It was already late and dark when I reached Sorsogon City after an hour riding the jeepney from Irosin, where I had indulged in a hurried but calming dip in one of its hot and cold springs. But unlike the sleepy towns we passed by along the way, the city was still bustling and wide-awake. It’s been a decade or so since my last visit here and it didn’t surprise me to see marks of makeovers and changes in the cityscape. There were more establishments, more choices of accommodation and even Mang Inasal, my favorite cheap comfort food has finally invaded this corner of the Philippines, joining the growing number of fast-food chains in the area.
It was a spur of the moment decision to spend the night here so I wasn’t able to research ahead. Longing for some decent sleep, at least in bed this time, I trudged with my heavy pack – now filled with wet clothes – to the nearest computer shop to search for a place to crash for the night. I narrowed my choices down to Villa Isabel, which was recommended by the computer shop owner and Mercedes Country Lodge, which offered the cheapest rate I had found so far. In the end, I found myself in one of the non air-conditioned rooms with common bath and toilet at Mercedes Country lodge. It’s cheap, conveniently located near the main thoroughfare and good enough to while away the night and recharge for the next day’s adventure.
Paguriran Island Resort
With only a day to spare in Sorsogon and still so many points of interests on offer, I decided to drop by the tourism office to get some essential local knowledge to help me make the most out of my time. I was actually hoping to get some information on how to go to PNOC- Eco Park, a mountainous area that features the picturesque Botong Twin Falls, scenic walking trails and several lakes. Unfortunately, the person in charge at the tourism office was on leave, and she was the only one with the contact numbers of those who arrange for guides and pick-ups of guests.
Water from the shore to the islet is ankle to knee deep at low tide.
Past lunchtime, after wandering around the city, I decided to just revisit the nearby beaches and resorts along the coast of Bacon District, and then hit the road to Paguriran Island after. It was near, accessible and quite perfect for the time that I had available. Although, an imminent downpour was on its way, it didn’t dampen my excitement to see one of my favorite beach destinations when I was young. All I could remember from then was shallow crystal clear waters that stretch a long way out from the shore.
Mangrove Area
I boarded a passenger jeepney from the city proper and alighted at Barangay Poblacion, the former town center of Bacon District, expecting to start my sojourn here. Upon chatting with a fellow passenger however, I learned that the last trip on the way back to Sorsogon City was around 4:30 p.m., which didn’t give me much time to explore around. It was already past two in the afternoon so I was left with no choice but to set off for Paguriran Island right away.
Rocky beach exposed at low tide.
I transferred to another jeepney and told the driver to drop me off at Paguriran Island Resort in Barangay Sawanga, which I had just learned about then from another helpful passenger. I was very pleased to learn that it could be accessed by land as well, because most of the information I found online suggested a boat ride from Bacon District. Luckily, it was also the same jeepney that would ply the route back to the city so I took note of the time it would pass by the resort.
I walked on a short section of dirt road towards a haphazardly fenced beach area, and was welcomed by barking dogs, a family on a picnic and karaoke tunes belted out by a group of rambunctious souls probably inspired by the Red Horse bottles piling up on their table. I didn’t waste time and ran to the shore only to be disappointed by what I saw. I couldn’t believe I went all the way here only to find shallow rocky water and shores that would benefit from a bit of combing.
After checking out the mangroves at the other end of the beach and walking back to the resort, I saw people emerging from what looked like a islet with a rocky outcrop. Then it dawned on me this was actually the same islet with a beautiful lagoon inside that I had seen on the brochure before. With my time running out, I entrusted my backpack with the family in the adjacent cottage and waded hastily through the water with my camera in hand. The tide was low, and the current coming from the open sea was still calm so I made it easily to the lagoon.
A mixture of muffled admiration and apology for judging so soon and almost missing out this awesome spot was all I could muster as I hurriedly scrambled up through one of the jagged rocks surrounding the shallow pool of aquamarine water. It was a beautiful sight from the top. The secluded lagoon enclosed by jagged coralline and granite rock walls somewhat looked like a crater of a volcano, while the view of the surrounding bay and the Bacon coastline was a refreshing treat – more than enough reward for the effort that I exerted to get here.
But like most good things, this one had to end too, and sadly, that was without even getting to dip into the water yet. The last jeepney back to the city was about to pass by so I had to run back to the road. It was a such a whirlwind affair with Paguriran Island like an engaging movie that was suddenly cut short in the middle. I wished I could have stayed longer, but like many pleasant but brief hellos and goodbyes, I was still glad I had the chance to visit. Perhaps the next time will be even sweeter and the relationship will bloom into a full-blast romance.
