Albay Travel Guide
Discover the best attractions, things to do, food scene, and more in Albay with our comprehensive travel guide. Plan your perfect adventure to Bicol's hidden jewel, Southeast Asia.
- Introduction to Albay
- List of Places to Visit in Albay
- Hiking/Biking Routes of Albay
- Best Things to Do in Albay: Activities and Tours
- Week-Long Itinerary for Albay
- Food and Drink Scene of Albay
- Where to Stay in Albay: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- What to Buy in Albay: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Local Culture and Customs of Albay
- Best Time to Visit Albay
- Do’s and Don’ts of Albay
- Safety and Health
- Getting to Albay: Transportation Options and Logistics
- How to Get Around in Albay
- Where to Go Next from Albay: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Conclusion
Introduction to Albay
Albay is a province located in Bicol Region, Luzon, Philippines. Known for its perfect cone-shaped Mayon Volcano - a majestic natural wonder that towers over the province and attracts visitors from around the globe.
Beyond the scenic beauty of the region, Albay has much to offer with its rich culture, history, outdoor attractions, food scene, and local experiences.
In this albey travel guide, we will cover all the essentials, including the best places to visit, local cuisines to try, outdoor adventures to explore, and much more.
So let’s dive in and begin our ultimate Albay tour!
List of Places to Visit in Albay
Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
- Cagsawa Ruins Park
- Daraga Church
- Albay Park and Wildlife
- Camalig Church
- Tabaco Church
- Legazpi City Museum
Natural Attractions of Albay: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
- Mayon Volcano Natural Park
- Quitinday Green Hills Formation
- Hoyop-hoyopan Cave
- Sumlang Lake
- Vera Falls
- Joroan Church
- Bacacay Beach
Hiking/Biking Routes of Albay
- Mayon Eco Trail
- Lignon Hill Nature Park
- Quitinday Hills
- Malinao Volcano Trek
- Kawa-Kawa Hill
Best Things to Do in Albay: Activities and Tours
- ATV ride on lava trails
- Whale Shark Encounter in Donsol
- Island-Hopping tours in Cagraray and Burias Islands
- Caving in Hoyop-hoyopan Cave
- Water sports in Cagraray Island
Week-Long Itinerary for Albay
| Day | Itinerary |
|---|---|
| 1 | Lignon Hill, Mayon Eco Trail, ATV ride on lava trails |
| 2 | Daraga Church, Cagawa Ruins Park, Legazpi City Museum |
| 3 | Vera Falls, Camalig Church, Tabaco Church |
| 4 | Whale Shark Encounter in Donsol, Bacacay Beach |
| 5 | Island-Hopping tours in Cagraray and Burias Islands |
| 6 | Malinao Volcano Trek, Joroan Church |
| 7 | Sumlang Lake, Caving in Hoyop-hoyopan Cave |
Food and Drink Scene of Albay
Must-Try Dishes
- Bicol Express
- Laing
- Pinangat
- Pili Nut Products
- Sili Ice Cream
- Sinaing Na Tulingan
Local Beverages
- Bicol Coffee
- Juice carinderias (local juice stalls)
Where to Stay in Albay: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- The Oriental Legazpi Hotel
- Misibis Bay Resort
- F2M Tower Legazpi
- Balay Harongan
- Marisse’s Guesthouse
What to Buy in Albay: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Pili Nut Products
- Abaca Products
- Bicol T-Shirts
- Handmade Bags and Baskets
Local Culture and Customs of Albay
- Bicolano language and culture
- Respect for the elderly and hospitality to guests are highly valued in Bicolano culture.
Best Time to Visit Albay
The best time to visit Albay is from November to February, when the climate is relatively cool and dry.
The summer months of March until May are generally hot with occasional thunderstorms. Meanwhile, the region experiences the occasional typhoon from June until October.
Do’s and Don’ts of Albay
Do:
- Respect the culture and traditions of the locals
- Bring light clothing suitable for warm and humid weather
- Try the local delicacies
Don’t:
- Litter and damage the natural attractions and historical sites
- Wear skimpy clothing when visiting religious and cultural sites
- Be disrespectful towards elders and locals
Safety and Health
Safety in Albay
Albay is generally a safe place to travel. However, petty crimes such as pickpocketing and bag-snatching can still occur. Always take appropriate precautions and avoid walking in dark or isolated areas at night.
Health in Albay
Necessary vaccinations should include Hepatitis A and B, typhoid, and tetanus. Make sure to bring bug spray as mosquitoes carrying dengue and malaria have been reported.
Getting to Albay: Transportation Options and Logistics
Airports Near Albay
Legazpi City Airport is the main gateway to Albay. The airport has regular flights to major cities in the Philippines such as Manila and Cebu.
Bus Stations Near Albay
Several bus companies operate in Albay with frequent trips from Legazpi City and other points around the region. Some of the popular ones include Cagsawa Travel and DLTB Co.
Other Options
You can also reach Albay via ferry from Masbate and Samar.
How to Get Around in Albay
Jeepneys, tricycles, and air-conditioned buses are the main modes of transportation in Albay.
Where to Go Next from Albay: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Sorsogon
- Camarines Sur
- Catanduanes
- Samar
Conclusion
Albay, with its natural and cultural attractions, is a must-visit destination for travel enthusiasts. With the help of this guide, you can plan your ideal itinerary and explore all that this hidden gem of Bicol has to offer. So pack your bags, head to Albay, and experience an unforgettable adventure in Southeast Asia.