Albay is one of the six provinces in the Bicol Region situated about 460 kilometers south of Manila. The province takes pride of its diverse natural attractions, delectable cuisine and fine handicrafts. Aside from Mayon Volcano, its crown jewel, Albay has many great sights and activities to offer.
1. Get Up Close with Mayon Volcano
A visit to Albay is not complete without the proverbial moments with the magnificent Mayon Volcano. Hiking up to the crater is a popular activity among outdoor enthusiasts and is usually conducted by registered local guides (for a hefty price). If trekking is not an option, drive along the scenic road towards Mayon Skyline also known as Mayon Rest House. It is the closest you can get to this alluring volcano.
For the photo junkies, head to Barangay Busay in Cagsawa for the classic shot of Cagsawa Church Ruins and Mt. Mayon. Embarcadero in Legaspi City offers a stunning view of the volcano and a glowing cityscape at night. For a more rustic scenery, explore the surrounding towns at the foothills of Mt. Mayon and delight yourself with the boundless photographic opportunities.
2. Cool Down at the Waterfalls
If you fancy nature tripping, check out the province’s lovely cascades and bask in its rural countryside charm. Swim in the refreshing water of Vera Falls or cool down in the splendid cascades of Palale Falls in the quaint barrio of Malinao. For the adventurous, hike up Busay Falls and explore the seven falls tucked within the verdant forest of Malilipot. The natural springs flowing from Bugsucan Falls is another alternative for a day trip picnic while in Tiwi Albay. Alternatively, head to Mataginting Falls in Jovellar for an off-the beaten path adventure.
Vera Falls
3. Feast on the Local Cuisine
Sample the fiery Bicol Express from the local eatery and have a takeaway of the famous Pinangat of Camalig. Try the cheap and tasty snacks sold on the streets like the sinapot, ginamsan, balisongsong, dila-dila, puto sa abab or if you are feeling a bit adventurous, savour a bowl of pancit rinuguan, a noodle dish simmered in meat broth, spices, and stew of cubed pork, tripe, various innards and pork’s blood.
Top: Pancit Rinuguan and Sinapot, Bottom: Balisongsong and Puto sa Abab
4. Bury Your Feet in the Volcanic Black Sand Beaches
No need to fly to the island of Santorini or across the Pacific to the islands of Hawaii to experience the rare beauty of the best black sand beaches in the world. The province of Albay, because of its volcanic origin, is home to the most unusual jet-black sandy beaches in the country.
Head to Sogod Beach in the rural town of Bacacay and enjoy the lengthy coastline of mostly black volcanic sand or take the scenic drive to Tiwi and end your road trip with a refreshing dip in the black sand beaches of Joroan .
Credit: Senakams
5. Shop for Native Products and Pasalubong
For the shopaholics, head to the local market for a wide choice of great value native products, pili nut candies and other sweets. Take home some dried fish, pancit (fresh egg noodles) and fresh alamang (small shrimp) which is the distinct ingredient in an authentic Bicol Express.
The Satellite Market near the Central Bus Terminal in Legaspi has clusters of shops selling all manner of take home goods and native handicrafts from the finest abaca products like bags, wallets, footwear, colourful home decorations as well as cutlery and pottery. There are also a few souvenir shops in Cagsawa Ruins, Albay Pasalubong Center in Albay Astrodome compound and in every town center. Make sure to haggle or better yet buy in bulk to get the best deal.
6. Explore the Caves
Feel the gentle breeze that blows through the numerous openings of Hoyop-Hoyopan Cave in Camalig and marvel at the interesting rock formations and the small bats that inhabit it. For some serious spelunking, pack your gear and head to the nearby Calabidongan Cave also located in Camalig. A bit of trekking, some river crossings and swimming across a seven-foot lagoon will lead you to its spacious and imposing cathedral. The grotto-like Del Rosario Cave in Jovellar and the seaside cavern of Minaroso Cave in Rapu-Rapu Albay both offer remote and unexplored spot.
