🏝️ About Subic Beach
Subic Beach is located in Calintaan Island, Matnog, Sorsogon, and is divided into two sections — Subic Laki (Big Subic) and Subic Liit (Small Subic). Both feature the same picturesque scenery, calm waters, and pinkish sands, making them perfect for swimming, snorkeling, or simply lounging by the shore. The beach is part of the famous Matnog Island Hopping Tour, which also includes Juag Lagoon Marine Sanctuary and Tikling Island.
Subic Beach, also known as the Pink Beach of Matnog, is one of the most stunning coastal treasures in the Bicol Region. Located in the southernmost part of Sorsogon, this tropical paradise captivates travelers with its pinkish-white sand, crystal-clear waters, and serene ambiance. The pink hue comes from finely crushed red corals mixed with white sand — giving the beach its unique and magical appearance, especially under the midday sun.
📍 How to Get There
- By Land: From Manila, ride a bus bound for Matnog, Sorsogon (travel time: around 14–16 hours). Major bus lines like Raymond, Penafrancia, and Philtranco operate this route.
- By Air: Fly from Manila to Legazpi City, then take a van or bus to Matnog (3–4 hours).
- At the Matnog Port, register at the Tourism Office and rent a boat for island hopping. Subic Beach is one of the main stops.
🌊 What to Expect
Upon arrival, you’ll be welcomed by a breathtaking view of pinkish sand glistening under the sunlight and calm, turquoise waters perfect for swimming. Subic Beach remains largely undeveloped, allowing visitors to enjoy its natural charm without the usual crowd. You can rent cottages, have a beach picnic, or spend the night in basic accommodations or tents under the stars.
Snorkeling and kayaking are also popular activities here, while the nearby Juag Lagoon Marine Sanctuary offers a glimpse of colorful marine life. Don’t forget to catch the sunrise and sunset — both paint the beach in warm, dreamy hues that are simply unforgettable.
🏞️ Nearby Attractions
- Juag Lagoon Marine Sanctuary: A protected fish sanctuary where you can snorkel and feed fish in crystal-clear water.
- Tikling Island: Another white-sand island near Matnog with clear waters and coral reefs ideal for snorkeling.
- Calintaan Cave: A small cave near Subic Beach accessible by boat, known for its cool, emerald water inside.
🕒 Our Backpacking Itinerary
This was our Day 2: Backpacking in Albay, Sorsogon, and Catanduanes.
There is no direct route from Legaspi City to Matnog. So, from the Daraga Shell gas station, we rode in a bus with a “Bulan” signboard and alighted in Trece. The travel time was about 3-4 hours, passing by Sorsogon City and the nearby municipalities. In Trece, we chartered a tricycle, alighted in front of the municipal hall, and met Christian, our boatman. Before getting on the boat, we passed by the tourism office, by the port, and paid the environmental fee of 70 pesos. Then, left the port. Our first destination was Juag Lagoon Marine Sanctuary, and upon arrival, our guide purchased dilis and pellets to feed the fish. Also, a few groups were waiting to enter the fish cage.
Then, we headed to our main destination. We arrived at the beach around 11:30 AM. At first, I was excited because from afar, we easily recognized the long stretch of white sand shoreline with quaint cottages and tourists sunbathing. As we were getting nearer and nearer and nearer to the shore, what we saw were boats parked by the beach. Children and other tourists were swimming between the boats - that scene was not so picture-perfect. Instead of mingling with the crowd, I and Tin proceeded to the area with fewer people.
Since our plan was a short stay, we did not rent cottages; instead, we stayed at the spot with shade from trees by the beach. As usual, we sunbathe until we get a perfect golden brown skin tone, parang ginamitan ng Minola cooking oil, pero masakit. Our skin might have been hurt by the UV rays, but our eyes were filled with nature's breathtaking beauty. There's cool and crystal clear water, there are colorful shells and other crustaceans mixed on the fine white sand, and the tranquility is preserved because the area is surrounded by trees. Sari-sari stores, cottages, and tents for rent are available.
Let's go back to the question: "Why is it called the Pink Beach?" After a thorough investigation, I categorically confirmed that there are particles that look like pink granules mixed in the white sand. Those pink granules are from corals and other shells, and they became "The Pink Beach." With the strong sunlight, the pink sand is not visible.
After enjoying the beauty of Subic Beach, we headed to another spot in Matnog - the cave and the rock formation by the sea. Since we were in a hurry, we only passed by the cave and headed back to the port. Tidy up in the shower room. Rested for a few minutes. We planned to proceed to Bulusan Lake, passing by the other tourist spots in Sorsogon, to Lola Sayong's resort; however, it was pricey, and we were bound by time, so we decided not to proceed. Kung gusto nyo ng trike tour to Bulusan Lake, you can contact Kuya Bonjing, Ph: 09382889012.
When everything was settled, we walked back to the municipal hall and had our late lunch. Then, rode on the jeepney bound for Sorsogon City but alighted in Trece - take note, it was a top load habang napaka init ng sikat ng araw. Inisip nalang namin na nasa pink beach parin kami. It was the jeepney's last trip, so we had no other choice. In Trece, we waited for a bus bound for Legaspi City, another 3-4 hours travel. We alighted at the terminal beside SM City and had dinner at Mang Inasal, with unli rice. After dinner, we rode in a tricycle to Mayon Backpackers Hostel for our accommodation. Tidy up and rest.
The next day, backpacking in Catanduanes.
Subic Beach Stunning Photos
More photos below showing the relaxing ambiance by the beach.
💰 Entrance Fees & Expenses
Below are the Summary of our Backpacking Expenses in Matnog:
- Environmental Fee: ₱50 per person
- Boat Rental: ₱1,500–₱2,500 (good for 4–6 people)
- Cottage Rental: ₱300–₱500
- Overnight Camping: ₱100–₱200 per tent
Tip: Coordinate with the Matnog Tourism Office for updated rates and to ensure your trip is properly registered and guided by licensed boatmen.
🏨 Where to Stay
While Subic Beach offers rustic beachfront cottages and camping areas, you can also stay overnight in Matnog town proper or nearby Sorsogon City for more amenities.
In our case, it was a day tour, so we headed back to Albay for an overnight, and we stayed at Mayon Backpackers Hostel for only 300 pesos per head for an overnight stay. It's a dorm-type room, but clean and organised. There are living room, kitchen, and dining room areas that can be accessed by all visitors regardless of the accommodation type. Also, it's a few blocks away from McDonald's, near the plaza and the city hall. It can be found using Google Maps.
Below are the top hotels in Sorsogon:
- Recidencia Del Hamor Resort – a luxurious resort with stunning views and excellent service.
- Fernando’s Hotel – a cozy and accessible hotel in Sorsogon City.
- To search hotels in Sorsogon, visit the link in the Related Posts.
🌅 Travel Tips
- Visit during the dry season (March to May) for calm seas and clear skies.
- Bring eco-friendly sunscreen and reusable containers to protect the environment.
- There is limited signal and electricity, so bring power banks and cash.
- Leave no trace — respect the local community and keep the beach clean.
🌴 Closing Thoughts
Subic Beach in Matnog, Sorsogon, is truly a hidden paradise that showcases the natural beauty and tranquility of the Bicol Region. Its pinkish sand, peaceful waves, and friendly locals make it one of the most charming beaches in the Philippines. Whether you’re traveling solo, with friends, or with family, Subic Beach offers that rare kind of serenity that stays with you long after you’ve left its shores.
Looking for travel ideas across the country? Read my complete guide to visiting all 82 provinces in the Philippines — based on my actual travels.
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