Bicol is known as the adventure capital of the Philippines and it lies at the very end of southeastern Luzon which is a popular destination among Filipinos who want to have well-spent holidays. The region consists of six provinces Albay, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Sorsogon, and the island provinces of Catanduanes and Masbate, and has its own language, Bikol, which is highly influenced by Spanish. All provinces are well-known for their unique festivals, active volcanoes, first-class beaches, and tranquil whale sharks but of course, it is more than just its natural wonders because the place is also popular for its spicy foods such as Bicol Express, Pinangat, and Laing. There are a lot of ways to get to the Bicol Region, it could be by air or by road. Bicol has two main airports one is Naga City Airport located at Pili, Camarines Sur which is only 5 minutes away from Bria HomesCam Sur, the most affordable housing developer in the region, while the other one is located at Legazpi City which is the Legazpi Aiport. The distance by road from Bicol to Manila is 293 kilometers or 182 miles and it takes 8 to 10 hours by public transport from Manila, Cubao, and Sampaloc, however, for private vehicles it will only take a 6 to 7-hour drive. If you get a chance to visit Bicol, here are the top 10 things you won’t miss to kick off your Bicol trip.
1. CamSur Water Sports Complex (CWC) in Pili, Camarines Sur
This destination is very popular with local residents and most especially to tourists. The CamSur Watersports Complex or commonly known as CWC is the first world-class watersports complex in the Philippines and in Asia, it aims to bring cable skiing to a whole new level and attract water sports enthusiasts from all over the world with its top of the line facilities and relaxing environment. Aside from its attraction, the water sports complex is one of the most preferred destinations for vacation because of its location. It is located near to known establishments and easy to access, it is only 8 minutes away from Vista Mall, which contains supermarkets, pharmacies, retail shops, cinemas, entertainment centers, restaurants, and other food establishments. It is also 5 minutes away only from Bria Homes CamSur which offers affordable yet stylish houses in the area.
2. Action Experience on ATV Mayon Volcano and Cagsawa Ruins Tour in Albay
Mayon Volcano an active volcano is considered one of the best tourist spots here in the Philippines because of its perfectly-formed cone shape and it is also included in the Seven Wonders of the World. Going to see the Mayon Volcano should really be included in your Top 10 Things to do in Bicol. The volcano is located in the province of Albay. Tourists also love to explore this wonder on an ATV for a one-of-a-kind thrilling adventure from its foothill towards the Mayon summit, there is no better way to kick off your Bicol trip than riding your way up to the Philippines’ most iconic volcano. Doing these activities while in view of the most famous volcano in the world will leave you speechless.
The Cagsawa Ruins are the remnants of a 16th-century Franciscan church or currently known as the Cagsawa Church. The church was originally built in the town of Cagsawa in 1587 but was destroyed by Dutch pirates in 1636 then rebuilt in 1724 by Fr. Francisco Blanco, however it was then again destroyed during the eruption of the Mayon Volcano, along with the town of Cagsawa, on February 1, 1814. The ruins is evocative for Bicolanos since that it symbolizes Bicol’s rich history together with the strength and flexibility of the people towards calamities and ravages of Mother Nature. Here in this historic place is the best viewing for Mount Mayon and you can also try plenty of Bicolano dishes and get some unique souvenirs for your trip.
3. Peñafrancia Festival in Naga City
Whilst the rest of Bicol region tourist spots are famed for their nature and adventure, Naga City Camarines Sur is the religious center of Bicol, where Peñafrancia Festival takes place. It is considered the biggest and most popular religious event in the Philippines, the Peñafrancia fiesta is in fact a one-week affair that is celebrated every September of the year when the sculpture of the Virgin Mary is transferred from her shrine to the centuries-old Naga Metropolitan Cathedral. Naga City is home to one of the most popular shrines in the Philippines, the Peñafrancia Basilica Minore, which is only 12-15 minutes away from Bria Homes Naga, the only subdivision in the city that offers affordable houses and lots for minimum wage earners.
4. Whale Shark Watching in Donsol, Sorsogon
Donsol is one of the municipalities of Sorsogon in the Bicol Region and most famous for its whale sharks or called “butanding” in Tagalog. If you like sea adventures and one of your bucket-list is swimming and interacting with whale sharks then you must visit Donsol, Sorsogon. The whale sharks are definitely tranquil but there are precautions that divers should follow to avoid accidents and danger. Aside from whale shark diving there are other activities you must try in Donsol such as firefly river tour, and scuba diving fun dives which is something that Bicol famous for.
5. Island Hopping in Caramoan
Caramoan islands is considered as the hidden gem of Bicol and the next El Nido of the country. It is loved by most adventurous people because of its popular attractions that offer different activities including island hopping, diving, swimming, snorkeling, and spelunking. The hit US TV show, Survivor was also filmed in Caramoan that also help the popularity of the island. Putting it in our must-see Bicol and Camarines Sur tourist spots.
