SORSOGON CITY, Sorsogon (PIA) — The City of Sorsogon has been named as top holiday destination in the Philippines by Airbnb.
Air Bed and Breakfast, popularly known as Airbnb, is an online marketplace for short- and long-term home rentals. It revealed that Sorsogon City is the most popular destination among Filipino users, followed by San Felipe in Zambales and Las Piñas City in Metro Manila.
Sorsogon City has emerged as the top choice for Airbnb users based on search results between January 1 and September 15.
The bookings were made for stays between November 1 and December 31.
Joni Asphasia Olbes-Jao, the tourism officer of Sorsogon City, welcomed the city’s inclusion in the Airbnb list, saying Sorsogon City has indeed become a popular location for regional and national conferences, seminars, meetings, and exhibits.
“We have several event bookings from December until April next year,” Olbes-Jao said.
As demand for holding big events in Sorsogon City is on the rise, the city’s hotel frontliners, restaurant owners, and other tourism-related establishments are well-prepared to receive visitors and to make them feel welcome with the hospitality of Sorsoganons, Olbes-Jao added.
The City of Sorsogon, which is the capital of the province of Sorsogon, is a third-class component city with a population of 182,237 people according to the 2020 census.
The city was established in 2000 through the merger of Bacon and Sorsogon municipalities.
Sorsogon City boasts friendly and accommodating locals and stunning natural and man-made tourist attractions.
For those planning to visit Sorsogon City during the upcoming holiday season, there are many amazing places to explore.
Here are the top ten destinations, both man-made and natural spots, recommended by the local tourism office that visitors can explore while in the city:
Museo Sorsogon has ten (10) galleries, showcasing the significant historical and cultural aspects of the province, including how communities started in Sorsogon, the revolution, and the American period in the province. It also features artifacts loaned by locals, and by the National Museum, but Museo Sorsogon is looking to acquire more objects in the future. (Photo by Museo Sorsogon)
Museo Sorsogon
Museo Sorsogon is a museum that houses the history and culture of Sorsogon and is considered one of the most important cultural institutions in the Bicol region.
The provincial government has restored the old provincial jail, which is located within the capitol compound.
The Sorsogon Provincial Tourism Arts and Culture Office manages the museum, with the aim of conserving and nurturing the rich cultural heritage of the province.
You can take a snack and relax at the coffee shop located on the museum’s grounds, which also has a large amphitheater inside.
Exhibits in the galleries tell the story of Sorsogon’s origins, including its natural resources, arts and crafts, traditional costumes, religious practices, and political history.
Sorsogon Sports Coliseum
The Sorsogon Sports Coliseum, previously referred to as the Balogo Sports Complex, is a collection of sports facilities located in Brgy. Balogo. It has a seating capacity of 15,000 spectators and is considered the largest outdoor sports complex in the Bicol region and Southern Luzon.
Inspired by the Roman Colosseum, this stadium features 56,218 sq. m. area and a 4-storey structure.
This Sports Complex located in Sorsogon City has an amphitheatre that can accommodate 15,000 seating capacity. (Photo credits: Patrickroque01)
The coliseum is expected to attract local and national attention, making Sorsogon a prominent destination for sports, entertainment, and cultural activities.
The sports venue was initially constructed for Sorsogon province’s hosting of the Palarong Pambansa in 2022.
Unfortunately, the event was postponed to a later date.
Rompeolas is ideal for witnessing mesmerizing sunrises and sunsets. (Photo credit: Chona Reyes)
Sorsogon Rompeolas
The Rompeolas is a beautiful bay walk spanning a kilometer, offering stunning views of the sea and Mt. Bulusan across the bay.
It is an ideal spot for a leisurely stroll or jog, with a refreshing breeze that provides a great place to relax after a long walk.
Additionally, on special occasions, tourists can enjoy concerts, presentations, exhibitions, and other events that showcase the culture of Sorsoganons.
