Olena Kulikova, a Russian visitor, described it as a "beautiful place on Earth".
After emerging from a dive into one of its marine reserves, Boylan Preston, a Peace Corps volunteer from Ann Arbor, Michigan, and a professional diver, said: "You are sitting on a gold mine here."
Tess Ladisla, a teacher from a neighbouring town, described its unspoilt spots as "paradise". Magallanes is a place where the sun, sea, nature and adventure are all rolled into one. This terra incognita sits at the mouth of Sorsogon Bay along the Ticao Pass where the Pacific Ocean and the South China Sea meet.
Magallanes, one of the 15 towns of Sorsogon province, is located at the southernmost tip of the island of Luzon, where Manila is.
Kulikova visited Magallanes the previous year with her Ukrainian husband Andrey Shevchuk by sheer chance.
Their friend Genesis Berdin, a native of Magallanes, showed them around. But the visit has left a lasting impression on the couple who raved on Facebook about their short holiday.
"I like the local food — fish and pili nuts," Olena said. "My friends in Kiev heard our stories about Magallanes so they also want to visit the Philippines," she added.
Twists and turns
One can never have the easiest road to reach the place. Unlike other towns of Sorsogon, Magallanes is relatively isolated.
"But definitely, going to Magallanes is a great adventure," said Pinoy Traveler, a blogger who featured the town in one of his articles.
A visitor has to travel 48 kilometres from the Sorsogon City, the provincial capital, passing through two towns and a meandering road that snakes around Mounts Juban and Bintacan.
As the road spirals upwards, one can enjoy breathtaking views of Mount Bulusan on one side and the Sorsogon Bay on the other.
The rest of the journey is just lush tropical rainforest dotted by villages, schools and community churches.
Magallanes is a fishing town, popular for fresh and dried fish.
Old shipyard
It occupies an important part in Spanish colonial history.
Archaeological excavations confirm this was where the first Christian mass in Luzon was celebrated in 1569. It also became the shipyard where the galleons for the Manila-Acapulco trade were built. It has two islands — the Bagatao and Tinacos — located right at the mouth of Sorsogon Bay.
Magallanes is a paradise yet to be discovered. Many of its springs remain unknown even to the locals.
- The Pitong Busay Falls, Barangay Pili: Located deep in the woods, it is a 3-kilometre walk from the main road.
- Buro-Baroto Falls: Visitors can enjoy a refreshing dive after a long walk through the mountain trails of Siuton. It is shaped like a baroto, or a boat, hence the name.
- Tula-Tula Sur: Adventure lovers can enjoy the scenery and the natural springs — many of which are still unnamed.
- Malijao Springs: Just off the Magallanes-Juban road, it is sure to soothe tired nerves.
- Bucal-Bucalan Resort: It has natural springs, besides a reservoir that collects the spring water at its source. The resort's attractions include huge pools filled with spring water.
On the tourist trail...
II Beaches
Magallanes offers long stretches of white sand beaches and clear waters — a divers' haven. The beach from Aguada Sur stretches several kilometres up to Brgy Biton. Visit the beaches near the Bucana, where the Gibalon River meets the sea, and the beach along the Ginangra and Biton.
II Donsol
A few minutes' boat ride from Magallanes will take you to near the neighbouring Donsol, a town across the bay. It is considered the playground of whale sharks. Tourists visit Donsol to watch these gentle giants.
II Halabang Bay
It is also known as the Long Beach. Located in Behia village, Bagatao Island, it is a short distance from historical landmark Astillero de Bagatao, or the Spanish-era galleon-building site, located on top of a hill overlooking the sea.
II Barangay Biga
Divers can swim among coral reefs and marine life. It is a short boat ride away from the town's unused pier.
II Tinacos Island
If you ever dream of being alone on an uninhabited island, Tinacos is the place to be.
II Malawmauan Island
Accessible from Bagatao, this too is an uninhabited island.
II Parola
No visit to Magallanes is complete without a visit to the Parola, a Spanish-era lighthouse that runs on solar power. The metal lighthouse, manufactured in Belgium in the 1880s, still serves as the sentinel of the sea along the Ticao and Burias Passes. It offers great views of the Sorsogon Bay and the South China Sea.
Note: Nature adventures won't burn a hole in your wallet. For island-hoppers, the cost of petrol or diesel to hire a private outrigger boat for a day is $30 (Dh110), inclusive of the boatman's fee.
Emirates operates 14 weekly flights from Dubai while Etihad operates daily flights from Abu Dhabi to Manila. Magallanes, Sorsogon, is 638 kilometres south-east of Manila. No-frills airline Cebu Pacific (www.cebupacificair.com) and Philippine Airlines (www.philippineairlines.com) operate several daily flights to Legazpi. The Legazpi airport strides the foot of the majestic — and active — Mayon Volcano, a popular tourist spot. From Legazpi, Magallanes is a two-hour drive by car (private vehicles can be hired from Legazpi). An under-construction airport in Bulan is 45 minutes by car from Magallanes, via the Siuton-Bulan Road.
SSC Hostel, Magallenes, starts at $5 (Dh18) per pax per night for a bed in an air-conditioned, dormitory -type room.
Touch of Grace Hostel, Magallenes offers air-conditioned rooms from $32 (Dh117).
Three Sisters Lodge, Magallenes, charges $5 (Dh18) a night for a bed or a regular room; and $21 (Dh77) per night for an air-conditioned room.
Fernando's Hotel, Sorsogon City, charges $150 (Dh551) per pax, adventure tour for three days and two nights.
Hotel Venezia, Legazpi City, Albay, is 22 miles from Sorsogon. It offers rooms from $58 (Dh213) per night, B&B.
Note: Credit cards are accepted in major establishments in Sorsogon and Legazpi.
Getting there
FLY... Emirates
From Dubai to Manila for Dh2,965
Or try Qatar Airlines, from Dubai to Manila for Dh2,595
— Information courtesy the Holiday Lounge by Dnata. Ph: 04 3492886
Christopher Elden B. Hilotin is a Dubai-based freelance writer
