There’s more to Albay than Sili Ice Cream, Sili Fruit Shakes, Bicol Express, Pinangat and the famous Mayon Volcano. Exploring towns such as Legazpi, Camalig, Daraga and Bacacay can bring an entirely different, extensive, historical and memorable Albay experience.
Here are 10 sites you probably haven’t been to (nor heard of), but definitely have to see and experience when you’re in the Bicol Region.
- HOYOP-HOYOPAN CAVE
Shot with Sony A7RII | FE 24-70MM F2.8 by Taryn Navarro
Feel the breeze as this cave is known for its cool air that passes freely in and out from multiple entry and exit points.
Shot with Sony A7RII | FE 24-70MM F2.8 by Taryn Navarro
- QUITINDAY HILLS
Shot with Sony RX100V | by Lucky Alabado
Break free from Legazpi City and go for an hour drive to Camalig, Albay where you’ll take a quick hike to witness the lush green rolling Quitinday hills that resembles that of Bohol’s Chocolate Hills.
- SUMLANG LAKE
Shot with Sony A7RII | FE 24-70MM F2.8 by Taryn Navarro
One of the best places to admire the beauty that is Mt. Mayon while cruising on bamboo rafts with a cone of sorbetes. The life? The life.
- LINGON HILL VIEW DECK
Shot with Sony RX100V | by Lucky Alabado
Taken from the word “Lingon” which means to look sideways. This area is the prime location to watch for sunrises and sunsets as it gives you an entire 360 view of Legazpi City. So, pray for the perfect weather and a clear sunny sky to get those perfect shots!
- JAPANESE TUNNEL
Shot with Sony A7RII | FE 24-70MM F2.8 by Taryn Navarro
What better way to fully embrace a destination’s roots than experiencing a part of history that molded its being. This tunnel was where the Japanese soldiers hid themselves and their weaponry against the Filipino-American forces.
Shot with Sony A7RII | FE 24-70MM F2.8 by Taryn Navarro
- CAGSAWA RUINS
Shot with Sony A7RII | FE 24-70MM F2.8 by Taryn Navarro
Ah yes, one of the most iconic stops of Albay. The Cagsawa Ruins are the remains of a 17th century church built by the Franciscans (read more about it here: http://wowlegazpi.com/cagsawa-ruins/). This location is also one of the best places to see Mt. Mayon in its full glory (given the clouds don’t come in the way)
- DARAGA CHURCH
Shot with Sony A7RII | FE 24-70MM F2.8 by Taryn Navarro
Pause and say a prayer. Daraga Church or Nuestra Señora de la Porteria Parish Church (also Our Lady of the Gate Parish Church) is a Roman Catholic Church found in the municipality of Daraga, Albay, Philippines. The church was built by the Franciscans in the year 1772.
- MAYON SKYLINE
Shot with Sony A7RII | FE 24-70MM F2.8 by Taryn Navarro
You’ll see Mt. Mayon in almost every angle when you’re in Albay, but one of the best places to just stop and admire this beauty is at the Mayon Skyline. Not to mention the cool breeze that comes along with it when you’re here! This view deck is located in Tabaco City and gives you a panoramic view of the Pacific Ocean, foot to top view of Mt. Mayon, and a chance to perfectly photograph the equally mesmerizing Mt. Masaraga and Mt. Malinao.
- CASA SIMEON
Shot with Sony RX100V | by Lucky Alabado
Shot with Sony A7RII | FE 24-70MM F2.8 by Taryn Navarro
We love it when a rich part of history has been preserved and maintained after all these years. Casa Simeon is the perfect example and the perfect stop to get a feel of life years back. The Alparce ancestral home in Bacacay, Albay was built in the 1920s. It’s about 98 years old to date! (It’s 2018). This house has been a landmark in Bacacay for generations due to the rich history it brings. As a tribute to Simeon Alparce, his wife Beatrice, his children, his grandchildren, and his great grandchildren, the home he made lovingly is now CASA SIMEON.
Shot with Sony A7RII | FE 24-70MM F2.8 by Taryn Navarro
It’s available to the public to dine where heirloom recipes are revived and where contemporary palates take their inspiration from (Gambas is a must try!). Step into the library/museum and enjoy the array of books and heirloom pieces. Sleep in spacious guest rooms complete with modern conveniences and hotel-grade amenities.
Shot with Sony A7RII | FE 24-70MM F2.8 by Taryn Navarro
Unwind at the veranda with Mayon Volcano seemingly at your side (our favorite area!).
Know more about Casa Simeon here: https://www.casasimeon.com/
- MANAET ISLAND
Shot with Sony A7RII | FE 24-70MM F2.8 by Taryn Navarro
A lesser known, but beautiful island in Bacacay. This is part of the Bacacay Island hopping packages offered in the province.
Shot with Sony RX100V | by Lucky Alabado
Shot with Sony RX100V | by Lucky Alabado
There you have it! 10 sites to see. 10 entirely new and different experiences. So, off to Albay soon? Share your experience to us on our social media channels via @discovermnl!
WATCH OUR DISCOVER ALBAY TRAVEL FILM:
For your tour and activity needs for Albay, check out AsiaTravel.com (Philippines) and Donsol Eco Tours for the authentic Albay experience.
Shot with Sony A7RII | FE 24-70MM F2.8 by Taryn Navarro
What we brought to our Albay adventure:
Durable luggage from Delsey Philippines | #DelseyPH
On-the-go backpack from Outdoor Products Philippines | #EverydayWeekend
Adventure clothes and accessories from Grind Philippines (shirt, shorts and shades) | #GrindPhilippines
Cameras from Sony Philippines, RX100 V and Sony A7rii with 24-70MM lens. | #SonyPH #SonyxDiscoverMNL
Shot with Sony Rx100V | by Lucky Alabado
Special thanks to our Official Airline Partner:
- Check flights going to Legazpi via Cebu Pacific here:
Lens and Camera Partner: SONY PHILIPPINES | Check out #SonyPH and #SonyxDiscoverMNL for more photos!
Major Sponsors: DELSEY PHILIPPINES, OUTDOOR PRODUCTS PHILIPPINES & GRIND PHILIPPINES
Tour & Travel partner: ASIATRAVEL.COM (PHILIPPINES), DONSOL ECO TOURS & CASA SIMEON
Words by: Lucky So Alabado (@luckyofdiscovermnl)
Your place is valueble for me. Thanks!…
pag iipunan at paghahandaan ko talaga tong Albay 😁 gustong gusto ko nang makita ang Mayon 🙏😃🌋