2026 Donsol Travel Guide: must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transport & travel experiences (updated in September)

Sorsogon, Bicol Itinerary for 3 days, 2 nights Day 0 Ride a bus from Cubao, departs 8pm BUT please buy your ticket at least 2 days ahead. I highly recommend you get the Lazy Boy seats (around 1k depending on the bus company) but that'll only take you up to Sorsogon City. Trip will take 12-14 hours Or Buy a plane ticket going to Legazpi City (average of 1.5k). This will only take 1 hour Day 1 Bus- ride a trike (8php per person) from the Sorsogon City Bus station. Tell the trike to take you to Chowking, to the Jeepney terminal going to Gubat,Sorsogon. From the terminal, it'll take only 40mins to get to Gubat. Fare is only 29 pesos. Airplane- Take a trike to the Van Terminal (20php). Tell the driver to drop you off at Chowking. Same instructions above. Once you are in Gubat, look for Linda's and eat there. Enjoy the halo-halo and Bicol express! Surfing, swimming at Lola Sayong. Ride a trike (50php special ride). Surfing is 350 per hour with instructor, 600 for the whole day if board only. They're really accommodating and friendly. You'll enjoy the hipster, chill vibe of the place too! You may stay here overnight. Place also serves food. Day 2 Barcelona Church-Bulusan Lake-Matnog Island Hopping-Irosin Hot Springs This is the busiest day. To make the most out of the vacation, it's best to hire a jeepney (2.5k per day or hire a car). 6am - Leave for Barcelona. Take pictures at the Ruins and the Church. 7am - arrive in Bulusan Lake. Kayak (100php), eat your breakfast and enjoy an hour here. 10am - arrive in Matnog. Please dont forget your aqua shoes and snorkeling gear.His team will help buy food in the market place nearby (crabs for 150/kg and squid for 120!!!) and even cook lunch for you! They will also help and assist you through out the island hopping. You will be swimming in clean, white islands, exploring a cave, feeding fish and snorkeling. Per boat is 1,600php, with a capacity of 10 guests. You will need to pay 70php per head for the environment fee. 4pm - arrive back from island hopping. Depart for Irosin Hot Springs to relax. Entrance fee is 20 per head. Small Huts are 200php. Go back to rented place in Gubat, Sorsogon. Day 3 7am - leave for Tolongapo, Bacon, Sorsogon. We didn't pay for anything since a friend owned one of the resorts. From the beach, swim going to the 3 lone island rocks (Tolongapo = Tatlong bato) nearby. Its a sight to behold. Parang little paradise in the sea. It's a little rocky there though. 11am - depart for Orok Cold Spring, Gubat, Sorsogon. We paid 10 or 20php for the entrance fee. We were able to get a local guide(200php) so that we could trek going to the hidden waterfalls. The trek is around 40 mins. After that, go back to the cold spring and enjoy the water! 4pm - depart for the Sorsogon bus Terminal to go back to Manila. Last schedule for the day is 5:30pm. Please buy your tickets. #skiadventure #staycation #themepark #beachlife

#springtravel Discover Sorsogon, a land of genuine hospitality, rich culture, well-preserved traditions, and sustainable tourism efforts. From pristine beaches and hot springs to cultural festivals and local craftsmanship, Sorsogon offers an authentic Filipino experience where nature and tradition coexist harmoniously. Every visit supports eco-conscious initiatives and community-led tourism, making your journey both unforgettable and responsible. ✈️ Travel Tips 🚗 Transportation · Take buses from Manila via Matnog or Bulan for budget travel · Rent motorcycles or scooters for local exploration · Use tricycles for short distances in towns · Hire local guides for eco-tourism sites · Plan boat trips ahead for island visits 🌤 Best Time to Travel · March–May for warm, dry weather and festivals 📍 Must-Visit Hot Spots · Bulusan Volcano Natural Park · Donsol Whale Shark Interaction · Subic Beach · Irosin Hot Springs · Gubat Mangrove Forest 🗓 Suggested Itinerary · Day 1: Arrival & local town exploration · Day 2: Whale shark encounter in Donsol · Day 3: Bulusan Volcano hike & nature trails · Day 4: Beach hopping & mangrove tour · Day 5: Cultural village visit & souvenir shopping 🌿 Do’s & Don’ts · Do respect local customs and rituals · Do support eco-friendly tours and accommodations · Don’t leave trash behind · Do interact with locals responsibly · Don’t disturb wildlife or coral reefs #SorsogonAdventure #PhilippinesTravel #SustainableTourism #CulturalJourney #IslandLife Sorsogon is more than a destination—it’s a vibrant hub of culture, natural wonders, and conscious travel waiting to be explored. 🌺🌊✨

