At the far end of the Bicol region, one will discover this quaint province of Sorsogon—a paradise filled with historical and natural wonders that remain preserved and unblemished. On this trip, let’s unravel Sorsogon’s wonders, and learn how one short stay captured her heart.
Located an hour’s drive from Legaspi City in Albay, the province of Sorsogon has been blessed with both historical and natural creations that are nostalgic and captivating. For one it possesses relics and ruins which have survived the test of time, an still invoke the lifestyle and culture of a forlorn era when conquistadores walked the land.
Another, the province is endowed with a diverse number of flora, fauna, terrain, and bodies of water which provide a perfect get-away from the everyday stresses of the city and enables one to commune and marvel at the beauty of nature.
It is here where I was given the opportunity to discover some of the province’s many wonders, making me realize that indeed, Sorsogon is one yet-to-discover, abundant paradise our country is blessed to have.
Going historical
The small and quiet town of Juban, which can be reached by a 15-minute drive from Sorsogon City, is famous for its old houses. These are usually called “bahay-na-bato”; and in a neighborhood where modern, cemented houses are already built, these structures stand out majestically.
The “bahay na bato” is a colonial era home patterned after Spanish abodes, typically two-stories high with the upper level made of wood while the lower ground serves as a foundation made of stone, hence the name. Tall, sliding window panes made of capiz, and carved wooden balustrades just below the windowsills characterize this charming architectural legacy of the past.
Lining the highway going to the town proper, travelers are immediately welcomed by three old houses. On one side is Casa Feliz, an inn that welcomes transient guests and visitors attracted to its nostalgic vibe, as if transporting one back into the olden times.
On the other side stand two old houses. One remains to be a vacation home owned by a family now based in Manila, while the other seems to be a structure on the cusp of decay. The house obviously craves for restoration–its main living room on the second floor has been closed while its ground floor has been divided into several small commercial spaces.
Aside from the old houses, historical and preserved churches are diversely scattered within the different towns. It is interesting to visit some of its churches, with one particular area claiming to be the site of the first mass in Luzon.
Situated atop a hill that can be reached via a hundred-step staircase is the Irosin Hilltop Church. As one reaches the top, a massive front-door entrance into its antiquated interiors welcomes guests. While outside, visitors and church-goers are provided a panoramic view of the whole town, the breathtaking Mount Bulusan, and the nearby countryside.
Another scenic spot is the Barcelona Church and its ruins. It is considered the oldest church in the region, having been built in the 19th century by a Spanish friar from the Franciscan order, and despite environmental conditions such as typhoons and earthquakes, its original thick stone walls and bell tower have been preserved.
At the other side of the road fronting the Pacific Ocean and Gubat Bay are the stone ruins of a Spanish fort, the casa tribunal and baluarte, and an old schoolhouse made entirely of stones. Not much information has been recorded about the history of the ruins, but it is said to be linked with the history of the church, where during the Spanish times, these places of worship served as refuge against invaders or pirates.
Legend also tells that Spaniards derived the town’s name from the original town of Barcelona in Spain, which the voyagers sorely missed.
Exploring nature’s wonders
One can’t help but marvel at the refreshing bodies of water—lakes, lagoons and oceans, which Mother Nature has endowed this province with.
If you want to see a clear view of Mount Bulusan, and the wonders it posseses, it is recommended to visit the Mount Bulusan Natural Park and Mountain Lake Resort. The narrow road going to this park is already astounding to look at, what with the diverse number of greenery, sky-high trees, wildlife, and bodies of water that you’ll encounter.
On Bulusan Park, one can enjoy an hour’s worth of eco-trek, allowing one to have a leisurely walk and provide a full view of the Bulusan Lake, and its nearby forested area (where hidden springs, waterfalls, and jungle caves can be explored).
At Bulusan Lake, families and groups of friends can enjoy a kayak ride in its cool and placid waters. One won’t even feel unsecured of the place, as very capable caretakers guard the whole park, assuring the safety and security of visitors. Another destination worth visiting is the Paguriran Island. This is found in the Bacon District, and can be reached by a motorized banca, a mere 20-minute ride from Barangay Buenavista.
Townsfolk call this Sorsogon’s version of Boracay Island—where at its center lies a secluded island surrounded by a clear and refreshing lagoon that is enclosed within craggy rock walls (This makes the whole island look like a huge basin or a volcano crater).
Swim with the Butanding
Off the coast of Donsol can be found the famous butanding or whale shark, which is the province’s main attraction.
Whale sharks, deemed as the gentle giants of the Sorsogon seas, can also be found swimming off the coasts of the Castilla, Pilar, and Magallanes towns. But it is in the town of Donsol where most whale sharks congregate and can be watched and interacted with. On lucky days you can even find around 10 to 15 of these amazing creatures frolicking in the waters!
Whale sharks converge in the waters of Donsol starting in the month of November, peaking from March until May. This is considered a phenomenon, since it can’t be found in any part of the country or even across the globe.
These are just some of the wonders which I was able to discover during my visit to the province. There are still a lot of destinations worth exploring that a short, two-day stay can’t altogether accommodate. I left the province with a promise to come back soon and stay longer!
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Tags: bahay na bato, butanding, flora fauna, province of sorsogon