Pink sand beaches would usually trigger images of Harbour Island in the Bahamas and Barbuda in the Caribbean. Luckily for us, Filipinos, we do not have to go that far to be able to witness such wonder of nature.
The Philippines is also home to a few of these rare beaches – Subic Beach and Tikling Island are just two of the few Philippine beaches with sand of pinkish hue. The beach is known for its unique sand, which has a distinct pink hue due to the crushed red corals mixed with white sand.
These islands can be reached by a 12-15 hours bus ride from Metro Manila and 3-4 hours drive from Legazpi City. Located in the town of Matnog, Sorsogon, the trip to the islands does not take more than 30 minutes by outrigger boat from the town port.
Why pink?
The sand takes its color from the red organ pipe corals, which are carried by the waves to the shore and scattered in the sand. If you look closely at the sands of Subic Beach and Tikling Island, you will see red specks which are actually crushed red corals that have been carried ashore.
Apart from its unique color, the islands also take pride in several other qualities that makes them worth visiting – clear turquoise water even at 50 meters away from shore, rich marine life, colorful corals (a lot of them red), and lush greeneries on the islands that makes them stand out against the turquoise water and blue skies.
Only the caretakers and their families inhabit these pristine islands, which helps keep the tranquility of the beaches. Visitors are in for a peaceful relaxation away from the busy city. There are no hotels, no big establishments but instead, wooden cottages on stilts are the only accommodation provided to visitors.
Location
Both of these beaches are situated in the southernmost tip of Luzon, in the province of Sorsogon. It is part of the Matnog municipality and lies on the west coast of Calintaan Island, facing the Philippine Sea.
Matnog, Sorsogon is located at the southernmost tip of Luzon in the Bicol region. It is the gateway to Visayas through Samar province. Buses bound for Visayas and Mindanao pass through Matnog, Sorsogon.
How to Go
To reach these beaches, you’ll typically start your journey from Manila. You can take a plane to Legazpi City then bus to Matnog, or you can take a bus directly from Manila to Matnog.
Manila to Matnog by Air & Land
- Manila to Legazpi City by Air: Cebu Pacific Air and Philippine Airlines fly daily to Legazpi City from Manila. Legazpi City is about an hour travel by plane from the capital.
- Legazpi City to Matnog: To get to Matnog from Legazpi City, ride a tricycle going to the bus terminal located near Gaisano Mall. Ride the bus bound for Matnog.
Alternative: If you are unable to find a bus going to Matnog, you can pass through Sorsogon City first. From Sorsogon, ride the bus, jeepney or van heading to Matnog and ask to be dropped off near the port, which is the jump off point to Calintaan Island where Subic Beach and Tikling Islands are part of.
Manila to Matnog by Bus
There are several bus liners going straight to Matnog including Philtranco, Penafrancia, Raymund and Amihan. The trip takes 12-15 hours depending on the traffic.
Alternative: If you are unable to find a bus going directly to Matnog, you can ride a bus heading for Sorsogon City instead. Once you are in Sorsogon City, take a jeepney, bus or a van to Matnog.
Matnog Port to Subic Beach
Once at Matnog Port, you’ll need to hire a boat to Subic Beach. The boat trip usually takes around 30 to 45 minutes, depending on the weather conditions.
Expenses and fees
To access Subic Beach, visitors are required to pay an entrance fee of approximately PHP 50 (USD 1) per person. This fee contributes to the maintenance and preservation of the beach and its surroundings.
In addition to the entrance fee, there are environmental fees and boat rental costs that must be settled at the Matnog tourism office before proceeding to the beach. The environmental fee is around PHP 20 per person, and boat rental rates vary depending on the size of the group and the type of boat needed, but generally start at PHP 1,500 for a round trip, accommodating up to 10 passengers.
To summarize:
- Boat: P1,500 per boat, round trip (day tour) and P2,000 (overnight tour)
- Cottage: P300 for open cottage and P500 for closed cottage (day tour)
- Entrance fee: P50 per person
- Environmental fee: P20 per person
- Tip to caretakers in exchange for using poso and cooking area
It’s important to note that these fees are subject to change, so it’s advisable to check the most current rates before planning your trip to Subic Beach.
Where to book your tour
Subic Beach and Tikling Island are part of the Island Hopping Tour in Matnog.
If you would like to arrange this the way we did, you may contact Sir Eddie at +63 (928) 2538607. He is a kagawad in Camcaman, Matnog, Sorsogon who also takes care of tourists visiting their town. The tour costs P1,500 for day trips and P2,000 for an overnight trip, inclusive of outrigger boat rental and tour to Subic Beach, Tikling Island, Calintaan Cave and Juag Lagoon Fish Sanctuary.
Alternatively, there’s also a Klook tour for Matnog that you can book here: Matnog Sorsogon Day Tour with Subic Beach Island Hopping. This includes free pickup from your hotel in Legazpi City or Sorsogon and includes a visit to Subic Beach, Calintaan Cave and Juag Lagoon Fish Sanctuary.
Activities / What to do
Subic Beach and Tikling Island offer a variety of activities for visitors:
- Swimming: The clear waters are perfect for a refreshing swim.
- Snorkeling: Explore the vibrant marine life beneath the surface.
- Beachcombing: Take a leisurely walk along the shore and admire the unique pink sand.
