The Bicol Region, Bicolandia or Region 5 is one of the top tourist destinations in the Philippines. Situated at the south eastern part of Luzon this region will definitely surprise each visitor. I have been to all the six provinces ( Albay, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Sorsogon, Catanduanes and Masbate) included in this region except for Masbate. I can still recall the first time I set foot in Bicol, I was still in college aboard a chicken bus- it was one crazy escapade. Since then, I kept coming back. But I think the past visits barely scratch the surface. So here’s 10 Things I want to experience in Bicol:
1. Swim with the Whaleshark in Donsol, Sorsogon. I guess I have seen most of the underwater creatures one has to see in the Philippines (without using a scuba diving gear) in all my escapades except for one- Butanding or whalesharks. Its a sad fact that I haven’t experienced swimming with these gentle giants (add “L” on top of my head). So I’m promising myself to interact with one when I visit Sorsogon on March next year.
Photo credit: Traveler’s Compass
2. Ride the Bicol Express Train from Manila to Naga City. I always arrive in Bicol via the airplane even if this is can be traveled by land. So I’m thinking of experiencing Bicol on train journeys next time. I don’t mind the 10-11 hours of train ride as I’m sure this is an experience in itself- remember that the journey is the destination.
Photo from www.voxbikol.com
In case you are wondering what kind of train I will ride, no worries as the PNR trains we have now are new and faster and its back to business.
3. Trek Mt. Mayon, Albay. I have seen Mt. Mayon a couple of times but I want to get much closer. They said that some mountaineering groups trek this perfect-coned volcano during the summer and I want to join given the opportunity.
The world's most perfectly shaped volcano- Mt. Mayon
4. Swim in another Waterfalls. I was able to trek Mt. Isarog the first time I went to Bicol and we jump into Malabsay Falls. It was freakin’ cold but I loved it! So next time around, I wanna experience another falls. I’m thinking of Vera Falls, Botong Twin Falls or Busay in Albay.
Malabsay Falls, Mt. Isarog circa 2003
5. See Lake Buhi, Camarines Sur. I’m fascinated with this Lake as it is one of the Lakes that has sinarapan. Sinarapan is the world’s smallest commercially-harvested fish. I was supposed to visit this last September on my way to Naga coming from Legazpi but I don’t have enough time. When I planned to go back, it was raining hard that I have to cancel the trip. Sad!
6. Taste Guisadong Sinarapan. The trip to Buhi Lake in Buhi, Camarines Sur would not be complete without trying the local fish sinarapan. Local friends are raving this; well, I think every local food in Bicol is soooo good. Now thinking of pinangat, Bicol express, laing and kinunot.
7. Wakeboard (again) at CWC. The closest thing I did was to try the Winch Park after almost an hour of knee-boarding. I was stoked and I love to try the “real” wakeboarding when I return. I’ll worry about the failed attempts when I get there. If you are in Naga City, CWC is just a 20-minute jeepney ride away.
Kneeboarding (lang) here, sorry no picture at the Winch Park
8. Surf at Bagasbas, Daet, Camarines Norte. Coming from Calaguas, I and Clara just watched the waves from afar when we visited Bagasbas. We were too tired of the boat trip and all we can do was to eat. When I find my way back to Daet, I will definitely visit this place
9. Island hop around Caramoan group of islands. Who doesn’t want to experience Survivor Caramoan? Serbia, Israel, France, Bulgaria and Sweden shot their emprises here. I think its a fatal sin if me being a Pinoy would be the last to see the islands, lagoons and powdery white sand. Lahuy, Matukad, Sabitang Laya, Cotivas, wait for me. Let’s see what’s better- you or Calaguas.
Lahos Island, Caramoan Peninsula (Photo credit: thebackpackchronicles.com)
10. Camp in one of the unexplored islands in Sorsogon. I have a standing invitation to explore an island in Sorsogon. So I guess its happening during my 100-day challenge in March. So excited!
When I think of Bicol, I think of scenic vistas, virgin beaches, rich heritage, delectable cuisine and friendly people. I can’t wait to be back!
How about you, have you been to Bicolandia? How many of these have you tried already?
only two: swam with the whalesharks and wakeboard(ed?) haha.
still have the perception that Caramoan is expensive. i’ll be watching out for your post as you defy it.
how about dipping at the hotsprings in Bulan, Sorsogon?
shawi
at least you did the whalesharks and wakeboarding.
about caramoan, i think that depends. haha we’ll see shawi!
i really like to do that train ride, haha sounds exciting kasi.
oh, i missed that hotsprings in bulan.. sidetrip nlang siguro.
Hi James 🙂 Out of 10, I only did one :)) Hopefully I can meet you along the way during your travels!
and what is that? sure thing lei, see you along the way then.
ohhh, where are you based?
James, Nice ! will sure put it on my list
ayos KB! the best siguro yung whaleshark interaction pre
Kakaingit nman… Ala akong nagawa ni isa jan. =(
I hope I could do all of them and tag along if my shedule permits. (Inshaallah)
owww… how come? have you been to bicol naba?
yep, inshallah!
bicol express train and surfing! i wanna try that too!
tara pre! asteeeeg yung mga yan, marami pa nga akong di nabanggit
I have tried the following at my trip to Bicol last March 2011
– trek at Linon Hill
– trek at Waka waka hills
– interacted with Butanding at Donsol
– photo shoot at Cagsawa ruins
– visited several Catholic Churches around Albay
thanks for sharing your experiences bubut! i really envy you on your butanding interaction.
wow this list is nice…. i want to experience all again except riding the bicol express train (daig pa turbulence sa plane) and wakeboarding (give up on this already)
indeed erick!
that turbulence is something exciting for me.. haha
So the swimming with the whale is in Sorsogon too!? I’ve heard that there’s one too here in Cebu, if you’re up for the Bicol Region, I’m for Cebu. LOL
Hope you’ll be able to achieve those next year as I hope I’ll be able to do mine.
Cheers!
yep, and there are whalesharks in misamis too, marami pa akong alam na places but i dont want to share it sa blog..haha
I’ve got bigger “L” written on my forehead! i’m always there during the annual invasion of the butandings… pero di ko pa sila na-dive! I get so busy.. I miss them every year *sigh*
Calaguas at Bicol Express ang mga nasa list kong “to do”.
ahahaha… ganyan nga daw talaga kapag malapit lang sayo. even me, i haven’t explored fully ang Laguna.
i really plan to do that butanding encounter this year
I wanna ride the Bicol Express too! And go to Caramoan. Have an awesome 100 days in Bicol!
thank you sir! but not 100days in bicol, medyo matagal yun
Oopps! I meant 100-day challenge this March…wherever you will be! Can’t wait to read of your adventures.
no worries pre! thanks mucho
Hey James! Tag me pag andito ka sa Daet!
hi mariella! will surely do.
Hi James! Did you already had the chance to pass by lake Buhi?
Ang Cool *0* hahaha james sama naman ako minan xD joke lang
Try out Presentacion Camarines Sur! Great snorkeling at Gamban reef, leaving from barangay buenavista, and Aguirangan Island is an amazing little Oasis! And if you want other falls, every barangay there ha amazing amazing undiscovered falls! Each unique and amazing!
Just south of Caramoan, closer to Naga and more affordable! It is currently developing a little eco-tourism, definitely check it out! 🙂
for Aguirangan Island leave from brgy Maanghas! ** 🙂