We came to Legazpi not only for the volcano but also in hopes of seeing whale sharks in the wild. Last year, we swam with sharks in Oslob on Cebu Island, but they feed the sharks there, which is considered inhumane, especially because there are so many people there. Donsol is 50 km from Legazpi. It's one of the best places in the world to observe whale sharks in their natural habitat. The season runs from November to June. Feeding is prohibited here, making ecotourism ethical, but you don't always see sharks. Looking ahead, I'll tell you that we didn't see any sharks, although we did spot one the day before, on March 3rd. We did see a pod of dolphins, though! If you happen to go there, here are the instructions. 1. Arrive at the Donsol Whaleshark Tour Information Center by 8 a.m. 2. The cost is 300 pesos for registration, 300 pesos for a mask, snorkel, and fins kit, and 5,000 pesos for the boat. The boat can accommodate a maximum of six people, so you can team up with someone on site and split the cost. The shark search lasts a maximum of 3 hours. 3. Next, watch a short film about shark ecotourism and how to behave around them. 4. Ride a boat with a guide who will be on the lookout for sharks. Don't forget water and SPF. How to get to Donsol: 1. Fly to Legazpi 2. Arrange a transfer from the airport or your hotel to Donsol. There are plenty of willing drivers who will take you there. 3. Rent a car, which is what we did. You can also drive around Legazpi to see the volcano and other sights. I recommend Car For Rent Albay, they offer excellent service and good cars. A two-night stay with a trip to Donsol cost 5,700 pesos, no deposit, no credit cards required. You can pay on site in cash or by card. They deliver the car wherever you specify: to your hotel or the airport. P.S. The photo with the shark is from last year. #Philippines #Donsol #WhaleSharks #Legazpi

📅 Itinerary Day 1: The Oriental Legazpi / Majestic Mayon After a seriously looong road trip from Cavite, The Oriental Legazpi is just the perfect spot to crash! Trust me, nothing beats plunging into their chill pool while soaking up the unreal view of the Mayon Volcano’s iconic cone shape—it's honestly 🤯. We went all out at the poolside restaurant, loading up on street food faves like chicken heart, pork skin BBQ, crispy pork ears, and more... so yum! Basically, we spent the day vibing at the hotel and lowkey living for that volcanic backdrop. Address: The Oriental Legazpi, Taysan Hill, Bogtong, Legazpi City, Albay Restaurant Hours: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM Day 2: Vitton Resort / Mayon Black Lava Trail / ATV / Zipline / Firefly Watching Woke up early to hit the legendary Cagsawa Ruins (Barangay Busay, Daraga, Albay—open daily 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM), where a ton of ATV shops are lined up! Each squad gets a trail guide and then BOOM—a wild 3 hour-long ATV adventure to the mysterious black lava. Had to trek a bit, minor hike, but the top rewards you with a jaw-dropping 360° view of Bicolandia 🎉. Next up, we drove to Donsol, Sorsogon for magical firefly watching! Rowed along the river for about an hour, hunting tiny glowing squads—literally millions—twinkling all over the trees like nature’s disco ball. FYI, Donsol is one of just 3 places in the Philippines with a firefly colony! You seriously gotta try this. ATV Starting Point: Cagsawa Ruins, Barangay Busay, Daraga, Albay Firefly Watching (Donsol): Donsol River, Donsol, Sorsogon. Best time: 6:00 PM onwards Day 3: Isabel Hotel / Cagsawa Ruins / Panicuason Hot & Cold Spring Planned to visit Matnog for that viral pink sand beach & Juag Fish Sanctuary—but thanks to bad weather, we switched things up. Rolled back to Legazpi, dove into local street treats at the ruins, and went for the ultimate sili ice cream taste test (how spicy can you go? 🌶️🍦). Spotted a bakery with a crazy line and snagged the best toasted siopao ever! Final stop: Panicuason Hot & Cold Spring Resort, where you can soak and chill in hot or cold pools—sooo good, especially after adventuring. Had dinner there (menu = options galore) before heading to the hotel. Address: Isabel Hotel, Penafrancia Avenue, Naga City Panicuason Hot & Cold Spring Resort: Carolina, Naga City. Open 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM Day 4: CWC / Going Home Had to check out CamSur Watersports Complex (CWC)—my kid went full send on wakeboarding, friends did another round of ATV, and we even cruised on pedal boats. Grabbed pasalubong for the road, then it was time to roll back home, hearts (& cams) full of adventure! Address: CWC (CamSur Watersports Complex), Provincial Capitol Complex, Cadlan, Pili, Camarines Sur. Open 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM Naga and Bicol delivered MASSIVE nature magic—volcanic vibes, spicy foods, glowing fireflies, wild rides, and endless tropical chill. If you want a getaway that’s all thrill, chill, and WILD Insta moments, this itinerary is calling your name!