How to get to Paguriran Island
From Sorsogon City head to the jeepney terminal near Petron or Caltex Station. Ride a jeepney en route to Sawanga, Bacon and tell the driver to drop you off at Paguriran Island. The resort fronting the island is less than five-minute walk from the road. Alternatively you may rent a tricycle from the city to have your own private transport to the island and back. If you decide to drop by at Bacon District to check out its beaches, you can either transfer to another jeepney en route to Sawanga or rent a boat from here to Paguriran Island, about 40 minutes’ ride.
enjoy talaga mga post mo about bicol region. want to explore that side of the country…meron pa ba? waiting hehehe
You mean blogs about Bicol? madami pa pero yugn iba lang muna ang isusulat ko
That lagoon was stunning, Claire! I could imagine your excitement when you saw it.
When you have low expectations you seldom get disappointed I guess
Love is sweeter the second time around! =)
Lagoons are very inviting. Gusto ko din marating yan.
Have you seen El Nido Lagoons Nel? you’ll love them even more
It is definitely surprising how it becomes so rewarding to go the extra mile when exploring a new place. Sometimes I get last to walk or climb pero for a lagoon like that sulit na sulit.
Yeah, and just having the opportunity to see/explore a new place whether it’s spectacular or not is a reward in itself for me.
I love the fact that it looks isolated and suitable for some self analyzing about choosing life the way it should be (see the world) or the life we were taught to have (9-5 job, picket fence, shiny china wares, and watching telly on a sunday morning). Hehe
Anyway, hope to experience that “full blast romance” soon as well haha
That’s very Blue Lagoon! You discovered a piece of paradise there, Claire.
It’s been there all this while AJ, I just didn’t get the chance to see it earlier
What a wonderful place to spend some time. I would love to photograph this area must be exciting overtime you look throughout the lens. I also really love the image you use for your about the author. Really fun images that looks wonderful
Thanks Jim, it’s my signature profile pic every time I visit a new landmark.
http://jpweddingphotograpy.blogspot.com/2011/05/importance-of-quality-of-light.html
It is so sad to return to a place and see many old and familiar buildings replaced by sky scrapers
I love the beach in your photos and it doesn´t look too crowded. My kind of place!
I agree Nelieta, the change is inevitable but you just can’t help being nostalgic about the old times especially if it’s filled with good memories.
Parang hiningal din ako sa lakad mo ah =P
hahaha, wala nga masyadong lakaran ito, mas nakakapagod umupo sa jeep, kaya mas gusto ko pa maglakad.
I love the calm mood of the beach… Hay.. kakarelax!
Korek, parang sana ito yung nakikita mo sa bintana paggising sa umaga.
Ang ganda ng lagoon.
Looks like such a peaceful little place. Thanks for the post!
http://www.flyseair.com/node/307
i’ve been following your adventures on blog… what about a visit to our barrio Marinab in Bulan, Sorsogon there you’ll see more beaches…virgin island that no one discovers yet..
Thank you Nelma, there are still many places in Sorsogon that I would love to see but I had limited time when I went there last month. On my next visit, I’ll make sure to check them out as well as the attractions in PIlar, Prieto Diaz, etc.
wah…..namiss miss ko na talga ang sorsogon, actually from that place walking distance lang un bahay na kaxplorer ko c johari….sana 2012 nah…para balik na ulit kame diyan….hahahaha….
Nakita ko nga post mo, meron pa kayo yatang sariling tricycle.
wow, the lagoon is very pretty
I am so inlove with Bicol right now
Mukhang tuloy na tuloy na ang Bicol escapade mo next year. Sana mamaximize mo time mo at marami ka mapuntahan.
im loving sorsogon na talaga! buti na lang may friend ako diyan. woohoo!
O di ba bawas na ang accommodation sa gastos, pamasahe na lang at pambili ng pasalubong at souvenirs.
I realize there’s a lot of attractions in Sorsogon. Your blog always reminds me that the Philippines indeed has 7,100 islands.
At kapag meron akong bagong napupuntahan naaalala ko naman na merong pang 7000 islands na di ko pa nararating
Nice. I want.
I’m enjoying reading your posts about your trip to Sorsogon. I stayed at Fernandos Hotel in Sorsogon and had fun visiting Bacon beach and surrounding areas. Sadly it wasn’t Whale Shark season during my visit.
Fernandos is a a nice hotel and it is also DOT- accredited. It’s very convenient to stay there because they offer tours as well, but it’s way beyond my budget
i wish to see this beauty too Claire. Heard, Sorsogon is haven for beach addicts like us. Whoaaaaaaaaaaaahh.
nice post again, as usual.
Thank you Olan, too bad it’s rainy season there already, but I guess nothing could really stop the son of a beach!
hi po, just want to share our adventure also in Sorsogon…..
http://xplorerboyz.blogspot.com/2010/09/x-plorerboyz-conquers-albay-and.html
There’s a lonely feeling looking at the place, yet so pulling that it reciprocates nothing but an enrichment of one’s soul towards a grand appreciation of the world, places such as this one makes traveling as an able accomplice into not only finding that ‘wow’ of a place but also introduces us to the many things previously missing in our life, such as a partner in crime for a ‘full blast romance’ making the wonder of self discover on the road a reality.
