2023 ALBAY + LEGAZPI TRAVEL GUIDE (ITINERARY + BUDGET)

Complete Legazpi Itinerary and Albay journey information with pattern price range and bills, the place to remain and locations to go to in Albay.

Dominating the skyline of Legazpi and Albay is Mt.Mayon, the poster woman of the province. Identified for its majestic magnificence and nearly excellent conical form. Wherever you might be in Albay, it appears as if Mt.Mayon is watching you. Certainly, nothing can embody nature’s prowess and splendor. However there’s extra to Albay, this large province is oozing with uncooked enchantment; flanked by huge, inexperienced farmlands, fishing cities, age-old church buildings, cave techniques, aquamarine rivers, and luxurious mountains. It’s also possible to discover its rugged shoreline, lapped by blue waters and dappled with tropical islands. Most of the rising vacationer spots in Albay are blissfully uncharted by mass tourism, so greatest to go to quickly earlier than it will get too crowded.

That will help you plan your journey, right here’s a fast Albay + Legazpi Journey Information with Legazpi itinerary and pattern bills and price range. Be at liberty to remark beneath if you wish to recommend further vacationer spots in Legazpi and Albay, I didn’t embody every little thing right here as I’ve but to go to them. However since Legazpi is simply 3 hours away from my hometown, I can all the time journey there and replace this Albay and Legazpi journey weblog sooner or later.

*Cowl picture  by Sheila Pauline Rubi @sheepsunfiltered

ALBAY AND LEGAZPI TRAVEL GUIDE

Albay ATM: ATMs are scattered round Legazpi and Daraga. Greatest to withdraw money earlier than leaving for Jovellar or Camalig as nearly every little thing is on money foundation.

Albay Security: Albay is a tourist-friendly vacation spot.  Nonetheless, as in some other locations, watch out together with your issues, don’t simply depart them unattended.

Albay Web: Many lodging have Wi-Fi; nevertheless, some are unreliable. You should use your information or higher but, carry a pocket Wi-fi. You possibly can lease by means of the quantity beneath.

WHERE TO STAY IN LEGAZPI/ALBAY

 It is very important know beforehand the place to remain in Legazpi or Albay when planning your Legazpi itinerary and Albay itinerary.  You possibly can choose to remain in downtown Legazpi or in Daraga space.

Legazpi Metropolis is a handy base as a result of many of the eating places, malls, and motels are concentrated there. Embarcadero can also be situated in Legazpi Metropolis.

Daraga space is the quieter aspect and near many of the Albay vacationer spots, like Daraga Church the place you’ll be able to see Mt.Mayon, Ligñon  Hill, Daraga Church, Albay Park and Wildlife.

Tabaco can also be a quiet, however it’s removed from Legazpi Metropolis or Daraga, about 1 hour drive. It’s a very good base for island hopping in Albay and if you wish to cross to Catanduanes after.

Legazpi Metropolis Middle Lodges

Daraga Lodges

HOW TO GET TO LEGAZPI/ALBAY:

BY AIR

1.You possibly can fly to Legazpi from Manila or Cebu. Journey time from Manila is roughly 1 hour and 20 minutes. Philippine Airways and Cebu Pacific have day by day flights to Bicol Worldwide Airport (BIA) in Albay.

2.On the Bicol Worldwide Airport (Legazpi Airport), you’ll be able to take the airport van/shuttle to downtown Legazpi, tricycle, or taxi. There’s no mounted schedule, the van leaves as soon as full.

Right here’s the Legazpi airport van/shuttle fare:

Alternatively, if you’re touring in a bunch, there are taxis on the Bicol Worldwide Airport (BIA). Fare might be based mostly by means of Taxi Meter Cost solely.  So, please be sure that the motive force activates the meter and cost you based mostly on the taxi meter studying solely, together with flag-down costs. Refuse the “pakwayan fee” (constitution fee with out utilizing the meter) to keep away from overcharging.

Tricycles are additionally accessible, fare is roughly ₱200 ($4), good for 4 individuals.

BY BUS

It’s also possible to take a bus from Manila to Legazpi. Journey time is roughly 12 hours. Fare begins at round ₱1,076  ($21). The bus journey ends at Legazpi Grand Central Terminal. Greatest to take it at night time so that you’ll arrive within the morning in time in your Legazpi itinerary.

