Aside from Donsol, there are other popular municipalities in Sorsogon that you should visit on your next travel. We visited Irosin, Juban, and Bulusan which have beautiful and interesting destinations and activities.
Irosin is strategically located at the heart of Sorsogon, while Juban is at the foot of Bulusan, Volcano. It was once the center for Hispano-European settlers in the Province of Sorsogon.
Hilltop Church
Our Day 5 for the #PTIPBicol2022 trip started with a trip to the Hilltop Church (St. Michael Archangel Irosin Parish Church).
Having experienced a lot of hiking and climbing during the previous trips, I somewhat enjoyed climbing upstairs as I see it as a form of workout to burn all the calories I gained during the pandemic. There are 74 steps and rather an easy climb.
From the top, you can see the peak of the Bulusan Volcano.
Pili Haven
Our next stop was the Pili Haven where we learned more about Pili Nuts. Interesting to know that Pili Nuts are best eaten with different sauces (I especially love it with sugar – just the perfect contrast of flavor and texture). We also enjoyed the snack that they prepared for us. They say that the restaurant is one of Heart Evangelista’s favorite destinations.
Pili Haven is truly a haven with different photo spots for your next Instagram photo. Our group sure enjoyed taking photos and high-jacking Marky’s solo shot.
Gibalon Shrine
On our way to Juban, we stopped by the Gibalon Shrine. It is said that this place is where the first Catholic Mass was held on the Island of Luzon in 1569.
On top is a stadium with bleachers where performances are held during the annual feast.
Juban Heritage Houses | Casa Feliz
Visiting different Juban Heritage Houses is a must-do in Juban, Sorsogon. The most famous site is the Casa Feliz. It is a 2-story ancestral house with beautiful banisters, antique furniture, and large windows. Somehow, it reminds me of a setting of Noli Me Tangere.
There are other 3 heritage houses in Juban, but they are privately owned and are not open to visitors. Casa Feliz on the other hand accepts guests for overnight stays.
We were welcomed with local snacks and hot Tablea chocolate. So good!
It is nice to see century-old structures that are well taken care of. These structures truly show the locals’ way of life.
Balay Buhay sa Uma Bee Farm
We traveled to Bulusan where we had our lunch at Balay Buhay sa Uma Bee Farm.
A hearty meal was waiting for us (I love the refreshing Melon Drink!).
I would have loved to explore the place and took more photos, but it was time for us to go for our next adventure. It was sure a relaxing lunch and a beautiful walk down the lush trail going back to our van.
In my next post, I would share about Bulusan Lake, and Zoe Resort and Eco-Adventure Park
To book and visit these places, you may contact Donsol Eco Tour.
To be continued…
Thank you to the Tourism Promotions Board for having me!
Related Read
Sustainable Whale Shark Swimming in Donsol, Sorsogon: Guide + Tips
Bucket List: Mt. Mayon (World’s Most Perfect Cone Volcano)
Buhatan River Cruise and Eco-Adventure | Sorsogon
Halea Nature Park, Catandayagan Falls, Borobongkaso Rock Formation | Ticao Island, Masbate
