Sagada, Mountain Province

Rice Terraces

Sunset

Sagada is a 5th class municipality in the province of Mountain Province, Philippines. According to the latest census, it has a population of 10,930 people in 2,158 households.
It is located 275 km. north of Manila, 140 km. from Baguio, and it is adjacent to Bontoc, the provincial capital.
Sagada is famous for its "hanging coffins". This was a traditional way of burying people that is not utilized anymore. Not anyone was qualified to be buried this way; one had to, among other things, be married and have grandchildren.
Popular activities include trekking, exploring both caves and waterfalls, spelunking, bonfires, picnics, rappelling, visiting historical sites, nature hikes, and participating in tribal  celebrations. Guides can be found upon registration at the tourist-office in Sagada Proper (the main town) for a small fee.

Sea Of Clouds

  Geography

Sagada is nestled in a valley at the upper end of the Malitep tributary of the Chico River some one and a half kilometers above sea level in the central Cordillera; enveloped between the main Cordillera Ranges and the Ilocos Range. Mt. Data in the south and Mt. Kalawitan in the southeast pierce the horizon. Mt. Polis, Bessang and Mt. Tirad in the east, and Mt. Sisipitan in the north mark the Mountain Province - Abra boundary.

Climate and Crops

 The climate and crops are like those of Baguio and Benguet: cabbage, tomatoes, green pepper, potatoes, carrots, beans, and other temperate products. Between 1882 and 1896, the Spanish colonizers introduced Arabica coffee: a source of income since the American occupation. Citrus, mainly lemon, lime and Valencia oranges were introduced from Spain by Jaime Masferre to provide the needs of American missionaries and employees of the Mission of Saint Mary the Virgin. During the American Period, the Americans introduced products like strawberries, apples, and pine trees, due to its cold, lowland climate.

Basic Culture

Basic culture refers to the indigenous culture before the establishment of a Spanish Mission in 1882. As an ili or village, Sagada was founded by a man, Biyag, from Bika in Eastern Abra. The people from Bika were forced out of their ili by raiding headhunters. Biyag's family resettled in Candon but when baptism or the giving of names was enforced, Biyag's family chose to move back toward the mountains in search for a settlement. Along the way, he and his siblings decided to part ways. A brother, Balay, chose to return to Candon, a sister to Abra. Another brother settled along the upper Abra River. Biyag pushed further to the east until he came to what is now Sagada.

Places of Interest

Rice Terraces, Sagada

Some varieties of Coffee from Sagada.

Sagada has many natural wonders. Backpackers and tourists can enjoy the waters of Bokong and Bomod-ok Falls. Other places that can be visited are:

• Sumaguing and Lumiang Caves
• Bomod-ok and Bokong Falls
• Rice terraces
• Echo Valley
• Kiltepan Tower
• Underground River
• Lake Danum
• Hanging Coffins

Getting There

Baguio-Sagada route takes about 6 hours on a fairly good weather by trail motorbikes and if coming from Banaue, the ride takes 2-3 hours. By Mountainbiking, although rides can take up to two days, the views of thick forested mountains and waterfalls just few steps along the sides of the roads are best sights to enjoy. If you prefer the comfort of your vehicle, 4WD cars are excellent for the rocky unconcreted roads of Cordillera. Low cars are not recommended as deep soft muds and landslides can easily occur on bad weather. Check the condition of the roads with hotels in Baguio or Banaue before heading to Sagada. There are daily bus routes from either Baguio or Banaue but be sure you are brave enough to take such adventure. Another option locals are more used too is by jeepney. Take note that Banaue-Sagada route although closer is mainly rough roads while Baguio-Sagada has rough roads almost the same distance as Banaue-Sagada route.

Banaue Hotel

Caramoan Island

Caramoan is a 2nd class municipality on the Caramoan Peninsula, in the province of Camarines Sur, Bicol Region, Philippines. According to the 2007 census, it has a population of 40,810 people.

History & Geography

The name Caramoan has been officially adapted since 192.619, the year it was founded by a Spanish missionary friar, Francisco de la Cruz Y Oropesa. Fr. Oropesa penetrated the thick virgin forest of the Caramoan Peninsula and founded a small settlement in a place called Baluarte. This settlement was subsequently turned over to the administration of the Holy Bishopric in 1696.