There are a number of buses with day by day journeys to Legazpi equivalent to Philtranco, Raymond Bus, DLTB, Peñafrancia.   If  you might be based mostly in South Manila, you’ll be able to journey them at  Paranaque Built-in Terminal Trade (PITX).  If you happen to’re coming from North Manila, make your approach to Araneta Middle Bus Terminal in Cubao, Quezon Metropolis the place buses to Bicol abound.

BY PRIVATE VEHICLE

Touring by personal automobile or van from Manila to Legazpi or  from any level in Luzon is feasible. If coming from Metro Manila,  journey time is roughly 10 to 11 hours relying on site visitors. Check with Google Maps for route.

GETTING AROUND LEGAZPI/ALBAY

 Albay is a province in Bicol area, composed of 15 cities and three element cities (Legazpi, Tabaco, and Ligao). Many of the vacationer spots in Albay are situated in Daraga, Camalig, and Jovellar.  For island hopping in Albay, it’s close to Tabaco.  So almost definitely, these are the areas that you’ll go to throughout your Albay and Legazpi itinerary –  Daraga, Camalig,  Jovellar, Legazpi Metropolis, after which Tabaco, should you plan to journey to Mayon Skyline or do island hopping in Albay.

There are various public automobiles in Legazpi and Albay, you need to use them to get round.

Tricycles – There’s an abundance of tricycle in Legazpi metropolis middle that may take your on to your vacation spot.  That is your greatest wager if doing a DIY journey, so that you’ll be capable of go to the locations in your Albay and Legazpi itinerary. Fee will depend on the space of your vacation spot. I all the time use the tricycle when getting round Legazpi, even going to the airport. However all the time ask and negotiate the value earlier than hopping in. Tricycle drivers in Legazpi are notorious for overcharging vacationers. For brief distance journey, for instance, inside Legazpi metropolis middle solely, it shouldn’t value you greater than ₱20 ($0.38). If you happen to’re in downtown Legazpi and you propose to go to Daraga space, it may value you roughly ₱100 ($2) up.

Taxi – Cabs can be found in Legazpi, all the time use the meter.  However you’ll be able to constitution a taxi in your Legazpi/Albay day tour. If you happen to’ll rent the taxi for a day, ensure you negotiate the value first,  talk about the locations in your Legazpi itinerary first, earlier than hopping in. Often chartered taxi charges begin at roughly ₱3,500 ($67) for a day tour, good for 4 passengers.

Jeepneys – An affordable approach to get round Legazpi and Albay is by jeepney.  Fare begins at ₱10 ($0.19) from Daraga to Legazpi and vice versa. Nonetheless, you have to know the routes to keep away from driving the flawed one. You possibly can learn the route painted on the aspect of the jeepney and ask the motive force to verify it’ll cross by your vacation spot.

Right here’s among the Legazpi jeepney routes that you just would possibly use throughout your  Legazpi journey if you wish to commute or do a DIY Legazpi itinerary:

• Daraga-Legazpi Loop 1: That is the jeep that you may take to get to Ligñon Hill and Albay Park and Wildlife.
• Daraga – Legazpi (Tahao Street): . That is the jeep that you may take to get to the bus station (Legazpi Grand Central Terminal). It’s also possible to depart your baggage on the baggage counter in Pacific Mall whilst you do your last-minute buying or at SM Legazpi.

LEGAZPI TOUR PACKAGE

Photographs by Ria Baldo

When visiting Legazpi or Albay, you’ll be able to be part of group excursions for comfort and ebook excursions prematurely to order a slot. Right here’s among the beneficial excursions within the province.

It’s also possible to ebook this on the spot at Cagsawa Ruins or Ligñon Hills the place most motorbike drivers and touts are stationed.

ALBAY AND LEGAZPI TOURIST SPOTS

There are various new vacationer spots in Legazpi now, and I’ve but to go to them. I’ll replace this blogpost as soon as I do. However for now, listed here are the highest vacationer spots in Legazpi, these are the standard locations to see in Legazpi and Albay for first timers/first time guests that you may embody in your Legazpi Itinerary and Albay Itinerary.

My apologies, I don’t have a lot images to put up right here as a result of I misplaced my Legazpi and Albay images since 3 of my exterior arduous drives have been broken. I’ll replace the images as soon as I revisit Albay once more quickly. Thanks to my cousin Pauline and my niece  Ellize andd her mother Ria for offering many of the images right here.

LIGÑON HILL

 This hill is Legazpi provides a scenic and unobstructed view of Mt.Mayon.

