The Cagsawa Ruins

I bid goodbye to my friends as I walked towards the jeepney.From Daraga Church they decided to go straight to the terminal to catch the bus bound to Manila. It was my abrupt decision to leave them, and the reason is I want to have a glimpse of the Ruins. And,if there is one place in Legazpi I wouldn't like to missed, Cagsawa will be on top of the list.

Cagsawa Ruins and Mt Mayon covered with thick clouds

 Approximately 3kms from Daraga Proper when the driver called my attention. I carefully alighted his congested jeepney.From the junction trikes are available for 20php.

The place is neat and rustic.Tourist are flocked everywhere taking photos of the remnants. Somehow I felt so eerie, to think that thousands of people buried under when they seek refuge inside the church.

After I say my prayers I started taking photos. The locals here are friendly, they took tricky shots of me. 

trick shots in Cagsawa

It is best to pay a visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon. I went there around 4pm. Pasalubongs like t-shirts, abaca slippers and pili nuts are sold in and out the park.

with ruins as my backdrop

How to get to Cagsawa Ruins:

• Ride a jeep bound to Camalig,Ligao,Libon,Polangui or Guinobatan. From Daraga fare is 10php while if you came from Legazpi fare is 15php.

• Ask the driver to drop you off at the junction of the highway and the road going to Cagsawa in Barangay Busay, Daraga

• There's a signage at the right side of the road trike fare is 20php. Entrance fee to the ruins is 10php.

 

The Quaint Donsol

We were on a rush to get to the Cubao Bus Terminal. The weather was very humid, there were no clouds in the sky. No chances of rain to cool down the hot Metro Manila weather. We opted to take a cab from Eastwood to the bus terminal to easen the burden of enduring the humid weather. After a few short minutes we finally arrived at the Cubao Bus Terminal, time to ready ourselves (Me and my companion Rey) for the long journey ahead.

After a 14 hour tedious bus ride we finally reached Donsol. A quiet and laid back town in the province of Sorsogon. 

wharf in Donsol

Donsol is famous for it's Whale Shark (called Butanding by the Locals) watching tours. But after arriving late from our Outreach program we decided to set our Whale Shark viewing adventures for the following day. We decided to put up our feet up first in the accommodations that our gracious host Emjay was able to locate for us. Xavmiras Backpackers Inn in Dancalan, Sorsogon, the place is apropos for us since we did not intend to stay long in the room and wanted to explore the town. The Inn is probably the one of the cheapest that I have encountered all thorough out my adventures, and most probably in Donsol. They offer dormitory type accommodations.

beachfront accommodations at Xavmiras

hammock outside our cabin

my bed at Xavmiras Inn

Donsol is a small town and we dont have anything to do after sunset. The sea and shores are just ok, Nothing spectacular, sands are grey and waters are very shallow.

rocky shore of Donsol

Sunset at Donsol Sorsogon

kids playing along the rocky shore

 After settling our things down Emjay suggested to do the firefly watching. He contacted Kuya Boy a distant relative to accompanied us to the river. Kuya Benny Boy also has his own outrigger boat that we rented that night. 

The firefly watching experience is superb.A romantic experience under the twinkling stars. Wish I had my special someone but anyways its a must try in Donsol.


Tips: 

• From the town proper to get to Tourist Center the trike fare is only 10Php
• Shrimps and crabs are sold in the wet market at a very cheap price. Swear!
• It is best to bring your own snorkeling gears and fins. Rental fee is around 200Php
• Giddys is the the only considered high end resto in town

How to get to Donsol:

  

There is a direct bus in Cubao that plies to Donsol daily. Last trip is 5:30pm.Ordinary fare is 550Php while airconditoned is 650Php.Travel time is 13-14 hours.

But since we missed the last trip bound to Donsol,Me and Rey just took the Alps bus bound to Sorsogon for 700Php.We alighted at Putchao then from there we rode a jeepney bound to Donsol for 40Php. 

Another alternatives are the bus going to Legazpi then from terminal there are  GT Express van bound to Donsol or take the bus going to Daraga in Albay. From Daraga there are  jeepney plies around the town bound to Donsol fare is 60Php.

Xavmiras Cabin

Dancalan, Donsol

0916 314 6285

Firefly watching at Ogod River, Donsol

I have never seen a bright stars and clear skies as what I saw in Donsol. I though it was another boring outrigger ride, but it turned out amazing.There were million of stars twinkling above me as we cruised the calm Ogod River. The flashlight of Mang Boy served as our only light on the dark river.

aboard our boat that will take us to the fireflies

Mangrove trees on both sides are glimmering like Christmas lights. Fireflies flicker like there were dancing. Kuya Boy, our bangkero was also kind enough to paddle the boat near the trees so we can get  close to the fireflies. All I can say is wow!  It was an awesome experience.Perfect for couple as it was so serene and romantic. Anyways here is an effortless video I took.

                                                                             fireflies at Ogod River
By the way, we didnt go through the Tourist Center our host Emjay hired a private boat. Kuya Boy is a distant relative of her so we only pay 700php.According to Kuya Boy private boat is okay for as long as the tourist center is aware.



Fireflies Watching Ogod River, Donsol:
1250Php
boat max capacity is 5 adults
It can be arranged at the tourist center.


How to get to the Firefly Watching Dock:

From the town proper ride any tricycle that will take you to Ogod River. Fare is only P10.
 

Travel Plan: Legazpi-Donsol Itinerary

Day 0

Cubao- Legazpi
Bus ride for 12 hours

Bus Fare as of May 2012

Raymond Bus -
Ordinary Fare 400php- departs every hour
Airconditioned 750php -departs every hour

I went to the central bus station in Cubao, fares are pretty much the same for air conditioned bus fare ranges from 750php - 850php

This amount is computed for 2 persons sharing expenses.

Day 1

6am 12nn

daytour in Legazpi City

will rent a trike (400php-500php)

Pointsof Interests

Lignon Hill
Cagsawa Ruins
Church of Our Lady of the Gate

afterwards head to Donsol via Van  last trip is 5pm

4pm arrival @ Donsol

6pm 9pm firefly watching at Donsol River 

Day 3

7am -12nn  Butanding Encounter/ Beach
1pm- 3pm Busay Falls 

4pm -6pm van from Donsol to Legazpi

buy pasalubong at Legazpi City

8pm bus to Manila


Entrance Fees and Accomodation

Lignon Hill entrance fee 20php
zip line 250 php
Cagsawa Ruins entrance fee 20php

Accomodation in Donsol

xavmiras cabin Donsol 300php per night

Estimated Expenses 3500php

breakdown:

Cubao - Legazpi bus 400php ordinary
Legazpi-Manila bus 750php air con 
Van Legazpi-Donsol-Legazpi 160php
Day tour Legazpi 300php
Zip line and entrance fees 300php
Butanding Encounter 583 (3500/6 pax)
Firefly Watching 250php (1250/5pax)

Foods and other expenses 700php