The city of Legazpi is named after Miguel López de Legazpi, the Spanish conquistador who colonized the archipelago and brought all the Philippine islands (Las Islas Filipinas) under Spanish rule in 1565. It serves as the capital city of Albay province and is the largest city in the Bicol region.

Legazpi is known as the “City of Fun and Adventure” and is located on the Pacific coast of Albay province. It straddles between two districts, Legazpi Port, which is also the site of the colonial town of Sawangan, and Albay district, which served as the administrative and business center during Spanish and American rule.

The most convenient way to get to Legazpi is by air, and there are several local airlines that operate direct flights to Legazpi Airport, which is the busiest airport in the region. In the near future, an international airport is also expected to open in Legazpi, which promises to be not only much larger but also much better in terms of service, comfort, and convenience.

Since Legazpi is located on the island of Luzon, those who want to travel in a scenic way can do so by land, either by bus or private car, with a journey that takes between 9 to 12 hours through fields, small and peaceful fishing villages, and picturesque landscapes, with the majestic Mayon Volcano shining in the background as you approach the main terminal of Legazpi (if you are arriving by bus).

Mayon Volcano, also known simply as Mayon, is undoubtedly the most iconic symbol in the entire Bicol region, a majestic and breathtaking sight to behold. Many consider it to have the perfect cone shape, almost symmetrically. The volcano stands at a towering height of 2,496 meters above sea level, with a base diameter of about 10 kilometers. You can distinguish it from a distance of approximately 50 kilometers, like a silent sentinel overlooking the landscape. This active volcano is named after the mythical heroine Daragang Magayon, “the beautiful lady” in the Bicolano dialect. It was first declared a national park and protected area on July 20, 1938, and later reclassified in 2000 as the Mayon Volcano Natural Park.

Cagsawa Ruins – When Mayon Volcano erupted violently in 1814, it obliterated the entire surrounding area for many kilometers and buried the nearby towns, including the Franciscan convent of Cagsawa, located about 11 kilometers from the summit. Today, the only remnant of the church is its bell tower, serving as a solemn memorial to the havoc and terror caused by the volcano. It also stands as a stark reminder of the looming danger posed by the active volcano. The Cagsawa Bell Tower is considered one of the most popular tourist attractions, set against the backdrop of the magnificent and awe-inspiring Mayon Volcano, creating one of the most recognizable and impressive scenes in the Philippines. It is featured on numerous postcards, magnets, tourist guides, brochures, and more.

These attractions highlight the natural beauty and historical significance of Mayon Volcano and its surroundings, making it a captivating destination for travelers.

Misibis Bay Resort, located just an hour’s drive from the Legazpi Airport, serves as the gateway to an exclusive island stretching along a golden beach strip at the southern tip of Cagraray Island in Bacacay, Albay Province. This tranquil haven offers 37 villas designed in an Asian-inspired style, featuring high ceilings and spacious balconies. The architectural design and interior spaces exude luxury, extravagance, and elegance.

The resort boasts three pools, two excellent restaurants, a rejuvenating spa, and a wide array of activities, including tricycles, buggies, electric scooters, jet skis, kayaks, abalon boat rides, windsurfing, and more. Guests can even swim with the magnificent whale sharks in this earthly paradise.

Guests are treated like royalty, with options for romantic candlelit dinners on the beach under a massive canopy of stars or dining in an amphitheater overlooking the stunning Albay Gulf. Enjoying a breakfast at a high point that overlooks the majestic Mayon Volcano is also a unique experience. This super fashionable and luxurious resort combines Asian cuisine with the famous Bicolano spices to create an unforgettable gastronomic experience.

Lignon Hill Nature Park:
Lignon Hill, known as the “Guardian of Legazpi City,” stands between the city and the majestic Mayon Volcano, serving as a natural barrier against the volcano’s eruptions and protecting the city from real disasters. The hill rises to a height of 156 meters and offers a perfect 360-degree panoramic view of Mayon Volcano and the entire city of Legazpi.

Visitors are recommended to hike to the top of the hill, where souvenir shops offer various handmade crafts and snacks. For adventure seekers, there’s a 360-meter zipline at a height of 160 meters above the ground, providing an exhilarating experience.

St. Gregory Cathedral (Albay Cathedral):
Officially the seat of the Bishop of Legazpi, this cathedral has a rich history. In its first incarnation, it was a small, modest wooden chapel built by Spanish missionaries and was damaged during World War II. It was later rebuilt and upgraded to a cathedral with the establishment of the Diocese of Legazpi. The cathedral is one of the prominent landmarks in the area.

Pili Nut Hills:
One of the first breathtaking sights you’ll see when arriving by plane in Legazpi is the “green hills.” These hills, although not symmetrical like Bohol’s famous Chocolate Hills, are equally impressive and inviting. They are often referred to as “Albay’s best-kept secret” and are not as well-known or touristy as other destinations. Some locals may not even be familiar with them, but it’s definitely a place worth visiting in the region.

Embarcadero:
The first and largest mall in Albay Province, Embarcadero is a commercial and fashionable center located along the waterfront, facing the city’s main port, with a stunning view of Mayon Volcano. It was planned and built by the Philippine Economic Zone Authority as a special economic zone, aiming to revive the prosperous days when Spanish trade ships anchored in the port of Legazpi as the region’s primary trading hub. Above the mall, there’s a tower with powerful searchlights that beckon the city’s youth to gather and celebrate at the Fashionable Celebration Plaza, a 105-square-meter area in the mall’s center used for events like fashion shows, beauty contests, and international conventions. Inside the mall, you’ll also find Ellis Edotel, a fashionable yet affordable hotel, the Funtasea Island entertainment center, and the Skywalk facility, which soars to a height of 27 meters for an extraordinary, adrenaline-pumping experience.

Explore the Japanese Tunnel: This tunnel, shaped like the letter “L” and 40 meters long with a depth of 2 meters, served as a storage facility for Japanese forces during World War II. It was dug during the Japanese occupation of Legazpi in December 1941 and serves as an intriguing historical site.

Ecological Park Tour in Legazpi: Covering an area of 53 square kilometers, this park is located in the southern part of Legazpi, just a 15-minute drive from the city. It was designed as a nature museum showcasing the endemic flora and fauna of the Philippines, particularly in the Bicol region. The park offers modern facilities, including cottages, restaurants, and various recreational activities like birdwatching, fishing, and hiking.

Relax at Santo Domingo’s Black Sand Beach: This unique black sand beach is the result of millions of years of natural erosion and weathering of volcanic rocks. The sand’s deep black color is due to the volcanic origins of the region. Santo Domingo’s beach is perfect for relaxation, romantic moonlit walks, and is a must-visit for its exotic beauty.

Join the Magayon Festival: This festival, celebrated every May, is based on the legend of Daragang Magayon, the “beautiful lady.” It showcases the beauty of the province of Albay, its local artistry, and the mesmerizing Mayon Volcano. The festival is a celebration of the region’s unique culture, arts, and the enchanting allure of Mayon.

These recommended activities offer a diverse range of experiences, from exploring historical tunnels to enjoying the natural beauty of the region and participating in vibrant local festivals. Legazpi has something special to offer every traveler.

Credit: https://www.facebook.com/pg/MagayonFestival/photos/?tab=album&album_id=1571429072891064#