Over the past 80 years, the Philippines has lost 60% of its forest cover and continues to lose 47,000 hectares of rainforests each year. With the nation’s rapid and stubborn turn towards urbanization, Filipinos are increasingly deprived of environments where they can simply de-stress without the need to spend excessively. Thankfully, some locations are protected from the encroachment of concrete because of the care and efforts of locals. 

 

Sorsogon is one of the many places that offer vibrant areas teeming with life. So, if you want to recharge from the fast-paced city life or even do some soul-searching, look no further than the following destinations!

 

Pagugiran Island and Lagoon

Located at Sawanga Beach in Sorsogon, Pagugiran Island and Lagoon offer a beautiful natural haven tucked away from the busy city life. The island and lagoon are both surrounded by clear sea-green waters that spark curiosity and a desire to explore further. Connected to the shore by a sandbar, this small rock islet houses a truly picture-worthy spot. At low tide, the waters are knee-deep, allowing visitors to walk towards the island and lagoon. During high tide, boats can be rented for ₱300 per boat, with each boat accommodating a maximum of eight people. 

 

Pagugiran Island is owned and primarily maintained by Amadeo Duka, who shares the responsibility of the land with his relatives. “Ang pinagsimulan namin ay isang bahay kubo lang [...] tambayan namin [...] sabi ng tatay ko, “Damihan mo na ‘yan.” Eh di dinamihan na namin,”  Duka shared in his interview with The Benildean.

 

Visitors simply have to pay ₱10 per head at the beach’s main entrance before they are able to enter. “Para sa mga walang trabaho, siyempre, makikisama tayo roon,” Duka explained when asked for the reason behind the low fee. 

 

Prieto Diaz Mangrove and Eco Park

Just a few kilometers from Paguriran Island and Lagoon lies the charming municipality of Prieto Diaz. Upon arriving at the tourism office, you will be greeted by an endless patch of greenery that resembles an island from afar. But as local tourism officer, Mr. Oriculo Despug Jr. reveals,  that lush expanse of “land” is actually 1,034 hectares of mangroves with the undeniable conical majesty of Mayon Volcano peeking over the horizon. 

 

First, there is an orientation at the tourism office, highlighting the mangroves’ critical role in the daily lives of the community—including the indigenous populations—that diligently preserve, maintain, and propagate these ecosystems. Then, the tour kicks off from Sabang Beach,  guided by two to three friendly locals who are regularly trained by the local government in tourism, water safety, and rescue. 

 

Throughout the tour you’ll be enveloped by a mesmerizing variety of mangroves and seagrass. Halfway through the tour, tourists are taken near the breakwater, where an 800-meter sand bar named “Starfish Island” can be found. The breakwater also features floating huts that tourists can rent—depending on the availability and the season—ranging from ₱500 to ₱1,500.

 

A tour of the Prieto Diaz Mangrove and Eco Park costs ₱20 per person for the environmental fee and ₱1,500 for the boat rental which goes directly to the locals. 

 

Tourists may send a message through the Prieto Diaz Tourism Office or Starfish Island sa Prieto-Diaz Sorsogon to book or inquire more about the availability of boats. 

 

Donsol Whale Shark Tour

A trip to Sorsogon wouldn’t be complete without seeing the whale sharks that frequent the area’s waters. These creatures, once thought to be pests by the locals, are now one of Donsol’s main attractions. Given their importance to both tourism and the ecosystem, locals have taken steps to ensure they play a role in conserving the environment these gentle giants reside in. 

 

Tourists can book tours at Tourism Donsol, a Department of Tourism-accredited establishment that guarantees a quality experience swimming with the spotted sea giants. Each tour begins with an instructional video about the proper etiquette to observe while guests are in the water. Then, they are guided to the beach by Butanding Interaction Officers (BIO), who serve as both boat guides and orientation leaders for visitors while they are in the water. 

 

“Ang pinaka-peak season dito, March and April, basta mainit na at bilog ang buwan,” shared Joselito Arellano, a BIO who has worked under the tour group since the ‘90s, in an exclusive interview with The Benildean.

 

“Pinoprotektahan po namin ang area na ito, doon nga sa katundulan, bawal na po doon mangisda [...] "Yung mga nagbabantay diyan ay pinapangako at minamaintain nilang walang papasok doon para mangisda,” he shared when asked about the role he and the other locals play in shouldering the responsibility of protecting the area’s waters since they are considered as protected areas. 

 

Disclaimers are posted in the tour’s main office informing guests that sightings of the Butanding are not guaranteed. This is mainly due to them being wild animals that come and go as they please, especially with the unpredictable tide behavior. Arellano noted that whenever the waves get strong, they tend to push away plankton—the main food attracting the Butanding.

 

If you want to try your chances of meeting these magnificent creatures, various swimming equipment used on the tour—such as swim fins, snorkeling gear, and swimming goggles—can be rented for ₱300 at one of the shops right across from Tourism Donsol’s office.

 

Each tour is priced at ₱500 per person. Interested tourists can visit their website or Facebook page for any inquiries. 