Nosebleed ka Liev! Would you mind rephrasing your comment please?.. LOL!
Super LIKE!!! Hehehe! May mang inasal na rin pala dun, yummy! Pamatay gutom ang unlimited rice, hehehe! =) Hayyy… nakakaaliw tignan yung mga pictures na napupuntahan mo, heto, nagba browse kami ng wife ko, tnx for taking us to places we have never been before! Rock On, Claire! =)
Thank you for dropping by Jomi, bigla akong nagcrave ng Mang Inasal noong nabanggit mo ulit hahaha Sana meron na rin branch dito.
naku–sulok na ng planet earth to. hahaha. nagustuhan ko yung lagoon.parang private pool na hindi grand so intimate ang dating.parang personalized version ng sa Coron ba.hehehe
Korek, miniature version nga sya at madali lang puntahan, di na kailangan pang magbanka
sayang you weren’t able to take a dip in the water claire! pero it’s still good because you got to see this sight. muntik mo na rin tong nakaligtaan (tama ba tagalog ko? hehe).
hahaha, kahit Cebuano Ed pwede.
I have not been to any place in Bicol yet, planning to go there within the year. Being an island vacations enthusiast myself, this post in your great blog really captured my interest.
Marami po pwede puntahan sa Bicol, sana matuloy kayo this year
Claire,
Love all the pictures you post in this website. Living in the US for the longest time, you take to places in the P.I. I’ve never been before. Thank you and keep up the lovely work.
Thank you for dropping by Jerry, feel free to come back for more posts.
Such a beautiful cove, just perfect for a secret getaway
Thanks for sharing your discovery.
Yeah, but I guess not as exciting as the unexpected hitchhiker
Hi Claire! Hindi pa ko nakakapagpasalamat sa mgandang post mo about puting buhangin. Your site helped me a lot. thanks! At eto ka na naman. I love the lagoon. I agree with anton, parang mini coron nga. Superb view. Dudumugin na naman yan I’m sure
No worries Kura, ano na ba mga pagbabago ngayon sa Puting Buhangin?
marami talagang nice and beautiful spots sa bicol.
. Would love to revisit someday.:-).
Kelan po ba ang huling punta nyo sa Bico Kuya Bon?
my kind of beach but the lagoon is the most interesting part. beautiful sorsogon. i have yet to explore its secret.
I agree Dom, I found it quite interesting as well, it’s unique in the area and somewhat a breath of fresh air from the rows of resorts and shorelines along Bacon District.
ang ganda ng location! very private ang dating and one of a kind
very intimate ika nga kahit maliit lang
Beautiful place! Looks like it’s not crowded with tourists, which is a good thing
I wish to explore more of the Bicol region. Hopefully with the new PNR train that goes straight to Bicol, I will be able to do that!
Gusto ko rin itry yung train, nakakamiss, medyo matagal nga lang pero kung trip mo ang walang katapusang sight-seeing, mag-eenjoy ka at yung mismong train ride, fun experience na rin.
hands down claire… of all the travel blogs that i read everyday… sa yo lang ako nakakabasa ng mga lugar that i didnt even know exist hehe… keep it up and thanks for letting us know about these beautiful places…
Matagal ko na sila lahat gusto puntahan, pero dahil malapit lang kasi sa amin, walang sense of urgency, kung di pa ako aalis ng bansa last month malamang nasa ibang probinsya ulit ako
Grabe mga pictures Ms.Claire..ang gaganda… lalo na yung last 2 pictures…
Mapag ipunan nga Ang Bicol.. hehehe..:)
nice place!
I remember seeing the picture of this lagoon in the brochures of sorsogon tourism office 10 years ago. The place makes you want to burst into tears while running around playing survivor-survivoran!
The first picture of the lagoon is so spectacular… sayang you haven’t able to take a dip.
Ang ganda ng lagoon na yun ah! thanks for sharing this! hopefully mapunthan ko din sya! =D
Looks like a cool place to visit. the pics look great. Never thought of even visiting sorsogon before reading this! thanks for the informative post!
kame ang may ari ng beach resort ,
sa duka family yan
Last nung makaligo ako dian pyesta nung 2011 kasama ko mga cousin ko.
2001 pala nun..
I’m from Bicol and I haven’t heard about this place until somebody posted a picture of Paguriran on facebook. Wow. I wanna travel again and see this place myself.
Thanks for sharing your experience!
Claire -
I’m David, a fellow traveler. I have really enjoyed your blog. Specifically, the post on Paguriran Island. I went out there on April 9, there was also some bogus overlapping karaoke going on, but I managed to make some cool images of the sea and the rock formations. Would love it if you had a look at my impression here: http://www.tenacityinpursuit.com/april13.php#april9 Thanks again for sharing the information!