Bicol is the largest island in the Philippine archipelago. It is the home of the iconic “perfect cone” volcano – Bulkang Mayon. It also offers seemingly endless beaches, lush greeneries, fascinating historical attractions, diverse cultures, and popular dishes. It was known as “Ibalong” before the Spanish colonization.
Our Bicol trip was a ‘not-so-much’ planned trip, I just asked our mom and sisters that we spend our Holy Week in Bicol. So, 3 days prior to the trip, we discussed whether to have it Do-It-Yourself or just avail a tour which is readily offered on the Internet. And since we will be touring around with our mom, we decided to find the best deal for the Bicol Trip for convenience.
We found a 3D2N ALL-IN joiner trip with 3,999 PHP for each person. (Click here: Bicol Travel and Tours)
WHERE TO GO?
Cagsawa Ruins
This historical landmark gives you a perfect view of how majestic the Mayon Volcano is. Seeing the Mayon Volcano, although a shy one, is definitely astounding.
After taking some photos in the ruins, we headed to the ATV Adventure experience. Honestly, trying the ATV Adventure scared me a little, but you know, if it scares you, it might be worth a try.
Here are the rates for the ATV Adventure:
- Level 1 is an hour’s experience at PHP699.
- Level 2 is about 2-3 hour ATV ride going to the Lava trail. It is PHP1,800.
- Level 3 is available at PHP 3,000. It is the most difficult trail.
During our visit, Mt. Mayon recently had a quiet eruption, level 2 and 3 is not available.
Sumlang Lake
Found in Sumlang, Camalig, this lake is a top tourist attraction in Albay, it is where you will see the majestic Mayon Volcano on a clear day.
Sumlang Lake fees:
- Balsa Tour – Php 25.00 per head
- Kayaking – Php50.00 per head for 30 minutes
- Aqua Biking – Php 50.00 per head for 30 minutes
- Floating Cottage – Php300 for 1 hour
- Entrance fee – Php10.00 per head
- Parking Lot fees – Php20.00 for vehicles / Php10.00 for motorcycle
Lignon Hills Nature Park
Another place that offers sights of the Mayon Volcano and activities for all types of visitors. This is 156 meters high and one of Legazpi’s most famous landmarks. Unfortunately, when we arrived there, the volcano was still shy.
Lignon Hills activities:
- Zipline off Season Rates (with hard copy picture): Php 250 Basic; Php 350 Advance – superman
- Rappelling (150 feet): Php 200 off-season; Php 250 peak season
Quick Albay stops: Quituinday Hills View, Solong Eco Park, Daraga Church, Legazpi City Boulevard and Solong Cave
Lola Sayong Eco Surf Camp
Found in Gubat, Sorsogon is a community-based eco-tourism beach. The breeze here is so refreshing and the view so reinvigorating. You can try surfing here and a perfect place to recharge your soul.
They have a coffee shop and a restaurant which serves great food.
Bayugin Falls and Barcelona Church and Ruins
Other places in Sorsogon to visit:
- Paguriran Falls
- Lake Bulusan
- Irosin Hot Springs
- Subic Beach
- Tiklig Island, Matnog
Camarines Sur Water and Sports Complex
A 6-hectare complex found in Pili, Camarines Sur. The CamSur Watersports Complex is the first world-class water sports complex in the Philippines and in Asia. CWC aims to bring cable skiing to a whole new level and attract watersports enthusiasts from all over the world with its top-of-the-line facilities and relaxing environment.
There are a lot of activities to do here like inflatables, wakeboarding and wake skating. Me and my sisters tried wakeboarding, it was fun and exciting, especially since we tried it all for the first time, it is a great place to learn how to wakeboard.
Naga Metropolitan Cathedral also known as the Metropolitan Cathedral of Saint John the Evangelist.
Other places in CamSur to visit:
- Caramoan
- Pebble Beach, Bagolatao
- Mt Isarog National Park (Malabsay Falls)
Although a short time to visit 3 provinces for 3 days, I’m happy to have an opportunity to travel in a low budget with family and actually witness the things I only see in books. It is a little bit off the beaten track, but I can assure you there is no way you will regret visiting Bicol province.