 

Ogod Firefly River Tour

Apart from Whale Shark watching in Donsol, a five-minute car ride will take you to this next spot, which offers a unique nighttime activity perfect for those seeking a break from the daytime crowd. This firefly tour takes you on a magical riverboat ride along a portion of the Ogod River’s 72-kilometer stretch. It was introduced by the LGU to offer additional activities in Donsol, as the whale shark tours were becoming congested. 

 

Arranged by the Donsol Firefly Boating Guide Service Operative, the tour is both recreational and informational, with the guides explaining the science behind the fireflies’ luminescent reaction to loud sounds, which serves as a defensive reaction.

 

During the tour, guests are encouraged to keep noise to a minimum to avoid disturbing the fireflies that reside along the riverbanks, which are lined with over 40 species of mangroves. Orfelina Benjamin, one of the tour guides, shared that fireflies can be seen around the periods of 4:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. The darker the moon wanes, the better the visibility of the fireflies’ lights. 

 

The tour is peaceful and rewarding, with the flicker of the fireflies and the soft light of the moon serving as the only sources of illumination. Similarly, the stars in the sky can also be clearly seen, providing a break from the city nights.  

 

Should guests want to make their night even more special, arrangements can be made for a buffet-style dinner—at ₱500 per head—to be prepared while on the river tour, given that reservations have been made. 

 

Guests may reserve their spots by contacting the numbers listed on the Facebook page at Dawitan Ogod, Donsol. 

 

Quituinan Hills

After spending so much time in the water, why not explore the foliage-covered lands of Camalig as well? If you want a clear view of the majestic Mayon, look no further than Quituinan Hills (also referred to as Quituinan Ranch). 

 

The entrance fee is only ₱30, with children seven years old and younger admitted free of charge. You can also add a day tour for an extra ₱20. A viewing deck situated at the top of their office provides a better view and serves as the perfect spot for taking pictures.

 

Aside from the view, Quituinan Hills also offers a number of activities, such as horseback riding and overnight camping, both for ₱100. Note that there is a pitch fee per tent, which costs ₱200.  If you prefer not to bring your own, tents can be rented for either ₱400 or ₱800, depending on size. Additionally, across the vast slope of the hill, there are picnic tables available for anyone to use.

 

If you want to experience the beauty of Albay’s nature without having to trek, Quituinan Hills is the place for you! For more information, you may visit their Facebook page.

 

Bulusan Natural Park

Rising as majestically as Mayon Volcano is Bulusan Volcano, home to a natural park that will capture your heart. Bulusan Natural Park is the ultimate testament to eco-tourism, offering a refuge for the endemic flora and fauna and even weary souls. 

 

The park is a haven for hundreds of species protected by both the local and national governments. In fact, you might spot birds of prey soaring in the skies above, a testament to the area’s rich fauna. The lake is encircled by a paved path that spans a total of 2.2 kilometers, winding through lush vegetation and accented by endemic colorful plants like the jade vine or tayabak, which can heal a weary soul or amaze even a seasoned biologist. 

 

Most activities in the natural park are water-based, while guided tours are also offered by knowledgeable locals hired by the government. Mr. Noel Manga—a member of the Agtang Tabangon tribe—is one of these trained locals who ensures a safe, educational, and relaxing experience for everyone, regardless of age, ability, or race.

 

Whether you prefer water or land activities, Bulusan National park offers an unforgettable experience with nature. The entrance fee to the park is ₱50 per person, with an additional ₱35 for shuttle service and ₱150 per hour for a tour guide. 

 

More information on the activities and fees available at the natural park can be found by messaging Bulusan Environmental Stewards & Tourism Eco Guides on Facebook.

 

San Bernardino Lighthouse

Last is San Bernardino Lighthouse, which is an unconventionally elusive place to reach. The heart of the island lies in its titular lighthouse, which was built back in 1896. It has since been restored through the “Adopt a Lighthouse” program—a collaborative effort between the Department of Tourism and the Philippine Coast Guard.

 

It is recommended to be guided by a local, as access to this place can be challenging for first-time visitors. This historical lighthouse can only be accessed via boat. The ports of Sabang and Matnog offer roundtrip rides to the island for ₱10,000, with a boat capacity of six people. There are also boats available for larger groups, with a maximum capacity of 15 people. Several factors affect the time it takes to get there, such as the quality of the boat’s motor and the calmness of the waves. In peak sailing conditions, the ride takes around an hour—extending to an hour and a half on more troubled days.

 

However, it should be noted that there are no fixed schedules for these boat trips. They largely depend on the availability of boatmen. A good rule of thumb is to catch a ride in the evening or early morning. It is recommended that visitors should avoid going at noon, as there is a chance no one would be available to man the boat. 

 

Beyond taking these places at face value, it should also be remembered that they provide life in a multitude of ways. From the bakawans in Prieto Diaz to the mountainside trail of Bulusan, nature has provided a home, source of livelihood, sustenance, and protection for those who exist within it. This is evident from the presence of diverse wildlife and the respect the workers have for it. Throughout all the tours one can take in Sorsogon, there is one sentiment that the guides will continue to echo: Treat nature with kindness, and it will be kind towards us in return. 

 

Future generations deserve to experience more than malls and faux beaches. Like the people of Sorsogon, we, too, must take the initiative to preserve and nurture the environment we have. These eco-tourist spots are a shining example of humanity coexisting with nature—a feat we can still achieve before it’s too late.