GAYON BICOL - ALBAY

SPANISH GALLEON WRECK SITE

A site which serves as a strong reminder of the rich Manila to Acapulco (Mexico) trade routes during the Spanish era.  Found along the shores of Buhatan beach at Sto. Domingo, Albay, this galleon relic was wrought by a strong typhoon on its way to Acapulco and crushed on the reefs of Albay Gulf.  This historical remains lie at five fathoms under the sea with green transparent water.  It is an ideal place for scuba diving, fishing or boating.

 GEOTHERMAL ELECTRIC POWER

An electric generation project with geothermal energy as source.  It is designed to generate more than 227 megawatts, operated jointly by NPC/NEA and Union Oil (USA).  Located in Tiwi, mostly visited for its high educational values

PUTSAN BEACH

The original source of ancient ceramics and potteries industry in Bicol Region until today.  Sweeping in long graceful curve, the beautiful white surging surfs of the ocean form a sharp contrast with jet-black volcanic sands.  Add to this natural wonder is the fishing venture of the villagers and the natural formations of the beach which invites photographers to display their skills.  Located at Tiwi, it is very accessible by any type of motor vehicle.

  MAYON SKYLINE

It nestles on the eastern slopes of Mt. Mayon at an altitude of 2,700 ft.  An excellent summer resort with almost similar temperature with Baguio at 28 degrees Celsius.  It is popularly known as “heaven on earth” because of the hanging clouds and the pleasant climate where cool and invigorating air could be experienced.  From this height, visitors, see the panoramic view of the Pacific Ocean and the different towns, lakes, villages, fields and other mountains.  Accessible through Tabaco, motor vehicles of any type could be used to reach it.   

MAYON VOLCANO

The world’s nearly perfect cone.  It stands majestically at 7,946 ft.  from the broad base about 10 km. In radius. The crater is 2,451 meters above sea level and with a diameter of .5 kilometer.  It has a notched rim where a pool or building hot lava boils and rich coal deposits could be found. 

 CAGSAWA RUINS

Originally, the word was “Kagsawa”. It was derived from Kag, “who does or owner” and SAWA, meaning “ a python” which suggested “one who collects snake” or perhaps “a snake charmer,” On its worst, it signifies “excesses” from SAWA (pronounced in “maragsa” on the last syllable) meaning “too much.”  Fr. Francisco Aragonesses, OFM, former curate of Kagsawa and Budyaw, seemed to confirm the notable “overindulgence” of the people during the time.

SOGOD BEACH  

In Bacacay, it is the most popular beach.  Well-known for its enclaves of black sandy beachers with towering coconut palms and lush vegetation providing cool shades.  These beaches are closely adjacent to the national highways.  Almost unspoiled, it is an excellent place for bathing and fishing.  A convenient place to spend the summer.

  

BUGSUCAN FALL

Another natural phenomena in Tiwi besides the road to Joroan is this tiered waterfalls set on a beauteous mountainside.  Its cascading water blend perfectly with its natural springs. It is recommended site for bathing, picnics and photography

    PALELE FALLS

In Malinao, this falls have been branded as a source of disastrous floods.  During good weather, its cascading water like the Bugsucan falls is a splendid site because of its lush surroundings.  It is very accessible by foot trails

  SAN LORENZO BEACH

The clear and almost unspoiled beach  have lured hundreds of tourists to this place in Tabaco.  Its strategic location has commanded a breathtaking view of Tabaco Bay and the green soft-looking and quiet island of San Miguel.

  BUSAY FALLS

Located in Malilipot, Albay.  It is considered as one of the highest waterfalls in the country because of its seven-tiered cascading white foam. It is estimated to have a vital height of 800 feet from the top.  The first catch basin forms below where hundred of bathers could refresh from the scorching heat of summer. It is accessible only by foot trail.

