Legazpi, a city of almost 200,000 (2015), is the provincial capital of Albay. With the nicknames of "Queen City of South Luzon" and "City of Fun and Adventure", it is a city full of adventure and history, and is the regional center of Bicol Region.
The nearby town of Daraga, though an independent municipality since 1922, is historically tied with the city, and it hosts the picturesque ruins of Cagsawa Church and the airport.
Another touristy municipality in the Capital District is Camalig, a small town closest to Mayon Volcano, and features many beautiful countrysides.
Understand
[edit]History
[edit]Legazpi's history trace back to prehistoric times, with Neolithic discoveries dated back to 500-100 BCE. Spanish explorers who first arrived also speak of an ancient pre-Hispanic civilization in the area, practicing rice farming, producing gold jewelry, and trading silk.
Miguel López de Legazpi led the Spanish expedition that colonized the Philippines in the 1560s, after Ferdinand Magellan's expedition had "discovered" it in the 1520s. Legazpi himself did not visit this region, but one of his officers named the town after him. Before the Spaniards, it was the village of Sawangan, and the first Spanish structures were in a Roman Catholic mission, named Misión San Gregorio Magno de Sawangan. The mission was repeatedly ravaged by raids from pirates, mostly Muslims from Mindanao, during its first years, but the Spaniards kept rebuilding it; it officially became a town in 1616.
Climate
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The climate is tropical, with plenty of rainfall throughout the year. For most days, there would be sunshine, with the daytime high between 29–32 °C (84–90 °F), and rainfall coming in the afternoon, with overcast skies caused by moisture moving inland from the Pacific Ocean.
The rainiest months are from late October to January, while the hottest months are from April to early October. The peak season for tourism is practically from February to October, though the best time to visit is from February to March, when the temperatures are tolerable and there are few rainy days.
Orientation
[edit]Legazpi is subdivided into 70 barangays, but for the visitor, the city proper has two districts, the Old Albay District, the downtown (poblacion) which is also an old town with a grand old cathedral, and the Port District, the waterfront area with busy malls and a picturesque waterfront boulevard. The former airport, Mayon Volcano, and Ligñon hill are north of the city proper. The new airport is 2 km (1.2 mi) away from downtown, at Daraga.
Get in
[edit]
By plane
[edit]- 1 Bicol International Airport (BIA, DRP IATA), Airport Road. Open 24 hours. This is an international airport 15 km (9.3 mi) in the municipality of Daraga, which replaced the smaller and constrained airport near downtown. This airport has a runway long enough to support wide-body aircraft, and to accommodate international flights. Cebgo, Cebu Pacific and PAL Express has flights from Manila.
Tricycles will take 10-15 minutes to get to downtown, and the driver will quote ₱50 for a single-person trip. Walk straight out of the airport, across the parking lot, and out of the gate where the cars are exiting. Taxis are also available in the airport.
To return to the airport, tricycles waiting at Peñaranda Park and F. Aquende Drive will charge ₱30.
There is an aircon shuttle van with service desk located just as you walk out of arrivals lobby. There is a fixed fee of P150 per person to SM Legaspi (Feb 2024) or you can ask them to drop of you off direct to your hotel if it's near there. The van leaves when it's full. There will also be touts for tricycles as you exit but they quote ₱300-350 for 2 people (Nov 2024). Learn how the jeepney systems work when getting around the city, they are frequent and reliable.
By train
[edit]- 2 Legazpi-PNR Station, Peñaranda St, Legazpi Port District.
As of 2019, there is no through train service between Manila and Legazpi.
Philippine National Railways (PNR) operate a once-daily train (numbered 500) between Naga and Legazpi. It leaves 5AM at Naga Station and stops at cities and towns along the line, and takes over 2 hours.
By bus or van
[edit]
- 3 Legazpi Grand Central Terminal, Landco Access Road (near SM City Legazpi and Ibalong Center). Open 24 hours.
