PROVINCE'S HIDDEN GEM

Quitinday Hills

About an hour from Legazpi City, Albay’s provincial capital, lies the town of Camalig. Here, you’ll find Quitinday Hills, a 400-hectare sweep of verdant terrain that’s reminiscent of Bohol’s famed Chocolate Hills. 

Quitinday Hills was said to be the Albay's verion of Bohol's pride which is the Chocolate Hills. However, unlike Chocolate Hills,the hills of Quitinday are different kind-less rounded. These amazing geological formations adds up to Albay’s stunning landscape that has been dominated by the famous Mayon Volcano that will welcome you as you climb at the top of the hill. And as you look down, you will see the green rice fields and breath fresh air. This hill has its own beauty that can attract and amaze every person that will witness its uniqueness. This place is really relaxing and stress free.  It is more fun to visit Albay's hidden gems! Come, feel and see the  green paradise. 

 

Don't waste all your time. Live your life to the fullest. Explore!

HOW TO GET THERE:

If you are coming from the town of Daraga, ride a jeepney with a Polangui signage and tell the driver to drop you off at the intersection going to Quitinday Green Hills in Camalig.

Now, once at the intersection going to Quitinday, either ride a tricycle going to the green hills or if there are habal-habal (motorcycle), then you may go for that option. Travel period would be around 30-45min. The road isn’t all paved so expect that the ride would be bumpy.

You will know that you have reached the area when you see a tarpaulin that says “Welcome to Quitinday Hills”. You will be asked to log at their log book and a brief orientation will follow. Entrance fee is Php20/person. Guide assistance is to your discretion.

References:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/ronlo_images/17654795611

https://roamulofied.wordpress.com/2015/06/20/quitinday-hills-camalig-albay-ph/

Sumlang Lake

SUMLANG LAKE

If you have a lot of time or you’re looking for something to do. If you’re in Bicol or you’re planning to have a trip to Albay. Visiting this place should be on your list.

Located in Camalig, Albay, Sumlang Lake is known for its nature friendly image. Having a lot of man-made floating fancy structures, this place definitely fits your Instagram. You can experience floating above water while standing or sitting on a bamboo with your feet slightly invaded by water. The lake has different stations where you can capture great pictures.

Some of the artistic structures.

If you want a different perspective of the Mayon. Sumlang Lake in Camalig is the place to be. This place, with its calm glittering surface, inspires a relaxing afternoon wading out in a bamboo raft outfitted with a stylish set of chairs made from abaca. Cruise down the lake, or rent out a paddle board or kayak, while marvelling at the grandeur that is the Mayon Volcano.

Photobooth

Sumlang Lake is one of the tourist attractions in Albay. It is now being developed by the local government to simply boost the eco-tourism in the area. It is a destination to have a perfect background of the prominent Mayon Volcano.

A small place to get a good view of Mayon. It is well maintained park with only PHP 20.00 entrance fee for adults and PHP 10.00 for students. It is a good place for family who wants to do something different rather than going to the noisy and crowded malls. This is a 'must see' when visiting Albay. The bamboo raft cruise if leisurely affair with the friendly locals. The place is quite good, if you have heavy work for the week, then this is the right place to enjoy your weekend.

Breakdown of Expenses:

Entrance Fee (Sumlang Lake) - PHP 10

Balsa Fee - PHP 25

CR - PHP 5

HOW TO GET THERE

       From Legazpi, it is a 15-20 minute trip via Jeepney causing a fare of 10 pesos. From Daraga, it is about 10-15 minute trip with a fare of 8 pesos. It is a long walk of 15-17 minutes going to the lake. You can take all types of transportation going to the place but it is much easier to travel comfortably in your own vehicle.

Note:

- bring your own food pack (you can have a picnic here while in the lake riding in a bamboo craft) no food stall at the area so you better bring your comfort food

- if lucky, you can buy buko juice fresh pick if the man in-charge is around

- perfect time to get here is 4pm to witness the beauty of Mt. Mayon reflection at the lake

- come here weekdays to avoid crowded people at the spot

References:

www.lakbaybuhay.com/sumlang-lake/

http://www.celineism.com/diy-travel-guide-to-sumlang-lake.html

https://pnabicol.blogspot.com/2016/02/featuresumlang-lake-newest-gem-in.html

Contributor: Christopher James Miranda

Summer Getaway in Province

CAMARINES SUR WATER SPORTS COMPLEX

                                                                                                                                                                  Photo credit to Travel Tropa

The Camsur Watersports Complex (CWC) is a world-class 6-hectare watersports park located in Pili, the capital of Camarines Sur in the Bicol region of thePhilippines. CWC offers facilities for various water sports, especially for wakeboarding, wakeskating, kneeboarding, and waterskiing. They also had various types of accommodations like restaurant, a spa, a swimming pool, and different entertainment and sports facilities are also found within the complex. It is run by the provincial government of Camarines Sur.