Hoyop-Hoyopan Cave
7. Hike up Lignon Hill
Climb up Lignon Hill early in the morning before the day gets too hot and the clouds roll in to hide Mayon’s tip. Alternatively, visit late in the afternoon to catch the sunset and the sparkling night lights and enjoy the 360 degree panoramic view of the city. You can also try the exciting activities on offer here like zip lining, rappelling, paintball and airsoft as well as adventure sports like ATV riding (Four-Wheel-All Terrrain Vehicle) and biking on dried up gullies at the foot of Mayon.
8. Explore the Wild Off-Shore Islands of Albay
For the seasoned travellers who prefer to explore the unspoilt and dramatic part of the country, check out four of the Philippines’ wild islands off the Pacific shore of Albay. San Miguel Island, Batan Island, Rapu-Rapu Island and Cagraray Island all offer pristine waters, powdery beaches, and a bucolic atmosphere perfect to get away from it all. Except for Cagraray Island where the luxurious Misibis Bay Resort is located, there are no hotels available on the islands. If you want to stay overnight, you can either camp or ask the locals if anyone can put you up for the night for a small fee.
9. Dive
Check out the remains of a seventeenth-century Spanish galleon three kilometers off the coast of Buhatan Beach. The galleon was one of the Spanish trading ships that sailed between Manila and Acapulco (now Mexico) and is now home to colourful corals, clams, fans as well as tropical fish, one or two sea snakes and nudibranchs. You can also dive at San Miguel Marine Reserve, one of the top 5 dive sites in Bicol Region and awarded as the 2nd Best Managed Reef in 2001 by PhilReefs.
10. Visit Century-Old Churches
If you’re a culture and architecture junkie, delight yourself with the province’s century-old religious structures and their rich history. Old churches are present in almost every town and municipality. Although many of them had been altered and renovated, some are still worth visiting. Drop by at San Juan Bautista Church in Tabaco City, one of the two churches in the region declared as National Cultural Treasure by the National Museum. It was first built in 1616 while the present church was completed in 1879. San Juan Bautista church has an impressive belfry and the stones used to build the church bear the unique markings of the Masons.
Tabaco Church
Pay a visit to Daraga Church (Our Lady of the Gate), another cultural treasure highly regarded for its indigenous Baroque architecture, richly decorated façade and intricate images carved out from volcanic stones. This massive structure is perched majestically on a hill overlooking Mayon Volcano. And don’t forget to check out Camalig Church (Church of St. John the Baptist), one of the province’s strongest, most massive and best-preserved churches. Marvel at the ingenuity of the skillful stonecutters who built this church from solid blocks of lava rock.
Daraga Church
I’d probably do #10 first, knowing me. Haha! But #s 6 and 8 are interesting too.
Now I want to head back to Bicol for all the things I missed doing. But pls……no trekking for me.
What a wonderfully exciting place to visit. You two are making such great memories, keep enjoying your world!! I tweeted this
http://jpweddingphotograpy.blogspot.com/2011/08/photographing-love-for-magnificent.html
I’ve only done #1, #7 and #10. There’s really a lot to do in Albay, too bad I just spent a day in this lovely province… hopefully I could comeback soon! Thanks for sharing this Claire!
Wow Claire, there is so much to do there! Love how you have explained everything..it really wet my appetite
Ps. Love the zipline in the evening!
whew… seems like there are lots of attractions but getting close to volcano
no way .Better i would like to visit the caves and the old church.Nice share Claire .
great list! i haven’t been to the heart of bicolandia. (shameful, i know.) but it’s now on my list. and will definitely try to do everything from this round-up. safe travels!
ive been longing to exsplore rapu rapu island and my goal to trek to mt mayon’s summit is still pending. maybe on a weekend where there’s no expected typhoon. fingers crossed.
the cave is nice.
the idea of burying one’s feet on that volcanic sand looks good.
You may also try to drop by the Orgullo Kan Bikol showroom, home of Bicol’s finest and best products. We’re at the ground floor of the SEDCen Bldg. Landco Business Park, Legazpi City.
Oh how I would love to visit this exquisite spot! Your photos are beautiful and bring Albay to life. Between the food, shopping and viewing the waterfall, I’d be in heaven!
what a beautiful place..thanks for sharing
Hi, Claire! Once we visit Albay, we’ll definitely visit local cuisines, and probably visit, hoyop-hoyopan cave! Tnx for the great ideas and well captured photos! =)
nakakainis ka claire!!!
ang dami ko na-miss sa pagpunta sa mayon =P
same here, di ko alam yang hoyop-hoyopan. sayang!
