The Bicol Region is one of the places in the Philippines that I always visit. We all know that Bicol Region is the largest island in the Philippine archipelago and it is located at the southernmost tip of Luzon Island. 5 days trip in Bicol, I am assuring you that it would be fun because of its many tourist attractions that Bicolano people offer. In a five-day trip, you must visit Naga City and try their delicacies such as Toasted Siopao, Native Kakanin and Suman. These are great treats and goodies for your friends and family back home.
On your first day in Bicol, have a breakfast in Naga Garden located at Evangelista St., Naga City. After having breakfast, it's also fun to visit the famous Camsur Watersports Complex or what is more known as CWC. It was really fun and I really enjoyed wakeboarding. There's a variety of activities you can do such as swimming, skating, and wakeboarding. CWC also offers spa treatment for you to relax and you may dine in their restaurants. They offer Bicol express dishes, desserts and even beer for those who want to enjoy and drink while on vacation. They also have Villas and cabins if you want to stay for an overnight vacation.
After your CWC adventure, go to Albay. You must try the sights of Mayon Volcano in Legaspi, Albay to view the magnificent perfectly cone-shaped volcano and the bell fry of the Cagsawa church that was ruined when the volcano erupts. You may take pictures with your family and friends and you may do some trekking activities up to the mountains of Mayon and see the magnificent view of the whole Legaspi, Albay. Don't forget to bring foods and snacks when you go up to the mountain. After the trip to Mt. Mayon, if you still have time, I recommend you to drop by on Pili stores along the highway of Albay where you can buy homemade Pili nuts and Pili bars. Try Bigg's Diner for your dinner and order their best meals.
After a long day in Legaspi, Albay you may drive from Legaspi to Donsol, Sorsogon for 1 hour and book rooms on different resorts there. In the morning you can enjoy swimming with the enormous whale sharks. You'll be amazed by how big they are. It is the biggest fish in the world. At night you may watch the fireflies along the Donsol River. While you're there, try the famous and delicious Bicolano dishes such as Laing, Pinangat and Bicol express. You can find this on any restaurants or resorts along the way.
On the following day you may visit the famous Caramoan Islands which is composed of white beach islands as beautiful as the famous Palawan and Boracay beaches. It is breathtakingly beautiful. You may do various activities there such as island hopping, boating, snorkeling, scuba diving, biking, rock climbing, trekking, kite boarding and many more. I recommend you to take a breakfast on one of the home cooked style restaurants in the center of Kamalig, where they serve Filipino dishes and Bicolano dishes. There are a lot of activities there so it would take you a minimum of 2-3 days on trying those activities. You may try the Gota village resort if you want a quiet and relaxing experience.
You wouldn't forget the beauty of Bicol because they have the best places that you're looking for. It is one of the places that will take your breath away. So visit it if you have a chance. The Philippines has beautiful sites just waiting to be discovered, so visit these places first before flying outside the country.
How to get there:
- Several bus companies go to Legaspi and Sorsogon from Cubao or Pasay. Travel time from Manila to Legaspi is about 10 hours, and costs approximately Php650 for a one way trip. Philtranco has buses plying the Manila 13 Bicol route daily, with buses that go all the way to Naga, Legaspi, and Sorsogon.
- By Plane: Philippine Airlines flies daily to Legaspi. Cebu Pacific has two flights to Legaspi. At the airport, rent or look for a van headed to Donsol.
- Go to the East Bound Terminal or also known as Van Terminal located in between "Naga City and Central Bus Terminal" and "SM City Naga". Take an air conditioned van or Filcab to Sabang Port. Once you are in Sabang port, take the boat that goes to Caramoan Guijalo Port.
Photo taken from www.cwcwake.com