ULTIMATE GUIDE TO SUBIC PINK BEACH IN SORSOGON (Sample DIY Itinerary & Budget + What You Need to Know)

As a frequent traveler who has visited a lot of beaches in the Philippines, all I can say is Subic Pink Beach in Sorsogon does not disappoint! So if you are looking for a destination that is not crowded, has a unique pink sand and a laid-back beach with beautiful and healthy corals, then Subic beach in Sorsogon might be the place for you!

To give you a bit of information, Subic beach is known not only for its pink beach but also for its turquoise blue water and an incredible marine biodiversity. Yeap! You read that right. You’ll have more reasons to come and visit this scenic beach in Sorsogon.

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About Matnog Pink Beach in Sorsogon

Matnog in Sorsogon is located in the southernmost tip of Bicol, a famous gateway to Samar or Tacloban in Visayas. The best time to visit is during summer season from March-May.

Just like Zamboanga’s pink beach also known as the Sta. Cruz Island, the pink hues of the sand come from crushed red corals washed on shores. Subic beach has a healthy and colorful coral reef, you can snorkel in front of the beach and see lots of colorful corals. Similarly, the marine biodiversity in Juag Lagoon awaits for advetnure-junkies to snorkel and dive!

How to Get to Matnog From Manila?

Option 1: Via Plane

The closest airport is Bicol International Airport (DRP). Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines offers daily schedule of flights to DRP.

BOOK FLIGHTS TO DRP FROM MNL
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Upon arriving at DRP airport, ride a tricycle to the Grand Terminal. Then ride a bus to Matnog, Sorsogon. Alternatively, you can ride a van from the Grand Terminal to Bulan, and then from Bulan ride a tricycle to Matnog Port.

Option 2: Via Bus

There are buses from Cubao that goes directly to Matnog and the travel time is approximately 12-15 hours. For faster route, option 1 will be the best choice.

PITX TO MATNOG SCHEDULE & FARE

Where to Stay in Matnog, Sorsogon?

I highly recommend an overnight stay at Subic beach. Below are the accommodations you can choose from.

where to stay in subic pink beach — Accommodations at Subic Pink Beach in Sorsogon

Local Food Delicacies in Sorsogon

The second time we went back in Sorsogon, our Aunt Sheila who happens to be a Bicolana local introduced us to buko ube pie by Nono’s Bakery. I liked it so much it goes great with hot or cold coffee.

Bicol is commonly known for gata or coconut-milk based dishes that are sometimes mixed with shredded green chillies to make it spicy. Some of the popular dishes to try are (1) Bicol Express, (2) Laing, (3) Kinalas and (4) Kinunot. Furthermore, Pili Nuts are great for pasalubong from Bicol.

If you get the chance to swing by Albay, there are sili ice creams sold in local stores. But if you want to try the original taste, I highly recommend 1st Colonial sili ice cream. They have branches in most SM Malls in Bicol.

Some people try sili ice cream out of curiosity, and I am some people. Lol. Kidding aside, it wasn’t bad at all! I tried it myself and ended up liking it. 1st Colonial sili ice creams have different level of spiciness depending on your tolerance and liking. For instance, the levels are from 1, 2, 3 and the Lava flavor.

Matnog Tourism Fees & Boat Rental Expenses

Sadly, Subic pink beach is no longer accessible for budget travelers and/or solo travelers. But good news is the tourism allows tourists to wait for other group of tourists so they can join the group and split the cost.

Matnog Tourism Office is open daily at 6:30AM – 4:30PM. Prepare for the fees below for an island hopping in Subic Pink Beach in Sorsogon. Additionally, the places to visit during the island hopping trip are: Subic Pink Beach, Juag Lagoon and Calintaan Cave. (Subic Pink Beach in Sorsogon)

Registration Fee & Environmental Fee	PHP150.00/pax; PHP120.00/pax for PWD, children & Senior Citizen
Day Tour Boat Rental (maximum of 10 pax)	PHP3,000.00
Overnight Boat Rental (maximum of 10 pax)	PHP3,500.00

Take note that accommodation and food expenses are not yet included above. The accommodation expenses will depend on where you want to stay in Subic Beach. There are lots of resorts you can choose from once you arrive. Check out the resorts I listed under the category Where to Stay in Matnog.

For food, you can choose to buy food from Matnog Public Market before going to Subic Beach and pay for cooking charge at the resort. Cooking charge range from PHP150-300.00 per meal.

Places to Visit in Matnog, Sorsogon

Below are the place to visit during a 2 days and 1 night tour in Sorsogon.

Subic Pink Beach

Just 25-30 minutes boat ride from Matnog Tourism Office, a laidback pink sand beach is waiting for you! As our boat approached the island, I can already see from afar the pink shade of the sand and the turquoise blue water! I highly recommend spending the whole day on this island.