Thanks for the very comprehensive lists! So many things to do pala!
I’ll go for no. 7 :p *nakakapagod na activities
All the more I want to go to Bicol now!
excited to do number 3 and to photograph Mount Mayon:-D Yon lang ang nasa itinerary namin, kumain at magpicture:-D
I want to go to there! And yes, that’s intentionally bad English :-p
You paint such a wonderful and fascinating picture. I daresay I need to spend a *lot* of time in the Philippines when I do go.
Hi Claire! My friends and i are planning to go to San Miguel island but unfortunately we don’t have a complete directions from going there. Anyway we’re also bikolanos (and most of my friends are from Ligao too:D) and i know its a shame for not knowing that place. We could really used your help or even suggest some beach/island where we can stay overnight either camping/resort. Thanks in advance! By the way i enjoy reading your blog. More power!
The most accessible island is Cagraray, you don’t have to check in at Misibis Resort. You can go to the barrios of Sula and other parts of Misibis and find your own spot for beach camping. It can be reached in two hours via Tabaco but it’s closer via Legaspi. You can rent a boat from San Antonio in Cagraray to reach San Miguel Island.
ito yung na postpone na trip ko this year.
okay pa rin kasi napadpad naman ako sa Palaui island with fellow PTB
thanks for this claire! bookmark ko toh para pag matuloy ako next year, babasahin ko toh uli.
Out of all the gorgeous pictures you posted, i was most attracted to the food pics! haha i am a total foodie and now i want to travel all the way to albay just to try out their delicacies! great post, as always
I love your list!
the black sand was something that i missed when i first backpacked in bicol on my 21st bday. i saw the coastline and the black sand, i ignored it and walked away!
tsk tsk tsk sorry tanga lang!
*your aerial shot is breathtaking!!!
I can’t blame you , we’re more drawn to white sand beaches.
No, 1 is a must! Albay experience won’t be complete without getting close to the Mayon Volcano. I’ll would like to try no.2, 6 and 7 if I had my first time visit to Albay… how I wish!
Ganda ng mga Church…
Idol talaga yung pic ng vera falls..:)
Ahh, beautiful pictures the usual. I love the aerial view of Mayon.
Hanap ko yung Cagsawa Church kasi I’ve gone to that place in high school. I remember I can still see the majestic Mayon while standing by the church ruins. I wonder how it’s been now.:-)
just perfect for my trip this 21st. thanks claire! how i wish i can see mayon when im there.
Will be going there on the 18th and I will be making this entry as my reference. Thanks for sharing po..
Hi Ms. Claire! Can you help me how to tour legaspi in 3days? Will be flying to legaspi on Sunday, Jan. 22 up to Jan. 24. Kindly help. Thanks! Would you advice me to take a tour? or just to take a hop on, hop off trip (commute)? thanks! with the 10 must do in albay, how can i get from i place to another?
You can see many places in one day if you rent a van/jeepney etc. If you have extra budget you can do a day trip to Misibis Bay. On another day, you may go to Busay Falls or Vera Falls, Mayon Rest House, Hoyop-Hoyopan Cave and Cagsawa Ruins. Rent a car from Legaspi then go to Tabaco to reach Busay Falls then Vera Falls then Mayon Rest House and exit through Ligao City and drop by at Hoyop_hoyopan cave in Camalig. Most drivers know the route. Just tell the driver where you want to go. In Legaspi you may check out Embarcadero at night, eat anytime at Small Talk and visit the Satellite Market for native products. You may also visit the church in Daraga. It really depends on how you like do it. These are some of the things you can do in legaspi
Thanks a lot for the help. I hope we can visit all in the list. Thanks! will post some pics.
hi claire, i’ve read from one of your blogs that you are a bicolana, where is your exact location in Bicol? I’m from Albay, i was happy reading your blog about my hometown. hope next time you could also visit manito, albay where there was a boiling water like that of tiwi. hope u could feature it too coz were planning to visit it also. hoping to read more about bicol from you… tenx and keep up the good blogging job!
