Tired of all the beaches and getting your skin all tanned up? Set aside your bandeau and trunks for a unique kind of experience down south. The province of Albay (Bicol) boasts of renowned tourist spots and off-the-beaten track destinations for your summer get-away. Going back to your hometown feels like a being a “balik-bayan” who has missed a lot of happenings and sights to see on her home land. Although my father is an Ilonggo, I consider myself a Bicolana since I was born in Albay. I grew up with the province’s fresh air and of course a unique sight to see: the majestic Mt. Mayon and some wonders of nature.
Indeed, Albay is blessed with great tourist attractions. A tourist will never have a dull day in the province of “magayon” (beautiful) and “uragon” (one with guts and creativity). Let me stand as your tour guide as you plan out your next trip. Our destination: the province of Albay!
Early mornings and romantic sunset at Lignon Hill
If you’re up for an early morning jog with an astounding pan¬oramic view, Lignon Hill is a popular place for that short hike or jog. Located behind Albay Park and Wildlife, it is one of the best places to view Mayon Volcano and the spectacular city of Legaspi.
Standing 143 meters high, this cinder-cone hill is the highest lo¬cation in the city’s downtown area, towering over the adjacent city’s airport. Lignon Hill is the first tourist attraction that is accessible from the airport. On top of the hill is an observatory operated by the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) for Mayon. Long and winding roads are carved for the locals to get an astounding view of the city and the entire countryside plus a great view of Mayon. The best time to go up Lignon Hill is in the early morning or in the afternoon when it’s not that hot.
Climbing the hill for half an hour is worth it with all the awesome views that beckon from this vantage point. Don’t worry, there are food stalls in the view deck with alfresco dining areas to complement the ambiance.
Side Trips
- Kapit Tuko Trail (Lizard Grip Trail) – a very steep shortcut to the summit of Lignon Hill, this trail offers a taste of what it feels like to climb to the summit of Mayon Volcano in five to 10 minutes.
- The Japanese Tunnel – about 10 minutes from the base of the hill, this 50-ft. tunnel is located on the left side. It was used by the Japanese forces during WWII. While inside, you can pretend like soldiers when crawling into the three-foot high tunnels.
- Zipline by Global Quest – Aside from the spectacular sights, Lignon Hill Nature Park also offers fun-filled and thrilling activities like ziplining, wall climbing, and paintball games. Ziplining or sliding through cables is operated by ZipzFactor. The park also offers rappelling down an almost vertical wall on the side facing Legaspi City. Soon, ZipFactor will also offer other activities such as airsoft and firefly watching. If you’re the adventurous type, you can have a thrilling ride down the cable, with the majestic view of Mayon looming ahead.
Insider’s Tips
- Climb Lignon Hill early in the morning—there’s a bigger chance Mayon will reveal its gorgeous peak this time of day. But if you’re not a morning person, come at 4-5 pm just before sunset. You’ll get a good view of the sunset and city lights during the night time.
- Bring cold water or other refreshing drinks – lots of it.
- Bring an extra shirt and a towel. Never ever forget this or else you’ll have to feel sweaty during your climb.
- Wear comfortable shoes.
- Enjoy the scenery and have fun at the newest attraction, the zipline!
Cagsawa: Mayon’s relic of wrath
A visit to Albay is not complete without a stopover in Cagasawa Ruins, located just a few minutes’ ride from Legaspi City. It is another spot where you can get a full view of Mayon Volcano.
Folklore states that originally, Cagsawa was derived from the word “kag” meaning owner and “sawa” meaning python. Literally, Cagsawa could mean “one who collects snakes” or “a snake charmer.” But it could also come from the word “sawa” (with accent at the last syllable) meaning “too much.”
In 1814, Mayon Volcano erupted and sent lava flows cascading down its slope. Over a thousand people fled to the church believing that they would be saved from the wrath of Mayon Volcano, but the whole structure was believed to have been buried by mud and lava with no one surviving the tragedy.