Some of the things you can do here are: snorkeling, freediving, kayak or just walk around the beach. There are hair braids, snack stalls, massage and henna tattoo service around the area. Honestly, it almost felt like Boracay to me but a version of few tourists!

Additionally, if you are a Freediver you might want to check the spots here. Contact Lantop Freediving on Facebook! They are located at Subic Beach.

Shortly after our dinner at night, Milo and I walked to the coastal side under the billion stars shining from the skies. I loved how uncrowded the beach was. Everything was just calm and perfect!

Snorkel and Dive at Juag Lagoon

The Juag Lagoon is a fish sanctuary where guests are given the opportunity to interact with a variety of marine species such as (1) Napoleon Wrasse/Mameng, (2) Brown Marble Grouper/Lapu-Lapu, (3) Giant Clam/Taklobo, (4) Emperor Red Snapper/Maya-Maya and more. These marine species aren’t in their normal size, they are huge and gigantic! Biggest I’ve seen so far. I guess this is partly why Juag Lagoon is famous.

PHP200.00/boat – entrance fee plus fish food
PHP200.00/pax – snorkeling with gears included (optional activity)

Important note: using of sunscreen/sunblock is prohibited in the lagoon because it can damage the fish and marine life.

Calintaan Cave

This cave is like the secret caves and lagoons in El Nido, Palawan. You can only enter the cave by swimming/snorkeling and if the weather is calm.

Side Trip at Sorsogon Colosseum

If you have time to spare, I highly recommend a side trip at Sorsogon Colosseum. It’s an athletic stadium which resembles the Roman Colosseum.

Sample DIY Itinerary & Budget

This itinerary can be used by either solo travelers, with a companion or even for group travelers. The budget below is for 2 pax and the places to visit are: (1) Subic Pink Beach, (2) Calintaan Cave, (3) Juag Lagoon and (4) Sorsogon Colosseum.

	ACTIVITY:	PRICE:
DAY 0: MNL-MATNOG
5:00PM	Ride a bus from PITX to Matnog, travel time is approximately 12 hours	PHP1,530.00
DAY 1:
5:00AM	From Matnog, proceed to Matnog Public Market just beside Matnog Tourism, buy food for 2 days 1 night	PHP1,000.00 (lunch, dinner, breakfast)
6:30AM	Walk to Matnog Tourism Office, rent a boat and pay the fees for 2 days 1 night Subic Beach island hopping	PHP150.00 registration fee; PHP3,500.00 boat rental fee
7:30AM	Arrive at Subic Pink Beach, check in, explore the island,	PHP1,000.00 good for 2 pax; PHP450.00 cook fee (lunch, dinner, breakfast)
1:00PM	Snorkel, kayak, pedal boat, hair braid, henna, Freediving with Lantop Freediving
7:00PM	Dinner, socials, stargazing
DAY 2:
6:00AM	Breakfast, prepare, pack things
7:00AM	Visit Calintaan Cave	No entrance fee
9:00AM	Visit Juag Lagoon, snorkeling, diving	PHP200.00/boat fish food included; PHP200.00/pax snorkeling (optional)
12:00NN	Back to Matnog Tourism / Port, wash, lunch	PHP150.00/pax lunch
1:00PM	Ride a bus to Sorsogon, drop off at Sorsogon Colossseum (optional side trip)	PHP130.00/pax
4:00PM	Proceed to Tya Nenas and ride a bus to Cubao (5:00PM)	PHP1,508.00

Budget Breakdown

Day 1: PHP4,655.00 PER PERSON
Day 2: PHP2,088.00 PER PERSON
TOTAL EXPENSES: PHP6,743.00 PER PAX FOR A GROUP OF 2

Important note: the budget per person may still be lessened if you wait for other tourists to split the cost of boat rental fee. Since the boat is good for 10 pax, the best option for a solo traveler/couple is to wait for a group that you can split the expenses with.

Frequently Asked Questions About Subic Beach

Is there signal reception? Yes for both Globe and Smart. But take note that not all areas have signal so if you really need one, just walk by the beach to check the signal.
Where can I leave my car if I go to Subic beach? You can park outside the Tourism Office or in front of the Barangay Hall.
Is there a shower room at the Tourism Office? Yes.

Tips From Joan’s Footprints

I highly recommend waiting for other tourists if you are traveling solo or just 2-4 people in your group to minimize the boat rental expenses.
The Public Market is just beside the Matnog Tourism Office/Port, you can buy food and cook your food at Subic Beach. Most of the accommodations offer free-use of kitchen. They also have “paluto” service.

Help me improve my guide about Subic Pink Beach in Sorsogon! By commenting suggestions in the comment section below, I am very open to new ideas. Drone shots by yours truly.
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