MATNOG, SORSOGON

Matnog is a third class municaplity in the province of Sorsogon. It lies at the southernmost tip of the Bicol Peninsula of Luzon Island.

 

When I saw those pictures online I knew that one day, someday I’ll also be experiencing the beauty of this island.

WHAT TO SEE?

 

Beaches, Beaches and Beaches – see those beautiful islets of Tikling, Calintaan, Juag and Subic. Subic Beach is definitely my favorite.  White powdery sand, clear water and a very peaceful place to relax. If you are someone who needs a vitamin SEA this is a perfect place to be.   

Subic Beach

 

Fish feeding in Juag Lagoon

 

 

 

Snorkelling, fish feeding, swimming, and beach bumming are just some of the things you can do in here.

Here in Matnog you will also be able  to see one of the busiest seaports in the Philippines and it is the jump off point to the southern Philippines and vice versa.

HOW TO GO?

1. Take a flight from Manila to Legazpi Airport,  via Cebu Pacific or Philippine Airlines  they got some ticket sales going on from time to time on. Ticket rates starts from 1,000php and up for a round trip flight.  Travel time around 1 hour per way.

From Legazpi Airport go to Legazpi Terminal and from there take a bus heading Sorsogon.  From Sorsogon you can take a jeep going to Matnog. Travel time would be around 1 to 1.5 hours,

2. From Manila you can take a bus heading Matnog from Pasay or Cubao terminals check out this bus companies namely Philtranco, Amihan, DLTB, RSL and Raymond Bus. Travel time around 13-15 hours and fare would be about 800 -1000 php.        

WHEN TO GO?

 

Best time to visit Matnog is from December to May since it can be a lot of hassle to go there during the rainy season. You may not also enjoy the island hopping if the waves are too rough for the boats.  

WHERE TO STAY?

There are cheap accommodations in Matnog. You can stay overnight in Subic Beach or camp out. Or stay in the town proper area. Matunog Pensionne, Richwell Beach Resort and Stardust Resort are some of the places you can stay but for us due to time constraints we stayed in Irosin.

  

WHO TO CONTACT?

Kuya Eddie Evasco - boatman/guide.

You can contact him on the following numbers: 09261404577 and 09282538607

Boat rentals would be around 1,600 php to 2,000 php good for 10  pax.

 

HOW WAS IT?

• Going to Matnog was indeed a pain in the butt.  Imagine sitting in a bus for more than 13 hours, given another chance - I'll definitely will take a flight to Legazpi City.
• Subic beach scenery was indeed captivating.
• The fishes in Juag Lagoon will blow your mind away
• Kuya Eddie and his group/family was really very nice.

 

HAPPY TRAVELS!!!

 

SAGADA ITINERARY

Sunrise at Mt. Kiltepan

Going to Sagada is already an adventure and will be best describe as NO PAIN NO GAIN... Literally. But it's all worth it!!!

WHAT TO SEE

If you want to maximize your stay -- Read READ READ. It took me more than a month to finalize our itinerary and that includes a lot of research. Yes I want to see the best view but I also want to get the BEST DEAL..

Kapay-aw Rice Terraces

Sumaguing Cave

St. Mary the Virgin Episcopal Church

Echo Valley

Sagada Weaving

Hanging Coffins

Sagada Christian Cemetery

Bomod - ok Falls

Mt. Kiltepan

WHERE TO STAY

There are so many places to stay when your in Sagada but for this trip I choose George Guest House Main Building due to its accessibility, affordability and good reviews.  250php per person per night. Here's there contact information:

Website:  http://georgesagada.blogspot.com/

Contact numbers: (63) 918-548-0406 and(63) 920-948-3133 (Look for Ate Dora)

WHERE TO EAT 

So many restaurants to choose from but i love the Lemon tea of Sagada Lemon Pie House and the Yogurt of Yogurt House -- Indeed one of the Best! 

HOW TO GO

I tried to check if there's a direct bus ride from Manila to Sagada but I can't seem to find anything on the web. You need to take Manila to Baguio then to Sagada.  Manila to Baguio travel time will be around six hours and fare was about 450php.Best time to leave is in the evening if your from Manila. There are so many buses that take this route but we choose Victory Liner in Cubao Terminal. 

From Victory Terminal in Baguio City take a cab going to GL Liner in Baguio Dangwa first trip is at 6am until 1pm travel time will be another 6 hours on a non air conditioned bus but don't you worry most of the roads are smooth. Fare was about 250php. Be there early so you can choose a better seat. Get a window seat to enjoy the view of the Halsema Highway.

Victory Liner contact number: (063) 410 8986  

WHEN TO GO

Best time to go is during dry months December to May. Since it will be very difficult and risky if its raining. 

Special thanks to Mara and Beverly my travel buddies for this trip. Thanks girls for some of the pictures I've used on this post. 

HAPPY TRAVEL!!!

HUNDRED ISLANDS

 
 

the view was just captivating 

What to See?

I have visited some of the best beaches in the country but little did I know that I don't need to travel that far. I was indeed amazed by the clean clear blue waters of Hundred Islands. Best part of the trip was swimming and snorkeling, i just fell in love with this island. Here are some pictures ;)

  
  

  

  

How to Go?

Located in Alaminos, Pangasinan you can reach this beautiful heaven via Bus from Manila about 5-6 hours ride. Fare was about 400php for a one way trip on an air-conditioned bus.There are some buses servicing Manila - Alaminos route but Victory Liner and Five Star Bus are my top two choice.

Arriving Alaminos town proper you can hire a tricycle for about 100php one way heading to the Lucap Port (your jump off point) or you can go to the terminal and pay 20-25php one way.  In the Tourism office you need to pay Environmental fees 20php Day tour and 40php for overnight they provide 20% discount for senior citizen and children ages 5 years old and below are FREE. 

Here are the boat rates:

Small   (1-5 pax)     - 800 php      for overnight  1400 php

Medium (6-10 pax)     - 1000 php     for overnight  1800 php

Large (11-15 pax)     - 1100 php     for overnight  2000 php

Where to Stay?

There are so many accommodations you can choose from but our group decided to booked with Island Tropics. The place was very spacious and clean. Rates starts from 1600 - 2500 php good for two per night but since this is a team building we booked the Transient house for 5000 php per night.

Where to Eat?

Maxine Restaurant and Lodge and Island Tropic Hotel and Restaurant are two of the most popular restaurants in the area. However Maxine Restaurant got a better view.

Contacts:

Five Star Bus (Cubao) - 02-911-7359/421-471u6/421-4717

Victory Liner - 02-727-4688 / 02-410-8986 02- 727-4534

Tourisim Office - 075-551-25-05/ 075-696-15-68

Island Tropics - 09064697888 / 09995178411

this could have been a perfect picture if not for that flower looking umbrella  

HAPPY TRAVELS!!!