Bicol

Bicol is famous among Filipinos for its spicy food, while among travellers it's best known for its active volcanoes and the whale sharks of Donsol. But there's quite a bit more to this less-travelled region: explore barely visited beaches, island-hop on a bangka and experience some of the most unusual and exuberant festivals in the country.

Attractions

Must-see attractions

  • The zipline at Lignon Hill Nature Park.

    Ligñon Hill Nature Park

    Bicol

    For one of the best panoramic views of brooding Mt Mayon and the city, head up Ligñon Hill. It’s a steep, but paved, 20-minute walk up the hill; tricycles…

  • Daraga Church

    Daraga Church

    Bicol

    Set on a hill splendidly overlooking Mt Mayon is the baroque-style Nuestra Senora de la Porteria church in Daraga, constructed completely from volcanic…

  • Hoyop-Hoyopan Cave

    Hoyop-Hoyopan Cave

    Bicol

    Pottery dating from 200 BC to AD 900 has been found in this easily accessed limestone cave, set on a quiet hillside above a pretty rural valley. Guides…

  • Bulusan Volcano National Park

    Bulusan Volcano National Park

    Bicol

    About 16km southwest of Barcelona is Bulusan Volcano National Park. Just inside the park, Bulusan Lake is a popular picnic spot, and there’s a 1.8km…

  • Sleeping Lion Hill

    Sleeping Lion Hill

    Bicol

    The view that holds everyone’s attention in Legazpi is of Mt Mayon, but there’s another beautiful panorama many visitors miss: the pretty port of Legazpi…

  • Cagsawa Church & Ruins

    Cagsawa Church & Ruins

    Bicol

    A couple of kilometres northwest of Daraga is the most classic of Bicol's panoramas: the stand-alone greenery-topped belfry of the sunken Cagsawa Church…

  • Mt Isarog National Park

    Mt Isarog National Park

    Bicol

    From Panicuason (pan-ee-kwa-sone), a steep, half-hour walk along a rough road (passable by some vehicles if it’s very dry) leads to the entrance of Mt…

  • Naga Cathedral

    Naga Cathedral

    Bicol

    The 19th-century Naga Cathedral, with its imposing Romanesque facade, is a major city landmark. It's fronted by the equally imposing Porta Mariae, a…

View more attractions
  • placement: fullWidth
  • path: destinations/top
  • possible size: [970, 250], [970, 90], [728, 90], [300, 250], [320, 50], [1, 1],
  • targeting: 
    {
  "destination": "Bicol",
  "region": "Southeast-Luzon",
  "continent": "Asia",
  "country": "Philippines"
}
  • placement: fullWidth
  • path: destinations/bottom
  • possible size: [970, 250], [970, 90], [728, 90], [300, 250], [320, 50], [1, 1],
  • targeting: 
    {
  "destination": "Bicol",
  "region": "Southeast-Luzon",
  "continent": "Asia",
  "country": "Philippines"
}