The small town of Caramoan is located at the tip of Caramoan Peninsula, a rugged place of land extending into the waters of the Maqueda Channel on the North and East and Lagonoy Gulf on the South.

Prior to the arrival of the Spaniards, it was determined that the place was once called Guta de Leche, which was given by Dutch traders who operated a gold mine in Lahuy Island and who frequented the area to trade with the natives. The name was perhaps derived from the milkdrop stalagmites found among the rocks of Guta Port. Upon the arrival of the Spaniards, the place came to be called "Carahan" for the sea turtle, which was at that time to be found in great number along the shores of the Peninsula.

Caramoan is one of the thirty-five municipalities of the Province of Camarines Sur and is situated at the heart of the Caramoan Peninsula at the southernmost tip of Luzon. It occupies the lower eastern portion of the Province of Camarines Sur. It is bounded on the north by the town of Garchitorena and the Pacific Ocean; on the northeast by the island province of Catanduanes; on the south by Lagonoy Gulf; on the east by the Maqueda Channel and on the west by the municipality of Presentacion.

The municipality is situated between east longitude 1 and 13o46" north latitude. It covers approximately 27,741 square kilometers with approximately 71 kilometers of irregular coastline surrounded by the vast ocean, bay, seas and swamps. It is approximately 501 kilometers away from Metro Manila; 95 kilometers from the municipality of Pili, where the seat of the provincial government and the Pili Domestic Airport are located; and 110 kilometers away from Naga City, the heart of Bicol.

Tourism

The Caramoan Peninsula has gained tourism popularity in recent years. After the place has been featured in the news and local television programs, local and foreign travelers started to explore the beaches of the peninsula. Caramoan is one of the National Parks of the Philippines.

Popular tourist destinations are the Caramoan National Park, the Centro, and Gota Beach, and popular activities include diving, swimming, snorkeling and spelunking.

Survivor Favorite

Caramoan has been a favorite site for international franchises of Survivor. The place has hosted the Serbian version in two consecutive years. It has also hosted the Israel version of Survivor for three consecutive seasons. Bulgarian Survivor also filmed their fourth season there in 2009.
The 8th season of Koh-Lanta (French edition of Survivor), was also shot entirely in Caramoan. TV director Corinne Vaillant, stated that "the powdery sand, the coconuts on Gota beach and the neighboring islets are a 'dream' for the French people. We chose Caramoan because it’s really wild. It’s necessary that contestants don’t see anything other than nature for them to believe that they’re really lost in the wilds.”

ACTIVITIES

CAMPING

ROCK CLIMBING

KAYAKING

ISLAND HOPPING

TREKKING

KITE BOARDING

MOUNTAIN BIKING

SPELUNKING

SNORKELING

GETTING THERE

BY AIR:

Caramoan can also be reached via the southern Luzon expressway to CBD(Central Business District) in Naga City . There are also direct flights from Manila to Pili Airport, the Air Philippines and Cebu Pacific fly regularly from the Manila domestic airports to Pili airport. The best, easiest and most comfortable way to reach the Gota Village Resort is to let the office in CWC or Camsur Tourism Office organize the transport transfers.

Fast Craft Schedule CamSur Daily Express (M/V LRAY)
	Schedule	Travel Time
Departs	10:00 am	1 hour	Nato Port, Sagnay Camarines Sur
Arrive	11:00 am		Guijalo Port, Caramoan, Camarines Sur
Depart	01:30 pm	1 hour	Nato Port, Sagnay Camarines Sur
Arrive	02:30 pm		Guijalo Port, Caramoan, Camarines Sur
Fare: php350			One way only
Fare: php700			Round Trip

*subject to change without prior notice.