There are numerous restaurants located nearby where visitors can enjoy a variety of street foods and other meals.
Furthermore, the area is ideal for witnessing mesmerizing sunrises and sunsets.
While at Rompeolas, visitors can take a trip to Pinaculan Island, linked via an extended bridge or a hanging bridge.
The island features a lighthouse that is open for taking pictures, offering a great opportunity for visitors to capture some amazing moments.
Saints Peter and Paul Cathedral
Saints Peter and Paul Cathedral is a prominent and historic Catholic church situated in the heart of Sorsogon City.
It is considered one of the most famous landmarks of the city, with a rich history that dates back to the Spanish colonial period.
Initially built in 1640, fires have destroyed the cathedral, leading to multiple reconstructions over the centuries. The Augustinian friars completed the current structure in 1864, and it has undergone various renovations and restorations since then.
Sts. Peter and Paul Cathedral. (Photo credit: Patrickrfoque01)
The interior of the cathedral is equally impressive, with a nave and aisles adorned with exquisite stained glass windows, intricate frescoes, and elaborate altars.
The primary altar is dedicated to St. Peter and Paul, the patron saints of the cathedral, and is decorated with gold leaf and religious sculptures.
The cathedral is not solely a place of worship but also a cultural and historical landmark in Sorsogon.
It has witnessed many significant events in the city’s history, including the Philippine Revolution, World War II, and various religious and cultural celebrations.
This coastal road with rock causeway and three bridges begins at Daang Maharlika junction traversing several barangays of Sorsogon City. (Photo: DPWH)
Sorsogon Coastal Road
Opened to the public in August 2022, the Sorsogon Coastal Road provides road travelers with a pleasant view of Sorsogon’s coastline.
Bulusan, one of the active volcanoes in the Philippines, can be vividly seen while traversing the road.
The 5.52-kilometer,s four-lane Sorsogon City Coastal Road primarily serves as a diversion road for vehicle users and connectivity from the central city to Casiguran, Gubat, and Castilla towns.
The coastal road with a rock causeway and three bridges begins at junction Daang Maharlika, traversing several barangays of Sirangan, Sampaloc, Balogo, Pangpang, Tugos, Cambulaga, and Talisay in Sorsogon City.
It is considered among the grandest of the Build, Build, Build projects in Bicol region by the Department of Public Works and Highways Sorsogon 1st District Engineering Office.
Paguriran Island and Lagoon
Located in Barangay Sawanga, in the urban area of Bacon, Paguriran Island, also known as Paguriran Beach, is a popular destination for backpackers who love beautiful beaches. The island is actually a collection of rugged rocks that are shaped like a volcanic crater, and this unique formation contains a lagoon that is situated near the sea.
Visitors can float around the clear, fresh waters of the lagoon, and those who are brave enough and have sturdy walking shoes can climb to the top of the small island to enjoy a stunning panoramic view of Paguriran and the nearby shore of Bacon.
The island is mostly composed of sharp flinty rocks, a short sandy beach and a few vegetation. In the middle is a small lagoon. (Photo by Andrew Molleda posted at City Councilor Bhem Dioneda’s FB page)
To reach Paguriran Island, visitors can paddle along the crystal-clear waters from the neighboring beach. The depth of the water may vary from ankle to waist, depending on the tides. The island itself is surrounded by coralline and granite, and within the lagoon, which is shallow enough to swim in, visitors can see a variety of marine life.
This river cruise and eco-adventure winds and extends 3-km towards Sorsogon Bay. (Photo: Ironwulf En Route)
The locals manage the river cruise and serve as tour guides, boatmen, and staff.
The cruise features floating cabanas that take visitors on a 3-km ride along Buhatan River for approximately one hour.
Along the way, visitors can see nipa palms, mangroves, and various species of birds. At night, visitors can also enjoy watching fireflies in a magical display.
During the Buhatan River Cruise, visitors can enjoy the stunning sunset on comfortable, cushioned bamboo rafts known as “cabanas.”
