A Traveler’s Guide to Legazpi City, Albay and on to Mayon Volcano
Getting up close and personal with volcanoes is probably
not everyone’s cup of tea, what with the huge possibility of an
eruption. A brave few, however, would rather take a glimpse of such an
amazing natural phenomenon and risk it, rather than live their lives
just listening to other people’s unforgettable tales of fun and
adventure. So which type of traveler are you? The one who plays it safe
or someone who would dare to face any challenge?
If you are the latter, you would be glad to know that you need not go
far just to spend a day trekking on volcanoes, as the Philippines is
known for its amazing volcanoes. But one particular natural attraction
you shouldn’t miss is the Mayon Volcano, which is
famous for its perfect cone shape. It is also active, which definitely
add a hint of extreme to an otherwise boring sightseeing activity. Where
would you find it? In Albay, specifically Legazpi City.
How do you get there?
There are more ways than one to get to Albay, but not via sea travel as it is located far from any coast. Some of your options include:
a) By Air with flights provided by some of the Philippines’ prominent airlines. You can travel to Legazpi City from Manila daily aboard Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific and Airphil Express. The trip would normally last up to one hour. If you are coming from Cebu, there are available direct flights as well serviced by Cebu Pacific and Airphil Express. Be sure to check both airlines’ website, to check whether or not trips are offered daily.
b) By Bus originating from Manila going to Visayas, Mindanao, Sorsogon and back. Some of the bus lines servicing these routes are Philtranco, Superlines, Cagsawa Tours, Amihan, Isarog Line, Goldline Tours and St. Jude Transit. Make sure to plan your land trip wisely as travel can last up to 12 hours, depending on the traffic.
c) By Train through Bicol Express operated by the Philippine National Railways. Trips are available daily from Tutuban, Manila to Naga City at 6:30 in the afternoon. Because the travel would usually last up to 12 hours, the return trip also leaves at 6:30 pm. As of this writing though, operation of the Bicol Express is still suspended due to ongoing repairs.
Why should you visit Albay?
Aside from checking out the Mayon Volcano, the province of Albay is home to several natural and artificial tourist attractions as well. In fact, taking a tour is highly recommended so you can explore the volcano, Cagsawa Church ruins and Lignon Hills Nature Park, among others. You can also do a lot of activities that will surely get your adrenaline rushing like crazy such as zip lining, ATV driving, trekking, kayaking, etc. And at the end of the day, when you’re famished and looking for some grub to replenish your energy, you can feast on sumptuous Bicolano cuisines such as laing, pinangat or ginataang langka. The names may not sound mouthwatering but wait until you get to taste it.
What can you do when in Legazpi City?
Say you want to focus your exploration in Legazpi City alone. It may be just one place but the things you can do here is simply numerous.
Trek up close to Mayon Volcano and up to its crater. Drop by the Mayon Rest House Observatory and soak up more information about the Philippines’ “Perfect Cone”.
Check out the surrounding areas of the volcano in a non-traditional way by zip lining at the Lignon Hill.
Have your fill of amazing wonders by climbing the Kapuntukan Hill, exploring the Japanese Tunnel, strolling at the Bicol Heritage Park and Albay Park and Wildlife, caving at the Hoyop-Hoyopan Cave of Camalig, or diving and snorkeling at some of Albay’s unspoiled dive spots.
The list can go on and on, ensuring that your trip to Albay won’t be boring and idle. If these aren’t enough, you can also plan your tour either on the Magayon or Ibalong Festivals so you’ll have plenty of other things to see, do and enjoy. So whether you want something exhilarating such as trekking up the Mayon Volcano or something relaxing such as taking a dip at the hot springs of Tiwi, Albay is undoubtedly the next place to be.
rved. By 10M Media Inc.
Mayon Volcano : Photo by Tom Falcon
How do you get there?
