Bicol Region Philippines Travel Guide, Destinations and Attractions

Bicol Travel and Destinations - Mayon VolcanoThe Bicol Region, Also known as Region V, is located at the southeastern most peninsula of Luzon in the Philippines. Bicol Region has 6 provinces namely Albay, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, Masbate and Sorsogon. Bicol is one of the famous tourist destinations in the Philippines. Bicol has a lot of beautiful scenic view to offer to visitors and tourist. The world famous Mt. Mayon Volcano in which has a perfectly shaped cone. Bicol is also known for its exotic and beautiful white sand beaches magnificent world-class diving spots. You can also find in Bicol the tiniest fish in the world. Well of course you have to dive to the lake to see it.

Bicol is also rich in cultural and architectural heritage. The structure of the buildings like churches are dated back from the the Spanish Period. For nature lovers, Bicol has much to offer. There are many beautiful natural scenery around Bicol like mountains, volcanoes, lakes, hot springs, rivers, caves and waterfalls. Bicol Region has many landmarks that are also tourist attractions that this Region can offer to visitors.

Bicol is a mixture of dynamic culture, resilient and religious people, and literate workforce. Today, Bicol Region is identified in the map as a tourism and maritime zone due to its accessibility to Manila and Visayan Provinces. It is very accessible to Manila and the rest of the places in Luzon by land, air, rail and sea.

Bicol Region Tourist Attraction

Bicol Travel WaterfallsMayon Volcano: Mt. Mayon is one of the famous tourist attraction in Philippine and Asia. The volcano is world's famous because of it's nearly perfect cone. Mayon Volcano is located north of Legaspi City. Mt. Mayon is one of the most visited tourist destination because of its enchating scenic view. The volcano stands majestically at 7,946 ft. and the base is 10 km in radius. From atop, you can see tha magnificent view of the Albay gulf and the other nearby towns.

Puraran Beach: The white sand beach is internationally known as "Majestic" in which this is the site for surfboard surfing. The beach is so magnificent and makes it so inviting. Pururan has been improve and develop that it has beautiful cottages, dining hall and a surfing area for sports enthusiasts. The season for surfing is from October to January.

Busay Falls: Busay Falls has a seven-tiered cascading white foam that it is considered as one of the highest waterfalls in the country. It is 800 ft from the top. Busay falls is accessible only by foot.

Hoyop-Hoyopan Cave: It is believed that this cave is the home of the native in the area a long time ago. The cave is a natural tunnel like structure. Hoyop-Hoyopan Cave is one of the natural tourist attraction in Albay.

Calabidongan Caves: The grotto-like formation inside is so enchanting in which it amazes visitors and tourist. The cave is also known as the "Caves of the Bats". The cave is good for trekking inside.

Daraga Catholic Church: It is an 18th century church in which was built by Franciscan missionaries in 1773. The church is highly regarded by art enthusiast and considered above standard because of it's rich baroque architecture and the structure is huge.

Camalig Catholic Church: A missionary church which was built out of volcanic rocks. Tourist and visitors come here to see the relics from the Hoyop-hoyopan caves. The archeological findings amazes the visitors and tourist because it depicts the historical origins of the people. The relic shows the early Malaysian influence through the burial jars excavated. One of the famous tourist attractions.

Barcelona Church: The church was beautiful built coral reefs were used to form the walls. The enchanting carvings on the coral reef fa�ade makes the church a priceless relic. The church was built in 1874.

Bulusan Lake: Also known as the "Switzerland of the Orient" Located at the center of the Bulusan National Park.


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Fantastic! Mayon Volcano has a perfect cone and it's terrific! They have lots of tourist destinations you can visit and enjoy. Asia's Pearl of the Orient, Philippines, is very fortunate to have these exquisite sceneries.

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Batangas: Laiya Beach, San Juan

At the southeastern tip of Batangas lies a seven kilometer strip of white sand beach situated along the stretching coast of Sigayan Bay and Verde Island passage. The place is nestled behind the peaks of Mt. Daguldol and home to several hiking destinations, such as Naambon falls and Mainit Pulang Bato. Because of its proximity to cities of Manila, Batangas and Quezon, this beach called Laiya became a popular destination for weekend retreats and corporate excursions.

Numerous resorts from upscale to budget accomodation which are mainly known to local tourists are visibly located along the wide strip of Laiya beach. They all come to life during holidays and weekends when tourists from the wide metropolis come to reatreat from their frenzied daily life. It does not take away its appeal, but, for people who may want to witness this hidden beauty must visit Laiya during low season, when the beach is calmer and much more silent. And on peak season (December to June), it is highly advised to call for accomodation few weeks in advance to avoid losing chances on room reservations.

Aside from swimming, snorkeling, boating, and kayaking, not much water activities are available in Laiya. Diving and other hi-tech water activities are not yet facilitated unless interested tourists request to be chartered to Anilao, a diving sanctuary at the other side of the coast, or to the famous diving destination- Verde Island. Although Laiya’s main attraction is its long strip of white beach, other sportif options can be found in its interiors, such as its hidden coves, falls and thick forested mountains where trails have been appreciated best for mountainbiking and trekking.

If you come to stay for a few days, don’t expect “a la carte” in your resort’s restaurant. Dining is mostly buffet. A few foreign dishes is served but the majority of eating pleasure in most resorts is Filipino. Options such as bringing a picnic basket and renting an open shed is enough for day trippers. Those who don’t have time to prepare, however, may avail some of the resorts’ lunch packages which are already inclusive of shed and entrance fee.

To retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city and to enjoy the fresh breeze and warm blue water of the sea, coming to Laiya is a perfect idea for weekend retreats. The beach is wide, all covered with white sand, and the water is warm; wonderful enough even for a short refreshing trip.

To get there, take South Luzon Tollway, and exit at Batangas Lucena exit. Drive along the national road until you see a board “Star Tollway” turn right at Star Tollway (Batangas Expressway) up to Lipa Exit. Then head towards Lipa.

Few meters from the Star Tollway exit, you will see De La Salle University Lipa on the left side of the road. Several meters from De La Salle, watch out for “Y” junction (where McDonalds is at the center). Take the road at the right that heads to Lipa town proper. Then follow the road as it merges with another road at the right (where monument is) and watch out for Mercury Drug. Turn right at this street then straightly take this road towards Rosario and Padre Garcia.

About 8.5km from Lipa, there will be a junction that leads to Padre Garcia. From Padre Garcia, Turn left towards Rosario. From the town center of Rosario, Turn left (where South Star Drug Store is) then follow this road until San Juan. Once in san Juan, turn right at the street where municipal hall is (just accross basketall court), and upon entering the road, you will see billboards indicating beach resorts of Laiya. Follow this road until you reach the unconcreted part. This means you are in the vicinity. From this point and the succeeding distance, you will see a lot of resort signboards along the road. All of them lead to resorts along the beaches of Aplaya, Laiya, and Hugom.


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What a nice beach! It's very relaxing and the white beach is so amazing. There are lots of things you can do in Laiya Beach in San Juan, Batangas. The Asia's Pearl of the Orient is really a blessing to have such wonderful and beautiful tourist spots.

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