Things to do in Legazpi City, Albay

I thought I can only see the majestic Mt. Mayon in the postcard, photos online taken by some bloggers who visited Albay, or in the news. The time has come that I visit Albay and I was amazed when I saw the Mt. Mayon through my eyes. It was really magnificent! It is a very rare situation that you can do your solo trip, especially for me, to see one of the most beautiful active volcanos. I was like “Wow! Beautiful!”

Right after my work, I immediately went to bus terminal and rode a bus bound to Legazpi City. It was eight o’clock in the evening when my solo trip begins. From Manila to Legazpi City is about ten to eleven hours’ drive. It’s really a long drive, but I can tell you that it was really worth it.

I arrived in the Grand Terminal on the following day, and met my tour guide for that day. He will accompany me for my day 1. However, before heading to our itinerary I check in first in the Inn where I stay and have a rest for minutes. Then, we’re heading for first stop.

First stop is Kawa-kawa Hill – this is a 236 meter land that is located in California Village, Brgy. Tuburan, Ligao City. It was named Kawa-kawa because of its shape which resembling a “kawa” or cauldron and it is also called the hill without a hilltop. From afar, it’s like an ordinary hill, but when you arrived from the summit, you can see its unique feature in its fully glory.  It is one of Albay’s tourist destinations.

from the top of Kawa-kawa hills

Second stop is Cagsawa Church - was built in 1724 and was destroyed during the eruption of Mayon Volcano in 1814. It is located in Brgy. Busay, Cagsawa, Daraga. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the area and the ruins of the Cagsawa Church are now the site of the Cagsawa Ruins Park. There are locals selling souvenir items in the area.

Cagsawa Ruins

Our next stop is Daraga Church – also called as the Church of Nuestra Senora de la Porteria (Our Lady of the Gate), is an example of religious architecture in the province of Albay, it is located in the hill above the lively town. And, I went back in the church early in the morning in the following day because I want to see the Mayon Volcano without the clouds around it. And, it looks good without the clouds. Perfect view!

Daraga Church plus clear view of Mt. Mayon

And our final destination is Legazpi Port – I went back in the port early in the morning for the following day and heading to the seawall section where you can jog and you can see the stunning beauty of the Mayon Volcano, where also Embarcadero de Legazpi located. It was the first site of the pre-Hispanic settlement called Sawangan and it is now the city’s main business district.

My time is not enough that’s why I haven’t been in Lignon Hill and the waterfalls. Maybe, next time I will visit the other tourist destination in Albay. My solo trip is a challenging activity because I lost in Penaranda Street, but well, it a part of the journey. I enjoyed it! 

What and where to eat in Legazpi City, Albay

Some people do their adventure with friends and family and some people do it alone. They like to do it yourself! They like to go to a place where they’re not familiar and explore the place. I am jealous of them because they are brave enough to do a solo trip. And as they are saying, do solo trips add more self-confidence. And, that’s what I like, to do a solo trip.

I am always accompanied by my group and friends when travelling or doing a great adventure.

Now, I am planning to do a solo trip and thinking where to go.  I decided to go Legaspi, Albay with the suggestion of my friend. I am so excited because that was the very first time solo trip. I am searching on the internet where to go and where to eat in Legaspi, Albay. And, with the help also of my friend, he suggested where and what to eat.

For now, I will share you what and where to eat in Albay. Here are my lists:

Small Talk Cafe

I’ve always heard about Pinangat Pasta and I wonder what is it? I am interested in it. He suggested me that you try it and so when we are in Small Talk café I ordered one of it. When the waitress served it to our table, it smells good. The taste of the pasta was good and delicious. It’s creamy Pinangat Pasta! The serving is good enough for one person. The place, for me, is nice!

Location: Doña Aurora Street, Legazpi City

Pinangat Pasta, Php110

1^st Colonial Grill

Did you hear sili ice-cream? Yes! I heard it from my bicolano friend. So, when I was there. I would love to taste the sili ice-cream though I am not into chili food. But, I love to try it.  I was accompanied by my friend during that day. I tried the sili ice-cream and he got baileys ice-cream. I would love to say that you must try I am pretty sure that you will love the creamy and chili ice-cream. It is very unusual ice-cream because of its flavour.

Location: Villa Amada Building, Rizal Street, Legazpi City

Sili Ice-cream, Php79. Bailey's Ice-cream, Php79

Bigg’s Diner

On the next day for my trip, I went to Daraga Church for a picture scene of Mt. Volcano. Afterward, I have my breakfast to Bigg’s Diner. It was named Carl’s Diner and it changed on 21^st of October 1994 and true to its name, Bigg’s Diner was a big hit easily which became the busiest restaurant in town. I tried Bistek Pinoy and it was good.

Location: Rizal Street, Legazpi City

Bistek Pinoy, Php105

Red Continent Dine and Café

Before I’m going back to Manila, my friend suggested that I should try Red Continent – it’s an authentic Bicolano and Filipino cuisines to greater heights and redefine the word spicy. They challenge their customers to pick from their desired level of spiciness that is warm, hot or volcanic.

And, he suggested that I will try the chili chicken express. So, I ordered what he suggested and without my knowledge it was good for two to three people. What? I was shocked when it served to my table. Haha! Anyway, you will be asked if your order will be warm, hot and volcanic (volcanic means super-hot).   I also tried their Pili Strawberry Sabayon. The chili chicken express is delicious. The pili strawberry sabayon is good, too! But, it was a small serving.

Location: GTS Building, Rizal Street, Legazpi City

Pili Strawberry Sabayon, Php45. Chili Chicken Express, Php180

So, if you are visiting Albay I do hope that you could try out the food listed above. I love and I really enjoyed my solo trip. And, I will do it again maybe next year. Thank you for visiting my page!