Legazpi has a good central bus station, which also serves jeepneys and vans from nearby towns. Several food stalls serve local food for departing and arriving passengers, there are signs for bays serving buses headed for a certain destination, e.g. to Manila, to Naga, and there is also a handicrafts store and a Savemore supermarket.
Tickets are sold on booths, and you can also book in advance. Look for the name of the company the booth are selling tickets for.
The following bus companies have trips from Manila:
- Philtranco. Three daily buses leave Pasay every 6:30PM, 7PM, and 8PM. They also have buses going south as far as Davao and Cagayan de Oro via Tacloban and Butuan, which stop at Daraga.
- Amihan. Philtranco's sister bus line, with a similar schedule, but with departures from Cubao.
- Raymond Transportation. Has a daily trip from Cubao.
- RMB Express.
- Superlines. Three departures from Cubao every 6:30PM, 10:30PM, and 5:30AM.
The journey from Manila to Legazpi via Naga takes about 8-10 hours. Most of them arrive and depart from company-owned terminals at Pasay.
There are also buses and vans from Tabaco City. The fare is from ₱25.
By ferry
[edit]- 4 Passenger Terminal Building PMO-Legazpi, Legazpi Boulevard, Legazpi Port District. Open 24 hours. Has boats to Rapu-Rapu, and is being developed as a cruise terminal to serve domestic and foreign cruises.
Other nearby ports are at Tabaco, for ferries from Catanduanes, and Pilar and Matnog for services from the Visayas.
Get around
[edit]Jeepneys are frequent. The largest sign on the windshield will be the jeepney's final destination, so you must ask the driver if they serve your intended destination.
Tricycles are useful for short trips. You may share one with other passengers to the same destination. Hail one at the terminal or on the street.
See
[edit]Legazpi proper
[edit]Old Albay District (Poblacion)
[edit]
- 1 Bicol Heritage Park, #1 EM's Barrio North Road (inside Camp Simeon A. Ola). Open 24 hours. Has a statue of General Simeon Ola. Site at the Camp Simeon Ola headquarters featuring monuments, including one of General Ola.
- 2 General Jose Ignacio Paua Statue, Lerma Street corner Emilio Jacinto Street, Barrio Bañadero. Open 24 hours. Paua is the only pure-blood Chinese who supported the Katipunan during the Philippine Revolution. Free.
- 3 Japanese Tunnel, D. Nieves Street, Barangay Tinago, Camalig. An L-shaped tunnel used as an arsenal by the Japanese Imperial Army during the World War II. It measures 40 m (130 ft) long and around 2.1 m (6.9 ft) deep below the ground. It was built by Japanese during WW2. Interesting place to visit once you’re at Quituinan Hills (it is included in the price). Short walk down (10 m). The tunnel is on the left. Up front is the decoy.
- 4 Legazpi City Museum and Library (Albay Provincial Library and Information Center), Rizal Avenue (in Legazpi City Hall). Revelations about the history of Legazpi. Well-maintained place with a high standard. Especially interesting were the sculptures, the paintings, historical photos and the dioramas.
- 5 Liberty Bell, Rizal Avenue, Old Albay District (at Peñaranda Park). Open 24 hours. Housed on a concrete dome structure. This bronze bell was a gift from the Americans (the 158th Infantry Regimental Combat team of the US 6th Army) command led by Brig.General Hanford Macnider and Captain Hoomer Mcgee) in 1945 after the liberation of the city from the Japanese occupiers. A side note wherein inscribed "Whenever oppression knocks at your door, feel free to ring this bell". Free.
- 6 Peñaranda Park, Rizal Avenue, Albay District. Open 24 hours. Has a statue of Jose Maria Peñaranda, the first governor of Albay. Around the park is Legazpi City Hall, Albay Capitol and St. Gregory the Great Cathedral. Free.
