This place, to be honest, was never in my bucket list. I was happened to be here because I attended a conference with some colleagues. And when you're in a different place, it is always a nice idea to extend your return ticket, to go out of the hotel room (or comfort zone), and discover what the place has to offer.
Legazpi Boulevard
This is one of the most picturesque seaside rode in the Philippines that I've been to in the Southern Luzon. (the other one is in Ilocos in Northern Luzon).
Legazpi is the situated in the Bicol region. It can be reached by long drive of 8 hours via buses along the south road which offers scenic drive or by an easy one-hour plane ride. It is the home of the Mt. Mayon, famous for its perfect cone shape. Since I got off the plane until we roam around the city, I can't stop looking at it. It was just awesome and it is very much more perfect compared to how I see it in pictures and postcards. It was so hot in Legazpi - because it is summer plus the heat caused by Mt. Mayon, I assumed.
Cagsawa Ruins
It was in 1814 when Mt. Mayon had its most violent eruption. The lahar flowed over killing thousands of people and leaving only the church's tower. Cagsawa ruins withstood the test of time and has been one of the most prominent landmarks in Albay. I know because I saw it in my grade school textbooks. >.<
The Church of Nuestra Senora de la Porteria, commonly known as the Daraga Church
Daraga Church was declared by the National Museum as a National Cultural Treasure because of its more than 230 year-old religious architecture challenged by the test of time including the eruptions of Mt. Mayon.
Ligñon Hill
We had to experience an excruciating climb to get to this scenic destination. Getting on top is a beautiful 360-degree view of Legazpi and activities including zip-line and a cave which was a hide out of soldiers during the war.
Embacadero de Legazpi where the Spanish trading galleons used to dock. Today, it is a premier business hub.
The famous sili ice cream because Bicolanos love spicy foods, and the other is the coconut ice cream. The brown one is tutong ice cream which tastes like burned rice!
To top our summer experience in Legazpi, we went to a secluded island called the Pinamuntugan in the little town of Bacacay. We woke up so early to get to this place. Little did we know, it was very difficult to get there.
We hired pedicabs to get to the port.
Boat ride for 45 - 60 minutes
We couldn't contain our laughter while we asked ourselves what we were doin with our lives. It was a difficult travel but it was so much fun especially with scenic view like this that made us contemplate. It was so calm and peaceful.
Aye aye captain! Finally!
Bacacay beach is an off beaten path to most tourists, a hidden gem of fine golden-sand beach, dead starfishes along the shore, and cool rock formations. Perfect for beach bumming and peace of mind.
I never dreamed of going to Legazpi and I never expected what I could find in it. But it gave me one of the best summer experiences that I will never forget. :)
