Beautiful Places in Albay

It's my pride to have a blood of Bicolana. I grew up in Manila and was raised to know all the qualities of a Bicolana and their culture. When I was a child, I always get excited when I hear my mom planning of visiting her hometown. Albay is one of the places in Bicol that we pass whenever we go there.

Albay is well known as the place where we can find the famous Mayon Volcano. This is what most of us know about Albay, and let me tell you, there are so many hidden and known beauties. Albay has a certaain charm that will sweep you off your feet and bring you to the time that was or give you a majestic feeling that is simply beyond words. Albay has 15 municipalities and three cities, that when you get there's so many places to see and experience with your family and friends.

Governor Al Francis Bichara is a gracious host welcoming visitors to his place. Like Governor Al, the locals are very hospitable,which also reflect people of the various government units (Dept. of Tourism and Dept. of Agriculture) and that of Human Explore Travel and Tours. The tour they give are very informative and time worthy. It may be tiring, but every moment is truly worth the time. Thanks to Md. Dorothy Colle and her people from the Department of Tourism Provincial Division Region V - Albay, Ms. Che Rebeta of the Provincial Agriculture Department and Ms. Farah Sobremisana - owner partner of Pepperland Hotel. They truly made our visit such a wonder thru their efforts and time generosity.

Albay is filled with old churches, old craft making, worthy places to go to, old houses, natural beauties and beautiful festivals. With magnificent places around the majestic Mayon Volcano, if you do a whole 360 tour, one would get to see this natural wonder in all its beauty. Try to learn also the story behind this famous volcano and uncover the Daragang Magayon (Beautiful Lady) mystery. 

From the ruins of Cagsawa (with an average guest of 150 persons a day) to the churches of Camalig, Ligao, Sto. Domingo and Daraga, to the calm Sumlang Lake and the historic Japanese caves in Quituinan Hills, to the traditional way of metal smiting in Tabaco, farms and various beautiful parks and landmarks all over Albay, you will never have a dull moment when you decide to do a full exploration of the province. It is all filled with noteworthy food places that you could and should try out (story and review in another write-up). Albay also has spring resorts with water source coming from near the volcano orunderneath the ground making it cool or even cold depending on the time of the year ‒ such resort is D' Hacienda Spring and Nature Resort in Guinobatan, Albay.

For active people, try out the Japanese tunnels/caves in Quituinan Hills which I highly recommend for you to see and experience. The trek is not that stressful but the crawling (should you be adventurous enough) is like having an archeological dig. For historical buffs, try seeing the various churches of the different municipalities and compare notes in terms of its style and story behind it. Should you wish to see various craftsmanship of the place, go to Sumlang Lake to see the woven beauties of Albay, the metal smiting of Tabaco, pottery shops in Tiwi and pili delicacy making in Legazpi. Don't forget to visit the various farms in the province that show the resiliency of the people as reflected in their farms ‒ some of them are IG worthy too.

Experience Albay and, you get to see this natural beauty in all its grandeur. With clouds or without, Mayon will surely captivate you may it be morning, noon, mid afternoon or sunset. With its romantic yet tragic story behind this beauty, you will definitely want to be welcomed by it every time you are in Albay.

Albay is truly beautiful! The people reflect their place and the place live through its people. Don't miss your chance to experience the amazing place of Albay!