Hi There !
You don't know where to go when you're on vacation?
Perhaps you're an Adventurer?
Try the Philippines' BICOL REGION!
Did you know that...
The “Bicolanos are described by the Spanish as the friendliest race in the Philippines, gentle, temperate and religious. But the Bicolanos fiercely resisted the first attempts to subdue them in 1573.
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| Bicolano Tribe |
Tourist Spots:
The PROVINCE OF ALBAY which is strategically located in the center of the region.
Down below are the tourist spots you can see in Albay.
Mayon Volcano
Is the most active volcano in the Philippines, and it still makes it at the top provinces to visit because of its perfect cone shape that can’t be seen in other countries but here in the Philippines only.
Is the most active volcano in the Philippines, and it still makes it at the top provinces to visit because of its perfect cone shape that can’t be seen in other countries but here in the Philippines only.
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| Mayon Volcano |
Cagsawa Ruins
Serves as a memorial to the townspeople of Cagsawa who perished during the eruption of the Mayon Volcano on February 1, 1814.
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| Cagsawa Ruins |
You can see within the park are kiosks selling souvenirs, from woodcraft to potteries and indigenous wear to local delicacies. Nearby, there are restaurants and eateries, ice cream and halo-halo parlors, and even a resort with a swimming pool.
Going to Cagsawa Ruins where the Mayon Volcano is also located, you need to:
Ride a jeepney heading to Daraga marked with any of the following: Malabog, Guinobatan, Camalig. Tell the driver to let you off at Cagsawa Ruins.
But If you’re bringing your own transport, just drive west of Legazpi City and follow the road markings that will lead you to the park.
Ligñon Hill Nature Park
Is a long and winding road that leads up to a circular viewing deck constructed on top of a hill in Legazpi City. Ligñon Hill provides a vantage view of scenic Legazpi City, Albay Gulf, and Mayon Volcano.
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| Ligñon Hill Nature Park |
Its operating hours are between 8 a.m.-11 p.m. Joggers are free of charge from 5 a.m.-9 a.m.Entrance fees: P10 (educational tour participants), P20 (non-Albay residents and foreigners)
What you can do throughout the park:
While taking pictures or viewing the place, tourists and visitors can eat snacks, buy local products, or view art and photo exhibits by local artists near the area.
Going to Ligñon Hill Nature Park, you need to:
From the Legazpi City Airport: Turn right to Magayon Drive (you will pass through a private subdivision) and then turn left at the junction with Bogtong Road. Continue until you reach the tennis courts, just before the gate to the Albay Wildlife Park. You may start your trek up the hill at the entrance (near the tennis courts). You can also drive your vehicle up the hill.
From Legazpi Port: A Legazpi-Daraga Loop 1 jeepney will take you directly to the foot of the hill.
From Daraga: Take a tricycle from the centro to Tagas and ask the drive to drop you off at the tennis courts.
Vera Falls
A delightful curtain of falling water called Vera Falls. It is set amidst a backdrop of diverse flora and fauna within the richly forested Mt. Malinao. The cascades of water located at the bottom of a ravine in Barangay Bulang drop 25 meters into a crystal clear blue lagoon.
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| Vera Falls |
What you can do throughout the falls:
You can dive in the crystal clear blue lagoon and experience the falling water from Mt. Malonao.
Going to Vera Falls, you need to:
From Legazpi City: Drive to Tabaco City, turn left after the church, and continue on towards Barangay Comun when you reach the Malinao Rehabilitation Center in Barangay Quinastillohan.
From Ligao, drive along Sabluyon road until you reach Malinao Rehabilitation Center in Barangay Quinastillohan and proceed towards Barangay Comun.
Enter the Comun road, turn left and continue driving past the bridge, eroded parts, and some rough portions until you reach a basketball court. Turn left here and proceed up to the wide parking lot, after which you will continue on foot to Vera Falls.
The falls are about 8 kilometers from Tabaco City, an hour and a half drive from Legazpi City and about 45 minutes’ drive from Ligao City via Sabloyon Road.
Danao Lake
Is located 500 meters above sea level and about 20 kilometers away from the town center. It is surrounded by lush and verdant vegetation where animals graze freely, usually when rice-planting season is over.