- Pinarik Viewdeck, Estanza Road, The Pinarik Viewdeck offers a truly breathtaking experience that captures the essence of natural beauty. Nestled amidst lush landscapes and towering trees, this vantage point provides an unparalleled panoramic view that leaves one speechless. The vast expanse of rolling hills and valleys is adorned with vibrant hues, creating an awe-inspiring canvas that changes with the light of the day. The serenity of the surroundings invites introspection, making it a perfect spot for those seeking solace in nature's embrace. The well-maintained facilities and thoughtful amenities enhance the overall experience. Whether you're an avid photographer, a nature enthusiast, or simply in search of tranquility, the Pinarik Viewdeck promises an unforgettable encounter with the wonders of the natural world.
- 7 St. Gregory the Great Cathedral (Legazpi Cathedral, Albay Cathedral), Bicol 640 Road, Albay District. The episcopal seat of the Diocese of Legazpi, it was first built by Spanish missionaries as a wooden chapel in 1581. The present church, designed by then governor Don Jose Ma. de Peñaranda, was built in 1839 using volcanic rocks.
Port District
[edit]
- 8 Battle of Legazpi Pylon, Quezon Street (At the corner with Rizal Street). Open 24 hours. A 16-metre (52 ft) high monument built to commemorate the defeat of Filipino fighters by American forces in 1900. The pylon marks the site of a bloody battle during the Philippine-American War and World War II.
- Baltog Shrine (Ibalong Epic), Legazpi Blvd, Legazpi Port District
- 9 Headless Monument, Post Office Compound, Lapu-Lapu Street. Open 24 hours. It is dedicated to the unknown heroes who died in the Japanese occupation of Legazpi City during World War II. Free.
- 10 Ibalong Heroes Monument (Ibalong Festival Monument), Legazpi Blvd, Legazpi Port District (at the junction of Bicol 630 and Quezon Avenue and near a college school). A monument named after the complete Bicolano folk epic Ibalong. Based on another Asian epic the Ramayana and was allegedly narrated by an ancient sage called Kandunung. The three heroes of the story, Baltog, Handyong, and Bantong are featured as relief with their names in the ancient Baybayin characters on each post.
- 11 Kapuntukan Hill (Sleeping Lion Hill), Legazpi Boulevard, Legazpi Port District. Open 24 hours. Provides a view of the Embarcadero, the Port District, Albay Gulf, and Mayon Volcano. Free.
- 12 Legazpi Boulevard, Legazpi Boulevard, Legazpi Port District. Open 24 hours. A picturesque seaside road along the city's southern coastline with wide promenades, bike lanes, monuments such as the statue of Miguel López de Legazpi, JCI Legazpi Tourism Marker and the Freemason Obelisk, restaurants, cafés, and pubs. Free.
- Legazpi Sign, Legazpi Boulevard, Legazpi Port District
- The Obelisk, Legazpi Boulevard, Puro. A monument which is built as a joint project between the city government and Masonic Lodge No. 61.
- 13 Our Lady of Guadalupe Shrine (Legazpi City), PBN Subdivision, Barangay Buraguis,. 6AM–5:30PM. It features life-sized depictions of Stations of the Cross and a huge statue of the Virgin of Guadalupe at the summit. Free.
- 14 St. Raphael the Archangel Church, Peñaranda Street, Port District. The original church was built in 1834 under the auspices of Pedro Romero, but was destroyed during the liberation of Legazpi by Allied forces in 1945. A more modern church was rebuilt in its place. Notable features include an altar table made of a single block of hardened lava rock.
- 15 Plaza Rizal, Peñaranda Street (In front of Saint Raphael Church de Legazpi). Open 24 hours. It has a fountain and a monument to José Rizal, the country's national hero, sculpted by National Artist Napoleon Abueva in 1966. Free.
- Sawangan Park, Legazpi Port District. Very nice place to relax, just do a simple walk or jog around the area. The park is so clean. No mosquitoes and smells good even if the area is near the port. There are food kiosks and you can enjoy eating with your friends or family.
Northern outskirts
[edit]- 16 Albay Gulf Landing Monument, Barrio Rawis. Open 24 hours. Built in 1995 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Landing of the Allied American Forces in Legazpi City.
- 17 Albay Park and Wildlife, Diversion Road, Bogtong. A picnic grove and a zoological park combined. Quaint city park hosting a diverse array of wildlife, including crocodiles, pigs & eagles.