Location: Legazpi Metropolis

Entrance Payment: Summit  -₱10 ($0.19), Japanese Tunnel – ₱20 ($0.38)

The right way to get there: Experience the Daraga-Legazpi jeep Loop 1 or take a tricycle. Inform the motive force you might be getting off at Ligñon Hill. Stroll uphill or take a motorbike to the summit.

EMBARCADERO

Location: Legazpi Metropolis

Entrance Payment: FREE, Lighthouse View deck – ?

MAYON VOLCANO

Location: Daraga

When you’re in Albay and Legazpi, you’ll be able to simply see the jaw-dropping Mayon volcano. There are various vantage factors, so, it’s actually as much as you the place you’d prefer to see it. Nonetheless, typically Mt. Mayon will get a extremely shy and hides, particularly when it’s cloudy.  So, if you wish to see it, greatest to go to throughout summer time or when the climate is okay.  The favored Mt. Mayon viewpoints embody Cagsawa Ruins, Ligñon Hill, Embarcadero, Quituinan Farm, and the lava space in the course of the ATV tour. See the main points beneath.

CAGSAWA RUINS

Location: Daraga

Entrance Payment:

The right way to get there: Experience a jeep to Cagsawa. It’s also possible to take a jeepney certain for Oas or Polangui, inform the motive force to drop you off at Cagsawa Ruins. Or take a tricycle to Cagsawa Ruins.

DARAGA CHURCH

Location: Daraga

The right way to get there: Take a Legazpi-Daraga jeepney.  Take an uphill stroll to the church. Fare is roughly ₱10 ($0.19).

(Photographs by Sheila Pauline Rubi @sheepsunfiltered)

SUMLANG LAKE

This bountiful lake provides an unhindered view of Mt.Mayon. It has now turn into an Instagram-worthy attraction.  Not a lot to do right here aside from the actions talked about beneath, however it has a soothing ambiance as it’s surrounded by greenery.

Location: Camalig

Entrance Payment and Different Charges:

Open Hours:  Monday to Thursday 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM, Friday to Sunday 6:30 AM – 6:00 PM

The right way to get there: If coming from Legazpi, board a jeep to Daraga. Alight at LCC Legazpi or Public Market. Experience one other a jeepney to Camalig, Polangui, or Guinobatan. Inform the motive force you will Sumlang Lake. Journey time is roughly half-hour. Get off at Albay Agri Ethno Eco-Village. Stroll to Sumlang Lake for about 15-25 minutes or rent a tricycle to take you to Sumlang Lake.

QUITUINAN RANCH (QUITUINAN HILL)

Location: Camalig

Open Hours:  Every day 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Entrance Payment:  ₱30 ($0.57) +  Environmental Payment ₱20 ($0.38) = ₱50 ($1)

The right way to get there:  Board a jeepney to Camalig. Fare is roughly ₱20 ($0.38)

Alight on the city correct. Rent a tricycle to Quituinan Hill. Chartered tricycle often prices ₱200 ($4, good for 3-4 pax) as a result of the motive force will look ahead to you. Be sure you inform the motive force to attend for you as a result of tricycle going again to city could be very uncommon. If you’re alone, you’ll be able to ask the jeepney driver to drop you off at LCC Camalig. Then from there, rent a motorbike to take you to Quituinan Hill. Fare is roughly ₱50 ($1) (a technique). Negotiate with driver in your journey again. ₱100 ($2) – ₱150 ($3) needs to be good for a roundtrip fare for the reason that driver will look ahead to you. 

QUITINDAY HILLS

Quitinday Hills is a cluster of inexperienced hills within the eponymous city of Quitinday. It’s  harking back to Osmena Peak in Dalaguete, Cebu and Chocolate Hills of Bohol. It simply turned a well-liked vacationer web site in Albay, because it provides a scenic view of its environment with a backdrop of the unobstructed Mt.Mayon.

Location: Camalig

Entrance Payment: ₱25 ($0.48)

The right way to get there: If coming from Legazpi, journey a jeepney with Legazpi-Camalig signboard, Legazpi-Guinobatan, Legazpi-Ligao or any jeepney with route to three^rd district. Fare is roughly ₱25 ($0.48).

Alight at Quitinday Junction/Diversion highway. Lease a tricycle to Quitinday Hills, relying in your haggling ability, fare is roughly ₱500 ($10), good for five passengers. Journey time is roughly 45 minutes.

At Quitinday Hill, pay the ₱25 ($0.48) entrance payment. Hike uphill takes about quarter-hour.

