Looking for a quick getaway? Visit the beautiful city of Legazpi, Albay!
Our weekend trip to Bicol was one of my most memorable trips ever because it was the most spontaneous. For the first time ever, we didn’t have an itinerary. All we got was a hotel to stay in near the pier (overlooking the stunning Mayon volcano!) and a car rental that we hoped would take us to exciting places! Our only regret? Not staying longer!
While many people visit Albay to witness the breathtaking view of Mayon, there are more reasons to explore this province and marvel at what it has to offer.
With its stunning natural scenery, diverse wildlife, and rich cultural heritage, Albay has plenty to offer for travelers willing to venture beyond the usual tourist hot spots.
If you’re ready to explore a lesser-known corner of our beautiful country, read on for the full guide to a weekend trip to Albay, Bicol.
How To Get To Legazpi City
If you’re coming from Metro Manila like we are, the easiest way to reach Albay is by air, with the Bicol International Airport being the main gateway to the province.
Several airlines offer daily flights to Legazpi from Manila, with travel time taking around an hour. Depending on the airline, travel time can be between 1 hour and 1 hour and 20 minutes.
We prefer to travel by air since it saves us time and energy than driving for hours! Cebu Pacific always has seat sale promos where you can snag great deals for your trip to Bicol.
Alternatively, if you have lots of time to spare, you can either take an air-conditioned or non-air-conditioned bus from Manila to Legazpi City. Several bus lines across Metro Manila have daily trip schedules. Take a bus at any of these points:
- Araneta Center Bus Station
- EDSA-Cubao
- LRT Buendia via EDSA-Pasay
- Ermita
- Alabang
All these buses will take you to the Legazpi Grand Central Terminal. The usual travel time is between 9 to 12 hours (depending on the bus).
When you arrive in Bicol, you can take a taxi or a tricycle to your hotel or any attractions you want to visit.
Where To Stay
During this visit, we stayed at Embarcadero Hotel (formerly known as Ellis Ecotel) located at 3F Embarcadero de Legazpi Port Area, Legazpi City, Albay.
For only ₱4,715, we get to stay for two nights in their Seaside Loft Queen room (which includes a daily breakfast buffet!) booked via Booking.com. I must say, you get more than what you pay for in this hotel.
As the name suggests, it’s located by the seaside, so you have an unobstructed view of the majestic Mayon Volcano, complemented by the glistening water by the port. It’s truly a sight, especially at sunset!
For us, the hotel’s location is perfect. Since it’s located at Embarcadero de Legazpi, you have access to the whole mall. You can easily shop for pasalubong and personal stuff in the vicinity, drink at a nearby bar, or dine at the numerous restaurants around.
10/10 recommend this place to anyone who wants to go on a vacation without breaking the bank.
There are plenty of other accommodation options in Albay, ranging from budget-friendly guesthouses to luxurious resorts. Here are a few recommendations, depending on your budget and preferences:
Budget: Mayon Backpackers Hostel, Kichi Hostel, Balay de la Rama Bed and Breakfast
Mid-range: F2M Tower, Hotel Venezia, Hotel St. Ellis
Luxury: Misibis Bay Resort, The Oriental Legazpi, Hotel Lina
Getting Around The City
Since we had extra cash to spare on this trip, we decided to rent a car for 24 hours. It allowed us to explore the city at our own pace. For only ₱2,500, you can travel the whole city. We booked via Facebook at Mayon Rent A Car and spoke with Ms. May throughout the transaction. It was fuss-free, and they also offer free drop off and pick up at your chosen location. As for us, we met with her at our hotel for the drop-off and at the airport for the pick-up!
If you don’t prefer renting a car, you can always get around with public utility vehicles such as tricycles, jeepneys, UV Express vans, and taxis.
What To Do In Legazpi City
Because we didn’t have an itinerary for this trip, we had to research the best places to visit in Legazpi City WHILE already in Legazpi. It was a short trip, so we had to compress everything as much as we can.
Below are some of the places we visited and activities we tried:
Cagsawa Ruins Park
What better way to learn more about the city’s history than by visiting Cagsawa Ruins Park, which is located at the foot of Mayon Volcano. The park is home to the ruins of the Cagsawa Church, which was destroyed during the eruption of Mayon in 1814.
Today, the Cagsawa Ruins Park is a popular spot for tourists and locals alike. You can take a stroll around the park, take photos with the iconic bell tower in the background, or even try out some local snacks and souvenirs from the nearby vendors.
