just had a 6 day vacation in the BICOL region and realized there are many places i have yet to see in the Philippines...such a shame really since i DO live here. tsk tsk tsk.
just a little geography lesson, the Bicol region is composed of 6 provinces namely, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, Albay, Sorsogon and Masbate.
for my vacation i went to Camarines Sur (my Lola's house), Albay (the hometown of my friends) and Sorsogon (where the whale sharks are)
from Manila you can either take a plane (1 hr)using PAL or Asian Spirit and land in Legaspi, Albay or Naga, Camarines Sur;
or ride the bus (10 hrs to Legaspi, Albay) for those on a budget. i took the bus and it wasnt as bad as i thought. ride the Cagsawa Liner and get the Royal Elite class tickets which means 5 things:
1. you get to travel at night (630pm-530am) and sleep
2. you sit on lazy boy type seats! spacious and comfy and reclinable! (only 3 seats per row)
3. the bus does not stop for roadside passengers!
4. blanket needed (it can get really really really cold)
5. only stops twice at 3-4 hour intervals, for food and bathroom breaks at clean and reliable restaurants (Chowking and Robertsons mall in Naga)
my first stop was my Lola's place in Libmanan, Camarines Sur where my nephew had the time of his life! the toothy smile says it all. good thing his daddy was there to introduce him to this fine specimen of a rooster =)and then we went to Daraga, Albay where we stayed most of the time. this is the hometown of my friends who were the ones who basically toured us around and made sure we had plenty to eat, see and do. many many many thanks!
stayed in Hotel Venezia which was quite impressive. only 5 minutes away from the airport, noise from airplanes wont be a problem since rooms are well insulated. and besides, at most there are only 2 flights going in or out of Albay in a day.for php 2700/night, with free breakfast and an additional php 600/extra bed, we never had to worry about having a good nights rest.
i have only good words for the hotel. great service, friendly and efficient staff. rooms are very clean and new. dont ask me about the food because honestly, we never had time to eat there.
What to do/Where to go:
1. Whale Shark Watching in Donsol, Sorsogon - one of the best animal encounters ever! just make sure you're there during the months of April or early May where sightings are at their peak, and you have to be comfortable enough to swim in open water with the huge whale sharks (biggest i saw was 8 meters and they grow bigger than that). for
the non-swimmers, don't fret, the boatmen are helpful and very strong swimmers so they can pull you along in a life vest in order to see one. NEEDED: fins, mask and snorkels but can also be rented there2. Tour of the fireflies in Donsol River at sunset - watch the beautiful sunset and then
wait for the fireflies to come out at night.3. Misibis Resort - this is an up and coming resort which is not really open to the public but is open for viewing for those who are interested since lots are for sale. i heard a lot of senators have already bought properties in the area. day tours can be
arranged though, where you can have lunch, view the showroom and hear the sales talk, and get to swim in the beach or infinity pool! yay! the best part. Misibis reminds me of Terrazas de Punta Fuego with a smaller beach front.4. Eat in Balay Cena Una - the best restaurant in Daraga, Albay. has been a venue for countless dates, marriage proposals, weddings, lunches and dinners. food is excellente! try the pasta pinangat topped with crunchy dilis! sounds
strange but it's really very good. classic interiors, beautiful table settings, airconditioned... what more can you ask for? plus the owner is very very nice and accomodating, great at conceptualizing events, followed through by personalized service. a must for anyone in the vicinity of Albay.5. La Mia Tazza - the only cafe in Albay! the banana bread is great, a bit cakey yet not too
dry. also the raspberry mocha coffee! plus for the techies out there they have wifi yeehaaa6. Albay Central Pili Nut Store - the only place to get your Pili products! i never really appreciated the pili pasalubongs from Bicol before. the usual pili candy found in the market or palengke is usually just chockfull of panocha with bits of pili. none of that here! i especially liked the yema pili, pili butternut and the turrones de pili. yuummy.
go to 873 Rizal St., Old Albay District, Legazpi City.
there are so many other places to go to, which I will reserve for next year! such as:
Ticao Island - or most commonly known as the Manta Bowl. our local bangkero told us manta rays are aplenty in this area, though you have to dive to see them
Bulusan Lake - or the boiling lake
San Miguel Island - a marine sanctuary
Airport at sunset - this is where the locals gather at the end of the day to eat and be merry on ISAW (streetfood)
plus many many more places to discover... i can't wait to go back!
and this ends my bicol post.