By Boat: (Outrigger Pumpboat)		Travel Time	Fare
From Sabang Port	Regular boat trip with 1 hour and 45 minutes boat rides daily from 7am to 12nn and vice versa	2 hours	Php120
From Guijalo Port	1st Trip: 7am Last Trip 11ams	2 hours	Php120
	Jeepney (Rental) one way	30 mins	Php1,000
	Tricycle	35 mins	Php 600

Boat Rental @ Gota Village Resort

Pumpboat:	Basic Rental		Ratio/Per Person	Seating Capacity
	Duration	Price
A:(Big)	Half-day (5 hours) 1-day (8 hours)	Php1,500 Php 1,700	PhP300 adult - child half PhP150 adult - child half 1:10	15 persons
B: (Small)	Half-day (5 hours) 1-day (8 hours)	Php 1,200 Php 1,200	PhP300adult - child half PhP150adult - child half 1:4	8 persons
Succeeding Hour (Addition Fuel)	Half Day	P500
Pickup Service (gota) Round trip transfers

Other Travel Info (how to get to there):

By Land (BUS)		Travel Time	Fare
From CWC	CWC shuttle (transpo rates for land transfer by car, van or coaster are available upon request).
	Bus (Naga-Sabang)		Php80

By Land(JEEPNEY)		Travel Time	Fare
	Philcab (Van)@ CBD Look for Naga-Nato Port, Sagnay route or Sabang Port, San Jose	1 hour	Php65
From Naga	Jeepney (Naga-Sabang)	1 hour	Php65

Other Facilities/services

Active Beach

Restaurant and Bar

View Deck

Television

Parking Area

Restroom

Uniformed Security

Other Services	Rental Price
Gota SHUTTLE (Pickup Service)	Caramoan town - Php 300 Guijalo Port - Php 500	ONE WAY ONLY!
Snorkel Set	Half day - Php 150 Succeeding Hour - Php 150
Kasko (limited Only to Gota Area) tradional small bangka	2 hours - Php 200 Succeeding Hour - Php 150
Helmet w/ headlamp	4 hours - Php 150
Rock climbing Equipment	2 hours

Entrance Fee:
Php 150 – Resident of Caramoan
Php 300 – Resident Outside Caramoan

Book Naga Hotel

Coron Island

Coron Island is surrounded by Islands with large rock formations

Large granite rock formations make up most of the Islands around Coron

CORON ISLAND

Coron Island is the third largest island in the Calamian Group of Islands in northern Palawan in the Philippines. The island is part of the larger municipality of the same name. It is about 170 nautical miles (310 km) southwest of Manila, is known for several Japanese shipwrecks World War II vintage. The island is part of the ancestral domain of the indigenous Tagbanwa people.

The area around the wrecks have pleasant rock formations which provide for excellent snorkeling opportunities, with underwater visibility extending up to 80 feet (24 m). The water is usually calm, with almost no current. Coron is one of the most visited destinations for wreck diving in the Philippines. Wreck dive sites are found in a depth as shallow as 10-30 feet and as deep as 120-140 feet. Most are in the range of about 60-80 feet, perfect for sports divers.

Divesites around Coron include also many different reef divesites and the famous "Günter´s Cave". Also known as Cathedral Cave as, during the right time of the day, the sun throws a beam of light through a hole in the cave-ceiling, illuminating the inside. It is possible to surface in the cave, as the hole in the cave-ceiling allows fresh air to enter. The cave is named after Günther Bernert. He was part of the first dive-group exploring the cave after hearing from local fishermen about the existence of the cave.

Wreck Diving Sites in Coron Bay include the Irako Wreck, Okikawa Maru Wreck, Akitsushima Wreck, Kogyo Maru Wreck, Olympia Maru Wreck, Kyokuzan Maru Wreck, East Tangat Gunboat Wreck (real name of the ship, Teru-Kaze Maru, was recently discovered by a group of Dutch divers, who spent a couple of days digging into bottom sand around the stern), Nanshin Maru Wreck, Lusong Gunboat Wreck and Skeleton Wreck.

The aquatic views from the sunken Japanese warships off Coron Island are listed in Forbes Traveler Magazine’s top 10 best scuba diving sites in the world.

GETTING THERE

BY AIR:

Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific Airlines and Zestair have daily flights from Manila – Coron – Manila. These depart Manila and land at the Busuanga Airport, flights take approximately an hour. It is recommend to book at least 10 days before departure, as the planes have a limited seating capacity.