6. The Stunning Beaches of Camarines Norte
The best place for excursions is in Camarines Norte because of its alluring beaches in the area. The province is also considered the center of beautiful beaches in the region. If you have not been to Camarines Norte yet, now is definitely the time to make up your mind, pack your bags, and bring your friends along on a trip to the gate of Bicolandia. Here are the top recommended and most visited beaches in Camarines Norte:
- Calaguas Island – It is a famous pristine beach with a long coast of pure white sand which is located 2 hours away from the city of Vinzons.
- Bagasbas Island – It is commonly known as the Surfing Capitol of Bicol which is located at Daet, Camarines Norte. One of its pride is the best sunrise view in the region.
- Parola Island – The Island is known as the Pink beach because of its pinkish shoreline which is clearly visible during sunrise and sunsets. It is located off the coast of the town of Jose Panganiban.
7. The Triplet Lake in Rinconada Area, Camarines Sur
One of the best Bicol tourist spots is the triplet lake consists of Lake Bato, Lake Buhi, and Lake Baao all located in the Rinconada Area of Camarines Sur. It is also considered as the 7th largest lake in the Philippines. The three lakes are famous since they are the few bodies of water that contain the “sinarapan” (Mistichthys luzonensis) which is the world’s smallest commercially harvested fish. If you are a nature lover, you will surely enjoy the view of Mt. Asog and Mt. Malinao from Lake Buhi. The triplet lake is centered by the only city in Rinconada Area which is the City of Springs- Iriga City. Don’t forget to drop by at the city because there are also a lot of outdoor activities you can enjoy in the city which is nearest to Bria Homes Iriga- the most affordable housing developer in Rinconada Area.
8. Pink Beaches in Matnog, Sorsogon
Matnog Sorsogon is home to not just one but two pink-sand beaches which are Calintaan Island and Tikling Island. Calintaan Island or commonly known as Subic beach is more popular of the two because it is where you can find Subic Laki and Subic Liit. On the other hand, Tikling Island is a lot quieter and more reserved. There are no cottages for rent here however you can enjoy the hammock swinging merrily between the healthy trees of the beach. The powdery pink shore is perfect for get-togethers and strolling plus you can try snorkeling in the placid embrace of clear blue waters.
9. Rodeo Festival in Masbate
Hold on to your horses, caballeros, it’s rodeo time in Masbate! Feel the excitement as local cowboys pit their brains against bovine brawn in western-style rodeo events like bull riding and steer wrestling, apart from its local games like the good old carabao race. Masbate is known as the rodeo capital of the Philippines and its festival is usually celebrated during April of the year.
10. Hike up to Binurong Point in Catanduanes
Catanduanes has two dubbed namely- The Happy Island and Land of the Howling Winds. The place is called happy island because of its beautiful attractions and friendly people, on the otherhand, it is also called the land of the howling winds because it is facing the Pacific Ocean and most typhoons brewed in the Pacific pass through this easternmost island province of Luzon. Binurong Point in Baras town is a place that offers equally jaw-dropping views of the open ocean crashing against rocks. Before reaching the point you need to be prepared for a hike through forest trails with narrow paths but the view from the cliff especially during sunrise will be worth the hike.
As you witnessed that the Bicol region has a lot more to offer, you might be considering living in the region as well and you might be wondering where is the best place to stay in the region. The most popular places to stay in Bicol are the business centers of Naga, Pili, Legazpi, Daet, Iriga, Sorsogon, and Masbate, with generally simple, clean, and affordable accommodation including homestays. If you are looking for a property in the region Bria Homes is the most affordable housing developer in the area. It offers a wide range of options for house and lots, and it is considered as most budget-friendly among the subdivisions in the region. Bria Homes has three projects in the region, Bria Homes CamSur located at Pili which is the capital of Camarines Sur, Bria Homes Iriga located at the City of Springs of Rinconada Area, and Bria Homes Naga which is located at one of the most popular cities in Bicol Region. Aside from Bicol’s majestic places, Bria Homes projects are also located in strategic locations where is close to schools, churches, grocery stores, markets, and malls. That is why Bria Homes is truly the best option for your stay here in Bicol!
BRIA Homes is a subsidiary of GOLDEN MV Holdings, Inc., .one of the largest real estate companies in the country. BRIA Homes is primed to bring quality and affordable house and lot packages and condominium units closer to ordinary Filipino families. This is the goal that drives every single employee in the company, for which the ultimate fulfillment is seeing a client happily moving into BRIA’s homes.
To know more, visit their website at www.bria.com.ph, like and follow “Bria Homes, Inc.” on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, Pinterest, Spotify, Viber Community, Telegram Channel, Kakao Talk, LINE and WhatsApp, or call 0939-887-9637.
Written by Eara Aringo