There are more ways than one to get to Albay, but not via sea travel as it is located far from any coast. Some of your options include:
a) By Air with flights provided by some of the Philippines’ prominent airlines. You can travel to Legazpi City from Manila daily aboard Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific and Airphil Express. The trip would normally last up to one hour. If you are coming from Cebu, there are available direct flights as well serviced by Cebu Pacific and Airphil Express. Be sure to check both airlines’ website, to check whether or not trips are offered daily.
b) By Bus originating from Manila going to Visayas, Mindanao, Sorsogon and back. Some of the bus lines servicing these routes are Philtranco, Superlines, Cagsawa Tours, Amihan, Isarog Line, Goldline Tours and St. Jude Transit. Make sure to plan your land trip wisely as travel can last up to 12 hours, depending on the traffic.
c) By Train through Bicol Express operated by the Philippine National Railways. Trips are available daily from Tutuban, Manila to Naga City at 6:30 in the afternoon. Because the travel would usually last up to 12 hours, the return trip also leaves at 6:30 pm. As of this writing though, operation of the Bicol Express is still suspended due to ongoing repairs.
Why should you visit Albay?
Aside from checking out the Mayon Volcano, the province of Albay is home to several natural and artificial tourist attractions as well. In fact, taking a tour is highly recommended so you can explore the volcano, Cagsawa Church ruins and Lignon Hills Nature Park, among others. You can also do a lot of activities that will surely get your adrenaline rushing like crazy such as zip lining, ATV driving, trekking, kayaking, etc. And at the end of the day, when you’re famished and looking for some grub to replenish your energy, you can feast on sumptuous Bicolano cuisines such as laing, pinangat or ginataang langka. The names may not sound mouthwatering but wait until you get to taste it.
Mayon Volcano : Photo by Collusion
Say you want to focus your exploration in Legazpi City alone. It may be just one place but the things you can do here is simply numerous.
Trek up close to Mayon Volcano and up to its crater. Drop by the Mayon Rest House Observatory and soak up more information about the Philippines’ “Perfect Cone”.
Check out the surrounding areas of the volcano in a non-traditional way by zip lining at the Lignon Hill.
Have your fill of amazing wonders by climbing the Kapuntukan Hill, exploring the Japanese Tunnel, strolling at the Bicol Heritage Park and Albay Park and Wildlife, caving at the Hoyop-Hoyopan Cave of Camalig, or diving and snorkeling at some of Albay’s unspoiled dive spots.
The list can go on and on, ensuring that your trip to Albay won’t be boring and idle. If these aren’t enough, you can also plan your tour either on the Magayon or Ibalong Festivals so you’ll have plenty of other things to see, do and enjoy. So whether you want something exhilarating such as trekking up the Mayon Volcano or something relaxing such as taking a dip at the hot springs of Tiwi, Albay is undoubtedly the next place to be.
rved. By 10M Media Inc.
La Union: Where Surfing Is a Year-Round Activity
In certain parts of the world, there’s so-called surfing
seasons. In places where the sun hardly shines hard enough to feel hot
on the skin, surfing is an activity that often requires going the
distance, literally. Fortunately, the Philippines provide the perfect
venue for year-round surfing. And due to its accessibility from
different points of the world, enjoying this watersport is no longer
impossible or inconvenient. But which part of the country should you
head to for your next surfing adventure?
La Union!
Known as the surfing capital of Northern Luzon, this province in the
Ilocos Region is not only a place for surfers or beachcombers and goers,
but for people in all walks of life. With a wide range of activities
that you can do in this tropical paradise, boredom isn’t something that
you’d likely experience.
But first, you’ll need to find your bearings so you won’t lose your way. Well, why not take note of the following directions?
Reaching La Union would involve several transports similar to other tourist destinations. The good news is you may only need to take a couple of them, which is more convenient than transferring from several transports at different points.
Depending on where you will be coming from, your trip would require you to fly to Manila, Clark or Vigan before taking a bus ride to La Union. From Cebu, for instance, Cebu Pacific flies to Manila daily and twice a week to Clark Airport. You can also fly direct to Vigan or Laoag, whichever seems more convenient for you.
Whichever point of arrival you choose, know that the length of the bus ride will also differ. Manila to La Union would take approximately 7 hours, depending on the traffic. From Dau Terminal near Clark Airport, the trip would last around 4 hours. The shortest trip would be from Baguio, which is only 2 hours. So, if you are planning to hit two birds with one stone, why not visit Baguio and then La Union. Some of the passenger coach bus lines you can choose from include Farinas Transit Company (regionally owned), Partas, Dominion Bus Lines and Viron Transit.