- Camping: Experience the outdoors by setting up a tent and spending the night on the beach.
- Island Hopping: Visit nearby attractions such as Juag Lagoon Marine Sanctuary.
- Photography: Capture the scenic views and the stunning sunset.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit these are attractions is during the dry season, from November to May. During these months, the sea is calmer, making it ideal for swimming and other water activities. The summer months of April and May are particularly popular among tourists, so if you prefer a quieter visit, consider going between November and early March.
Whether kid-friendly or senior citizen-friendly
Both attractions are generally kid-friendly and senior citizen-friendly, with its gentle waters and easily navigable areas. However, the boat ride to the island can sometimes be rough, especially during the rainy season, so it’s important to consider the sea conditions before planning a trip with young children or elderly companions.
Language
Despite being near Albay and being in the Bicol region, people of Matnog do not speak Bicolano. My friends who asked for directions in Bicolano were not understood by the locals so we had to speak Tagalog instead.
According to a friend, people in Matnog speak a Waray dialect of Sorsogon, which they often call Bisakol, an interesting blend of Visayan and Bicolano languages. This is spoken in several towns in Southern Sorsogon including Matnog, Bulan, Barcelona, Gubat, Irosin and Bulusan. This is different from what the people of Northern Sorsogon speak, which is Sorsogonon or Masbate Sorsogon.
Where to stay near the attraction
Accommodations on Calintaan Island are quite basic, with options for beach cottages and tents for rent. For those looking for more comfort, there are a variety of hotels and resorts in Sorsogon City or in the town of Matnog. These range from budget-friendly inns to more upscale resorts.
Where to eat near the attraction
There are very few eateries in the town of Matnog so I strongly suggest that you bring your own packed food, including breakfast, lunch and snacks. Expectedly, food in Subic Beach are also more expensive. Good thing is — fresh fishes are sold at the port at very affordable prices. You can also buy a kilo or two, bring it with you to the island and have it cooked for lunch. A cooking area in the island is provided for free. Snorkelling gears are not available in the area so if you need a set, please bring your own.
Tips and What to Keep in Mind
If you would like to make the most out of your trip and don’t mind showering in wooden bathrooms and sleeping in wooden cottages, then you should stay the night. I bet the sunrise and the sunset would be a spectacular scenery.
Although there is not much activity in the island as compared to say, Boracay, peace and tranquility are definitely an offer you can’t resist.
A few things you can do to pass time:
- You can swim farther away from the shore to snorkel and see numerous marine life but if you are not comfortable enough swimming at this length, you can ask your bangkero to take you somewhere you can snorkel.
- You can also hang around the beach and talk to the friendly locals who would tell you more about the island.
- You might also meet the owner of the island who stays most of the time in the beach.
- You can also walk the entire strength of the beach or see mangroves at the other side of the island, where you could meet some locals fishing. We also saw a couple of locals re-building their boats after the damage done by the recent typhoon.
A few more things to keep in mind:
- Travel light: Since you’ll be taking a boat to the beach, it’s best to pack light.
- Bring cash: There are no ATMs on the island, so bring enough cash for your expenses.
- Stay hydrated: The tropical climate can be dehydrating, so drink plenty of water.
- Respect the environtment: Always follow the leave-no-trace principle to preserve the beach’s natural beauty.
- Check weather conditions: Before setting out, make sure to check the weather forecast for a safe and enjoyable trip.
Our Experience
We left Ligao City at 5:00 AM and arrived in Matnog town proper at 8:00 AM. Usually, it takes 4 hours to reach Matnog but since we headed for the road very early, we were able to beat the traffic in the cities en route.
Kagawad Eddie (our contact person) was already in the meeting place to pick us up. We were allowed to park near his residence so we can enjoy the rest of the day in the island.
Our boat ride to Subic Beach took a bit faster than usual (about 20 minutes) from the Matnog port. We wanted to check out Juag Lagoon Fish Sanctuary but the owner was not there the entire day so we had to forego of this. We spent the entire day sand bumming and snorkeling at Subic Beach and left around 3:00 PM to be able to check out other nearby islands.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I need to book the boat in advance to go to Subic Beach?
A: It’s not usually necessary to book the boat in advance, but during peak season or holidays, it might be a good idea to arrange your transportation beforehand to avoid long waits. You can book here: Matnog Day Tour
Q: Are there any ATMs on Subic Beach?
A: No, there are no ATMs on Subic Beach, so make sure to withdraw cash before you go.
Q: Is it safe to swim in the waters of Subic Beach?
A: Yes, the waters are generally safe for swimming, but always be mindful of the weather and water conditions.
Q: Can I rent snorkeling gear on Subic Beach?
A: Snorkeling gear is not always available for rent on the beach, so it’s best to bring your own if you plan to snorkel.
Q: Are there any medical facilities on Subic Beach?
A: There are no medical facilities on the beach itself. The nearest clinics and hospitals are in the town of Matnog or Sorsogon City.
Q: Are there bathrooms or shower rooms?
A: The island offers wooden shower rooms which may not be comfortable for all. If you prefer to shower in a more secured place, the kind locals at the port (through Kagawad Eddie) would sometimes offer their bathrooms to tourists. There is no price set for the usage of their bathrooms but donations/tips/tokens are very much appreciated.
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