- 18 Ligñon Hill (Ligñon Hill Nature Park), Tiwi Rd, Barangay 41 Bogtong. Open 24 hours. Pronounced leeng-YAWN, it is a 156 m (512 ft) peak with a nature park at its summit offering panoramic views of the city and Mayon Volcano, and adventure activities like ziplining.
- Giant Statue of Nuestra Señora de Salvacion, Barangay Pawa, Pawa Road
- 19 Padang Memorial Cross, Padang. Open 24 hours. A monument dedicated to the victims of Typhoon Durian ("Reming") in 2006, which destroyed parts of the city. The location is right beside the highway. There are no parking spaces available except for the highway's shoulder. Visitors should take extra precaution alighting from their vehicles as there are lots of fast moving vehicles on the highway. There are no trees at all to hide under when the sun gets too hot or any covered areas should it rain. Free.
Washington Drive
[edit]- 20 Our Lady of Fatima Church de Legazpi City, Imelda Roces Avenue. A modern church with a semi-circular nave built in 1999.
- 21 Imelda Park (Kalayaan Park), Barriada Road, Gogon. Open 24 hours. Has pavilions, a playground, and a basketball court. Also at the park is Mag-Ilusyon, a metal sculpture by artist Eduardo Castrillo, commissioned in 1976. Free.
- 22 Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish Church (Redemptorist Church), Lakandula Road (near the Marison hotel opposite side of the hotel). It is also known as the Redemptorist Church and Our Lady of Perpetual Help is the patron.
Daraga
[edit]- 23 Cagsawa Ruins. The picturesque ruins of an old parish church on what was the town of Cagsawa. The original church was built in 1587 until it was burned down by Dutch pirates in 1636. A new church was again built in 1724 until it was destroyed by the devastating 1814 eruption of Mayon.
- 24 FarmPlate (The Happiest Place in Bicol), Lotivio Street, Barangay Gabawan, Daraga. The Filipino version of Farmville, Great place for your family and friends. Awesome view. Night lights are pretty good. Outstanding live music performance. Wide selection of food. The place is impressive. Not the best destination during rainy seasons. Overall, a must visit place when you are around the area. ₱150 adult; ₱100 child.
Camalig
[edit]- 25 Hoyop-hoyopan Cave, Barrio Cotmon, Camalig. Windy ancient caves used as a WWII refuge & typhoon shelter with bats, stalactites & stalagmites.
- 26 Albay Farmers Bounty Village, Pan-Philippine Highway, Barrio Sumlang. It is a 15-hectare, one-stop farmers' complex that serves as a learning facility, recreation, entrepreneurship, and tourism site.
- 27 Sumlang Lake, PNR Road, Barrio Sumlang. Open 24 hours. Ride a raft decorated with sofas and umbrellas made of rattan. The lake is small but you can do a lot of activities. The view of Mayon is great. At night, you can see the glow from lava flow. Free.
- 28 Quitinday Green Hills Formation Reserve, Barrio Quintiday. Open 24 hours.
- 29 Jovellar Underground River, Barrio Jovellar, Camalig. 7:30AM–5PM. Great experience, had the chance to do dry caving and underground river adventure here. Short hike are expected. The caves and rock formations were amazing. Local guides and boatmen are available on the scene. Life jackets are available.
- 30 Busay Falls, Guinobatan - Jovellar Road, Barrio Jovellar. Open 24 hours.
Do
[edit]- 1 A. Bichara Silverscreens and Entertainment Center, Magallanes corner T. Alonso Street.
- Black sand beaches: The city's coastline has lot of them, along the Albay Gulf, and are ideal for skimboarding.
- Whale shark watching: Whale sharks, locally known as butanding, occasionally visit the waters off the city's coast.
- Diving: There are 16 coral reefs off the coast of Legazpi and around the Albay Gulf ideal for scuba diving.
- 2 Karangahan Falls, Ticotico River, Banquerohan. Open 24 hours. Has a deep catch basin ideal for swimming.
