Top 10 Tourist Destination Spots in the Southern Bicol Region

This is in no particular order. It is again sequenced by the land area of each province just like my previous posts! :)
Sorry, it was posted late as we had an OCLA last weekend and exams crashed over me last week :(

1. Mt. Mayon in Albay

I've mentioned this beautiful place a lot of times, and yes expect more of it for the rest of my future blog posts. Huhu #Don'tH8 I can't help it, it's the most iconic tourist destination in Albay. Mayon is the most active volcano in the Philippines, having erupted at least 49 times in the last 400 years.

Mt. Mayon
Image Source: volcanocafe.wordpress.com

If you're updated with the current "ganaps", locals are being evacuated away from the Mayon as it is now classified to be on Alert Level 3, zero being no volcanic activity. The most destructive eruption by far happened in February 1, 1841. Anyway, you really won't have to make an effort to see this when you go to Albay since it's visible anywhere you go! :)

2. Hoyop-Hoyopan Cave

The cave got its name from the Bicolano word "Hoyop" which means "blowing of air or wind," giving us a hint of the cool temperature inside. Unlike most of the caves you'll , aside from the mouth opening, this cave also has holes where breezy air can enter and soothe your soul.

Imge Source: traveltothephilippines.info

The cave is surrounded with stalagmites and stalactites so make sure you wear a protective cap when you get inside and be very careful with every step you take (wow life advice! hahaha). :)
3. Daraga Church
A visit to any place in the Philippines won't be complete without a trip or two to a church! Someone told me that when you visit a church for the first time, before you enter the doors, you have to close your eyes, wish and pray. I do it all the time! Do you? :)

Image Source: domi-quell.livejournal.com

The church was built by Franciscan missionaries in 1773, and it was built from blocks of volcanic rocks. It was restored last 2009 since it's been badly eroding, imagine 230 years of standing against all odds!

4. Cagsawa Ruins park
The Cagsaua/Cagsawa Church was built in 1724 but was destroyed by the Mayon eruption in 1814 (look up on the 1st on my list), leaving only the belfry of the church. It was the most devastating eruption by far, killing almost 1,200 people and burying the whole Cagsawa town with Lahar. 

Image Source: pinoytravelr.com

Most of the shots of Mayon volcano has this belfry on the side. I think they really go well together. :)

5. Liang Black Sand Beach Sorsogon
Although the picture does not make justice to the black sand, it's the closest one I found on the web. Sorry about that! Anyway, have you seen DOT's "It's More Fun in The Philippines" official video campaign? The part where they mentioned how we have white, black and pink sand here in the country? This one's the black one they're referring to!

Image Source: merrylflavor.tumblr.com

6. Subic Beach
Aaaa, the Boracay of Sorsogon! Yup, fine white sand right there!

Image Source: journeyingjames.com

For the beach lovers who want to soul-search (wow) and actually enjoy the serenity of of the sea, put this on your list! It's very far from the crowded, paradise-turned-party-place Boracay. Here, you can enjoy the pristine waters peacefully and take awesome photos!

7. Pagugiran Island, Bacon District, Sorsogon City
If you're looking for that sweet spot where you can enjoy the secluded place with just your loved ones, take them to Paguriran island. I've seen this in Tumblr before, I didn't know it was just in Sorsogon :)

Image Source: provinceofsorsogon.com

I remember Bucas Grande with all these rock formations. I don't know, but I really see God's masterpiece with sceneries like this :)


8, Bulusan Mountain Lake Resort, Bulusan
Known to be the Asian-Switzerland, there are a lot of activities offered in this resort. You ca go hiking and trekking by the mountains, go biking or even go kayaking. All for the adventure-seeker at heart to keep your adrenaline pumping!

Image Source: tourismbicolandia.com

For a cheap price of a couple hundred bucks, you can go kayaking with those coloful things (how do you call them?? haha kayak boats? haha) dibs on the pink one!!

Image Source: byaheroph.blogspot.com

The tourists and the locals. What a beautiful shot.

9, Buntod Reef Marine Sanctuary

This 250 hectare white sandbar offers activities like snorkeling, scuba diving, and birdwatching.
According to Romeo Soria Jr. of the Samahang Mangigisda ng Puro-Sinalikway, the group overseeing the sanctuary, the Buntod Reef Marine Sanctuary is currently ranked as the second most resilient Marine Sanctuary in Central Philippines–making it as an ideal diving spot. (Source: interaksyon.com)

Image Source: gvhotels.com.ph

Marvel on the beauty of nature while getting some tan! :)


10. Catandayagan Falls, Masbate
Can you imagine how this falls actually empties its water right to the sea? Awesome!!

Image Source: akrosdayunibers.com