What are some of the things you can do when in La Union?
a) Surf on the beaches of La Union, which are famous for their black volcanic sand beaches and amazing waves. Surfing points include Poro Point and Bacnotan, both of which are good for beginners.
b) Enjoy a range of watersports at Urbiztondo, a surf resort that is good for both beginners and pro surfers. Go snorkeling, scuba diving, skimboarding and bodyboarding.
c) Hike at the Arosip Eco Trail in Bacnotan or the Bolikewkew Rice Terraces in Burgos. And when the weather is dry, camp at the Tappuakan River in Cares, Pugo Town.
d) Splash on freshwater on various bodies of water all over the province such as the Balay Anito Falls, Tuddingan Falls and Lon-Oy Springs.
e) Bike at the Capitol Hill in San Fernando City and test your skills against the zigzag road, complete with uphill then downhill trails. If 4×4 rides and dirt bikes are more to your liking, do so at the Arosip Trail in Bacnotan.
f) Visit historical spots such as the Pindangan Church Ruins in San Fernando City, St. Catherine Parish in Luna, Freedom Park or Heroes Hill, Centennial Tree, Pebble Beach and Baluarte Watch Tower, Ma-Cho Temple, La Union Botanical Garden and Science Centrum and some museums.
g) Check out the Hundred Islands of Pangasinan or Vigan, Ilocos Sur, as you can use La Union as a jump-off point if you want to visit these other tourist destinations of Northern Luzon.
Although surfing is what La Union is now known for,
there are other things you can see, do and enjoy in this amazing
destination. As a glutton for spectacular waves though, know that the
best time to visit is from July to February where the waves are at their
strongest and highest. What’s more, the Manila Surfer’s Cup also kicks
off in January, the perfect time to surf, feast and party like there’s
no tomorrow.
White Beach is the most popular of Puerto Galera’s 32 beaches especially among Filipino tourists. Come summer, from March to May, Manila tourists flock to Puerto Galera by the hundreds, and during the Holy Week, by the thousands. During this period, the rates of accommodations can increase by more than 300 percent. Private homes are rented out to many who could no longer be accommodated in the more than 50 resorts and lodging inns in in the area.
White Beach, during this time, is the scene of many concerts and festivals organized by big corporations like San Miguel, Smart and Globe. The beach are filled with people, relaxing, walking to and fro, sunbathing, playing volleyball, riding jet skis and banana boats. At dawn, people sit at the beach to witness one of the best sunsets in the country. At night, more people come out to enjoy meals at beachfront restaurants. There are several open-air bars with “gay dancers” and serving Puerto Galera’s trademark concoction, “Mindoro Sling”. There are also many tattoo shops and souvenir shops along White Beach.
Puerto Galera’s close proximity to Manila, a 4-hour bus and ferry travel worth less than 500 pesos (one-way), make it the cheap alternative to Boracay. One way to get to White Beach is by taking a bus marked “Batangas Pier via Calabarzon” at the bus terminal at the corner of Gil Puyat Ave and Taft Ave in Pasay City. The fare for an aircon bus is less than 200 pesos and it will stop at Batangas pier. At the pier, there are many Puerto-Galera-bound ferries, choose the one which goes directly to White Beach. The one-way fare is 250 pesos. Pay the Environmental User Fee (Entrance Fee to PG) and the Terminal Fee worth 50 and 10 pesos respectively.
There are many resorts in White Beach which offer rooms with aircon, cable TV and hot/cold shower. The room rates vary according to the season: when it’s normal season (June to October), a room will range from 1000 to 1500 (good for 2 persons), when it’s high season (November to May), the same room will range from 1500 to 2500.
Many resorts offer group packages for a minimum of 10 persons worth around 1800 pesos per person per day inclusive of ferry, meals and accommodation. Other resorts offer tour packages to Puerto Galera’s numerous tourist spots, like Bayanan Beach, Haligi Beach, Bulabod Beach, Tamaraw Falls and Tukuran Hidden Paradise.
Tubbataha Reef
flickr/q phia
The Tubbataha Reef in the Sulu Sea is a marine sanctuary protected as
the Tubbataha Reef National Marine Park. The reef is made up of two
atolls, North Atoll and South Atoll, separated by a deep channel of
approximately 5 miles (8 km) wide. It has become one of the most popular
dive sites in the Philippines because of its coral walls where the
shallow coral reef abruptly ends giving way to great depths. The marine
park is open to live-aboard diving excursions between the months of
April to June when the waves are most calm.
