Backpacking Bicol - Chili And Lava Capital Of The Philippines
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| (c) Jen Castañeda |
Bicolandia (Bicol Region)
The southeastern end of Luzon and consist of six provinces Albay, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, and Sorsogon – and the offshore island provinces of Catanduanes and Masbate. Bicol is known as the home of the most scenic and considered the world's most perfectly formed volcano.
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| Bicol Region |
As for this adventure me and my partner Jen planned to explore two province Albay and Sorsogon, a four day travel itinerary. We got lucky we have booked a piso fare Manila - Legazpi - Manila via Cebu Pacific.
As time goes by our trip is nearing, we're excited and at the same time a little bit nervous because this is our first domestic travel with just the two of us, finalizing our jam packed itinerary, gathering contacts and make tawad :D but two days before (July 28, 2019) our flight to Legazpi City we checked the upcoming weather in Bicol and the forecast is rain cloudy rain! Ohh nohhhh!!
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| July 26, 2019 via https://www.aviationweather.gov/satellite |
As you can see from satellite image almost whole of the country is covered by clouds and more clouds is coming from the pacific ocean that will last at-least the entire week of bad weather. And that makes my partner getting paranoid, not so throwback we experienced a cancelled flight in Batanes due to bad weather (daw) Click here to see our Batanes experience.
Sharing our 4 days DIY Bicol itinerary and expenses (Albay and Sorsogon)
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| My travel buddy Jen |
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| All aboard! And in fairness on schedule ang flight :) |
Day 1: Backpacking Sorsogon
(Gubat, Barcelona, Bulusan, Irosin)
06:40 Arrival at Legazpi Domestic Airport
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| Smooth arrival as Magayon greeted us Dagos Tabi!
Touch down Legazpi City!!
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Upon arrival at the airport we immediately ride a tricycle going to Legazpi Grand Terminal, but first we have a quick breakfast in SM Hypermart.
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| SM Legazpi, across the grand terminal |
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| Legazpi City Grand Terminal |
07:50 Ride a UV bound for Sorsogon City
Travel time is almost 1 hour and 30 mins and it's already raining, but good thing when we arrive in city proper the rain stopped.
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| Sorsogon City Proper |
We look for umbrella to buy (Because it is now not allowed in carry-on bags at aircraft.) and ride a jeep bound for Gubat at the city market.
10:15 Arrived at Gubat terminal
We then pickup by our local guide kuya Bener for a day tour rented tricycle and the adventure start!
➷ Lola Sayong Eco Surfcamp
We have a quick tour, don't have a plan to stay long or swim, the place is relaxing and that time is not crowded. A perfect place to unwind at enjoy the waves.
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| We pay the entrance |
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| Look at that dark clouds hahaha |
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| Accommodations |
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| Tambay saglit, |
➷ Barcelona Ruins Park
This place is a must to visit, specially the Barcelona sign that has the pacific ocean in background where the bad weather is coming from -.-
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| Jen |
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| The Ruins |
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| The Ruins |
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| The Barcelona Lovers |
The old Barcelona Church, built in the 19th century by the Spanish colonizers, is perhaps the most well-preserved old church in the entire province, although there are already some alterations in its interior. The thick stone walls of the church, including its bell tower, are the original walls, still relatively intact and well-preserved. Fronting the church, facing the sea, are the ruins of a stone structure that was then known as the casa tribunal and baluarte, or fort, and a schoolhouse made entirely of stones.
During the Spanish period, it is believed that construction of stone structures used beaten egg whites mixed with tuba, the native coconut wine, and lime as binder. The huge slabs of stones were taken from the sea and arranged on top of each other to create a wall. Old folks also say that the place was called Barcelona by the homesick Spaniards because the place's topography reminded them of Barcelona of Spain. Source
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| At ayun na nga, under rehab ang church. |
At this time nahalata ko na walang samood ang aking maganda at sexy na girlfriend, antok daw kase siya.