I went to see wild whale sharks, but unfortunately I didn't see any. But I was able to relax. #0yentrip2025JanuaryPhilippines #Philippinetrip #solotrip

Watching the fireflies at the night was very relaxing and nice experience, the people and guides are very nice. we loved so much, I could not find the atraction in trip.com atractions, they must listed so more people can know about it. the activity fee is 3000 php for 6 people boat, it starts aftef 7pm #philippines #donsol #backpacking #fireflies

Getting There - take a flight to Manila from there you have two options, arrive to Legaspi airport or Bicol airport. In my case, I arrived to Bicol international airport. From there you can take a shuttle bus for 150php to Legaspi grand terminal and then take a van to Donsol for 120php. Just the moment you are traveling to Donsol you will have a astonish view of the beautiful paradise you are getting in. In donsol the e trycicle is just 50php to almost evrywhere around Donsol if you are with more people they will charge you. Most of the time I was by myself so i just paid 50, but one day we were 5 people, I made some friends so together we paid 250php, funny day because the small e trycicle carried us all at once 😅 we do it just for fun even he did not have to take us all at oncr Attractions - If you love animals you can see whalesharks, there is a tour center, the fee is 5000php for 6 people boat and 300php for registration fee. Besides you can see the fireflies at night after 7pm 3000php for boat of 6 people. the guide is very cool and nice, indeed all people in Philippines are amazing, and the place is very SAFE (I was in Manila, El nido, Coron, Puerto Princesa, Boracay, I can say Philippines is SAFE, being a woman traveling by yourself to different countries you have to be more precautios but here honestly I never have to worry) I love walking, and I walked to everywhere even at night by myself and all was so relaxing, it is a escape of the busy world and a time for yourself. you can also see very beautiful beaches and relax in the sand. I called my hidden paradise, there is not many people so you can enjoin the sound of the wind and waves, you can see beautiful landscapes just walking around and all hotels around offer food service so you can get in and eat and go to the swimming pool, at the same time. If you are looking a time for yourself, this is the place, everything is very cheap, next time I think I will come and stay for long. Hotels - there is so many hotels. omg and so cheap, my hotel was Woodland resort that is close to dive center, fireflies tour and whaleshark tour, the place is next to the beach, have a swimming pool, and a restaurant. I love it. I have my own small home for me, because each room is in small houses so peaceful. Food & Restaurants - there is restaurants in all hotels so you can stop there and eat. there is many hotels on the road and they will definetly like to attend you, my hotel has a restaurant so I mostly ate there, I went to walk and I found a hotel restaurant Baracuda, it offers the dishes according to the catch of fishes on that day, so fresh and delicious. Shopping - not for shopping, good bye consumerism, you will find small family shops that offers some snacks. Even people selling some bbq meat sticks at the streets with a friendly smile. nice totally nice. you can stay here as long as your visa last, beautiful, after visit so many places in Philippines this is the best place I have ever been.