La Union!
La Union Surfin : Photo by Hannah Rika Villasis
But first, you’ll need to find your bearings so you won’t lose your way. Well, why not take note of the following directions?
Reaching La Union would involve several transports similar to other tourist destinations. The good news is you may only need to take a couple of them, which is more convenient than transferring from several transports at different points.
Depending on where you will be coming from, your trip would require you to fly to Manila, Clark or Vigan before taking a bus ride to La Union. From Cebu, for instance, Cebu Pacific flies to Manila daily and twice a week to Clark Airport. You can also fly direct to Vigan or Laoag, whichever seems more convenient for you.
Whichever point of arrival you choose, know that the length of the bus ride will also differ. Manila to La Union would take approximately 7 hours, depending on the traffic. From Dau Terminal near Clark Airport, the trip would last around 4 hours. The shortest trip would be from Baguio, which is only 2 hours. So, if you are planning to hit two birds with one stone, why not visit Baguio and then La Union. Some of the passenger coach bus lines you can choose from include Farinas Transit Company (regionally owned), Partas, Dominion Bus Lines and Viron Transit.
What are some of the things you can do when in La Union?
a) Surf on the beaches of La Union, which are famous for their black volcanic sand beaches and amazing waves. Surfing points include Poro Point and Bacnotan, both of which are good for beginners.
b) Enjoy a range of watersports at Urbiztondo, a surf resort that is good for both beginners and pro surfers. Go snorkeling, scuba diving, skimboarding and bodyboarding.
c) Hike at the Arosip Eco Trail in Bacnotan or the Bolikewkew Rice Terraces in Burgos. And when the weather is dry, camp at the Tappuakan River in Cares, Pugo Town.
d) Splash on freshwater on various bodies of water all over the province such as the Balay Anito Falls, Tuddingan Falls and Lon-Oy Springs.
e) Bike at the Capitol Hill in San Fernando City and test your skills against the zigzag road, complete with uphill then downhill trails. If 4×4 rides and dirt bikes are more to your liking, do so at the Arosip Trail in Bacnotan.
f) Visit historical spots such as the Pindangan Church Ruins in San Fernando City, St. Catherine Parish in Luna, Freedom Park or Heroes Hill, Centennial Tree, Pebble Beach and Baluarte Watch Tower, Ma-Cho Temple, La Union Botanical Garden and Science Centrum and some museums.
g) Check out the Hundred Islands of Pangasinan or Vigan, Ilocos Sur, as you can use La Union as a jump-off point if you want to visit these other tourist destinations of Northern Luzon.
Ready for Surfing by dodong flores/Creative Commons
Visiting Kabugao, Apayao
Located at the center of Apayao,
Kabugao is covered in dense woodland forests with virgin stands along
its perimeter. At the southern perimeters of the town, several streams
and brooks tumble down the mountain slopes. Given the abundance of
nature in town, it’s no secret then that Kabugao is home to several
wildlife, such as deer, wild pig, wild chickens, monkeys, squirrels and
different kinds of birds.
The climate of Kabugao, like some of its
neighbors in the north, tends to be cool. In fact, the climate is
characterized by a long, wet season and a short, dry one. The coolest
months are from July to February while March to May serves as the
driest.
The Isnegs are the native inhabitants of
Kabugao and they comprise nearly 95% of the total population. The
remaining five percent are Ilocanos, Igorots, Tagalogs and other ethnic
groups.
Given the mountainous area, the main
source of living in town is upland farming. The principal product of
Kabugao is rice while crops like corn serve as secondary crops. Rattan
craft and bolo making are also industries found in town.
River in barangay of Dibagat, in Kabugao, Apayao photo by: Andrew Garnett/CC
HISTORY
The oldest among the seven municipalities
of Apayao, Kabugao became a township as early as 1913, which was during
the American colonial rule in the Philippines.
Although various experts – historians,
anthropologists and missionaries – give various years as to the exact
establishment of Kabugao, the Battle of Waga in 1913 is used as a
starting point. During this time, the Isnags were hostile towards
military rule but the battle convinced them that their spears were no
match to the weapons used by soldiers.