BY SEA:

WG&A Superferry sails from Pier 15 of the Manila South Harbor (behind Manila Hotel) to Coron, Busuanga on Friday nights and returns on Monday mornings, the trip is approximately 12 hours each way.

BOOK CORON HOTELS

Samal Island

Samal Island

Beach Resort 
Samal

Paradise Like Resort 
Samal

The Island of Samal was created with the merger of the municipalities of Babak, Samal, and Kaputian by virtue of Republic Act. No. 8471 which was approved by former President Fidel V. Ramos on January 30, 1998 and later ratified by its residents on March 7 of the same year.

Politically , Island Garden City of Samal is a component City of Davao del Norte Province. As a result of the merger, the three municipalities involved in the creation ceased to exist, thus the newly created city acquired all the physical characteristics of the former municipalities which now become its three political districts. Babak as District l , Samal as District ll where the center of the city government is located , and Kaputian as District lll.

GETTING THERE

For International Visitors, you can fly direct to Davao City, Philippines via Cebu Pacific Airlines or SilkAir from Singapore. Or if you're entering the Philippines via the capital city of Manila, take a domestic flight to Davao City. The domestic flight to Davao City from Manila is serviced by four(4) major airlines with a combined frequency of fourteen(14) flights daily. More flights are expected as another airline is slated to open its domestic route in Davao City.

Upon arrival in Davao City, choose your preferred route in going to Samal Island from the available choices as that of a Local Visitor.

BOOK SAMAL HOTEL

Camiguin Island

Guinsiliban Beach Sunrise

Mt. Hibok Hibok

The Island

The island-province of Camiguin is a pear-shaped volcanic island in the northern tip of Mindanao. It is approximately 90 kilometers north of the City of Cagayan de Oro. It is bounded to the north by Bohol Sea, to the west by Macajalar Bay, to the southeast by Gingoog Bay and to the east by Butuan Bay.

Camiguin is the smallest province in Northern Mindanao, with its land area pegged at 29,187 hectares. It is composed of five towns, namely, Mambajao – the capital town, Mahinog, Guinsiliban, Sagay and Catarman. The island plays host to seven volcanoes, including the still-active Mount Hibok-Hibok. According to the National Statistics Office, Camiguin has a total population of 74,232 persons, making the province the second smallest in the Philippines in terms of population.

Among the Province's major products are coconut, cassava, banana, camote, palay, corn, fruits, coffee and vegetables. Camiguin's volcanic soil has proved to be a fertile ground for planting various crops. At present, the Provincial government is looking into an agricultural program that would increase the cultivation of fruit trees and vegetables in Camiguin. The Province is also among the best abaca fiber producers in the country. Camiguin is proud of its natural resources, which include sulfur deposits, geothermal energy, agricultural lands and fishing grounds.

The Camiguin culture is a mixture of both Boholano and Cebuano culture. It is very colorful and creative. The people are deeply religious, hospitable and friendly. Cebuano is the major dialect in the Province. However, in the towns of Sagay and Guinsiliban, where most of the indigenous tribes reside, the Kinamiguin dialect is still spoken. Kinamiguin is derived from the Manobo dialect with some mixture of Boholano.

Camiguin is in the Southern part of the Philippines,
North of Cagayan de Oro City.

GETTING THERE:

From Manila, you can take direct flights of Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific, or Air Philippines to Cagayan de Oro City. Flying time approximately takes one hour and 20 minutes. From Cebu, Cagayan de Oro City is even nearer -- a mere 30 minutes away. One can also take the longer but infinitely more exciting ferry trips from the North Harbor aboard the ships of WG&A, Negros Navigation, and Sulpicio Lines. Depending on the routes (sometimes they stop over at certain ports such as that of Cebu City, Iloilo City or Bacolod City), a ferry trip to Cagayan de Oro City usually takes 28 to 36 hours.