We stayed in Donsol for whale shark adventure in beginning of May when its season. We where surprised of the high quality we had at our dinner at BARacuda. Juliet, the owner makes awesome dishes with the daily caught fishes. Donsol is a poor place in Philippines. Bring a lot of cash and don’t haggle on the prices. Tip generously, its rather cheap anyway. #Donsol #beachlife #foodie

whale watching Donsol is known primarily for whale watching. Here tourists can interact with whale sharks (butanding in local parlance) by snorkeling, diving, or by simply waiting for them in areas where they come right up to the surface. Donsol has been recognized as the “Whale Shark Capital of the World”.

Philippines Legazpi, southeastern part of Luzon Island. Located in the Bicol region in the southeast of Luzon Island, Philippines, Mayon Volcano (2462 meters above sea level), known as the "most perfect cone" in the world, is a must-visit attraction in Legazpi. In addition to mountain climbing and sightseeing, there are also whale watching, manta ray diving, and firefly watching activities, making it a worthwhile experience in Legazpi. These activities can be arranged through local travel agencies for day trips.   Ma Rong Volcano: This is an active volcano, and spectacular views of Ma Rong Volcano can be seen almost anywhere in Liberia. Climbing Ma Rong Volcano requires application to the local government through a formal travel agency, and only those with certain qualifications and conditions are allowed to climb. Ma Rong Volcano is one of the most dangerous volcanoes in the world, having erupted 50 times in the past 400 years, with the most recent eruption in 2018. When the plane is about to arrive in Liberia, you can overlook the spectacular Ma Rong Volcano. Liberia airport is very small, and you can see the perfect volcano waiting room of Ma Rong Volcano as soon as you get off the plane. If you don't climb Ma Rong Volcano, you can go to a nearby observation deck, which is also easily accessible by taxi from the airport.   Donsol Whale Shark Watching: Donsol is located 45 kilometers southwest of Libagon, where you can see the purest scenery of small fishing villages in the Philippines. Since the discovery of whale sharks on the nearby coast in 1998, it has become one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Philippines. Donsol's whale sharks are all wild. From November to May of the following year, during the breeding season of whale sharks, the probability of seeing them is higher. Whale watching activities can be booked at the visitor center or resort hotels. Although whale sharks migrate here from November, the peak period is concentrated in March and April. The weather in the Philippines is changeable, and whether you can see whale sharks depends on the weather. If there is a typhoon, whale watching activities will be cancelled. Each boat that goes out to sea is equipped with 3-4 local crew members. One sits on the mast at the front of the boat, and the others search for the silhouette of whale sharks around the boat. Once whale sharks are found, tourists can immediately go into the water and have close contact with them.   Observing fireflies: Compared to the activities of Marong volcano and whale watching, Dong Suo's firefly watching activity is often overlooked, but the most unforgettable experience is still the fireflies in the entire mangrove forest and the wonderful Milky Way that can be seen just by looking up. Usually after dusk, take a small boat at the pier to the nearby mangrove forest. When you arrive at the mangrove forest, night has completely fallen, and there is no light pollution. The entire mangrove forest is full of starry lights. The crew will also catch a firefly and put it in your hand. The day I went there was clear and cloudless, and the entire Milky Way was visible when looking up. Such a scene is still unforgettable.

In the Philippines, in addition to Oslob, in fact, Dongsuo is also a good place to see whale sharks, and the whale shark here is not artificially fed, it is artificially fed, it is pure wild, so it is necessary to look at luck. We rarely come here, most of them go to Oslob to watch whale sharks. It is said that there are more whale sharks in March and April every year. Like the Ma Rong volcano, it needs a chance. Dongsuo This hotel is very close to the whale watching sharks. Its time to go, and the hotel is big, like a big garden, and there is a beautiful beach behind. When the weather is good, the sunset is super beautiful. .