Buy
[edit]- 1 Embarcadero de Legazpi, Legazpi Boulevard, Port Area. 9AM–8PM. A marina-inspired waterfront lifestyle hub, commercial and entertainment center in the city's port area. It also hosts the first Duty Free Philippines store in Bicol.
- 2 Pacific Mall, F. Imperial St, Legazpi Port District (Landco Business Park). 10AM–9PM. Has a Metro Gaisano supermarket and a cinema.
- 3 Yashano Mall Legazpi, Terminal Road 1 Corner, F. Imperial Street. 9:30AM–8PM. They have fast food, resto, food kiosks, and cellphone accessories.
- 4 SM City Legazpi, Brgy 37 (Bitano) Capantawan. 9AM-8PM. A 140,000-m² mall, which also hosts the central bus station.
- 5 Ayala Malls Legazpi, Rizal Street, Corner Quezon Ave, Brgy. Capantawan. 10AM–7PM.
- 6 Legazpi City Public Market, F. Imperial Street. 3AM–10PM.
- 7 Robinsons Supermarket Albay, #738 Building, Rizal Street, Old Albay. 7AM–10PM.
- Unitop Legazpi, #Rizal St., corner Imperial & Marquez Sts., Old Albay District, Legazpi City (beside AMA College).
Eat
[edit]Budget
[edit]- Albay Pili Nut.
- Socorro's The Venue, Sumlang, Camalig
Mid-range
[edit]LCC Mall nearby Lapu-Lapu Street has several vendors that sells some Filipino menu, just like fried bangus with rice, fried chicken with silog.
- 1st Colonial Grill, Sagpon, Daraga. The home of the original chili ice cream.
Splurge
[edit]Find out in the cafes within Embarcadero and having dinner towards the sea.
Drink
[edit]- 1 Kapuntukan Resto Bar and Grille, Legazpi Port District. 2PM–10:30PM.
Sleep
[edit]Budget
[edit]- 1 Magayon Hotel, Peñaranda Street, ☏ +63 52-4807770, +63 9107881144 (Cell phone). Check-in: 2PM, check-out: noon. Fan single room with cable TV. Outside bathroom. From ₱1,700.
- 2 Catalinas Lodging House, 96 Peñaranda Street, ☏ +63 52 4807841. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: noon. Single fan rooms with shared bathrooms. Old but clean. From ₱250 ₱600.
- 3 Mayon Backpackers Hostel, 040 brgy 11 Maoyod (off rizal street), ☏ +63 52-4800365, +63 9055186076. Check-in: 1PM, check-out: noon. Fan dorm beds in a room with 4 beds per room. A/C dorm beds in a room with 6 beds. ₱1,200.
- 4 Anvil Bed & Breafast, Quezon Avenue, Orosite (btwn Quezon Aveune & alonzo strret.), ☏ +63 52-4808886, +63 9159585180, hotelanvila@yahoo.com. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: noon. Fan double room. No window.
- 5 Hotel Rex, Aguinaldo Street, Legazpi Port District, ☏ +63 52-4805489. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: noon. Single fan rooms. You must pay an additional ₱100 for cable TV.
- 6 RMJ Apartelle, #29 Camia Street, Barangay 25 (near Pacific mall), ☏ +63 52-4801145, +63 9175589100 (cell). Check-in: 2PM, check-out: noon. A/C double room with bathroom and cable TV.
- 7 Siville Inn, Vibal Street, ☏ +63 52-4812883. Check-in: 1PM, check-out: noon. Fan double rooms with bathroom. from ₱500.
- 8 MEACO Royal Hotel - Legazpi City, Tiwi Road, Legazpi Port District. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: noon. ₱1,350.
Mid-range
[edit]- 9 Hotel St. Ellis, Rizal Street, Legazpi Port District, ☏ +63 52 480 8088. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: noon. It is a 3-km drive from the airport. It offers rooms completely furnished with a 32-inch LCD television set with satellite cable TV connection, high-speed internet access, NDD/IDD telephone, in-room safe, and an electronic door lock system. Amenities include Essences Spa, Salon Mye, a fitness center, and a kiddie activity room. From ₱3,000.
