Encompassing the southern part of Luzon Island, Bicol is a rugged region of towering volcanoes, white sandy beaches and idyllic offshore islands. It centres around the coastal settlement of Legazpi City, with the dramatic limestone cliffs and hidden caves of Caramoan stretching around the Lagonoy Gulf.
Things to do in Bicol
Whether you want to hike to smoking volcanic peaks or head underwater to discover the region’s marine diversity, Bicol is a natural wonderland just waiting to be discovered.
Climb Mount Mayon. Featuring one of the most symmetrical cones in the world, Mount Mayon is an imposing volcano whose smoking summit is best viewed from the 18th-century Franciscan ruins of Cagsawa. Alternatively, you can hike up its boulder-strewn slopes to the 1,750-metre-high “Rabbit's Ear” to get a closer look.
Swim with whale sharks in Donsol. If you’ve ever wanted to swim with whale sharks, then visit the sleepy seaside village of Donsol. It’s considered one of the best places in the world to come face-to-face with these gentle giants, who arrive between November and June to feed on the high-density plankton.
Get active at the Camsur Watersports Complex. On the outskirts of Naga lies the Camsur Watersports Complex, a purpose-built park dedicated to wakeboarding, wakeskating and waterskiing. It’s the ideal place to learn the basics or sharpen your skills, with its world-class obstacle courses designed to challenge even the most advanced riders.
Relax on the beaches of Catanduanes Island. Famed for its unspoiled landscapes, Catanduanes Island boasts beautiful white-sand beaches lined by swaying coconut palms. You can swim in the calm waters of Amenia Beach or go snorkelling at Mamangal before seeing the face of Jesus Christ in a rock formation at Talisoy Beach.
Getting around Bicol
Legazpi Airport is the main gateway to the Bicol Region and has regular flights to Manila and Cebu. Buses connect to towns and villages across the peninsula. Ferries travel to the surrounding islands while jeepneys, taxis and tricycles are the main means of getting around Bicol’s urban areas.