2019 • 03 • 01

The province of Albay is a vibrant and beautiful destination. It has a stunning landscape with Mt. Mayon as its centerpiece and plenty of attractions from mountains to caves.

Admiring the beauty of Mt. Mayon’s cone from a distance may not be enough for the adventurous, so outdoorsy visitors can test their perseverance with a multi-day hike. The trip may be tiring and lead to doubts about doing it in the first place, but the scenic trail and experience of reaching the top more than make up for it. Before participating in a trek, check warnings and possible closure made by the local government because of recent eruptions.

A trip to Cagsawa Ruins is a must; the ruinous state of the structures provides a romantic foreground to the natural beauty of Mt. Mayon. If you don’t like hiking or aren’t allowed to, you have the option to go on an ATV adventure through rivers, lahar, and rugged terrain. The ride provides a different kind of adrenaline rush and challenge for thrill-seekers.

A trip to Ligñon Hill is an accessible way for visitors to enjoy nature. It only requires a short walk up with beautiful vistas. At the top, your reward is stunning 360-degree views of the surroundings. You can also include Quitinday Green Hills in your itinerary. The viewpoint after a short walk up is just as stunning as the one you’ll see atop Ligñon.

Hoyop-Hoyopan Cave is an attraction to also include in your trip. It has beautiful chambers with various stalagmites and stalactites. The cave used to be a hideout and makeshift hospital for Filipino refugees during World War II.

For those who want a slow and relaxing day out, head on over to Sumlang Lake. Its placid and mirror-like waters, and fetching surroundings of Mt. Mayon and the countryside help you forget the daily grind. You can ride a bamboo raft for a pleasant afternoon.

The province has a distinct, black coastline because of ashfall created by Mayon. A trip to the province is your chance to enjoy and take pictures of a black-sand beach.

The province also has vestiges of the country’s Spanish colonial past with old churches in different towns such as Daraga Church, St. John the Baptist Church, San Lorenzo Church, and others.

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How to Get to Albay

Your likely gateway to the province of Albay is Legazpi City. The city is a transportation hub that has its own airport and several buses and vans going to different parts of the region. It’s also a convenient base to explore Bicol.

From Manila

• By Plane

  There are regular flights to and from Manila and Legazpi City. The flight takes approximately an hour and ten minutes. Look for seat sales to get the cheapest possible return tickets. You may have to book several months in advance to buy tickets with the biggest discount.

• By Land

  If you‘re unable to score cheap flights, you have the option to take the bus. Buses regularly depart Metro Manila from Cubao and other stations to Legazpi. The fare is approximately P800 to P1100 depending on the type of bus and seat. Some buses have their own toilet hence the higher price. The trip takes around 9 to 12 hours depending on traffic. You can take a day or overnight trip.

From Naga

If you’re coming from Naga, it is easy to visit Legazpi City. There are buses and vans that depart for Legazpi daily and almost every hour. You can find the terminal near SM Naga. The bus fare is around P130 to P230 depending on seat type. The trip can take up to three hours.

Alternatively, vans cost around P180. The trip can take up to two hours. Buses take longer because they stop more often, so if you’re in a hurry, take the van.

From Sorsogon

There are regular buses that depart from the city bus station. They either go to Legazpi or passes by it. The fare is approximately P100 to P150. The trip takes around an hour.

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Where to Stay in Albay

Legazpi City is the most developed area in the province, with malls, restaurants, bars, and public transportation terminals. The city is an ideal base to explore the region and nearby provinces. You can buy food and drinks that will last for a day’s trip to nearby attractions. You’ll find budget and luxurious accommodations here. A general rule when choosing a place to stay is accessibility. Look for one near a commercial district for easy access to public transport. Doing so reduces the time wasted waiting for a bus or jeep to your destination.

If you are willing to splurge, there are resorts that offer luxurious facilities and amenities for those who can pay. Misibis Bay is the perfect place to have a staycation and fits the previous description.

If you haven’t booked yet, you might want to consider these top hotels/resorts as rated by Agoda users, in no particular order.

• The Oriental Hotel Legazpi. ✅ CHECK RATES & AVAILABILITY
• Lotus Blu Hotel. ✅CHECK RATES & AVAILABILITY
• Hotel St. Ellis. ✅ CHECK RATES & AVAILABILITY
• The ApllePeach House. ✅ CHECK RATES & AVAILABILITY

For more options, search here: Albay Hotels