After someone has ridden a motorcycle 500 kms to Bicol, there’s little reason not to ride 150 kms more to the southern tip of Luzon. It’s one of the more common item in an adventure rider’s bucket list after all. Yinyan wanted to do it and my job is to make sure he enjoys the trip.
I’m his tour guide and you’re welcome to tag along…
We left Ligao City at 07:30 in the morning. The road was good and the weather was even better.
The Sili (chilli pepper) waiting shed in Camalig
Sixty kilometers later we were in Sorsogon. Sorsogon is a province of the Bicol Region and is at the southernmost tip of Luzon Island. The name is from the Bikol word “sosogon” which means “follow a path or a route”.
Sorsogon is abundant with seafoods. Hence, the crab.
A short distance away from the welcome arch is a rest area known as Pepita Park. Sorsogon Bay comes into full view with a bonus of a cool sea breeze.
Another giant crab. I have already mentioned they are known for their seafoods, right?
If you want a better view of Sorsogon Bay, there’s a grotto up Paroja Hill just across the street.
I’m sure they don’t have any problem with their earphones when they get tangled inside their pockets.
We refueled in Sorsogon City proper. The streets were busy but traffic was manageable. There’s a (longer) diversion road for an alternate route.
approaching and inside the city proper.
The new Sorsogon City Hall.
quite impressive I must say..
The last time I was in this part of Sorsogon (Feb 2011), Bulusan Volcano was spewing ash and I tried going around it. Ironically, the route I thought was safer was actually very rough and it even brought me just a few kilometers from the angry volcano.
The route via Barcelona was very rough back then (red) and route via Irosin is what we’re taking on this trip (blue).
During that trip I accidentally stumbled upon Mt Bulusan National Park. Surprisingly, they let me in even if the volcano was active. Since that visit I have heard more news about improvements to this tourist spot so we are doing another visit.
Back then, the whole place was not very accessible.
Today, it’s packed with tourists.
…like Yinyan. :p
A bunch of fun activities to do too..
Surely, tourism is booming!
All these fun new activities are good of course but for those who wants to get closer to nature, I would suggest doing the trek around the lake or even the more advanced climb to Lake Aguinay a little higher up the volcano. A hike to the crater is even possible.
The trail around the lake.
A 3D map model of the volcano is on display to give a better picture of the trekking terrain.
Obviously, we couldn’t do the trek so I tuned out of the noisy kids running around and I tried to remember the lake like the last time I saw it – a body of water with trees around it and a beautiful mountain rising in the background. I was lucky enough to find old school subjects nearby.
With that, I was somewhat assured that Lake Bulusan will maintain its beauty while staying competitive in attracting more and more visitors.
All these signs are getting me disoriented..
Where to next?!?
Bicol is still in our bucket list! Thanks again for this post.
It should be in everyone’s bucket list.. Bicol has also a lot to offer 🙂
Ser, sana I can join your next ride adventure. Kaso naka scooter na ako not sure kung pede yun ng ganyang mga long ride.
Kayang kaya naman sir ng scooter ang long drive.. nasa kondisyon lang talaga dapat.
Ah, wala naman problem ser sa conditioning ng scoot. Prompt naman ang maintenance palagi. Wala pa nga lang ako GIVI box, asa lang ako sa underbone bag. Hehe. Sa March 2 ser dadalawin ko yung Kaybiang tunnel. Maayos na daw 90% ng mga kalsada.
maayos na nga daw yung sa may coastal area ng nasugbu.. Gusto kong i-try mag night ride dun minsan.. hehe
Diba delikado ser night ride? wala bang nanghaharang? hehe.
ah, yun lang.. lageng may ganong risk. pero so far naman sa mga night rides ko, di pa naman ako nacha-chambahan.. more more alisto nga lang..