The CWC was open in May 2016 by the local government of Camarines Sur during the term of Gov. Luis Raymond Villafuerte, the president of the Philippine Waterski and Wakeboard Federation. As its opening, the park had one manmande lake with cable wakeboarding facilities. After it is opened it was acclaimed by the Australian magazine as the best wakeboarding facility in the world because of this many foreign visitors came and become well known.

The park has two manmade lake the Lago del Rey which has various of entertainment like water volleyball, water polo, aqua wall climbing, paddle surfing, kayaking, boat racing and dragon boat are all available.They also had children activity which helps the children engage in appropriate activities in the water.

Lago del Rey

There are giant water slides, a swimming pool, and a game room that has pool tables, a foosball table, an air hockey game, and a basketball court plus bouncy houses. Free wireless Internet is provided. Other attractions in the area include the Camsur Skate Park, the Camsur Bike Park, and the Eco-Village.

The clubhouse restaurant and bar serves local, Asian, and Western Cuisine. There are cabanas available for rent. There is also a spa in the complex and a room-service massage may be provided upon request.

HOW TO GET THERE

By Plane
Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific and Air Philippines all offer daily flights to Legaspi City (the next closest Airport to Camarines Sur). From there you will need to rent a van (with a driver) for around Php2500-3000 and head straight to the water complex. The plane travel time 50 minutes and the van ride is an additional 75 minutes.

By Land
If you are on a budget and don’t mind the travel time, the bus is the best option from Manila. It is an 8 hour bus ride but you can ride in comfort as most bus. 

References:|
tripadvisory.com
cwcwakw.com

A Slice of Paradise: Paguriran Island and Lagoon

A CHARM LIKE NO OTHER

Photo courtesy: Dexter Lem Facebook account

PAGURIRAN ISLAND

In Baranggay Sawangga, Bacon District, Sorsogon lies a beach scoured in white sand sprawling with bite sized corals, shells in various shapes and lush mangrove forests. It is known as the Paguriran Island and Lagoon.

We went to the Island around 10 in the morning and reached it by 12 noon. The sea was on low tide when we arrived and the water was only knee deep. One can walk through the beach to reach the island. The shore is visibly white during low tide.

Photo courtesy: Paguriran Island Beach Resort Facebook page

The island itself is very picturesque, with a beautiful lagoon at its center and craggy rock formation enclosing it. This wonderful formation nestles a lagoon within the sea wherein you can swim around clear aquamarine waters and try cliff diving. When you're on the rocks near the lagoon, the islet is very serene.

The lagoon

Photo by Glenn Olayres Belarmino

The Lagoon inside the rocky island was a sight to behold. Surrounded by rocks, the clear water was even more dramatic with the waves breaking through the rocks then into the lagoon.

Paguriran Island and Lagoon has a charm like no other!

HOW TO GET THERE

In Sorsogon City Grand Terminal, take a jeep to Sawanga. Drop off point is the long beach where Paguriran Island is located.

The Hidden Paradise

A PEFRECT SANCTUARY

CARAMOAN ISLANDS

If you are looking for a paradise where you can enjoy privately, then Caramoan Islands is the place to be!

Lahuy Island

Matukad Island

Sabitang Laya Island

Pitogo Island

Minalahos Island

Hanungon Island

Caramoan Islands is situated in the province of Camarines Sur, Bicol Region of the Philippine archipelago. The entire peninsula of Caramoan is a virtual tourism Eden, stuffed with marine life, bizarre islets, perfect diving spots, behind-the-scenes cave, fantastic beaches, rivers, lagoons, freshwater pools and awesome rock formations.

Lahus Island

Tinago Island

Catanhawan Island

The Municipality of Caramoan is found at the tip of the Caramoan Peninsula which is a rugged place of land. It extends into the waters of the Maqueda Channel on the north and east parts, while on the south to the Lagonoy Gulf. The boundary of Caramoan in the northeast is the Catanduanes Island Province.

Cotivas Island

Tayak Island

Caramoan is not that known to many until it became the venue for the French Survivor reality show. The Israel’s Survivor hit tv show was also in Caramoan. Its natural and exotic beauty makes the island a big-name.

Survivor: Young Vs. Old

Caramoan Islands is a wild type of sanctuary. The pulverized sandy beaches of the many islands Caramoan are really worth of your visit. It is surrounded with gigantic limestone cliffs. Some cliffs can be climbed and from there, you would be awed by the majestic view of the islands.

Arriving at Caramoan is really a worthwhile experience though it will take you too much time and effort to get there.

HOW TO GET THERE

From Manila, you have to first book a flight from Manila to Naga City. It will cost you a maximum of PHP 3,500.00. But you can also go by land through bus trips going to Naga City that will cost you for PHP 800.00 to PHP 1,000.00. From Naga Airport or Naga Terminal, ride a taxi or a jeepney going to Sabang Port, Camarines Sur. This will cost you PHP 200.00 to PHP 300.00. Finally, from Sabang Port, ride a boat to take you to Caramoan Island.