From Cagayan de Oro City airport, you can take a cab to the bus terminal located at the Agora Market and get on a bus for Balingoan, a town 88 kilometers outside the city. At Balingoan, take a ferry bound for Camiguin Island approaching Camiguin by sea. The trip usually takes an hour before you reach Benoni Wharf of Mahinog, which is 17 kilometers from the capital town of Mambajao.

You can also take a three-hour ferry ride from the Cagayan de Oro Ferry Terminal to Guinsiliban, also in Camiguin on board M/V Yuhum.

BOOK HOSTELS IN CAMIGUIN / BOOK HOTELS IN CAMIGUIN

Boracay Island

Boracay is the ideal island destination for a family vacation, honeymoon, romantic getaway or even an action-packed holiday.

The world-famous island of Boracay is located in Aklan province 345 kms. South of Manila. The island is accessible by air from Manila or Cebu through two principal gateways: Caticlan airport or Kalibo airport.

Boracay with its famous for its White Beach - so called because of its truly white beach as you can see - White Beach certainly is one of the most beautiful beaches in the world - may be second to the most beautiful beach i ever saw and experienced myself - a hidden beach white, wide and long - approximately 9 km long beach just next to real wild jungle ... in Cambodia.

BOOK BORACAY HOTELS

GETTING THERE:

From Manila, the Manila Domestic Airport has flights to Boracay either via Kalibo (45 minutes) or via Caticlan (30 minutes). From the Kalibo Airport, air-conditioned vans and buses for hire are available to take you to the Caticlan Jetty, where boats are stationed to take you to the island. The bus trip takes around 90 minutes, and the boat ride, 20 minutes.

From Iloilo, there are air-conditioned vans and buses going to Kalibo or directly to Caticlan, where boats going to Boracay are stationed.

From Cebu, Asian Spirit and Sea Air fly to Kalibo two times weekly.

Boracay Trip Guide
GETTING THERE

Take a flight to Manila. You may have to spend a night in Manila on your outward journey because onward flights to Boracay are limited.

Fly Philippine Airlines from Manila (Domestic Airport) to Kalibo Airport. (The flight takes 30 minutes and costs about 3,000 Philippine peso return).

From Kalibo Airport takes the air-conditioned bus to Caticlan and the boat from Caticlan harbor to Boracay (the bus trip takes 90 minutes and the boat 30 minutes; combined ticket Pp140).

Various charter companies fly direct from Manila to Caticlan Airport (Pp4, 000 return; 60-90 minutes).

As there is no jetty on Boracay, you have to wade ashore from the boat, so wear something suitable!

 ATTRACTIONS & ACTIVITIES

Natural Beaches / White Beaches

Boracay boasts of a sugary white sand beachand azure blue waters. The best part of the island is the four-kilometer White Beach known to be the "finest Beach in the world." The surrounding water is shallow and the sand is finer and brighter than most beaches in the archipelago. White Beach is so, soooo fine, it feels like treading on miles of baby powder!

Aquasports

The island paradise of Boracay is a perfect place for watersports. Here, you can partake in a smorgasbord of exhilirating aqua action - from swimming and snorkeling to scuba diving, windsurfing, sailboating, kayaking, boardsailing, and boating.

Boardsailing

On the eastern side of Boracay Island is Bulabog Beach. It is a boardsailor's mecca that draws enthusiasts from all over the world, especially during the peak season from November to March. In January, it is the site of an International Funboard Cup.

Diving

Dive sites surround the island and are learning venues to both novice and professional divers, guided by competent instructors of the many dive shops that operate in the area. For trueblue scuba diving enthusiasts, Yapak in Boracay is a great deep dive.

Paraw Regatta

Sailboating and kayaking are popular sporting activities, with Boracay playing host to the annual Paraw Regatta, an international sailboat race that makes use of the native outrigger.

Mambo Number 5

For the adventure-driven, "Mambo Number 5" is a little bit of boating and wind surfing, a little bit of scuba diving, a little bit of trekking, a little bit of mountain biking, and a little bit of golf.

Nature Tripping / Eco-Adventure

World-renowned Boracay is an adventure island ideal for island hopping, hiking, trekking, caving, mountain climbing, biking, and horseback riding. Trekking and mountain biking can bring even the intrepid to the island's quaint interior villages and to the edges' scenic rocky cliffs, discovering along the way many hidden coves with isolated beaches far from the tourist crowd.

