About Albay
Albay Province in the Bicol Region is home to the world-famous Mayon Volcano, celebrated for its near-perfect cone. Beyond its iconic landmark, Albay offers a mix of natural wonders, rich history, vibrant festivals, and warm Bicolano hospitality, making it a must-visit destination in the Philippines.
How to Get to Albay
- Via Air: Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines have regular trips to Legaspi City.
- Via Bus: You can secure a Manila-Legaspi ticket at Isarog Terminal in Cubao. In our case, instead of falling in line for a ticket reservation, we bought our tickets via the Easybus Ph Facebook page. Payment was via debit card. Or, you can visit www.easybus.ph. Another option is via Isarog's Facebook page.
Albay Tourist Destinations
Albay Cathedral
Around 11 AM when we started our adventure. From Lita's Lodge, we walked to our first destination. The Albay Cathedral (first photo above) is also known as the Cathedral of St. Gregory the Great situated in front of McDo and beside Legaspi City Hall. According to its historical data, this cathedral started as a chapel built in the 1580s by Spanish missionaries. The early structure was made from local products such as wood and nipa. Then, it emerged as a stone structure in 1800.
From McDo, beside the cathedral, we rode a jeepney, forgot the signboard, and alighted near the Welcome to Cagsawa Ruins marker. We chartered a tricycle for a day tour. It was 500 pesos per head, with a Kuya Lijong as a driver. Aside from the tricycle tour, Kuya Lijong also offered ATV services, which are not included in the tricycle tour. We brainstormed (double past tense yan teh) if it's a yes or a no, and the answer was a NO. So, we continued to our first destination - the stunning Cagsawa Ruins.
Upon entry, we settled the entrance fee, got a stamp on our wrists, and proceeded to the Cagsawa Ruins. I felt sad because I was unable to see the famous landscape of the ruins with Mount Mayon in the background. We waited for more than an hour; however, the full shape of Magayon didn't show up. Instead, we visited the ruins.
Cagsawa Ruins
According to the metal plate at the entrance of Cagsawa Ruins, "The spiritual administration of Cagsawa from 1587 to 1595 was under the Parish of Camalig. An early church was burned, 25 July 1636, by the Dutch who ransacked the towns bordering Legaspi Bay. This church was built after 1724 by Fray Francisco Blanco. D.F.M., was buried by rocks and lava during the eruption of Mayon Volcano, 1 February 1814. The authorities of Cagsawa meeting at Ligao, 6 July 1814, decided to incorporate their town as part of Daraga. The first centenary of the destruction of the church was commemorated on 1 February 1914, with a huge pilgrimage to the ruins where high mass was celebrated."
Hoyop-hoyopan Cave
Then, Kuya Lijong brought us to our next destination. The name of the Hoyop-hoyopan Cave was derived from their local dialect, which means "to blow or blowing." The wind enters one of the cave openings, blows through the cave's cavern, and exits through the other opening. That blowing wind is the reason why the ambiance inside the cave is really cool and relaxing. Aside from that, there are a lot of artistic stalactites, stalagmites, and columns inside this famous cave. What's different than the over cave? There's a round concrete dance floor inside the cave. According to our guide, the locals created the dance floor inside the cave to hide such kind of event as it wasn't allowed before.
Sumlang Lake
Sumlang Lake is a 20 to 30-minute travel from the cave. Settled the entrance fee and proceeded. This spot has a beautiful landscape, surrounded by trees, flowers, and other plants. It could have been perfect if there had been a clear view of Mt. Mayon in the backdrop; however, it was hidden. We waited for almost an hour while enjoying the view and eating ice cream, but Magayon was still hiding.
Daraga Church
We were still hoping that our next destination, Mayon, would show its perfect cone. Kuya Lijong brought us to a historical church situated on a hill. The location of this church is also a perfect spot to see the beauty of Magayon, which was playing hide and seek with us. The clearing was negative, so let's proceed to its history. The structure of Daraga Church has a Baroque design built by the Franciscan Friars in 1773. It served as the place of worship after the church of Cagsawa was destroyed by the eruption of Mt. Mayon in 1814. Also, it served as the station of the Japanese soldiers during the Second World War in 1945. It was rebuilt from 1971 to 1973.
Lignon Hill
After the church, we headed to our last destination in Albay, and Kuya Lijong dropped us by the entrance of Lignon Hill. We settled the payment, and he left. Instead of a continued ascent, we had a buko break first. Relaxed and regained the fluid we lost. The road to the summit is concrete and surrounded by hardwood trees, so the ambiance while we were walking was relaxing, with the cold wind blowing. And after 30 minutes, we finally reached the summit. Like Mt. Samat in Bataan, this hill also has a landscape and a 360-degree view of the city and the hidden Mt. Mayon. Commercial establishments, such as souvenir shops and food stalls, are available. By the way, restrooms are also accessible.
Before the sun finally set, we headed back to the jump-off by the highway. We were heading to Legaspi City Hall, and we waited for a jeepney; however, none passed by. Alternatively, we rode a tricycle to another highway where a lot of jeepneys to the city hall were passing by. And we made it. We arrived at Lita's Lodge. Upon arrival, I just tidied up and slept. During our visit, the month-long Magayon Festival was ongoing. However, I preferred sleeping over attending the event at the plaza.
Backpacking Preparation
The provinces of Albay, Sorsogon, and Catanduanes are part of my solo backpacking list; however, it was changed two months before the planned date. It became a trip with a friend, and its purpose is to complete Region 5. I and my friend Tin - our journey started when we left our respective residences. I left my apartment in Cainta with a cool ambiance, but a localized thunderstorm hit the metro, so we were both wet when we arrived in Cubao. Changed our outfits inside the bus because we were almost late.
To make the story short, it was a 12-hour travel from Manila to Legaspi City. We left Isarog Terminal in Cubao at around 8 PM and arrived in the city at around 8:30 AM the next day. We alighted at the terminal near SM. Rode in a tricycle to McDo near the public plaza and the city hall. Had our brunch, of course, in McDo, and walked to Lita's Lodge, one of the cheapest accommodations in Legaspi City. Checked in. Tidy up and rest for an hour.
Where to Stay
Mayon Backpackers Hostel
On our first day, we stayed at Lita's Lodge, near BDO and BPI. Maybe 100 meters away from the public plaza and City Hall, McDonald's, and the cathedral. We spent 275 pesos (550/2) here for a standard fan room with two beds and a CR. On the second day, we stayed at Mayon Backpackers Hostel, a few blocks away from the lodge. Here, we spent 300 per head for a dorm-type room.
How to Book Mayon Backpackers Hostel
You can easily book your stay at Mayon Backpackers Hostel online. Secure the best rates and enjoy a hassle-free reservation through Agoda:
Final Thoughts
From the breathtaking views of Mayon Volcano to its cultural treasures and flavorful Bicol cuisine, Albay is a province that leaves lasting memories. Whether you seek adventure, history, or relaxation, this beautiful destination promises a travel experience you’ll never forget. 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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