Tranquility in Gubat, Sorsogon

If you hear about a town called Gubat in Sorsogon, you wouldn’t think about beaches and large bodies of water because the name of the town means “forest” which is obviously a different kind of space altogether.

But the quaint town is actually setting itself as one of the country’s sought-after locations for surfing and other water activities. Its long shorelines, high waves and vast, open seas make for the perfect playground for people who love and would love to dance with and ride the ocean’s waves. It is also the ideal getaway for people who are looking for solace amidst the pollution and noise of the city. There is not much of a crowd in Gubat.

There are two ways to get to Gubat — via 45-minute air travel from NAIA to Legazpi Airport and approximately a two-hour land travel or via a 14-hour land (bus as public transportation) journey to Legazpi and a two-hour land travel as well. These travel options make it accessible to people who want to experience Gubat’s culture.

Gubatnons, as the locals are called, are very protective of their town. They are staunch advocates of the sustainability movement like lessening of single-use plastic or proper waste segregation. They pride on having the beautifully preserved Rizal Beach on their turf.

Imagine majestic blue waters, fine beige sand framed with rows of palm trees and cute cottages — the perfect tropical paradise called Rizal Beach which is also known for being the Instagrammable beach with waves comparable to other surfing locations like Baler or La Union or Elyu as what millennials and the Gen-Z call it.

locals were able to catch what they estimated to be a 20-kilo yellow fin tuna. RAYE SANCHEZ

UPON entering Lola Sayong’s, visitors are advised to keep the area clean and peaceful.

Gubatnon surfers pick up trash that is being washed up on their shores.

LOOK for this surfboard and experience nature. RAYE SANCHEZ

Situated on the long stretch of Rizal Beach is Lola Sayong Eco Surf Camp. Ran by hospitable locals who are also mostly pro-surfers, they are also staunch advocates of keeping the environment clean not only because they consider the sea as their playing field but also because they are the ones who experience first-hand the effects of water pollution.

Upon entering the camp, it is very obvious how they take the cleanliness of the environment and peacefulness of the surroundings seriously. Creatively-designed and very noticeable signs that say, “This camp is a disappointment to smokers, drunkards and party people,” or “Before you enter, leave your ego here,” are put up at the entrance.

Inside, there are several nipa huts ready to be occupied by visitors. In line with being able to experience the provincial life, there are no airconditioned rooms in the area — the sea breeze is your own natural airconditioning system. There is also Granny’s Hub, Lola Sayong’s inhouse restaurant that perfectly defines “sustainability.” They use banana leaves and woven plates, glass jars and mugs, stainless utensils for their customers’ use. Fruit shakes and juices are served upon the availability of the fruit, as well as meals freshly-cooked every day. Lola Sayong’s version of a coffee shop is called Kape Hon where they serve different variants of local coffee.

There’s a beautiful hammock area where visitors can take a rest after a day of swimming and surfing. I, myself, have also fallen into the most peaceful sleep that never I’ve had in a long time on one of them. Platforms made of bamboos and also swings are also present in the area. The sound of waves splashing will truly put you in zen mode.

The nightlife at Lola Sayong is very peaceful and relaxing as well. In other resorts, there is partying and loud music but at Lola Sayong, there is reggae night and a limited amount of alcoholic drinks — extreme partying is still not allowed.

In this place of natural simplicity, serenity reigns.