Festivals Ati-Atihan

(second weekend of January). January is the time to hang loose in Kalibo, the "Land of the Atis" and the gateway to Boracay. For all of three days, it celebrates the Ati-Atihan Festival - where frenzied streetdancing is performed by costumed and black-sooted "tribes" as they wend through the main streets from dawn until the witching hours. Ati-Atihan commemorates the 13th-century land deal between ten migrating Bornean chieftains and the aboriginal Ati King Marikudo. It also honors the town patron, the infant Santo Niño. To the accompaniment of hundreds of lyres and drums, merrymakers throw all inhibitions to the wind as they join the tribes in a mad jig punctuated by rhythmic shouts of: "Hala bira! Puera pasma! Hala bira! Viva Santo Niño!" (Loosely translated: "Let go! Don't get sick! Let go! Hail the Holy Child!")

Paraw Regatta

Yearly, Boracay Island plays host to the Paraw Regatta, an international sailboat race that makes use of the native outrigger.

International Funboard Cup

Bulabog Beach, situated on the eastern side of Boracay Island, is a boardsailor's mecca that draws enthusiasts from all over the world. Every January, it is the site of an International Funboard Cup.


Special Interests:

Recreational Sports

Laid-back Boracay is the perfect venue for golf, tennis, bowling, even beach volleyball. Top-of-class amenities for these activities are available in the island. For golf bugs, Fairways and Bluewater Resort Golf and Countryclub has an 18-hole championship course.

Party Hopping

The code in Boracay is strictly informal. Walking barefoot than shod is the rule rather than the exception. Swinging discos have the beach for a floor, giving dance a new twist. From dusk to dawn, the island turns into one big party place where everyone is welcome to join in.

Shopping

Bargain shopping is a joy of a diversion while in Boracay. Souvenir pieces provide endless possibilities, from trinkets and native accessories made of shells and semi-precious stones to exotic or contemporary beach wear and fashion artworks.

Dining

The taste of the 6th Region, to which Boracay belongs, is quite simple. Charbroiled chicken is common fare. Another favorite dish is raw fish marinated in spicy vinegar. Dining is no problem in Boracay, with most resorts having their own restaurants that serve both Filipino and international cuisines. Small snack bars line the island.

Relaxation

Diversions are not a problem in Boracay, with leisure activities calendared throughout the year and amenities offered by some 350 tourist establishments. The island is ideal for beachbumming, relaxing, and simply lazing around. At the end of the day, unwind with a relaxing massage. The island never runs out skilled masseurs offering massage services by the beach. For a more luxurious treat, visit the new Mandala Spa.

BOOK BORACAY HOTELS / BOOK BORACAY HOSTELS / THINGS TO DO IN BORACAY

Bicol Region: Provinces Of Albay

The Bicol Region of southeastern Luzon is made up of the Provinces of Albay, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Sorsogon, Catanduanes and Masbate. Legazpi City, capital of Albay, is centrally located in the region and is accessible from Manila in less than a hour by plane or in a few hours by bus.

Natural Attractions

About 538 kilometers southeast of Manila, the lush province of Albay sands out as the most unique, famed by the province's main attraction, the picture perfect Mayon Volcano, one of the world's magnificent mountains.

Her name was derived from the Bikol word "Magayon" which means beautiful. Erupting more than 40 times over the last two centuries, this active volcano towers over the entire Bicol region, rising at 2,462 meters above seal level. An American writer describes her as "an overly perfect backdrop painting of a Hollywood jungle movie."

Albay also takes pride in other diverse attractions such as clear waterfalls, meandering rivers, spectacular ancient cave network and lush underwater world.

Mayon Volcano

MOUNT MAYON is the central feature and natural attraction of the region. Just north of Legazpi City it's symmetrical slopes dominate the view for miles around.

Mts. Isarog, Iriga and Bulusan

Mayon's "little sisters" these mountain areas are designated National Parks protecting native plants and animals.