   KALAYUKAI BEACH RESORT

If one is familiar with the famous south Pacific Island, this Beach resort in Sto. Domingo, Albay is its duplicate.  The sunrise is very beautiful to watch on this beach.  Gazebo and bancas are available for hire for visitors who would like to see the clear blue water where eye-catching corals of varied forms could be viewed even without the use of water eye-glasses

HOYOP-HOYOPAN CAVE

A natural tunnel-like structure in Camalig, Albay.  Legend says that this cave was the primitive habitat of the natives in the area. It is one of the most popular attractions in Albay.  It could be reached by any type of motor vehicles.

PARIAN MAINIT SPRING

A popular swimming and picnic resort in Camalig, Albay.  A thermal swimming pool and cottages are also available.  Adjacent to the main highway

    CALABIDONGAN CAVES

The name really means “Caves of the Bats.”  There is grotto-like formation inside which astounds visitors. It is found in Camalig. It takes around 30 minutes trek inside Hoyop-hoyopan cave

MATAGINTING FALLS

A broad waterfalls cascading into a river. It is accessible only by foot trail.  Located in Jovellar, Albay.

NAGLAUS UNDERGROUND RIVER   

  Another natural formation in Jovellar which is largely unexplored underground river. It is 300 meter long.  A bamboo craft is used to negotiate the tunneled river.  It looks very mysterious and weird bun an excellent place for a bewildering and strange experience.  Accessible by foot trail

DEL ROSARIO CAVES

Found in Jovellar, this grotto-like cavern is naturally formed on a hillside. It is largely undeveloped.  To reach the place hiking is suggested

MINAROSO CAVES

n Rapu-Rapu, this natural cavern is situated close to the sea. It is haven of seabirds and swallows.  Still unexplore

BALUBAGON BOILING CAVE

A geothermal-like formation.  The steam pressure is described as stronger than Tiwi Geothermal.  The lake has an outlet near the seashore, just a hundred meters away from where the steaming sands and coral like rocks emits the geysers in a fountain-like formation.  The best time to see this natural wonder is on low tide.  The steaming geyser shoots upward.  It could be seen from miles.  Accessible by any type of motor vehicle.  Located in Manito, Albay

   DARAGA CATHOLIC CHURCH

Built in 1773 by Franciscan missionaries, that is , three years before the declaration of American Independence from the Spanish colonizers. Its highly prized by art enthusiast because of its rich baroque architecture.  Its very huge structure is considered above standard.

CAMALIG CATHOLIC CHURCH

It is another missionary church built out of volcanic rocks.  Today, relics from Hoyop-hoyopan caves are carefully stored and displayed for viewing.  These relics excavated from the cave reflect historical origins.  They manifest the early Malaysian influence through the burial jars excavated.  Glazed ceramics reveal Chinese influx while the primitive potteries are derived from the flourishing Philippine culture 2, 000 years ago

PILGRIMAGE TO JOROAN

Every 3^rd Saturday of August in Joroan, Tiwi, Albay.

This yearly pilgrimage to Our Nuestra Señora de Salvacion, the Patroness of Albay.  It’s highlighted by a maritime procession and a concelebrated Mass on the shores of Sogod Beach.  Thousands of pilgrims from different places flocked to pay homage to the Marian image
 ILOLOGAN BEACH
 
  Another attraction in Manito is this long stretch of coral sands.  So white that it glistens under the rays of the sun. It is excellent for bathing, ski-diving and fishing.
 ROCA BALUARTE
 
Today, this fort-like formation in Bacacay has been converted into a beach resort.  The tower was used as a look-out for any invasion of Muslim pirate that disturb the natives time and again.
 KIMANTONG SKY DRIVE
 
A long stretch of newly-built concrete road in Daraga Albay.  It connects the Pan Philippine Highway going to Sorsogon and zigzags against a scenic mountainside.  The Panoramic view of Daraga and Legazpi is spellbinding especially at night. It has become a favorite stopover and resting place for motorists who want to relax from a very tiring trip.
 

LIGÑON HILL