A GLIMPSE OF NATURAL BEAUTY OF ALBAY

A GLIMPSE OF NATURAL BEAUTY OF ALBAY

MAYON VOLCANO

Bicol region, especially the province of Albay has always been known as the home of the World’s most perfect cone – Mayon Volcano. This 2,462 meters (8,077 ft) mountain can be seen from anywhere in Albay. According to the local folklore, the volcano being named after the legendary princess-heroine “Daragang Magayon” which means “Beautiful Lady”.

Here’s the tip, the best view is from the Cagsawa Ruins Park, located in Daraga, Albay. It takes a 10-minute walk from my grandmother’s place to visit a historical landmark where the picturesque Mt. Mayon can be seen.

Cagsawa Ruins Park, is the remnants of a 16th-century Franciscan church, the Cagsawa Church. Cagsawa was derived from the word “Kag” which means “Owner” and “Sawa” which means “Python”. It can also be spelled as Kagsawa or Cagsaua. One of the devastating tragedy was the eruption of Mayon Volcano which happened last February 1, 1814. This killed almost 1,200 people who took refuge in the stone church. They were buried because of the mud flows and pyroclastic flows and only the belfry of Cagsawa Church remained. 

BELFRY OF CAGSAWA CHURCH

Today, this is the best place to take a postcard perfect shot. However, make sure it is not foggy (not like this, Mayon can't be seen haha!).  Also, a lot of souvenir shops can be found here. You can buy as many souvenirs as you want - T-shirts, key chains, ref. magnet (my collection), pili nuts and many more. The entrance fee is around PHP20.00 if I’m not mistaken. We just went there for free because we are accompanied by our cousins.

PERFECT JUMPSHOT :)

SOUVENIR SHOPS

I've been to Albay many times as this is my Father's hometown. Aside from the beauty of Mayon Volcano, this place has much more to offer. Last November, we had the chance to visit for the first time three underrated destinations you must include in your list if you’re planning to visit this province.

1. Quitinday Green Hills

PANORAMIC VIEW OF QUITINDAY GREEN HILLS

From Daraga, we rode a jeepney to Camalig (PHP10.00 fare) and from there; there are lots of tricycle which offers special service going to Quitinday Greenhills. It costs PHP500.00. An hour of a bumpy road up to the hill and a 15-minute trek to observatory under the sun is what we experienced because we went there at around 10am. Maybe, it is advisable to go as early as 5:30 am, so it would be not that hot as the time we went there. Entrance fee is PHP20.00 per person. I remember last 2012, when we're going back to Manila, a spectacular aerial view of these hills outside the plane caught my attention. From then on, I promised myself to visit it when I go back to Albay. And last November, I must say it is worth the wait. Swear!

Quitinday Green Hills is a 400-hectare sweep of verdant terrain. Nowadays, this place gaining its popularity because of its breathtaking geological formation of mini-peaks that resembles the famous Chocolate Hills in Bohol. It is located in Brgy. Quitinday, Camalig, Albay.

SOLO PICTURE :)

A SHORT TREK UPHILL

2. Hoyop-hoyopan Cave

We asked the driver to take us to the nearby tourist spot and he drove to our next stop, the Hoyop-hoyopan cave located in Brgy. Cotmon, Camalig, Albay. We just added PHP200.00 for this trip. Entrance fee for us five with a tour guide and flashlight costs another PHP300.00.

Hoyop-hoyopan Cave is an ideal summer destination because of the cool air inside. “Hoyop” in Bicol dialect means “ihip or blowing in the wind”. It is mostly made up of natural limestones such as stalagmites, stalactites and other mineral deposits. There are numerous entry and exit points that vary between 2 meter and 10 meter in diameter. In order to pass some challenging chambers in the cave, tourists might need to crawl or kneel. 

DIFFERENT ROCK FORMATIONS

There are souvenir shops that sell locally handcrafted accessories made from minerals found in the cave.

3. Sumlang Lake

SCENIC VIEW @ SUMLANG LAKE

After our lunch, we rode a jeepney to Legazpi and asked the driver to drop us to Sumlang Lake drop-off point. From the highway, it is about 5 to 10 minutes walk. The entrance fee is PHP10.00 per person.

Sumlang lake is located in Brgy. Sumlang, Camalig, Albay. It is a 14-hectare lake with a carpet of water lilies. About three years ago, local residents decided to clean it up as they saw the potential of Mt. Mayon's panoramic view. You may take a ride on the bamboo raft with a beautifully crafted chairs and tables for only PHP25.00. You can relax here and take pictures with a backdrop of a huge name of Sumlang lake and a view of the majestic Mt. Mayon.

I've been in several provinces around Luzon and Visayas, and enjoyed the beauty of nature. But, I am proud to say that Albay has always been special to my heart. For our next trip, I have a new list to explore such as Kawa-Kawa Hill and Nature Park, Lignon Hill and Quitinday Underground River (Bicol's own version of Puerto Princesa's Underground River) and I would love to share it to you Guys. Until next time :) God bless!