Hoyop-Hoyopan Cave
Located in the town of Camalig, Hoyop-Hoyopan Cave is a limestone cave known for its unique rock formations and underground river. The cave has several chambers, each with its own unique features, including a main chamber called “Kanawa” which is notable for its impressive rock formations and a large underground river. The cave is also home to a diverse range of wildlife, including bats and swiftlets.
Hoyop-Hoyopan cave is a popular spot for adventure tourism, as visitors can explore the cave by swimming or trekking. It is also considered as one of the most spectacular cave system in the Philippines.
We’re lucky that a local tour guide was available to walk us through the entire cave and tell us stories about it! We did not bring swimming clothes with us, so we were only able to experience the light trekking while we were there.
Daraga Church
Short as our trip was, we did not miss the opportunity of visiting Daraga Church.
Perched on a hill overlooking Legazpi City, the church boasts stunning Baroque-style architecture and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Its intricate carvings and ornate details make it a popular spot for photography enthusiasts and history buffs.
The Majestic Mayon Volcano
Of course, this is the landmark we would not miss seeing!
Depending on your preferences and fitness level, there are several ways to see Mayon. You can take a leisurely drive along the Cagsawa Ruins Park, where you’ll get a panoramic view of the volcano and the surrounding landscape. Or, if you’re up for a challenge, you can hike up to the Mayon Rest House, which offers a closer view of the crater.
As for us, we decided to take an ATV with a tour guide. There are different packages to choose from depending on your preference. We chose the Grassland Trail, with a total distance of 2 KM for a roundtrip and takes approximately 20-30 mins.
When you’re already at Cagsawa Ruins, you can easily find ATV rentals around the area. Get their rates and decide the best one for you. Otherwise, you can book online via their websites or through Klook.
What To Eat & Drink
No trip to Albay is complete without trying out the local cuisine. Bicolano food is known for its bold and spicy flavors, thanks to ingredients like coconut milk, chili peppers, and bagoong (shrimp paste).
We tried our first-ever local Bicol Express at 1st Colonial, a restaurant rated as the “best Bicol restaurant” in the province. We kid you not when we say this is one of the best Bicol express we’ve tried! It’s spicy and savory and leaves you wanting more. We had to help ourselves to a second service of rice for this one.
We also ordered the famous Sili Ice Cream; honestly, we didn’t know what to think initially. Of course – it’s cold, and there’s a tiny bit of sweetness, but there is a heat you’ll start to feel at the back of your mouth, leaving you confused. But nevertheless, it was a pleasant experience, and we’ll surely try it again.
1st Colonial also offers other unique ice cream flavors like Pili, Salabat, and Tinutong na Bigas.
We did not miss trying out the Pork Sisig, too! It may not be a delicacy but definitely worth trying.
Other noteworthy dishes you can enjoy while in Bicol are Laing, Pinangat, and Kinunot.
Pasalubong Guide
The experience wouldn’t be complete without bringing back a taste of Albay’s unique culture and flavors. Here are some pasalubong options that will surely leave your friends and family delighted:
Pili Products
Albay is renowned for its luscious pili nuts, making them an absolute must for any pasalubong shopping spree.
Whether you opt for the traditional plain variety, roasted nuts, or flavorful coated versions, these crunchy treats are a true taste of Albay’s culinary heritage.
Don’t miss the chance to grab pili candies, tarts, and pastries that perfectly capture the region’s nutty goodness.
Sili Products
Embrace the region’s fiery culinary heritage by bringing home sili products. Explore bottles of sili sauce and sili powder, adding a kick to any dish you’ll prepare once you get home.
For the daring foodies, savor unique creations like sili ice cream (from 1st Colonial) or sili-infused chocolates. These hot delights will surely ignite the taste buds of your loved ones.
Or if you’re not into food, you can bring home these unique sili keychains, instead.
Handwoven Textiles
Immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage by picking up a piece of Albay’s traditional craftsmanship.
Admire the intricate patterns and vibrant colors of malongs, abaca placemats, or beautifully woven bags made from indigenous fibers. These meticulously crafted items are not just souvenirs, but also a testament to the region’s skilled artisans.
ChocoVron
For a delightful fusion of flavors, grab a pack or two of ChocoVron.
This re-invented polvoron is cooled with either dark bittersweet, chocolate, creamy white chocolate, or both, creating a unique treat that’s beloved in the Bicol region. With its surprising taste, ChocoVron makes for an exciting pasalubong option that will undoubtedly be a hit with your loved ones.
Frequently Asked Questions
A weekend trip to Albay, Bicol is a great way to discover the hidden gems of the Philippines. From the stunning Mayon Volcano to the yummy local delicacies, there’s something for everyone in this underrated region.
So if you’re looking for a unique destination for your next weekend getaway, consider Albay. You won’t regret it!
