The Pinay Solo Backpacker

Sorsogon‘s best beach Subic beach and Tikling Island is found in Calintaan Island in Matnog. Please be advised that Juag Fish Sanctuary is also open to tourists.

How to Get to Subic Beach and Tikling Island in Matnog:

Recommended Boatman : 

Eddie Evasco – 09261404577  (TM) / 09282538607 (Smart)

*Kuya Eddie is now a Brgy. Kagawad in Camcaman, Matnog, Sorsogon

The Juag Fish Sanctuary which is still open to tourists (as of  July 2012), I highly suggest you include it with the island hopping tour.

*From Manila to Matnog*

There are several bus companies (Philtranco, Raymond Bus, Amihan, Penafrancia) in Cubao bound to Matnog particularly in the bus terminal fronting Ali Mall. Trip takes roughly 11-12 hours so better take a night bus. There’s also a terminal in Alabang (fronting Metropolis), air-conditioned bus is up to 8-9pm while ordinary bus are available 24/7.

Philtranco bus website: www.philtranco.com.ph

Penafrancia Tours website: www.penafranciatours.com

*From Legazpi to Matnog*

Take a tricycle to the bus terminal at the nearby Gaisano Mall, there are buses bound to Bulan or Sorsogon.

If you take the bus to Sorsogon, from the jeepney terminal, there are several jeepney that ply the route to Matnog.

If you take a bus to Bulan (my hometown), ask the driver to drop you off at “Trece” (the Spanish word for number 13). The landmark is the Lion’s club standing in the middle of the crossroad.  The left turn is going to Matnog.  From there you can wait for a jeepney bound to Matnog or take a tricycle for Php25 each if you are a group of

There’s no resort or hotel in Tikling Island or Subic beach but you need to pay an entrance fee to the caretakers.  You can camp or rent the nipa hut if you plan to stay overnight, bring mosquito repellent lotion.

Bring food, drinks  and enough booze, you can buy it from Matnog town. Bring snorkeling gears and life jacket.

 

Activities in Subic beach, and Tiling Island: swimming, snorkeling, and diving (bring your own equipment).  Swim with the fish in Juag Fish sanctuary, no entrance fee as of the moment but I urge you to donate to the good caretakers.

Subic Beach & Tikling Island Matnog boatman: Manong Eddie: 09261404577 (boat rate if you’re alone Php700 (day trip), overnight/ group rate Php 1,500)

*Other Places to See in Matnog*

Another white sand beach lies North of  Matnog, you can take a tricycle to  Sta. Magadalena. There’s 2  resorts in Sta. Magdalena: New Port Beach Resort and Villa Veronica.

If you’re going back to Sorsogon, you may want to drop by in Irosin and Bulusan.

 

How to Get to Irosin :

From Matnog, take a jeepeny bound to Sorsogon, ask the driver to drop you off in Irosin. If you’re coming from Sorsogon City, there are plenty of jeeps bound to Irosin in the terminal.

Places to see in Irosin, Sorsogon:

—–> The Valley View - before you reach the town of  Irosin from Matnog

——> Mateo Hot and Cold Spring- located at the foot of  Bulusan, it’s past the center of the town of  Irosin. Can be reached by tricycle from the highway.

How to get to Bulusan, Sorsogon:

From Matnog, take a jeepneys bound to Sorsogon, ask the driver to drop you off in Irosin. If you’re coming from Sorsogon City, there are plenty of jeepneys bound to Irosin in the terminal. In Irosin, there are jeepneys bound to Bulusan until 6pm.

Places to see in Bulusan, Sorsogon:

–> Mt. Bulusan National Park : Aside from Mt.Bulusan, the area features Bulusan Lake, the two other mountains known as the Sharp Peak, Hormahan and Lake Aguingay.

activities in Bulusan lake: swimming, kayaking and trekking.

—->Dangkalan Beach

—-> Palogtoc falls is one of my favorite cold springs when I was a kid because of its lush green surroundings and clear waters.

—- > Masacrot Springs

You can also head to Masbate from my hometown Bulan. There are several jeepneys bound to Bulan from Matnog, or from “Trece” to Bulan. In Bulan, look for the port called Pier Uno (1) , which is just a walking distance from the center of the town or take a tricycle to the port.

If you wanna head to the beautiful province of  Samar, ferries fly the route 24/7 between Matnog and Allen, Samar.

If you plan to go back to Manila from Matnog, there are several buses back to Manila in this sleepy town.

For my beach experience in Subic beach, Tikling Island and Juag Fish Sanctuary, read here:

Matnog: Beyond Borders

 

*********************************************************************************************** About the Blogger : Gael is a Filipina solo adventurer, a dream chaser and a student of life.  Her (mis) adventures are documented in this blog. Follow her on Facebook and Twitter. For advertisement, partnerships and sponsorship, click here. or email me at thepinaysolobackpacker(at)yahoo(dot)com. **********************************************************************************************

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