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I was back at Dangkalan Beach Resort at 7am. I got worried since I still needed to do the long commute from Bulusan, Sorsogon to Legazpi for my 2pm return flight to Manila. I hurriedly packed my bags, took quick morning shots of Dancalan Beach, and flagged the first jeepney to Sorsogon City. I hope I’d make it in time, I’d have to spend another night in Legazpi if I miss my flight.
Dancalan Beach in Bulusan, Sorsogon
My plan was to do a commuting tour of three towns/cities dotting the western coast of Albay (Tiwi, Tabaco City, and Santo Domingo) before going on the long ride from Legazpi City to Bulusan, Sorsogon. I dropped off infront of the Tiwi Church after an amazing jeepney ride along the PARTIDO coastal highway. I first knew of Tiwi, Albay because of its famous hot springs, a regular item on our Philippine geography class waaaay back in elementary school.
Tiwi Church (San Lorenzo Ruiz Parish)
Bicol, for me, has one of the most diverse set of tourist attractions in the Philippines. It has alluring natural features, remarkable historical structures, lively festivals, great food, and sought after adventure destinations. Since it was my first time to step foot this part of the Philippines, I didn’t want to miss out on the best the region had to offer. It’s a shame I only had a week to explore Bicol … there’s just a lot of interesting places to visit. My plan for this trip was to visit as much of Albay and Camarines Sur Provinces and then squeeze in a quick side-trip to Sorsogon before heading back to Manila.
Bicol Region Itinerary Map
Ligñon Hill is the go to place among many travelers in Legazpi City to see great 360 degree views of Mayon Volcano and surrounding areas in Daraga and Legazpi. Aside from the view deck there are also many attractions at the Ligñon Hill Nature Park such as a zipline, paintball grounds, and nature trail among others. Although it is best to go there during early morning or late afternoon hours to avoid the sweltering heat, I went to Ligñon Hill around 9:30am as a stopover on my overland trip from Legazpi to Naga City, Camarines Sur. Indeed, Ligñon Hill shouldn’t be missed for its overlooking views and easy accessibility.
View of Mayon Volcano from the 159-meter (511 feet) high Ligñon Hill Nature Park
It’s a very rare occurrence that I wake up early during my travels. When I went to Legazpi City, however, I couldn’t just pass of the opportunity to view the beautiful sunrise along the coast of Albay Gulf and the clear view of Mayon during the early morning hours. The experience also got me a first hand encounter of everyday activities along the seawall of Legazpi like fishermen waking up early to tend to their catch and joggers, also taking advantage of the cool morning breeze.
Early morning fishing activities in Albay Bay
The Mayon Volcano was finally clearing up and just in time for sunset! I rushed to the Cagsawa ruins in Daraga, Albay to get the famous shot of Mayon showing off the ruined bell tower of the ill-fated Cagsawa Church. From the Daraga town proper, I hailed a jeep and dropped off at the highway intersection going to the Cagsawa Ruins (there’s another jeepney route, which goes the other way to Ligñon Hill, so better inform the driver where your headed). There were a lot of tricycles parked at the drop-off point but I chose to walk the way to the Cagsawa ruins since I wanted to take photos along the way. Great thing I did because I wanted to take photos of the Mayon Volcano with Albay’s natural countryside scenery.
A carabao grazing at the grasslands surrounding the iconic Mayon Volcano.
The day was drawing to a close and I was still in pursuit of satisfying my longing to capture a nice photo of the iconic Mayon Volcano. I’ve already spent the day transiting between a few vantage points in Legazpi City, Albay but the elusive Daragang Mayon had covered itself in a veil of clouds, restricting a clear view of its full grandeur. I reserved the sunset hours for my visit to the Cagsawa Church ruins in nearby Daraga town. On my way, I decided to do a quick stop over at the Daraga Church. Many Daraga-bound jeeps can be found plying along the stretch of Rizal Avenue in Legazpi City. I alighted near the municipal hall of Daraga and followed the uphill path to the the church. I was already getting a bit exhausted from the climb but my spirit was instantly invigorated when I caught sight of the church’s beautiful facade and, more so, Daragang Mayon finally clearing up.
Daraga Church (Our Lady of the Gate Parish)
Next destination in Legazpi City, Albay was the Embarcadero de Legazpi, the premiere commercial and recreation center in Bicol Region. Being an enthusiast of urban developments across Philippine towns and cities, I was very excited to visit this grand development, which is HUGE especially by Legazpi’s standard. I was particularly drawn by its towering lighthouse view deck after viewing sweeping panoramas of the Mayon Volcano and Albay Gulf in WOW Legazpi and was hoping to get lucky in taking some decent some myself.
When I included Legazpi City, Albay in my itinerary, there was only one thing on my mind … to get that awesome photo of the iconic Mayon Volcano. I basically, wrapped my itinerary around getting as many vantage points of Mayon as I can. Mt. Mayon is an active volcano renowned for its perfect cone shape. I’ve always marveled at scenic photos of the bustling City of Legazpi dwarfed by the perfect cone of Mayon. Now it was my time to experience it for myself.
Morning View of Mayon Volano along the Bayside of Legazpi City
Bicol, located at the southeastern peninsula of Luzon, has been on the top of my list to travel in the Philippines.
If I had more time (and money), I would love to visit every one of its six provinces.
I spent my seven days exploration of Bicol Peninsula crisscrossing between Camarines Sur, Albay, and Sorsogon … 3 out of 6 for my first time to Bicol is good enough but I just have to come back for more!
The “Lone Survivor” in Matukad Island, Caramoan, Camarines Sur
In the Philippine Ilonggo dialect, ambot ah literally means "I don't know." After graduating in college, I decided to hold off pursuing my profession and embarked on a free spirited journey of adventure and self-discovery. My travels have led me to many places across the Philippine Islands and South East Asia. I don't know where this path will take me but I'm certain I'll get a lifetime of stories out of it.
