Sorsogon: The Land of the Whale Sharks

Sorsogon City, Sorsogon Province's capital, is situated on the southern end of the island of Luzon. Those travelling by sea from the Visayan Islands to Luzon will have to pass by Sorsogon in order to gain access to other popular locations. The city is quite populated and is one of the leading urban cities in the region.

Sorsogon City Weather

There is really no distinct dry season in Sorsogon City since you'll generally have rain throughout the entire year. However, visitors should take note that some months will have fewer rains than others will. The months beginning from November until January will have more rain and the months from April to May will have far fewer rains than any other months of the year. March to May is often considered summer, however is only marked by less rainfall.

A Brief Brush with Sorsogon City History

The name of the place was once spelled as 'Solsogon' if you look at old Spanish maps. The name literally means 'to trace a river upstream'. The name of Sorsogon City has been spelled differently in various occasions during its history. The Spanish explorers got lost upon the discovery of the territory until they reached what is now called Sorsogon Bay. They asked the locals the name of the place and the locals mistook the question as asking for directions. Thus they were told 'sorsogon' or 'solsogon', which meant trace your way following the river upstream, which eventually became the name of the town.

The city was overrun by Japanese Imperial Forces in 1942 but was liberated in 1945. Sorsogon officially became a city under the Philippine Republic on August 16, 2000.

Things to See and Do

Perhaps every traveler to Sorsogon City will have heard of whale shark diving when they hear the name of the city. The place to go whale shark diving is in the nearby town of Donsol, which has been dubbed as a whale shark capital. Locally known as butanding, these gentle whale sharks can be seen from October to December as they come to feed on krill and plankton. The town of Donsol is only around a half-hour drive from the city.

Another reason for visiting Sorsogon is its fine exquisite beaches. All you have to do once you're there is to ask for directions to the Bacon District. One interesting place for an escapade is in Paguriran Island where you'll find white sand beaches. The Bulusan Mountain Lake Resort is another ecotourism destination for nature lovers. Other places where you can have fun in tropical waters are Rizal Beach Resort and the Libanon Beach Resort.

Sorsogon City's Lodgings and Accommodations

You'll mostly find mid-range and budget class accommodations in Sorsogon City. Rates may vary slightly from one inn or hotel from another but they generally fall within the same bracket in spite of the differences. Rates here start around $25 and can go out as much as $50 to $100 during peak seasons. The amenities will also vary depending on the resort or hotel you choose to stay in Sorsogon. A deluxe room will usually have air conditioning, cable TV, hot and cold water, living room area, and a phone.

Some hotels and resorts of note are Fernandos Hotel along N. Pareja Street, Dalisay Lodge on VL Peralta Street, La Vista Resort, Tolong Gapo Beach Resort, and Padaraw Beach Resort. Traveling in and around and locating these lodgings in Sorsogon City will be easy since these resorts and hotels are easily accessible.

Sorsogon's Restaurants

Coming to Sorsogon city is not a complete and fulfilling trip if you dont stop by at some of the Sorsogon restaurants that are there to give you a fine dining experience that would be nice to cherish and remember. There are actually many to mention, but, for starters, here are seven (7) of the most commonly known Sorsogon restaurants that you should never forget to include in your itinerary. 

Acacia Grill

Located at VL Peralta Street in Sorsogon Town, where inexpensive and Chinese dishes are served to please your tastebuds, is one of the Sorsogon restaurants you shouldnt miss. This is known to many as the Acacia Grill. The ambience is totally relaxing and the restaurant is usually conveniently open to serve you twelve hours daily. Many diners find that the meals are not that pricey and the foods are really deliciously-cooked to satisfy you.

Balkon Bar and Restaurant

Another of the Sorsogon restaurants is Balkon. If you choose to come to this place, dont forget to try one of their special spicy dishes which is Kinunot (stingray or pagi). This is cooked in coconut, chili, milk and sigarilyas. Coming to this restaurant is like coming home to good food and friendly people who ready to serve you. The foods are wonderfully affordable, and you can already have more to munch on when you bring a budget of around P500 to P1,000.

Casa Dominga

In Balogo, Sorsogon city is another of the Sorsogon restaurants that can give you a delightful gastronomic experience. Try their creamy dishes such as Bicol Paella and Shrimps in Aligue (Aligue is actually Crab Fat). A budget of P500 is perfect for the budget-wise but hungry traveler since most of their meals are aptly priced at around P160 per dish.

Dahon Saging Restaurant

Dahon Saging restaurant is named as such since their dishes are mainly served and adorned with dahon ng saging or banana leaves. The meals are basically local favorites. Bring P500 with you, and you could enjoy its scrumptious Filipino cuisine.

Mango Grill

You can find most of the Sorsogon restaurants in the busy streets of the city. That goes for Mango Grill and the other Sorsogon restaurants (which serve fastfood or fine dining options). Most visitors of the city like hopping to this place because of the great food and the free videoke service it offers where one can sing to their hearts content. Their food choices are also affordable.

Kalundan Seafood Restaurant

Kalundan Seafood Restaurant offers you a rich taste of the local foods. It is famous for its delectable seafood dishes and fine dining accommodations. Located in Bitan-o in the city, this restaurant cooks your choice of meals in a jiffy. And you can already enjoy a hot dish of your choice without having to wait for hours. 

Waway Restaurant

Just like the other Sorsogon restaurants in the vicinity, Waway Restaurant boasts of interestingly-prepared dishes. One of its most-loved dishes is the Pinangat (or, more commonly known to local residents as Laing). This dish is a rich blend of gabi leaves, meat, chili and coconut milk. It is neatly wrapped in gabi leaves, and tied with coconut leaf for a native appeal that truly looks delicious. 

Spicy foods, the freshest seafoods, creamy sauces, intricate and natively-designed dishes are the things that you would be pleased to try when you go to these Sorsogon restaurants. These are just some of the pride of the city that you would probably love to come back to when there is a chance for you to do so again. Just like the others who have gone to these places, you would probably agree that dining in Sorsogon is really an experience to remember!


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