Article contributed by Clifford Arcangel
Photos courtesy of Juliet Alexis Beltran
Nestled in the breathtaking landscapes of Sorsogon lies a glamping site located within a thriving farm. Glamping tourism has surged in popularity for several reasons nowadays. With the increasing urbanization and fast pace of modern life, many people are seeking ways to reconnect with nature. That is why Bukid Ilaria in the town of Castilla, a full-fledged first ever glamping site in Sorsogon came to life to answer this call.
Introducing Bukid Ilaria, Sorsogon's latest gem
"Bukid," a Filipino term, encompasses a variety of landscapes - it can refer to the mountainside, a farm, or even a remote area away from the bustling city. Paired with "Ilaria," an Italian feminine name meaning cheerful or happy, this destination promises both joy and tranquility. Imagine a place where you can run freely under towering trees that create a verdant canopy, birds serenading from dawn to dusk, and livestock wander with the same sense of freedom. The air is so fresh it feels like a breath of pure tranquility. Two words that best describe this place: Nostalgic and Joyful!
Under the Dome and Beyond! A One-of-a-kind Glamping Tour Package in Sorsogon
Bukid Ilaria’s standout feature is its impressive 12-square-meter dome-shaped tent, crafted from nylon and aluminum frames. Although it may appear flimsy at first glance, we were surprised by its sturdiness. We tried applying some stress, and it held up remarkably well. Guests can rest easy knowing its structure has been thoroughly tested for you. The interior of the tent boasts a sleek, modern minimalist design, accentuated by charming plush toys that enhance its family-friendly appeal. It features two twin-size beds, a convertible low-profile sofa bed, and a portable air conditioner to complete your glamping experience.
The tent accommodates 5-6 people comfortably. While it may initially appear small, it proved surprisingly spacious, even at full capacity. A quarter of the tent walls is made from transparent vinyl, offering a stunning view of the farm’s picturesque surroundings. You’ll enjoy a vista of lush greenery from the nearby forest and a glimpse of the cultivated farmland that is soon to grow.
Bukid Ilaria is in its early launch phase, so currently, only one dome tent is available. However, the management plans to add more in the future, so stay tuned! In the meantime, if the number of guests exceeds the tent’s capacity, there is a separate room adjacent to the staff kitchen. This room can accommodate at least 5 more people, is air-conditioned, and features two twin-size beds. Additional fees apply if you choose to use it.
The tent’s entrance faces a charming two-story “Kubo,” a traditional stilt house native to the Philippines. The ground floor is dedicated to the bathroom, while the upper level features a unique movie theater with an open-air view of the expansive farm landscape. How romantic is that? Imagine a serene moonlit evening, enjoying a film marathon with loved ones against a backdrop of starlit skies. Oh, I bet even butterflies couldn’t begin to explain the feelings!
Aside from the top deck of the kubo house, there is another white screen positioned in front of the small lumber hut. Guests can choose to dine at the hut while enjoying a movie spree, or they can turn off the screen, put their phones away, and have some good old-fashioned conversation with each other - no subtitles required here!
Speaking of mobile devices, Bukid Ilaria doesn’t offer WiFi, so it’s the perfect opportunity to fully immerse yourself in the farm experience. However, if you absolutely need to stay connected, don’t worry - reception is excellent with 5G coverage. So go ahead, upload those perfectly angled photos and share your adventure without a hitch!
Here are 3 things you can do at Bukid Ilaria
1. Find your best nook and glamp with style
If you find solace in a peaceful retreat with a cup of coffee in one hand, a book in the other, and a calming view embraced by a gentle breeze, Bukid Ilaria is your ideal sanctuary. There are countless spots to carve out your perfect reading nook and enjoy a chapter or two. My personal favorite is by the campfire, but you might also choose to read inside the tent, on the platform with a stunning view of the farm, in the top-deck movie theater with your feet dangling over the edge, or, if you don’t suffer from motion sickness, on the two-seater swing large enough to raise both feet and snuggle comfortably. After a day of adventure, soak your cares away in Bukid Ilaria’s two-person tub, crafted from a steel water tank. Imagine soaking while the birds chirp and the leaves rustle—definitely the perfect way to wrap up your day.
2. Set forth on an adventure
Not a fan of just sitting around? No worries, Bukid Ilaria has you covered with ATV and traditional carabao rides, the prime ways to explore the farm. Once you're settled in at the camp, simply ask the staff for a quick lesson on handling the ATV or for a charming carabao tour. The trails are clearly marked, but don’t be surprised if the uneven terrain adds a thrill - consider it your personal adventure course with a stunning view!
3. Revisit childhood memories
A visit to Bukid Ilaria is like stepping back in time, evoking a wave of childhood nostalgia. The occasional wildlife and livestock sounds, the charming bahay kubo, and the relaxed pace of farm life all add to the experience. But what truly takes me back are the playground and classic childhood games. Swings, seesaws, and obstacle courses, that make it feel like a step into the past. It’s the perfect spot to wrap up a team-building event or simply enjoy quality time with family and friends. Kids will especially love this part of the farm, making it a hit for the whole family.
