwIo
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xeznr0wl9q4

Sunday, April 14, 2013

Ro-Ro Travel from Allen to Matnog Port (and vice-versa)

Matnog Port, Sorsogon

If you will be traveling by land in the Bicol Region and Region 8, it is a must that you will cross via Ro-Ro the Matnog and Allen ports. The distance between the 2 ports is 25 kms.

There are 2 ports in Allen, Samar and there is only one in Matnog, Sorsogon.

The two ports in Allen are -

1. Dapdap, Kinabranan (there are 4 ships)
Montenegro - Contact no. 0935-844-5111

2. Balwharteco, Looc (there are 8 ships)
168 and Star Ferry - Contact No. 0917-591-7718
Sta. Clara - Contact Nos. 0920-894-4458/ 0917-580-1524

Better choice is the Looc since it has more ships.
From my experience, even during Holy Week, the shipping lines still service the route provided there are passengers and cargoes. It was Holy Thursday when I traveled in Allen. The only thing that prevents the Ro-Ro trip is a typhoon.

Travel from time Allen to Matnog using a Ro-Ro and vice-versa is 1 hour.

Sunday, January 27, 2013

Bicol Adventure

October 24, 2011.
I arrived from Seoul, South Korea around 8 pm. My co-teachers and I spent four days in Seoul.

From the airport, I boarded a bus in Buendia-Taft en route to Tanauan City, Batangas (my residence) to get my stuff. This Bicol Tour was scheduled way ahead of the Korea Tour. And because of the Korea Tour, I had to cancel my Hong Kong-Macau Tour.

I arrived in Batangas past 11 pm and slept for almost three hours. Woke up around 2 am and boarded a bus back to Manila.

My flight to Legaspi was scheduled 6:30 am and I had to be at the airport 2 hours before the flight.

I was not able to sleep at the airport, fearing that I might be left behind.

It was past 7 am when the plane landed in Legazpi City.

And the view from the plane of the airport is simply one of a kind!! I remember the same feeling when the plane landed in Batanes.

After disembarking from the plane, I was still mesmerized by the sight of Mt. Mayon!

The first thing I did was to find the nearest lodging, and there was a hotel beside the airport.

I needed to get some sleep!

I paid P600 for a 2-hour sleep.

The hotel offers the best view of Mt. Mayon.

After sleeping for 2 hours, I immediately went to my first spot.

Day 1

First in the list that day was the Cagsawa Ruins.

I took two separate jeepney rides just to reach the site.

First was to the city and the next ride was to Cagsawa. Combined, both rides were more or less 40 minutes.

From the highway, one still has to walk for five minutes before you can reach the site.

There were plenty of tour guides available at the spot.

The marker of the Cagsawa Ruins

I stared and marveled at the sight of Mt. Mayon!

After 2 hours, I decided to go to another spot.

My guide told me I could hire an ATV ride to the base of Mt. Mayon. I was so excited! This idea was not part of my itinerary!

I hired a habal-habal ride to the jump-off point. The ride to the spot was good only for fifteen minutes.

The second stop for the day - ATV Tour.

Contact Numbers -
Landline - (052) 742-9871
Mobile nos - 0905-455-7594 / 0915-938-6451

http://mayonatvtour.com/

Weather was cloudy that day. And there were only a handfull of tourists. In fact, I was the only one renting the ATV that day.

This is the start of the ride!

The actual trail of the all terrain vehicle going to the lava front crossing thru small rivers and rocky areas of the galley trail is about 9 kilometers and I drove for about more or less 40 minutes from the starting point until to the lava front.

The sight of Mt. Mayon is simply breathtaking!!

After 30 minutes, we arrived at the Mayon Adventure Land.

One can also enjoy the zipline adventure here.

No zipline today! Trekking was my choice!

My guide and I trekked to the top of the lava base.

There is a helipad at the top of the Lava base/wall.

After one hour, I decided to descend and go back to the jump-off point.

I had a tight schedule that day.

The third stop -

Daraga Church

An 18th century Baroque church built on top of a hill (overlooking the magnificent Mayon Volcano). This church was supposedly built by the women (thus the name "Daraga" which means Lady/Single Woman) when the men fled from forced labor during the Spanish era.

I decided to go on to my next spot.

That afternoon, I went to Sorsogon.

It was already past 2 pm when I reached Sorsogon.

Originally, I wanted to go to Donsol. But the townspeople told me that whale watching was not available during December, and so I went to Bulusan instead.

I took a bus from Legaspi to Sorsogon, then a jeepney ride to Bulusan, and finally a motorcycle ride to Bulusan Lake.

Bulusan Volcano Natural Park

Bulusan Lake

One of the 32 renowned ecotourism spots in the Philippines.

Unfortunately, it was cloudy that day and I was not able to see the volcano.

Going back to town, I passed by the famous-

Masacrot Spring

From Sorsogon, I went to CamSur. I arrived around past six in the evening.
The following day, I decided to experience wakeboarding!

Day 2

Camsur Watersports Complex (CWC)

I paid P225.00 for one hour of wakeboarding.

My initial attempt at knee boarding was successful.. Although, I dislocated my shoulder twice.

Around 1 pm, I decided to go another spot.

Deer Breeding Farm, Ocampo, CamSur

It took us almost 2 hours before reaching the site. I hired another habal-habal for this adventure and paid P600.00

Afterwards, I decided to go to Naga City. I checked in at Camsur Tourist Inn.

I paid P600.

Day 3

The following day, I decided to have a city tour and I went to the different churches of Naga City.

First stop -
Our Lady of Penafrancia Church