Into the Unknown: Legazpi, Albay

After years of wondering how on earth Mt. Mayon was called one of the world's perfect cone volcano, seeing it in person, all I can say, it's no doubt "AWESOME!"

Now, that it has been one month passed since I set foot in Legazpi, Albay, I still can't get over from the intense feeling of excitement I was feeling way back when I am still planning what I'm supposed to do in the place.

Legazi, Albay is not on my top list of places to visit. It just so happened that it was the destination for our WSC 2k17. I am part of CFC-SFL and one of our goals each year is to join the "World Singles Congress" held in different places of the Philippines come single men and women either to have a spiritual renewal or personal retreat away from their day to day hassle and joggle.

Just to make this statement short, below are some of the details of my trip to the Magayon (beautiful) Mt. Mayon.

1. Transportation

Coming from General Santos City in Mindanao was a bit of a challenge for us travelers from the far out south because we have less number of flights and limited destinations to access. Either we book a flight to Cebu or Manila then book another flight to legazpi or if your coming from Manila, you could take a bus ride to Legazpi for 11 hours. In our case, we had a limited number of vacation leaves so we opted on booking two flights which only took us 35 mins, Manila to Legzpi.

Upon our arrival in the airport, we hailed a taxi for a flat rate of Php100.00 and directly head out to Legazpi Convention Center. If you are heading to this same direction, you can ride a tricycle instead, the center is just a 100 meter distance from the airport. And if you don't have much luggage with you, you can take about a 15 minute walk to be there.
Their normal means of transportation in the area is tricycle and jeepneys (PUJs) which you can ride for Php8.00. Cab taxi for hires are also available.

2. Where to Stay

During our stay, we rented out a home stay for only a hundred peso a night, too cheap eh. One of our seniors in the community has friends in the area who helped us out. I observed there are also several inns, small hotels and room rentals converted to transient homes downtown.

3. Where to Eat

There are several fast food chains in the city such as Jollibee, Ministop, McDonald, Mang Inasal and 7-Eleven. Also some restaurants that serves Bicol specialties if you are searching for some home-made delicacies but expect it's a bit pricey compared to fast foods.

4. What to Do In Legazpi

Taxis and PUVs could be hired for a price range of Php 1,800.00 - Php 2,500.00 halfday city tour and a minimum of Php 3,500.00 for a wholeday countryside tour. If you are in Legazpi and want to hire a ride and driver, you may contact Ms.Cherie of Bicol Tour Packages who I happened to look up from Facebook on these numbers: 0928 4508 200 and 0926 8168 980 for queries and reservations. Below are their suggested itinerary:

City Tour: (Halfday)

Lignon Hill