We finally arrived at the Pink Beach in Sorsogon. Day 2: Backpacking in Albay, Sorsogon and Catanduanes. There is no direct route from Legaspi City to Matnog. So, from Daraga Shell gas station, we rode in a bus with “Bulan” signboard and alighted in Trece. The travel time was about 3-4 hours, passing by Sorsogon City and the nearby municipalities. In Trece, we chartered a tricycle and alighted in front of the municipal hall and met Christian, our boatman.
Before getting on the boat, we passed by the tourism office by the port and settled the environmental fee of 70 pesos. Then, left the port. Our first destination was Juag Lagoon Marine Sanctuary and upon arrival, our guide purchased dilis and pellet to feed the fish. There were a few groups waiting to enter the fish cage.
Photo above is a gigantic Lapu-lapu
Juag Lagoon Marine Sanctuary is a lagoon, very obvious on its name right? The water in the lagoon is crystal clear that serves as the sanctuary of colorful underwater creatures, such as the gigantic Lapu-lapu and other fishes. As part of the environmental protection, wearing sun screens, sun blocks and even GoPro are prohibited. The sea breeze is cool and the mangroves surrounding the area serve as a perfect landscape and backdrop. After Juag Lagoon Marine Sanctuary, we headed to our next destination - Subic Beach or known as the Pink Beach.
We arrived at the Pink Beach, also called as Subic Beach, at around 11:30 AM. At first, I was excited because from afar, we easily recognized the long stretch of white sand shoreline with quaint cottages and tourists sun bathing. As we were getting nearer and nearer and nearer by the shoreline, what we were seeing are boats parked by the beach. There were children and other tourists who were swimming in between the boats - that scene was not so picture perfect. Instead of mingling with the crowed, I and Tin proceeded to area with less people, photos below:
Since it was just a short stay, we did not rent cottages. Instead, we stayed at the spot where there's a shade of the tree. As usual, we sun bathe until we got a perfect golden brown skintone, parang ginamitan ng Minola cooking oil, pero masakit huh. Our skin might have been hurt by the UV rays but our eyes were filled with nature's breathtaking beauty. There's cool and crystal clear water, there are colorful shells and other crustaceans mixed on the fine white sand, and the tranquility is preserved because the area is surrounded by trees. Sari-sari stores, cottages and tents for rent are available.
Let's go back to question: "why is it called the Pink Beach?" After a thorough investigation, I categorically confirmed that there are particles that look like pink granules mixed in the white sand. Those pink granules were from corals and other shells - and it became "The Pink Beach." With the strong sunlight, the pink sand is not visible.
Mt. Bulusan: The Gorgeous View of the Summit
Here we are.
After enjoying the beauty of the Subic Beach, we headed to another spot in Matnog - the cave and the rock formation by the sea. Since we were in a hurry, we only passed by the cave and headed back to Matnog Port. Tidy up at the shower room. Rested for few minutes.
Our plan was to proceed to Bulusan Lake, passing by the other tourist spots in Sorsogon, to Lola Sayong's resort, however, it was pricey and we were bounded by time. So, we decided not to proceed. Kung gusto nyo ng trike tour to Bulusan Lake, you can contact Kuya Bonjing, Ph: 09382889012.
When everything was settled, we walked back to the municipal hall and had our late lunch. Then, rode on the jeepney bound for Sorsogon Ctiy but alighted in Trece - take note, it was a top load habang napaka init ng sikat ng araw. Inisip nalang namin na nasa pink beach parin kami. It was the jeepney's last trip, so we had no other choice. In Trece, we waited for a bus bound for Legaspi City, another 3-4 hours travel.
We alighted at the terminal beside SM City and had our dinner at Mang Inasal, with unli rice. After dinner, we rode in a tricycle to Mayon Backpackers Hostel for our accommodation. Tidy up and rested.
click the image to enlarge
Budget Summary: Things to Remember
Location, How to Get Here, Travel to Matnog
Via air, the nearest airport is in Legaspi City. Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines have regular trips to Legaspi Airport. Via land, there are buses from Manila bound for Matnog. Your can check and book your tickets via Easybus Ph facebook page. Or, you can visit www.easybus.ph. Another option is via Isarog Facebook page.
Affordable Place to Stay,
We had a day tour in Matnog. We stayed at Mayon Backpackers Hostel for only 300 pesos per head for an overnight stay. It was a dorm type room but clean and organised. There are living room, kitchen and dinning room areas which can be accessed by all visitors, regardless of the accommodation type. Mayon Backpackers Hostel is a few block away from McDo near the plaza and the city hall. Can be found using Google Map.