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| Danao Lake |
The world’s smallest commercially available fish (Pandaca Pygmea) makes this mountaintop lake in Barangay Danao, Polangui its home. The rare tabios or sinarapan, which is one of Bicol’s indigenous delicacies, is usually cooked wrapped in banana leaves and steamed or in coconut milk. Anglers as big as eels as well as other kinds of fresh water species can also be found here.
What you can do in Danao Lake, ask the local townspeople if you can go fishing or swim by the lake.
Going to Danao lake, you need to:
The town of Polangui, where Danao Lake is situated, is around 40 kilometers from the Albay capital of Legazpi City. Vans bound for Polangui park at the Legazpi Grand Central Terminal. There are also jeepneys that ply the Legazpi to Polangui route.
Located at barangay Danao, Polangui, Albay with a land elevation of about 500 meters above sea level and with a distance of about 20 km. from the town.
Lake Danao is still about 20 kilometers from the town of Polangui and involves a 30-minute hike through carabao trails and abaca plantations. It is best visited with a local guide in tow.
Cagraray EcoPark
A nature camp on Cagraray Island, which is connected to mainland Albay by the Sula Bridge.
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| Cagraray Eco Park |
What you can do throughout the park:
It offers adventure activities such as wall climbing and zipline rides. A signature spot within the park is the amphitheater, which is built just near the entrance to the park. Other noteworthy structures are the chapel, hanging bridge, and solar-powered lampposts.
Going to Cagraray EcoPark, you need to:
Take the Tabaco-Tiwi Road from Legazpi City. Take the turn-off to San Isidro Road and continue on towards Sto. Domingo Church. Turn right after the Sto. Domingo Municipal Hall, and then turn left. You know you’re in the right track if you pass by the barangays of Calayucay, Salvacion and Buhatan and reach Sula Bridge.
You can also reach the Eco-Energy Park via the motorized boat that makes a regular trip (one a half hour) from the port of Legazpi City.
Language/Dialect
Filipino is the official dialect although the English language is widely used especially in schools and in business transactions.Bicol is the official dialect for the people living in Bicol.
Communication
National and international direct dial services, mobile telephone network facilities, network systems for e-mail and internet services, express postal delivery and courier services are readily available.
Transportation
Air TransportBy air, Legazpi City is 45 minutes away from Manila via the nation’s flag carrier, Philippine Airlines.
Land Transport
By land, aircon tourist bus companies ply the Manila-Legazpi route daily with an average travel time of nine hours. The average travel time by train is sixteen hours via the Philippine National Railway, the country’s sole rail transport service.
Sea Transport
Several shipping lines have regular trips to and from Catanduanes through the Tabaco Port. Travel time from Visayas and Mindanao pass through the port of Matnog in Sorsogon.
Getting Around Albay
Buses and jeepneys are generally the modes of transportation in getting around Albay’s destinations. Pedicabs and tricycles are also available for short distance travels. Taxis and rent-a-car services are also available.Hotels
Embarcadero Hotel
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| Inside Embarcadero Hotel Room |
3F Embarcadero de Legazpi | Port Area, Legazpi, Luzon 4500, Philippines (Formerly Ellis Ecotel)
#26 of 32 Legazpi B&B and Inns
“Best budgeted Hotel.” - travelers
La Piazza Hotel & Convention Center
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| Inside La Piazza Hotel Room |
Imelda Roces Avenue, Legazpi, Luzon 4500, Philippines
#2 of 12 hotels in Legazpi
“Affordable.” - travelers
Tyche Boutique Hotel
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| Inside Tyche Boutique Hotel Room |
Gov. Forbes St. cor-ner Rizal St. | Baybay (in front of PNB), Legazpi, Luzon 4500, Philippines
#6 of 32 Legazpi B&B and Inns
“Kind staff and restful sleep.” - traveler
Do’s and Don’ts
The Internet doesn’t show any do’s and don’ts of Albay but let’s start with the common do’s and don’ts in travelling:1. At the hotel: Ask about environmental policies and practices. Talk with staff about working conditions. Does the hotel support community projects?
2. Language: Learn a few words of the local language and use them.
3. Dress: Read up on local conventions and dress appropriately. In many countries, modest dress is important.
4. Behavior: Be respectful of local citizens’ privacy. Ask permission before entering sacred places, homes, or private land.