Then when I saw the time it's already lunch time, kaya nag duda ako..
I talked to kuya Bener na maglunch muna kame and he recommend the nearby restaurant Boracay Bistro in Dancalan beach.
We're shocked on the food serving size, we thought it's a good for one, but it's good for two or sharing. Sulit dito!
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| Kuya Bener's tricycle |
After we ate lunch I notice Jen is retouching, looks fine and I knew it... kaya walang samood gutom lang pala :D
➷ Bulusan Volcano Natural Park
Exactly 1:10 pm we arrived at Bulusan National Park, pay the entrance fee arrange our mandatory tour guide if you want to explore the place.
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| The Bulusan Lake |
You can kayak here or rent that mini boat with life vest included, but we opt to explore the place first.
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A bit cloudy, but luckily the rain has stopped.
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| The hanging bridge |
At this time our tour guide remind us if want to try the 320 meter canopy walk, but he want us to see it first before we decide.
While we're walking I was amaze with the length of that hanging bridge, and when we reach the starting point after almost 15 minutes walk?
Wala nang patumpik tumpik pa, let's go and experience it!
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| The Canopy Walk |
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| Kuya guide putting harness on Jen. |
Safety first siempre!
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| First stop on this 320 meter hanging bridge |
For me this is one of the highlight in our adventure in Albay, being a nature lover make this place a haven for us.
We enjoy this experience, we don't rush the walk specially me to more appreciate at sympre photo ops..
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| View of the lake from tree house, part of canopy walk. |
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| Ohh diba ang wow! Sulit na sulit ang 100p! |
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| Bonding sa lake |
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| Credits sa magandang kuha ni Kuya guide |
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| Follow me daw. |
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| Forced follow me :D |
3:00 pm while waiting kay Kuya Bener, dahil nagpa vulcanize siya medjo naubos na ang aming oras, he is so kind to offer other tourist destination like the bee farm and hotspring in Bulusan but we opt not to continue. Maghahanap pa kame ng hotel eh..
Our first choice is Nature Hot Spring Resort in Irosin but they're already fully booked that time so we chose our second option the Modesta Hotel in brgy. Bacolod, Irosin. And it's raining again, heavy rain hahaha..
Our first choice is Nature Hot Spring Resort in Irosin but they're already fully booked that time so we chose our second option the Modesta Hotel in brgy. Bacolod, Irosin. And it's raining again, heavy rain hahaha..
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| I like this open space in our room, over looking of the streets and Mt Bulusan |
After shower, we explore the town plaza to look where to eat for dinner and we ended here in Food & One. They offer shomai and sizzlings.
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| Chicken oil and toyo mansi |
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| Our 180p dinner. Pwede na! |
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| Chicken Sisig |
Burppp.. Solve na! And we call it a day.
Day 1: Itinerary and expenses
06:40 Arrival at Legazpi Domestic Airport
07:50 Ride a UV bound for Sorsogon City
09:20 Arrived at Sorsogon City (Ride a jeep at market bound For Gubat)
10:15 Arrived at Gubat (Pickup by our guide kuya Bener - Contact 0935 493 0532)
Adventure start
10:30 Arrived at Lola Sayong Eco Surfcamp
11:10 Arrived at Barcelona (Ruins)
12:20 Lunch at Boracay Bistro in Dancalan beach, Bulusan
13:10 Arrived at Bulusan Volcano Natural Park
15:30 End tour
16:30 Arrived at Modesta Hotel (Check-in)
Php 70 - Trike from Legazpi airport to grand terminal
Php 240 - UV to Sorsogon (2 pax)
Php 135 - Payong :D
Php 58 - Jeep to Gubat (2 pax)
Php 1,600 - Rented trike (Tip included) (2 pax)
Php 50 - Bulusan park entrance (2 pax)
Php 200 - Canopy walk (2 pax)
Php 150 - Bulusan tour (2 pax)
Php 140 - Lola Sayong entrance (2 pax)
Php 670 - Food
Php 1,400 - Accommodation at Modesta Hotel (2 pax)
Hwoo! Ang daming bayarin sa Bulusan ahh haha
7:00 Wake up, quick breakfast in bed.