References:

http://www.caramoanislands.com/ 

www.caramoan.ph

www.ign.com

jimamado.wordpress.com

www.lakwatsero.com

THE GATEWAY OF LEGAZPI

Legazpi Boulevard

The Legazpi Boulevard is located in Legazpi City, Albay. From Daraga Albay you will be there for about 29 min (12.4 km) via Eztanza - Tabon - Tabon Rd.

Legazpi Boulevard is a well known place in Bicol because of its great views of  Mt. Mayon, with the Albay Gulf and the Kapuntukan Hill in the foreground. This boulevard is a perfect place for relaxation.It is one of the favorite jogging and running areas in Legazpi City.Most of the Bicolanos usually sit on the road sides to take a little rest and enjoy the fresh air and beautiful view. It is also the scenic part of the city and longest boulevard after the Roxas Boulevard in Manila. You should witness the beauty of Gateway city of Bicol,that will truly refresh your mind and capture your heart because of its amazing beauty. 

Bicolanos' favorite running and jogging area.

They usually spend their time with their family or friends for relaxation and bonding.

The Legazpi Boulevard is a coastal road network extending from the city’s central business district and port area to the southern barangays. The area is planned as a new frontier for future development. The boulevard is one of the most picturesque seaside roads in the Philippines, with a spectacular view of the Mayon Volcano and the Kapuntukan hill to the north, the Albay Gulf and its islands to the east, and the mountains of Sorsogon to the south. 

HOW TO GET THERE

From Manila, you can fly through an airplane to the Legazpi Airport which will cost approximately PHP 1,500 to PHP 2,000. From Legazpi Airport, ride a B jeepney (B F Aquende Drive, Legazpi, Rawis) for PHP 8.00 and stop at Embarcadero De Legazpi. From there, you can walk (if you desire) to reach the Legazpi Boulevard or ride a tricycle to Legazpi Boulevard. 

References:

http://wowlegazpi.com/legazpi-boulevard/

http://wowlegazpi.com/discover-legazpi/

https://www.google.com.ph/search?q=legazpi+boulevard&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&

sqi=2&ved=0ahUKEwji0ZKI39PSAhUKi7wKHeHsCdAQ_AUIBigB&biw=1280&bih=656#imgrc=zRY0EwlSSY242M:

Albay's Gigantic Cauldron

KAWA KAWA NATURE PARK

A top view of the hill of the kawa can be seen.

If you’re looking for things to do for free while in Bicol, Kawa-kawa hill and Nature Park is something that you can add to your itinerary.

Kawa-kawa Hill and Nature Park, known as the hill with no hilltop, is owned by Albay Representative Fernando Gonzales who turned the 25-hectare area into a Natural Park aiming to boost it as one of Albay’s top tourist destinations. The hill is located at the quiet barangay of Tuburan, Ligao city. This unique hill that resembles a crater was called as Kawa-kawa because it also looks like a cauldron or a kawa as we say it in the Local language.

A sculpture of The Last Supper located at the foot of the hill.

The place is also frequented by religious devotees and a lot of people make it a habit to visit here every Holy week. There are meticulously crafted statues depicting the 14 stations of the Cross which are indicated along the way uphill. Features include newly constructed church, a sculpture of the last supper near the entrance. The place also includes animals and a number of cottages where you can take a rest after a long walk. Upon reaching the top, the famous caldera (kawa-kawa) can be seen with a perfectly shaped concave style. Refreshments and souvenirs are also sold in fair prices.

A sculpture of The Last Supper located at the foot of the hill.

The church located before the foot of the hill. 

This hill will surely burn your fats and feed your eyes with the beauty that it beholds. It also includes a sunflower garden where you can take pictures. The city is also known for producing sunflowers and holding a fiesta for it.

Sunflower garden

Things to do in Kawa-kawa:

Ø Try the ATV ride

Ø Visit the newly built church of the Holy sacrament

Ø Eat and Dine at La Teraza restaurant

Ø Take selfies at the life size statues reflecting the stations of the cross

Ø Go jogging or simply have a picnic

Ø Shop for souvenirs at the shops along the way to the park

HOW TO GET THERE

This Nature Park is located in Ligao. It is about 45-50 minute trip from Legazpi if taken with a jeepney, causing a fare of 35 PHP. It is about 35-40 minute trip with a private vehicle without stopovers. Upon arriving, there is still a long walk or take a tricycle to reach the foot of Kawa-kawa.

References:

www.Tripadvisor .com.ph

www.Thechroniclesofmariane.com

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9T9TUP6BSTdnfaL1WIc1CK9pX_rYI-bluTfdmRDVmxEvOopA1wqWNZLVBiRxFT8ZtZnJrUKOB-m72zKLK4r09B82bGBa3iQbdQyG0J_6avc1UC4ALGBlSX2AKetol45_HafDu8yR_IJmD/s640/hkyku.png

Contributor: Christopher James Miranda