Kuya Mark Specialties
Kuya Mark is one of the farm’s caretakers and manages guest services with flair. Not only does he provide top-notch service, but his warm and accommodating nature, complete with a smile that never fades, makes the experience even more enjoyable. He guided us around, solved any issues, and prep our meals with great care. His single-handed mastery in handling everything truly deserves a round of applause! Kudos to him!
The package includes meals from arrival to departure, featuring a delightful array of snacks, dinner, and breakfast.
Upon checking in around 2 pm, we were greeted with a tempting selection of snacks. We enjoyed Turon, the classic Filipino spring roll stuffed with banana and ripe jackfruit, fried to perfection, and Pancit Bato, a savory noodle dish topped with pork or chicken and assorted vegetables. Oh, I just can’t begin to express my overall fondness for Kuya Mark's turon! Crunchy, aromatic, and filled with creamy goodness from the ripe langka. It strikes a perfect balance between crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. Every bite is a sound of crispy delight!
For dinner, the menu included kinusidong isda, a sour fish stew infused with calamansi juice, and ginataang talbos ng kamoteng kahoy, cassava leaves simmered in rich coconut milk. The meal also featured rilyenong inihaw na mayamaya (stuffed grilled fish), adobong manok, fried chicken, pork shanghai, lumpiang kalabasa, and pineapple for dessert.
My personal favorites are the kinusidong isda and the ginataang talbos. The fish stew features a clear broth, which deviates from the traditional pink hue due to the absence of sweet potato leaves. Rich in umami and deep-sea flavors, it’s accentuated by a zesty calamansi tang that evokes the comforting warmth of Filipino home cooking. The ginataang talbos, creamy and tender, delivers an earthy richness that, when paired with rice, offers a truly satisfying taste.
Also worth a mention is the lumpiang kalabasa. While it’s an interesting take on Filipino cuisine, it didn’t quite hit the mark for me, though it might be a new favorite for others.
The following morning, we enjoyed a classic Filipino agahan (breakfast) featuring daing na isda (dried fish), hotdog, tortang talong (eggplant omelette), and sinangag (garlic fried rice). It was a hearty and flavorful start to the day, bringing together beloved Filipino breakfast staples that perfectly complemented the laid-back ambiance of Bukid Ilaria. It's worth noting that many of the ingredients and dishes we savored were freshly harvested from Bukid Ilaria’s own farm. This farm-to-table freshness is what made each bite burst with flavor and vibrancy.
Pets are welcome
No questions asked! Bukid Ilaria is a pet-friendly accommodation in Castilla that is a haven for wildlife and farm animals with its expansive grounds and natural surroundings. Your fully-vaccinated, potty-trained and well-behaved pets can roam freely and enjoy the wide-open spaces. Just a heads-up: the property doesn’t have a perimeter fence, so keep an eye on your pets to ensure they don’t wander off.
Rates and Bookings
Guests looking to experience the charm of Bukid Ilaria will find the rates both straightforward and inclusive. The standard rate of Php 7, 000 pesos covers a stay for up to 4 people. For those with additional companions, the cost is 800 pesos per extra person, accommodating up to 6 guests in total. This rate includes full access to Bukid Ilaria’s amenities, including both ATV and carabao tours. Additionally, guests can enjoy a variety of meals throughout their visit, with snacks, dinner, and breakfast provided for 5-6 people.
To top it all off, there’s unlimited fresh buko, picked directly from the tree and here’s the best part! I even got to take some buko home with me! Super stoked! Who wouldn’t be excited about bringing a bit of that tropical bliss back with HOME!? If you ask me, "where to stay in Castilla, Sorsogon"? You know the answer by now.
As we turn the final page on our Bukid Ilaria adventure, let’s leave a positive mark by minimizing our footprints. Here’s how:
Don’t Litter – Keep the beauty of Bukid Ilaria pristine by disposing of waste properly.
Take Only Photos, Leave Only Footprints – Enjoy the flowers, but let them stay where they belong. Snap pictures instead!
Practice CLAYGO – Clean as you go to help keep our surroundings tidy and inviting for everyone.
Respect Wildlife – Observe animals from a distance and avoid disturbing their natural habitat.
Use Water Wisely – Conserve water and avoid waste to help maintain the farm’s lush environment. Let’s make sure our adventures leave only the fondest memories and a minimal environmental impact!
Author's bio: "Cliff is a freelance marketer and writer who effortlessly blends creativity with strategy, captivating audiences with compelling stories and innovative campaigns. When not in the digital realm, Cliff draws inspiration from art and creativity."
Photographer’s bio: “Juliet co-owns Lantuag sa Sorsogon, a fan page of mostly about our beloved home province. Now based in Sorsogon, she singlehandedly creates our photos, videos and represents our page during brand launchings.
Blog owner's bio: "Rona co-owns Lantuag sa Sorsogon with her sister Juliet. Now based in Manila with her dog Ollie, she supervises the overall content strategy and brand partnerships of this blog and Lantuag sa Sorsogon."
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