Today, only the church tower remains and serves as a memorial. It became the symbol of Bicol Region’s strength and resiliency to face and rise from the ravages of Mother Nature.
For almost two hundred years, it has withstood the test of time and the elements to become one of the most recognizable landmarks of Albay.
Insider’s Tips
- You can meet young photographers roaming around offering to take tourists’ photo souvenirs with certain trick shots. Some even provide services as informative tour guides of the area. The fee will be depending on your generosity.
- Entrance to the Cagsawa site is only PhP 10. It is cheap for a tour inside a park where you can find a wide variety of souvenir shops and stalls showcasing Albay’s pride of native products and handicrafts. Aside from these, there are also a display of exotic flowers and orchids that are for sale. Prices are budget-friendly but you can still haggle.
- Restaurants are also open for tourists who would like to feast on native delicacies like “inasal na sira” (grilled fish) and Bicol Express, a spicy dish with coconut cream.
How to get to Cagsawa
From Legaspi City: Cagsawa is approximately eight kilometers away from the Legaspi central business district. Take a jeepney (preferably the ones going to the third district (Camalig, Guinobatan, Ligao, Libon, Polangui, Oas) and ask the driver to drop you off at the junction of the highway and the road going to Cagsawa in Barangay Busay, Daraga. Look or the large Cagsawa signage at the right side of the road.
Daraga Church: A church on top of a hill
Anyone will be fascinated to gaze at Mayon Volcano when viewed from the 17th century Daraga Church especially at night time. Standing on a massive hilltop, Daraga Church overlooks the town of Daraga. Art enthusiasts consider it as valuable subject because of its rich baroque architecture.
It was built in 1773 by Franciscan missionaries, three years before the declaration of American Independence from the Spanish colonizers. One must go inside and have a closer look at the archaeological relics and seals carved on volcanic rocks. According to locals, the relics were all that was left after the church was bombed by American planes during World War II in 1945. Parishioners believe that their patroness, Nuestra Senora de la Porteria (Our Lady of the Gate), remained in the ruins unharmed after the bombing.
How to get to Daraga Church
There are jeepneys en route to Daraga. At the foot of the church (it is located on top of the hill), you can walk through the man-made stairs to reach the church or you can drive your car up the path.
Munch in and stroll at Embarcadero
The city’s newest attraction is Embarcadero, also dubbed as the “The Sunwest Wharf.” It is a world-class waterfront promenade located at the harbor area of Legaspi City near the fascinating Kapuntukan Hill (Sleeping Lion) offering a mix of commercial spots and recreation hubs. As of now, only the retail establishments are open while the rest are under construction. They are expected to be completed later this year just in time for the grand opening.
Last July 2009, Embarcadero had its soft opening. A row of restaurants have opened, namely Kitaro, Tapa King, and Bigg’s Diner (newest branch), Gerry’s Grill, Padi’s Point, Mang Inasal, Harbour Wok, La Mia Tazza Café, Pancit Malabon Express, along with clothing shops Cinderella, Plains and Prints, and Mango.
Embarcadero boasts a 30-meter tall lighthouse that stands as an iconic symbol of the city. This tourist spot has a family-friendly environment which allows visitors to enjoy the stunning view of Mayon, the cityscape and Albay Gulf.
Re-visiting Albay is like strolling down the wonders of nature and history. There are countless ways to relish the province and Mt. Mayon is just a part of it. Albay is indeed a sight to see this summer. Dagos tabi sa Albay!
Incoming search terms:
- adventure in philvolcs albay
- philvocs observatory and museum in albay
- lignon hill zipline what time
- lignon hill walk
- inasal na sira of bicol pictures
- i grew up in albay
- global quest adventure bicol
- crawl into japanese garden mayon volcano
- cinder cone volcano according to phivolcs
- tour albay
No related posts.
Tags: alfresco dining, climbing the hill, mt mayon, romantic sunset