Hi Sherine,I’ve been to Manito and many places in Albay back then when I wasn’t blogging yet. But I’m not done yet with my posts about Bicol Region, I just need to find the time to blog again. (I’m from Ligao
)
Hi ms. Claire, my husband and i are planning to go to naga city via bicol express train from manila, we don’t know anything about the place b’coz it will be our first! Can you please help us find a good and cozy place to stay with an affordable room rate! Thanks..
You may check these budget hotels in Naga http://www.lakwatseradeprimera.com/naga-city-hotels-cheap-places-to-stay/
hi claire,
me, my husband (who is from bacacay albay) and 3 kids were going to bicol this april. would love to ask you for some ideas to enjoy our 3 days and 2 nights stay in legazpi since our kids were still young ages 6 and below. won’t be fun if we take them trekking or such. please need some suggestion to make it worthwhile staying there such as visiting falls not too far to reach… thanks in advance.
It’s easy to check out the sights if you have your own car or you can probably rent a van. You can go to the usual places if you haven’t visited them yet. You can start with Busay Falls in Tabaco (just 5 minute walk from the parking area), then go to Mayon Rest House for lunch. Then go to Camalig to visit Hoyop-Hoyopan Cave via Ligao, then drop by at Cagsawa Ruins on your way back to Legaspi. You may try Small Talk Cafe or have dinner at Embarcadero. On the next days, you can either go to Tiwi Hot springs, visit the church there or head out to Donsol, Sorsogon for whale shark interaction. If you have extra budget try the Misibis Resort for some pampering and relaxing getaway.
claire, thanks… this is very informative… we really appreciate your help.
I had fun reading your blog. I’m from Daraga, Albay and currently working here in Manila. It has been six years since I left my home town for work. I really miss staying in Albay for very long time.
My friends are planning to visit our place so reading your blog helped me a lot on what to do’s and maximize our time enjoying the place. Oh, I can’t wait to show them! Thanks for sharing your experience. Kudos! :p
Hi Claire! I really enjoyed reading your blogs, they are very helpful, informative and inspiring. I also love to travel and I’m very thankful I chanced upon your site. Just would like to ask what activities can we do alongside visiting Mt. Mayon if we plan to visit the place just for a day and then head back to manila during the night. How do we get to Mayon from the bus terminal? Should we rent a vehicle for the day tour? usually how much is the rent for this? Thanks and God speed on your future trips!
You can rent a van or jeepney but i’m not sure about the current rates. It’s probably around P2000. You may visit Mayon Resthouse, drop by at Vera Falls and go via Sabloyon Road and drop by at Hoyop-Hoyopan Cave and on your way back to Legaspi, drop by at Cagsawa Ruins.
hi ms. claire! ask ko lng anong magandang itinerary for half day legaspi? from early morning to before lunch? thanks =>
hmmm, half day, I guess have a quick visit to Cagsawa Ruins, then drop by at Daraga Church (for the view as well) on your way back, then go to the satellite market to buy pasalubong and have lunch at Small Talk Cafe.
ms.claire tnx for this nice blog. its shameful the fact that im also from albay but i wasn’t able to explore our place yet.. definitely pag uwi ko iikutin ko ang albay.. now i know from ur blog all the possible route its a great help for me.. tnx alot
Hi Claire,
i am very glad that i found your blog here… how about in renting a car any recommendation please?
Hi Jed, the last time we rented a private van to Donsol, we just went to the bus terminal at Satellite Market and negotiated with the driver.
Hi Claire,
You got tons of info on your website and thanks for sharing.
We are planning to visit Legaspi, Albay in early May, any recommended accommodation? We are a group of 16 of various ages.
Thanks for the help.
Eliab
Hi Ellab, what’s your budget for the accommodation? There are cheap ones and expensive ones depending on the kind of accommodation you are looking for.
hi claire. i enjoy your blog.
))
for a 1day tour in Legazpi, what could be the best places to go?
we are also planning to go camsur water sports complex, but will not stay there for long.. can we do it in 1day with some leagzpi side tour?
thanks to reply
Btw, how far is misibis from legazpi city?
Hi Bem, if you have your own private transport, you can easily visit Cagsawa Ruins, Mayon Rest House, Hoyop-Hoyopan Cave and Daraga Church in one day and buy pasalubong at the Satellite Market.