- 10 Tyche Boutique Hotel, Gov. Forbes St. corner Rizal St., Baybay (directly across the Philippine National Bank branch, it is only a few minutes from the Legazpi Domestic Airport), ☏ +63 52 480-5555. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: noon. All rooms are equipped with air-conditioning, widescreen high-definition LCD TV with cable channels, complimentary wireless internet access, bathroom amenities and hair dryer. 24-hour room service, concierge, massage service (by arrangement), laundry service, 24-hour security, business center with Internet access for email, secretarial services, and fax.
- 11 Alicia Hotel, 653 Capt. F. Aquende Drive, ☏ +63 52 4810801, alicia_hotel@yahoo.com. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: noon. A few minutes from the old domestic airport. 32 rooms and suites individually equipped with modern amenities like cable TV, individually controlled air-conditioning, a telephone, and Internet access.
- 12 La Piazza Hotel and Convention Center, Imelda Roces Avenue, ☏ +63 52 480 3377. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: noon. A/C suites equipped with LCD TV with cable channels and unlimited Wi-Fi access. Function rooms, Wi-Fi access in public areas, massage services and airport transfer.
- 13 Hotel Venezia, Renaissance Garden, F. Aquende Drive. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: noon.
- 14 Vista Al Mayon Pensionne, #647 F. Aquende Drive. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: noon.
- 15 Casablanca Suites, Benny, F. Imperial Street. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: noon.
- 16 Emerald Boutique Hotel, Marquez Street, Old Albay District. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: noon. ₱3,000.
- 17 The Apple Peach House, corner Rosario and, Marquez Street, Old Albay District. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: noon.
Splurge
[edit]- 18 The Oriental Legazpi, Taysan Hill, Sto. Niño Village, ☏ +63 52-742-8888. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: noon. A/C suites equipped with TV with cable channels, executive work desk, IDD/NDD telephone and high-speed broadband Internet access. Airport transfer, wireless Internet access, infinity pool, spa, fitness room/gym, business center, car rental, and city transfer. From ₱9000.
- 19 The Oriental Albay, Purok 1 Barangay 33, Peñaranda St, ☏ +63 52 732-2000 (to 2002), toll-free: +63 91 7709 5723, albay-reservations@theorientalhotels.com. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: noon. ₱5,000.
- 20 The Marison Hotel, Lakandula Drive corner Imelda Roces Avenue. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: noon. ₱5,000.
- 21 Bali Suites Legazpi, Marquez Street, Old Albay District. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: noon.
Connect
[edit]- 1 Regional Consular Office Bicol Employees Multi-Purpose Cooperative (Rcobempc) (DFA Consular Office-Legazpi City), Imperial street, Rizal Avenue, Old Balara District. 9AM–5PM.
Stay healthy
[edit]- Bicol Regional Hospital and Medical Center. Rizal Street. Phone +63 52-4830636. (DOH Hospital).
- University of Santo Tomas — Legazpi Hospital. Washington Drive. Phone +0917 633 9396 (PhilHealth Acredited)
- Allied Care Expert Medical Center. Diversion Rd, portion Bgy. Bogtong.
Cope
[edit]- Bureau Of Immigration Legazpi Office. Door 3 Blst Building Rizal Street.
Go next
[edit]- Gubat and Rizal Beach. There are several sleepy towns and nice beaches after Legazpi just like Sorsogon and Gubat. Take a jeepney to these directions. Normally they make a stop in Pilar Port on the way to Sorsogon and Gubat.
| Routes through Legazpi |
| Naga ← Ligao City ← Travesia Guinobatan ← | N  S |
→ END |
| Naga ← Ligao City ← Guinobatan ← Camalig ← | N  S |
→ Sorsogon City → Matnog → Ferry to Samar Island → Calbayog |
| Tiwi ← Tabaco ← Malilipot ← Sto. Domingo ← | N  S |
→ END |