Travel Guide: Subic Beach and Tikling Island Matnog (Updated 2015)

Here’s a travel guide to help you plan your trip to Sorsogon’s best beaches: Subic beach and Tikling Island is located on Matnog.

Recommended Boatman : 

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

*Kuya Eddie is now a Brgy. Kagawad in Camcaman, Matnog, Sorsogon and the president of the Boat Operators in Matnog.

 

subicbeachmatnog2SMALL

The postcard-worthy Subic Beach in Matnog.

 

HOW TO GET TO SUBIC BEACH, TIKLING ISLAND IN MATNOG

 

HOW TO GET TO MATNOG FROM MANILA

BY BUS:

Manila to Matnog

 

Take a bus bound for Matnog from Alabang (fronting Starmall/Metropolis), Cubao (fronting Alimall) or Pasay.  Look for bus companies such as DLTB, CUL, Philtranco, RSL/Amihan/Peñafrancia, Goldline or Raymond Bus.

Buses usually leave Manila at 4:00 PM, 5:00 PM, 6:00 PM. There is a 7:30 PM trip for Philtranco at Alabang.   Travel time is 14 hours. Fare is around Php 850-Php 1,000 for air-conditioned.  Php 700 for ordinary bus.

If you miss the bus to Matnog, you can take a bus en route to Samar (Catbalogan,etc), Tacloban or Davao.  It will stop at Matnog pier before boarding the ferry.  Otherwise, take a bus bound for Sorsogon or Legazpi and follow the instructions below.

tiklingislandmatnog

Tikling Island in Matnog

 

From Legazpi to Matnog

Option 1

If coming from Legazpi Airport, take a tricycle to the terminal of Daraga-Matnog buses, trike fare is about Php 50-Php 80. Travel time to Matnog is about 4 hours. Fare is Php 170 for ordinary bus. Now for your return trip to Legazpi, at Matnog town, ask around for buses which will pass by Daraga. You will get off at a gas station and then catch a jeep bound for Legazpi, fare is Php 8.

Option 2

If coming from Legazpi Airport, take a tricycle to Legazpi Bus Terminal, fare is usually Php 50 from the airport.  But if you took a bus bound for Legazpi, it will stop at Legazpi Bus Terminal, so you just need to transfer to another bus.

At Legazpi Bus Terminal, look for a bus en route to Bulan. Tell the driver or conductor you are getting off at Trece (landmark is the Lion Clubs monument with a lion’s head, this is the intersection between Bulan and Matnog). This is about 20-30 minutes from Irosin, so if you hear the conductor shouts Irosin. Prepare your things and remind the driver you are alighting at Trece).

From Trece, cross to the other side and wait for a jeep bound for Matnog. Fare is Php 20. Alternatively, if you are in groups, you can just charter a tricycle to Matnog town for Php 150.  If you are alone and there are other passengers also bound for Matnog, you can join them for Php 25 per head or charter the tricycle for Php 150.

 

matnogjuag

Juag Fish Sanctuary

 

 

From Sorsogon to Matnog

Alternatively, from Manila or Legazpi, you can take a bus bound for Sorsogon and alight at Sorsogon Integrated Bus and Jeep Terminal.  From Sorsogon, ride a jeep bound for Matnog.

BY AIR:

MANILA TO LEGAZPI

 

Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific have daily flights between Legazpi and Manila.   From Legazpi Airport, take a tricycle to Legazpi Terminal for Php 50.  You can take a bus bound for Sorsogon or Bulan. Please read instructions above.

subicbeachmatnog

 

Matnog to Subic Beach, Tikling Island and Juag Fish Sanctuary

Charter a boat for island hopping at Matnog town. Day tour rate is Php 1, 600 (good for 10 pax) and Php 2,000 (good for 10 pax) for overnight.

 

Recommended boatman: Eddie Evasco – 09261404577 (TM) / 09282538607 (Smart)

 

All tourists are required to pay the following fees:

Registration fee is Php 50 (local) / Php 40 (senior) / Php 300 (foreign) plus Php 20 environmental fee (Php 4 discount for seniors).  Do ask for receipt.

 

THINGS TO DO IN SUBIC BEACH MATNOG

 

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.

 

 

Where to Stay in Subic

 

You can camp at Subic Beach Dako, bring your tent. Open cottages can also be rented for Php 400 (day use) or Php 500 (overnight).

 

 

SOROGONHOTEL

 

Where to Eat

Buy food in town before proceeding. You can buy fresh fish or seafood at the market and grill it at the beach. Make sure to buy charcoal too.

Kuya Eddie, the boatman, also accepts catering services.

TRAVEL EXPENSES FOR MATNOG ISLAND HOPPING

 

  
Bus Fare (one way)Php 850- 1,000
Tourist Registration Fee (local)Php 50
Tourist Registration Fee (foreign)Php 300
Tourist Registration Fee (senior)Php 40
Emvironmental FeePhp 20
Environmental Fee (senior)Php 16
Boat (Day Tour)Php 1,600
Boat (Overnight)Php 2,000
Cottage (Day Use)Php 400
Cottage (Overnight)Php 500


Matnog Side Trips:

If you are looking for other places to visit near Matnog. Consider the following:

 

Biri Island –> https://www.thepinaysolobackpacker.com/biri-island-biri-rock-formations-northern-samar/

Bulusan —>  https://www.thepinaysolobackpacker.com/bulusan-sorsogon-travel-guide/

Gubat Surfing _–> https://www.thepinaysolobackpacker.com/surfing-in-gubat-sorsogon/

Capul (to be posted soon)

 

 

  • Originaly published in 2011
  • Edited on July 27, 2013
  • Edited on Nov 21, 2015

 

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