5. Photos: Be sensitive to when and where you take photos/video of people. Always ask first.
6. Environment: Respect the natural environment. Never touch or harass animals. Always follow designated trails. Support conservation by paying entrance fees to parks and protected sites.
7. Animal products: Never buy crafts or products made from protected or endangered animals.
8. Pay the fair price: Don’t engage in overly aggressive bargaining for souvenirs. Don’t short-change on tips for services.
9. Buy local: Choose locally-owned lodges, hotels, and B&Bs. Use local buses, car rental agencies, and airlines. Eat in local restaurants, shop in local markets, and attend local festivals/events.
10. Hire local guides: Enrich your experience and support the local economy. Ask guides if they are licensed and live locally. Are they recommended by tour operators?
Cultural Background
To know how do Bicolanos dress, taste, feel, work here is the cultural background of Bicol. The Bicolano cuisine is primarily noted for the prominent use of chili peppers and gata (coconut milk) in its food. A classic example is the gulay na lada, known outside the region as Bicol Express, a well-loved dish using siling labuyo (native small chillies) and the aforementioned gata. |
| Laing |
Bicolanos are also known for being very religious, the place is known for Senora De Penafrancia. Bicolanos are often sweet, regionalistic, friendly, adventurous, puts high importance on education and social status. Contrary to what is believed, not all Bicolanos are fond of chili. Men often know how to cook.
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| Bicol Express |
Catholicism was first introduced to the Bikolanos in 1569. The coming of the Franciscans in 1578 started a systematic and sustained process of Catholic conversion.
In 1572, Juan de Salcedo, in search of gold, penetrated the Bicol Peninsula from the north and made it as far south as Libon, establishing the very first settlement called Santiago de Libon. In 1574 the Spanish adventurers in Bikol returned to Manila with over 4,000 ounces of gold. They believed they have found the land of “El Dorado.”
In April 3, 1574 the place called “Baybayon” became an encomienda assigned by Philippine Governor General Guido de Lavesares to Juan Guerra. This place would later be called ““Baybay”, then “Al Baybay” and later shortened to “Albay.”
Tourist Attraction
Putsan Tiwi Ceramics
Brgy. Putsan, Tiwi, 4513, Albay.
Visit Barangay Putsan, the cradle of pottery of Tiwi. The land is abundant in red clay which is used to make stoneware potteries finished in terra cotta or glazed. Choose from an assortment of souvenirs like sturdy plant pots, cooking pots and beautiful home decors like chimes, candle holders, tea light vases and decorative jars. A tea light vase sells for as low as php15 a piece. Or swing by the ceramics warehouse and factory to see how the pots are made.Buying here is a good way to support the local enterprise.
Brgy. Putsan is about 4 km from Tiwi, Poblacion and is accessible by tricycle.
Small Talk Cafe
051 Dona Aurora St., 4500 Legazpi City
Is a local favorite for Bicol-fusion cooking with dishes such as Pinangati Aing pasta and pizza as well as the Bicol express pasta, made more appetizing with pork, chili, garlic and alamang. Try Fiery Mayon stuffed pizza stuffed with laing. Bicol express and Guinobatan Longganisa- the ultimate blending of all – albay delicacies and concoction. For the sweet tooth, sample their Pilipie and the new Red Hot Lava, ice cream topped with sweet hot sauces and boulders of “bukayo” (candied coconut) and pili. Catch the spice as you enjoy every spoonful of it. It's hot and cold melt-in-your mouth experience.
Balay Cela Una
F. Lotivio St. Bgy. Bagumbayan, Daraga, Albay
Restaurant Hours:
Mon.-Sat.: 10am – 10pm
Sun.: 11:30am – 9pm
Buffet:
Sun.: 11:30am – 2:30pm
Step into Balay Cela Una, a beautifully restored Spanish ancestral home that houses celebrated traditional flavors. Among the favorites are refreshing Wild Fern salad, followed by a serving of Butterflied King Prawns in Tilmok Sauce served over the Pinangat inspired Pasta cela una. Finish up with a cup of tinutungang kape (Rice Coffee) and a classic crème caramel (leche flan). Other bestsellers are bruschetta, Tom Yum Goong, Beef pepper steak or Pork Medallion in three pepper sauce, and English Vanilla Cheesecake.
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