Sometimes, the best travel experiences most often come from spontaneous trips. Last summer, we took a little adventure, went off the map, and discovered the secrets of Matnog, Sorsogon.

Matnog, the last frontier of Luzon, is popular as a transport hub for goods delivered in and out of the region. Though it is relatively unknown as a tourist destination, we decided to explore it on a whim when we heard about its hidden secrets. Traveling from Legazpi City in Albay via a chartered van, we reached the port of Matnog after about an hour. From there, we rented a motorboat to go to the unmapped islands of our destination.

Matnog’s islands are both a playground and a paradise, with its diverse attractions capable of satisfying both the adventurous spirit’s urge to explore and the weary soul’s need to relax. If you have one day to spare in the Bicol region, take the off-beaten path and explore the treasures of Matnog. Scroll through the gallery below to find out why the possessive in me would want it to remain undiscovered.

(All photos courtesy of Atty. Maria Dee A. Seares.)