Formally, the municipal district of
Kabugao was formed in 1914 when Lt Governor Blas Villamor of the
American government appointed Manuel Rugrug as the first president of
Kabugao.
PLACES OF INTEREST
Apayao is a stunning place to explore and
those who are inclined towards outdoor activities will enjoy the sights
to see here, while simultaneously enjoying the cool climate too.
That said, here’s a look at some of the places of interest in Kabugao:
Anag-Sicapo Wildlife Sanctuary
– where you can see various wildlife local to the area. While it offers
the temptation of seeing different animals in their own environment,
the hike to the sanctuary takes quite a while. To be exact, it’s about a
ten hour hike. Plus, there’s the four hour trip down to see Mt Sicapo.
So if you have the time and truly want to see Kabugao wildlife, then the
trip will be well worth it.
Mt Sicapoo Photo by: iamnoempty.weebly.com
Bayugao Lake – located in Dibagat.
Ladda Pond – found in Musimut.
Apayao River – a 15-minute walk from the town proper.
Balasig Falls Resort – located in Badduat and is a 20-minute drive from Poblacion.
Awihan Falls – located in Bulu.
Aguibay Cave – features an underground river and hot springs.
Gololan Falls
Gololan Falls Photo by: apayaotourism.wordpress.com
Malabisin Lake and Underground River
Malabanag Hot Springs
Anganupang Cave
HOW TO GET TO KABUGAO
From Manila
Board a bus bound for Tuguegarao. Take note that this is going to be a rather long trip – in the upward of ten hours or so.
Once in Tuguegarao, find vans and buses
headed for Kabugao. If you want to take a van, they can be found at
Pengue Terminal while the buses can be found at Magno Terminal.
From Tuguegarao, it’s another four to five hours land trip to get to Kabugao.
Given that you’re traveling almost an
entire day and the fact that there are no afternoon trips leaving
Kabugao to Tuguegarao, you have no choice but to stay the night. There
are several accommodation options available like Ukkong Lodging House.
White Beach is the most popular of Puerto Galera’s 32 beaches especially among Filipino tourists. Come summer, from March to May, Manila tourists flock to Puerto Galera by the hundreds, and during the Holy Week, by the thousands. During this period, the rates of accommodations can increase by more than 300 percent. Private homes are rented out to many who could no longer be accommodated in the more than 50 resorts and lodging inns in in the area.
White Beach, during this time, is the scene of many concerts and festivals organized by big corporations like San Miguel, Smart and Globe. The beach are filled with people, relaxing, walking to and fro, sunbathing, playing volleyball, riding jet skis and banana boats. At dawn, people sit at the beach to witness one of the best sunsets in the country. At night, more people come out to enjoy meals at beachfront restaurants. There are several open-air bars with “gay dancers” and serving Puerto Galera’s trademark concoction, “Mindoro Sling”. There are also many tattoo shops and souvenir shops along White Beach.
Puerto Galera’s close proximity to Manila, a 4-hour bus and ferry travel worth less than 500 pesos (one-way), make it the cheap alternative to Boracay. One way to get to White Beach is by taking a bus marked “Batangas Pier via Calabarzon” at the bus terminal at the corner of Gil Puyat Ave and Taft Ave in Pasay City. The fare for an aircon bus is less than 200 pesos and it will stop at Batangas pier. At the pier, there are many Puerto-Galera-bound ferries, choose the one which goes directly to White Beach. The one-way fare is 250 pesos. Pay the Environmental User Fee (Entrance Fee to PG) and the Terminal Fee worth 50 and 10 pesos respectively.
There are many resorts in White Beach which offer rooms with aircon, cable TV and hot/cold shower. The room rates vary according to the season: when it’s normal season (June to October), a room will range from 1000 to 1500 (good for 2 persons), when it’s high season (November to May), the same room will range from 1500 to 2500.
Many resorts offer group packages for a minimum of 10 persons worth around 1800 pesos per person per day inclusive of ferry, meals and accommodation. Other resorts offer tour packages to Puerto Galera’s numerous tourist spots, like Bayanan Beach, Haligi Beach, Bulabod Beach, Tamaraw Falls and Tukuran Hidden Paradise.
Tubbataha Reef
flickr/q phia