About
Embarking on a backpacking trip across Albay, Sorsogon, and Catanduanes is an adventure through the diverse beauty of the Bicol Region. From the iconic Mayon Volcano and Sorsogon’s pristine beaches to the untouched landscapes of Catanduanes, this route offers a mix of nature, culture, and coastal charm. Each province tells its own story — Albay’s fiery soul, Sorsogon’s serene seas, and Catanduanes’ rugged island vibes — making this backpacking journey a perfect blend of thrill and tranquility in Southern Luzon.
This article includes a detailed and updated backpacking guide for Albay, Sorsogon, and Catanduanes. The purpose of this journey was to complete my Region 5 league. Initially, it was solo backpacking, but Tin, my friend, joined me. Traveling via land from Manila to this region can take 12 hours, which is challenging. As I always say, time is just a number; in exchange, you'll be rewarded with the stunning tourist spots and destinations of its 3 provinces.
How to Get to Bicol
In Isarog Bus Terminal, Cubao, we rode a bus bound for Legaspi City. 8 PM we departed Manila and arrived in Legaspi at 9 AM the next day. Bus Fare: 1,036 Pesos.
Day 1 Itinerary - Albay
- 9 AM, arrival at the terminal, SM Legaspi City, Albay.
- Rode in a tricycle to McDo, near the city plaza and Legaspi City Hall.
- Had a brunch at McDonald's.
- Checked in at Litas Lodge, just a walking distance from McDonald's. Rested and tidied up.
- 11:10 AM travelled from McDo to Cagsawa Ruins, arriving at 11:30 AM.
- Chartered a trike tour: 500 pesos for 5 destinations.
- Explored Cagsawa Ruins and waited for Mt. Mayon to clear (negative).
- Left Cagsawa Ruins at 12:16 PM. Arrived in Hoyop-hoyopan Cave at 12:20 PM.
- Settled Hoyop-hoyopan entrance fee, 150 pesos, with guide.
- Explored Hoyop-hoyopan Cave.
- Left Hoyop-hoyopan Cave at 1:45 PM, arrived in Sumlang Lake at 2:10 PM, paid the 25-peso entrance fee.
- Explored Sumlang Lake and waited for Mt. Mayon to clear (negative).
- While waiting, we bought ice cream for 25 pesos.
- Left Sumlang Lake at 3:26 PM, arrived in Daraga Church at 4:06 PM, explored and took photo ops.
- Left Daraga Church at 4 PM and arrived at the Lignon Hill entrance at 4:20 PM.
- Had a buko break first before ascending.
- Settled the entrance fee (25 pesos) and continued ascent on a concrete road.
- Arrived on the view deck of Lignon Hill at 4:45 PM. Explored, photo ops, and waited for Mt. Mayon clearing (negative)
Day 2 Itinerary - Sorsogon
- Rode a jeep from McDonald's to Shell Daraga, and waited for a bus with a Bulan signboard.
- Bus left Daraga Shell at 6:30 AM. Arrived in Trice after 4 hours of travel. Bus Fare: 160 pesos.
- Rode in a tricycle from Trice to Bayan.
- Met Christian (bankero), Ph: 09261404577, walked to the tourism Office, entrance fee: 70 pesos.
- Restroom and bought water.
- Left Matnog Port at 10:19 AM, arrived at Juag Lagoon and Marine Fish Sanctuary at 10:40 AM.
- Arrived in Subic Beach at 11:20 AM. Explored the beach. Sun Bathing.
- Banlaw in Matnog Port.
- Settled in boat rental (1,600 pesos). Kung gusto nyo ng trike tour to Bulusan Lake, tricycle drivers are offering their service.
- Had lunch in a Carinderia in Matnog.
- Rode in a jeep from Matnog to Trice. Top load kami dahil super limited and byahe.
- By the highway, had a bus ride from Trice to Legaspi City.
- Alighted at the terminal near SM. Had dinner at Mang Inasal, with unli rice.
- Rode a trike from SM to Mayon Backpackers Hotel.
- Checked in at Mayon Backpackers Hotel Ph: 09202373398 (300 pesos per head for an overnight, dorm type)
Day 3 Itinerary - Catanduanes
- Checked out early at Mayon Backpackers Hotel. Walked to McDonald's using Google Maps.
- Rode in a jeep to Daraga Shell.
- Tricycle to Cagsawa Ruins (our second attempt).
- Paid Cagsawa Ruins entrance fee: 20 pesos.
- Waited for the clearing of Mt. Mayon (still negative).
