After a two-day adventure in our hometown in Albay, we’re off to Sorsogon, which is located at the southernmost part of Luzon. We’ve been to different places but we never chance to visit our neighboring province. Lately, I had this ardent desire to explore Sorsogon and finally, it was set this Lenten Holiday. We will visit Bulusan Lake in Bulusan and we will stay overnight at Rizal Beach in Gubat for water fun.

We woke up late and so we had no time to cook for our packed lunch. We just brought sandwiches and grocery goodies. The sky was devoid of brightness. But rain or shine, we boarded in our van, and off we went to Sorsogon after a fast breakfast. From Tabaco City, it took us two and a half hours drive in getting to the boundary of Sorsogon. The road leading to the city was amazingly paved. Thanks to the local government of Sorsogon for this remarkable infrastructure.

We had a pit stop in a small park just beside the main road at Bukal-Bukalan. Just a few steps from the entrance, a wonderful sea view surprised us. Finally, the sun was gleaming into the horizon. We did the photo shooting and a little bit of stretching.

It was so pleasing looking at the roadside view teamed with the abundance of green life.  Passing the tree tunnels was so wonderful. Just like Albay, Sorsogon also offers a unique solitude. As I glanced at my buddies they were sleeping except my sister busy watching the scenery. It seemed we were both in deep thoughts in a quiet moment like this. The simplicity of provincial life had brought me back to the happy memories of our younger years in Albay.

We crossed a Y intersection in Abuyog, the last barangay in the southern part of Sorsogon City. The left arrow leads to Gubat and the right to Matnog (the last municipality and at the southernmost tip of Sorsogon). There were several eateries in this barangay. We bought packed lunch and headed to Gubat.

It was almost 12 noon when we reached the town proper of Gubat. Few more minutes and we were at Rizal Beach. It was easy to find as it was beside the main road.  We parked our van inside the resort and headed to the information booth to reserve a room. All air-conditioned rooms were full. The only available unit was a non-aircon Apartelle (P1,700) situated on a beachfront. We checked it right away and took the end unit.

It was away from the crowd and was enclosed by a wooden fence and a small garden. Inclusion: entrance fee (P25/head) and use of swimming pool (P60/head). It has two sleeping areas (second floor and attic), kitchen, sink, comfort room, and a small balcony at the side of the second floor.

Check-in time is 2:00 pm but Ate Grace (the receptionist) graciously allowed us to occupy the room early. She was so kind that she charged us an additional P70 only for the excess person allowed in the apartelle. We were assisted by a pretty staff Weng to our room.

We had a comfortable lunch in the dining area extending to the terrace. The wind was so refreshing that after a while, all my buddies took a nap.  Instead of sleeping, I hastily brought my cam and walked into the long stretch of shoreline. The sand was gray but fine. The water was clear.

I had forgotten for a while a stressed-out person I was as I sat on the sand and gazed to the waves, to the umbrella standing still on the sand, to the souvenir vendors and the bathers basking in the sun.

By 3:00 pm we headed to Bulusan Lake through an exciting route, had enjoyed the wonderful scenery, and went back at 5:00 pm.

This is written in a separate article: Bulusan Lake: Into Exciting Route and Awesome View

The long stretch was now engulfed by playful waves. Instead of soaking into the water, we played our favorite volleyball game (P40 rent). Later we spent our quality time dipping into the swimming pool.

There are other resort activities for rent like billiard (P70), Pao’s favorite sport, basketball (P40), and videoke (P60).

At 6:45 pm, my hubby and I headed to the restaurant to see what’s good for our dinner. There were few dishes left as there were many guests for the day. What we had were pancit bihon, chicken curry, boiled fish, and plain rice. The food was served around 8:30 pm, everyone was starving.

But on the lighter side, our food costs P655 only, albeit the above average content of food served per plate. This is what I love here in my beloved Bicol, food was affordable and is guaranteed with a delectable taste.

After our dinner, we stayed a while on the beachfront. There was nothing to gaze up in the sky for the stars were obscured by thick clouds. It seems the rain will fall any minute. We didn’t swim anymore. With the smell of fresh air and the cool night breeze, we were able to sleep early and very comfortably.

It was a gloomy morning as we woke up by 6:00 am. Unfortunately, I have no sunrise shot in my cam. We walked outside the resort in search of hot pandesal. But we were told that there was no supply of bread that day because it was Black Saturday. It’s good that our two packs of sandwiches (with choices of cheese or peanut butter filling), hot instant noodles, coffee, and milo energy drink sustained our morning hunger. Our buddy, the handy “electric kettle” helped us saved the day.

It rained for a short while. After our breakfast and with some light rain still falling we proceeded to the beach to swim. Tide had begun to recede, and later the rays of the sunshine spilled into the water. Though the resort wasn’t pristine white sand, amazingly, there were no rocks, no seaweeds, and no jellyfish in the swimming area. After a refreshing bath on the beach, we headed to the pool and swim again.

After rinsing and packing our belongings, we headed to the souvenir store just beside the resort. We bought hanging corner shells (P180), bracelets (P10) and the pili nut paper weigh (P35). Sorry for me, there was no key chain for my travel collection. Check-out time-10:30 am.

Our fourth-day vacation this Lenten Season in Bicol was another wonderful escape away from the crowd and the noise of city life. And still, we were craving for more. hehehe. Thanks to our Daddy Jhes, for his patience and sharp memory in driving.

Truly, traveling with the whole family would always be meaningful as we indulged ourselves with a wonderful adventure embraced by “inner peace” in appreciating mother nature’s amazing gifts. We’re not a finicky type of traveler, we spend on an average budget. It doesn’t need a lot of money to enjoy life. And I was so thankful that everyone enjoyed it as much as I (ang promotor) did!

We had our lunch in Mang Inasal in the city.

Next stop: Cagsawa Ruins and Mayon Skyline (formerly Mayon Resthouse).