They can also indulge in a pre-ordered, delicious meal prepared by the locals at the floating restaurant while taking in the rustic scenery of the area.
Buhatan River Cruise/Eco-Adventure
The Buhatan River Cruise, also known as Buhatan River Eco-Adventure, is a sustainable tourism option available to individuals and groups.
Initially, the Buhatan River Eco-Adventure was started by the late environmentalist Gina Lopez as a project to clean up the heavily polluted Buhatan River, restore the dwindling mangroves, and revive the fish population. However, with the help and cooperation of the locals, it has now been developed into a thriving ecotourism site.
Pagol Beach
Pagol Beach is a unique destination situated in Sawanga, Bacon, Sorsogon City that offers more than just a regular beach experience; it is also a remarkable dive site for visitors who would love to explore the world beneath the waves.
The beach offers free diving, an underwater diving activity that does not require diving gears but instead relies on the diver’s breath-holding skills until resurfacing.
Photo: Andrew Molleda Photography posted at Sorsogon 101 FB Page
Divers can marvel at the sight of vibrant corals and a variety of colorful sea creatures that cling to rocks, including fish of various kinds, octopuses, and many other fascinating underwater inhabitants.
What makes Pagol Beach special is that there are no concrete structures established in the area to maintain its natural beauty.
A pre-historic site, the Bato Limestones Caves in Sorsogon City was excavated by Robert Fox and Alfredo Evangelista of the National Museum. (Photo by JD Visuals)
Bato Cave
Bato Limestone Cave is a privately-owned tourist destination situated in Bacon District, Sorsogon City.
To reach the cave, visitors need to take a private trail located approximately 100 meters away from the junction along the Sawang-Bacon road.
There are three caves in the area, one of which is habitable, while the other two are used as burial grounds.
History reveals that in 1956, a group of archaeologists discovered various ancient artifacts in these caves.
The artifacts contained human bones, beads, seashells, and shell drinking cups, which were estimated to be over 2,000 years old.
Mt. Pulog
Mt. Pulog, located in Sta. Cruz, Bacon, Sorsogon City, is rapidly becoming a favorite destination for adventure-seekers in Sorsogon.
The mountain is beautifully lush and forested, and it features a stunning hidden lake that lies in a volcano crater.
According to history, this mountain is a dormant volcano that has been sleeping quietly for hundreds of years.
When you reach the summit, you’ll be rewarded with a breathtaking view of the Pacific Ocean, Rapu-Rapu Island, Irosin, and vast areas of Sorsogon.
Mt. Pulog is Bicol’s best hiking secret to a beautiful plantations of pili, coconut and a rare hagis, a sour fruit bearing tree. This mountain is part of a mountain group known as the Pocdol Mountain range or Bacon – Manito Mountain range. (Photo by Jonas Derilo posted at City Councilor Bhem Dioneda’s FB page)
he hiking experience begins with a walk through rural woodlands to the halfway point of the trail, which is the campsite.
Next, you’ll follow the cogonal trail to the main attraction at the summit, Pulog Lake.
Although Lake Pulog is not part of the regular trail, it can be descended as part of a traverse.
If the weather is good, your guide can advise you on better options.
Since the trail is relatively short and takes around 3-4 hours to reach the summit, and many locals know the way, it is possible to just walk in to Barangay Sta Cruz and secure guides on the spot.
Sorsogon City is fast becoming a popular tourism destination. Mayor Ester Hamor has made the environment and tourism two of the top priorities on her 10-point agenda for the city’s governance. As a result, Sorsogon City is now a welcoming eco-tourism destination that upholds the Filipino standard of excellence.
The city’s government has made great strides in developing infrastructure and providing a hospitable environment, making it a preferred choice for tourists. These are just a few of the many reasons why Sorsogon City is an ideal destination for travelers looking for a memorable experience. (BAR edited by EAD, PIA 5-Sorsogon)