- Walked from Cagsawa Ruins to the highway. By the highway, a bus ride to Tabaco City. Bus Fare: 50 pesos.
- Arrived in Tabaco City at 7:37 AM. Alighted at Tabaco Port.
- Bought ferry ticket (Tabaco to San Andres): 230 pesos.
- Left the port at 8 AM. Arrived in San Andres Port: 11:30 AM.
- Chartered a trike from San Andres Port to Virac Port: 250 pesos. Arrived in Virac Port at 12 NN.
- By the port, we rode a van to Puraran Beach gate. Van Fare: 100 pesos.
- Lunch at the Carinderia. Rested. Enjoyed the view.
- Talked to Kuya Arthur Ph: 09369373645 (trike driver to Binurong Point).
- Settled the environmental fee at the Puraran Beach gate: 20 pesos.
- Hinatid kami pababa ng trike ni Kuya Arthur from the Carinderia to Puraran Surf Beach Resort.
- Checked in at Puraran Surf Beach Resort for 450 pesos, overnight, fan room.
- Tidy up. Rested. Relaxed for an hour.
- Tour to Binurong Point at 3 PM. Sinundo kami ni Kuya Arthur sa resort.
- Travel time was about 30 to 40 minutes.
- Arrived at the jump-off. Settled environmental fee: 20 pesos. Met Ate Ason, our guide.
- Start trekking to Binurong Point, uphill and downhill, for about 30 to 40 minutes.
- Finally reached Binurong Point. Relax. Photo Ops at Points 1, 2, and 3.
- It was about 4:30 PM when we headed back to the jump-off.
- Settled guide fee: 200 pesos.
- Purchased souvenir. Sando 150 pesos and ref magnet for 50 pesos.
- Our plan was to proceed to Balacay Point, but it was already dark.
- Instead, we had our dinner at the carinderia.
- Bought Surf with Blossom Fresh "yung kulay pink" para labhan ang sando ko.
- Hatid ulit ni Kuya Arthur to Puraran Surf Beach Resort.
- Settled trike tour: 500 pesos. Again, Kuya Arthur can be contacted at Ph: 09369373645.
- Tidy up. Rested. Relaxed and had an ice-cold Red Horse beer.
- Rested.
Day 4 Itinerary - Going Back to Manila
- Tidy up and walk on the super uphill road to the Carinderia.
- Had breakfast.
- After breakfast nag-panic na kami dahil fully booked ang pabalik ng Manila..
- So, we decided to head back to Manila ASAP instead of the Virac tour..
- Pahatid ulit kami kay Kuya Arthur pababa ng Puraran Surf Beach Resort..
- Tidy up. Packed. Checked out at 9 AM. Sinundo ulit kami ni Kuya Arthur..
- Ride in a van to Virac Port: 100 pesos..
- Fall in line at the ticketing office. Di ako umabot - fully booked..
- #AmazingRace ang nangyari. Chartered a trike to San Andres Port: 300 pesos. Travel Time: 30 to 40 minutes..
- Finally got our ferry tickets. Settled terminal ticket: 10 pesos..
- Had a "lugaw" for our lunch. Ubus narin pa-laps na "kanin-ulam" sa port..
- Boarded in the Ferry. Sobrang siksikan, as in!!! Sobrang init pa!!!! Andaming passengerrs..
- Arrived at Tabaco City Port. Rode on a padyak to Tabaco City Terminal..
- Had dinner at Terminal Carinderia..
- Same issue. A lot of passengers line to get bus tickets to Manila. Wala kaming nakuha. There are buses, but they were reserved. Hindi kami nag-give-up. Nag-hintay pa kami until 10:30 PM, a special bus trip to Turbina arrived #AmazingRace ulit. Takbo dito! Takbo doon. Fortunately, we were able to secure our seats..
- Arrived in Turbina, Calamba City, Laguna at around 7 AM the next day (Monday).
- Had breakfast at Jolibee.
- Then, a bus ride to Cubao..
Summary
Backpacking through Albay, Sorsogon, and Catanduanes captures the true essence of Bicol — a region that blends adventure, nature, and heartfelt hospitality. Whether you’re chasing the perfect view of Mayon, swimming with whale sharks in Donsol, or riding the waves in Puraran Beach, every stop reminds you how beautiful and diverse the Philippines truly is. This journey isn’t just about ticking destinations off your list — it’s about discovering the warmth of Bicolano culture and the kind of memories that stay long after the trip ends.
As someone who has visited all 82 provinces in the Philippines, I’ve created a complete guide to help you explore each one. Check out my Philippines 82 Provinces Travel Guide here.
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