There are many famous attractions that draw visitors to this spectacular region. Bicol Region has the distinctive advantage in terms of tourism because of the presence of Mt. Mayon as the world’s most perfect cone, the diverse sand beaches, the lush greenery of high canopied wild forests, natural and man-made attractions, and historical, religious and archeological sites. Take a tour to Camarines Norte’s long, scenic coastline and enjoy an afternoon’s fun one of the popular beaches just minutes from the capital of Daet. Go island-hopping among the Mercedes Island Group’s pristine, white beaches and clear, diver-friendly waters. Visit the Dr. Jose P. Rizal monument in Daet the first town to erect a shrine of the country’s national hero.
Explore Camarines Sur host of natural and manmade attractions; such as, the scenic beauty of Mt. Isarog’s slopes of which form the southernmost rainforest mountain in Luzon, or brave the spooky atmosphere of the famous Kalipnitan Cave. For beach lovers visit the virgin beach of Aguirangan Island. This is the starting point for exploring the pristine and untouched beaches of the Caramoan Peninsula. If you like adventure, go to the Camarines Sur Watersports Complex (CWC). Find a spiritual wonder at the Tanawan Park in Bula as you picnic at this famous pilgrimage spot, beneath a towering 35-foot statue of the Virgin Mary. When in Naga City, visit the Basilica Minore, home of the Blessed Virgin of Penafrancia—the patroness saint of Bicol.
No visit to Bicol would be complete without a visit to the picturesque, perfect cone-shaped, Mayon Volcano. This stunning 2,460 meter high landmark forms a magnificent backdrop to the capital city of Legazpi. Millenniums of eruptions have also provided this area with a number of unique, jet-black sand beaches in the eastern coasts of Bacacay, Sto. Domingo and Tiwi. The volcanic sand of these beaches, with its heatholding qualities and course, crystalline texture, makes walking barefoot a warm, tickling sensation you will always remember.
In Sorsogon, go to Bulusan Mountain Lake and National Park, renowned for breathtaking views, the light breeze morning mist over the lake, and nestled snuggly inside the ragged crater rim of Mt. Bulusan. Experience a truly unique aquatic experience can be found just off the coast at Donsol. Quickly becoming world famous, this area provides one-on-one interactions with wild whale sharks Butanding.
Take a time to experience the region’s islands. Explore the wild, rugged, and beautiful landscape of Catanduanes, with its crashing Pacific swells rolling into create a surfer’s dream location. Also, visit Masbate, the “Cattle Raising Capital of the Philippines” and most famous for its annual Rodeo Masbateno. See, rodeo groups wrestle steer, ride bulls and perform other cattle handling competitions more commonly experienced in American and Australian rodeo shows. The warmth and hospitality of Bicolano’s are among the other tourism assets in the region.
Gastronomic Delights
Taste the region’s mouth-watering indigenous cuisine namely: Bicol Express (spicy pork and shrimp concoction), cocido (fish soup), balaw (small shrimps), natong, candingga and pinangat.
These are made more flavorful by the Bicolanos penchant for spice (sili). The strong taste, however, is neutralized by the sweetness of pili, a nut that is made into various confections. Other tasty delicacies are lunga (sesame seeds), puto (rice cake), and panocha (sugar cake).