Tiwi Hot Springs National Park

A highly active thermal area, Tiwi has long been a popular place to "take the medicinal waters" and bathhouses abound. The waters are hottest inNaglagbong Lake, a boiling sulfur pool. Tiwi is also the site of the mammoth Geothermal Electric Power Plant, which harnesses steam to generate electricity, and a salt making industry.

Caves and Spelunking

Hoyop-Hoyopan Caves - about 15-km from Legazpi, the name means "blow-blow" in the local dialect from the sound of the wind whistling through the main entrance. Archeological artifacts dating from 50 B.C. were excavated by a Franciscan priest and are now housed at the National Museum in Manila and nearby Camalig Church.

Calabidongan Caves - 2-km from Hoyop-Hoyopan, these caves feature an underground stream and a population of bats. Pottery, human bones, beadwork and other artifacts believed to be 4,000 years old have been found and can be seen at Camalig Church.

Del Rosario Caves - located near Jovellar, a grotto-like cavern on a hillside.

Minaroso Caves - on Batan Island located close to the sea and is a haven for seabirds and swallows.

Waterfalls and Lakes

Busay Falls - one of the highest in the country, it cascades down in seven tiers from a height of 800 feet into two catchbasins. Accessible by foot trail.

Mataginting Falls - in Jovellar near the Naglaus Underground River.

Palale Falls - in Malinao.

Lake Danao - located 15-km northeast of Polangui, it's nestled in a lovely setting between Mts. Malinao and Masaraga.

Beaches and Islands

Sogod Beach - in Bacaycay it's adjacent to the highway and is popular for its white sand enclaves.

Buhatan Beach - in Santo Domingo are the remains of a Spanish Galleon five fathoms deep in clear water. Scuba divers can explore the wreck, though its relics are now kept at the National Museum in Manila.

Cagraray Island - off the east coast of Albay, it offers many pristine white sand beaches.

Batan Island - in the same area, it's a sanctuary for many types of wildlife including monkeys, hornbills, mallards and huge pigeons.

San Lorenzo Beach - commands a panoramic view of Tabaco Bay and the bucolic San Miguel Island.

Putsan Beach - has black volcanic sands and its local people produce beautiful pottery using ancient methods.

Kilayukay Beach - echoes the South Pacific islands.

Ilologan Beach - excellent for skindiving and fishing it has a long stretch of coral sands.

Roca Baluarte - a fort-like formation which has been converted to a beach resort.

Rizal Beach - about an hour from Legaspi in Sorsogon, pristine white sands beckon.

Cultural Attractions

Cagsawa Ruins - in 1814, Mayon Volcano erupted and sent lava flows cascading down its sides. The townspeople of Cagsawa fled to the church where they perished when it was engulfed in the fiery flows. Today, only the church tower remains as a memorial.
Daraga Church - an 18th century baroque church poised on a hill with commanding views of the sea and Mayon Volcano. Its stone masons suffused the facade with statuary, carvings, alcoves and niches at different levels.
Camalig Church - built entirely out of volcanic rocks it has a small museum which houses archeological artifacts extracted from local caves.
Budiao Ruins - like Cagsawa, this town is thought to have been destroyed in the 1814 Mayon eruption.
Sinimbahan Ruins - The remains of a seaside church leveled by a tidal wave.
Japanese Garden - built by Japanese Peace Corps volunteers.

GETTING THERE:

By Land

Deep in the heart of Bicol is the Province of Albay. Take the bus or the plane, (or train). The choice is yours.

By Air

Albay can be reached by plane through the Legazpi airport. It is served by Philippine Airlines, flying daily to and from Legazpi. The approach to Legazpi airport commands a bird's eye view of the majestic Mayon Volcano-Albay's pride. Take the seat nearest the window on the forward section of the aircraft; the wings can get in the way of your view.

By Land

About a hundred buses leave Manila daily to Legazpi. The terminals are located at the Araneta Center in Cubao and in Ermita, Manila near the Cultural Center of the Philippines. Travel durin the day is cool. The lush green scenery is magnificient. Drop by the clea rest areas at the forest reserves of Atimonan in Quezon Province or at the Bicol National Park. The trip is as good as the destination itself.

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