Journey Tip: When you are at it, you may additionally go to Jovellar Underground River and Falls (Quitinday River and Falls), ask the motive force should you can mix the tour. Fare is roughly ₱1000 ($20), good for five passengers. Mixed tour might take about 5-6 hours, so, that’s an inexpensive fee already because you’re hiring the tricycle for half-day.

JOVELLAR UNDERGROUND RIVER AND SIGPIT FALLS (Quitinday Underground River and Falls)

Although popularly referred to as Quitinday Underground River and Waterfalls, it’s truly situated within the city of Jovellar in Albay.  My guess is, as a result of that is often mixed with a visit to Quitinday Hills, guests should have assumed at first that it’s situated in Quitinday. The two-tiered falls is definitely known as Sigpit Falls by the locals; its water originates from the Jovellar Underground River. Greatest time to see its teal water is throughout summer time, because it turns into brownish in the course of the wet season.

Location: Jovellar

Open Hours: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM

*Tour information is necessary. One tour information is nice for 7 vacationers.

Charges:

*Good for each 1-5 individuals, one-way entry coverage.

The right way to get there: Experience a jeep to Guinobatan. At Guinobatan, journey a jeep or motorbike to Jovellar.

Alternatively, you may additionally journey a jeep to Camalig and alight at Quitinday Junction. From there, rent a tricycle to take you to Jovellar Underground River and Falls.  Fare is roughly ₱500 ($10), good for five passengers It may be mixed with a tour to Quitinday Hills for about ₱1000 ($20), good for five passengers.

Necessary:

• No masks, no entry.
• All vacationers should bear thermal scanning.
• Fill out the Well being Declaration Type.

MAYON SKYLINE

Location: Tabaco

About an hour away from Legazpi Metropolis is Mayon Skyline, you’ll be able to go to this earlier than or after your island-hopping journey in Albay because it’s in Tabaco. It has top-of-the-line views of Mayon Volcano, however time your journey throughout a very good climate as a result of Mayon is often blocked by clouds. Your greatest wager is an early morning go to as it will probably get moderately cloudy within the afternoon. In any other case, simply strive your luck in Cagsawa Ruins, Ligñon Hill, Sumlang Lake, Daraga Church, or Embarcadero.

ALBAY ISLAND HOPPING

Location: Tabaco

Albay isn’t nearly Mayon Volcano. There are additionally islands and seashores that you may go to within the province. A handy leaping off level of Albay island hopping is Tabaco Port. From right here, the islands are about 45 minutes to 1 hour by outrigger boats.

Listed here are some  of the islands that you may go to, they’re situated in Malilipot, Bacacay, and Tabaco:

• Wara-wara Island
• Pinamuntugan Island
• Maliktay
• Guinanayan Island
• San Miguel Island

The right way to get there: From Legazpi or Daraga, take a van or jeepney to Tabaco, Albay. At Tabaco, journey a tricycle or padyak to Tabaco Port. Then from Tabaco port, rent a ship for island hopping. Island hopping charges depend upon the boat capability and the variety of islands that you just wish to go to. Fee begins at ₱2,000 ($38).

ALBAY + LEGAZPI ITINERARY

Right here’s a pattern Legazpi/Albay itinerary excellent for a 3-4 day keep within the province with pattern price range/bills. That is good for a solo traveler; it can save you extra if you’re a celebration of two or if you’re touring as a bunch.

*The pattern  Legazpi/Albay journey bills beneath doesn’t embody roundtrip transportation between Manila and Legazpi, lodging, drinks, souvenirs, and different buying bills.

When you’ve got extra time to spend in Albay and in case your price range permits, you may additionally do island hopping in Albay on Day 3. See the pattern Albay Itinerary Day 3 beneath.

*Charges might change with out prior discover.

Journey Suggestions and Reminder

• Smoking is prohibited in public locations in Legazpi, together with malls, parks, and authorities places of work.
• Observe the LNT precept – Depart No Hint.
• Ibalong Pageant is well known in August.
• Put on correct garments for trekking, driving the ATV and island hopping.  Put on sunscreen to guard your pores and skin.
• Deliver waterproof bag for island hopping and for the Jovellar Underground River and Falls.
• Preserve your self hydrated.

Don’t miss making an attempt in style Bicol meals equivalent to pinangat, Bicol Categorical, sinantol, pili,  Tiwi Halo-halo, and sili ice cream, be sure that to incorporate meals journey in your Albay and Legazpi itinerary.

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