My Valentine’s Day 2017 was spent in the land of fun and adventure, Legazpi City, Albay.
Travelling alone is not that easy, but it’s not bad at all. I booked the flight a couple of months before this trip, and it’s a lot cheaper than if you booked it on the spot. Cebupacificair is so helpful, though somehow there are delayed flights, the price of the ticket is really worth it.
Legazpi Airport is not that big because it is just for domestic travel. We even had the same flight with the HASHTAGS artist from ABS-CBN from Manila to Legazpi. I wasn’t expecting that they were that famous in Albay.
Well, before I travel to the place, I make sure to book a hotel or a place to stay, so I won’t be stressed out looking for a place on the spot. The good thing was that the hotel that I booked had a free airport shuttle. When I arrived at the airport, there was only a little transportation and a few people, so it was kind of solemn that I looked at the place. There is already a tourist information/guide at the arrival station, so it’s very helpful for travelers.
I arrived at 12 noon at the airport. Ellis Econotel is the place that I stayed for my entire stay in Legazpi. The hotel is so quiet, though it is just beside the mall. I booked the hotel through travelbook, by the way, and it was discounted from the actual rate. The room is nice and cute. The location is perfect. You can see the ocean and the Mayon at the same time since they are just near the Baywalk.
First day
It was raining when I was on my way to the hotel. The Ellis Econotel is located in Embarcadero where there is a baywalk, a mall, a pier, and some adventure rides like zipline, wall climbing, and etc. This is also one of the spots if you are getting a tour package from any of the travel agencies.
Second day
Since I decided to just be a commuter, it has been a challenge to keep on asking for directions to the hotel staff and to the bicolanos. It’s a good thing that they are really friendly and know their spots.
The Mayon volcano can be seen in Embarcadero, but it is more beautiful to see it nearer. The Cagsawa ruins are the only place where you can see the Mayon Volcano at a perfect angle. Many tourists visit there and also do adventures like riding an ATV. I am not really a fan of the rides, so I didn’t do the ATV. There is a minimal entrance fee for the maintenance. The ruins also have vendors near the area, so you can buy the souvenirs at a low cost if you are good at bidding “tawad.”
After picture taking in the ruins and the beauty of Mayon volcano, Bicol, also known for their “chili ice cream,” I had my snack along with the souvenir shops. I got teary eyes when I tried the chili ice cream and the empanada with chili garlic sauce. It was good though. There is also a shop that has some history of the Mayon Volcano, where you can actually see the difference from decades to decades. It took me a long time to read while eating and, of course, chitchatting with the vendors. I asked for another tourist spot in Legazpi from the vendor, but I’m satisfied enough with seeing the Mayon volcano up close.
It’s past noon and the sun is still shining, so I take advantage of the opportunity to visit Lignon Hill and see what’s there. It’s a hill, so I know it won’t be easy to go up there. After all the pictures and shopping in Cagsawa ruins, it’s time to go back to the city. The Cagsawa ruins are just outside of town, but you’ll need to take a tricycle to the top of Lignon Hill. There is also a minimal entrance fee at the hut.
There is a motorcycle that you can ride to get to the top of the hill, but I chose to walk/trek since the road is a There is a motorcycle that you can ride to get to the top of the hill, but I chose to walk/trek since the road is a bit scary. When reaching the top of the hill, they also have a zipline and souvenir shops, but it is more expensive than in Cagsawa Ruins. You can also see the beauty of the Mayon and the city at the top of the hill. Just take a few moments to relax and refresh at Lignon Hill. Going up is kind of tiring, but going down is much easier.
After climbing the hill, I went to Daraga church before going back to the hotel. The church is quite old and it has limited hours when it is open. I arrived late in the afternoon and it was already closed, but I was still able to photograph it.
It was a long day for the city tour, but it was worth it. My energy is still there, so I decided to go for a jog to see the sunset. I jog along Legazpi Boulevard, and there are many other people doing the same. The place is so amazing and refreshing, but it’s prone to tsunamis, according to the signboard I saw.
I had so much fun and adventure that day, so I just bought another souvenir for my family and friends just to make them happy.