Day 1: Itinerary and expenses
06:40 Arrival at Legazpi Domestic Airport
07:50 Ride a UV bound for Sorsogon City
09:20 Arrived at Sorsogon City (Ride a jeep at market bound For Gubat)
10:15 Arrived at Gubat (Pickup by our guide kuya Bener - Contact 0935 493 0532)
Adventure start
10:30 Arrived at Lola Sayong Eco Surfcamp
11:10 Arrived at Barcelona (Ruins)
12:20 Lunch at Boracay Bistro in Dancalan beach, Bulusan
13:10 Arrived at Bulusan Volcano Natural Park
15:30 End tour
16:30 Arrived at Modesta Hotel (Check-in)
Php 70 - Trike from Legazpi airport to grand terminal
Php 240 - UV to Sorsogon (2 pax)
Php 135 - Payong :D
Php 58 - Jeep to Gubat (2 pax)
Php 1,600 - Rented trike (Tip included) (2 pax)
Php 50 - Bulusan park entrance (2 pax)
Php 200 - Canopy walk (2 pax)
Php 150 - Bulusan tour (2 pax)
Php 140 - Lola Sayong entrance (2 pax)
Php 670 - Food
Php 1,400 - Accommodation at Modesta Hotel (2 pax)
Hwoo! Ang daming bayarin sa Bulusan ahh haha
Day 2: Irosin, Hot Spring Day
(Irosin Lake, Eco Zoo Park, Valley View, San Mateo Hot Spring)
7:00 Wake up, quick breakfast in bed.
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| Sala in every floor |
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| Kitchen every floor |
You can use their kitchen to cook, boil water for coffee for free
This hotel is new, clean, the staffs are accommodating and friendly. I highly recommend this one if you stay here in Irosin. But still best to stay in hot spring resort.
At this time the weather is not favorable for us to go island hopping in Matnog so we decided to continue exploring the rest of Irosin. We again contact Kuya Bener for his service..
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| Still no clearing from the summit |
➷ Irosin Lake
No entrance fee, just donation.
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| Mt. Bulusan is in the background, inside the clouds :D |
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| You can rest here, chill or have lunch |
➷ Irosin Eco Zoo Park
Few meters away from the lake is their Mini Zoo, still no entrance just donation.
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| They call it tree house |
They have different kinds kind of snake, birds and crocodile, they also have huge garden with different flowers.
Worth to add in your itinerary.
We stayed almost 15 mins.
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| Selfie muna sa tricycle ni Kuya Bener |
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| Along the way to our next destination we saw this trike. |
➷ Irosin Valley View
A quick tour, kase wala din sighting ng Mt Bulusan.
➷ San Mateo Hot Spring
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| @ the warm spring |
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| Clear and clean |
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| The hot spring |
In first the water seems very hot, but your body will slowly adjust until it feels relaxing :)
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| Irosin town hall |
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| Irosin 1939 |
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| Kuya Bener and his tricycle (Photo (c) Source) |
Exactly 12:00 noon we're back in Irosin proper paid Kuya Bener for halfday tour and look for lunch.
We recall yesterday this restaurant is closed, so when we saw it open today we instantly go there.
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| Ordered 1pc and 2 pc chicken combo meal |
We welcomed by lola Rawuh, she's so kind to us and offer us Ginataang Langka na bagong luto daw and when there's gata for sure masarap yun!
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| It look so yummy and taste yummy also! |
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| The fried chicken is taste classic, marinated in patis at calamansi (wild guess), lutong nanay! |
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| Happy lunch! |
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| Modesta hotel is located at Brgy. Bacolod, not in Bacolod, Negros Occidental |
After wash up and packed our things we noticed the Mt Bulusan peak..
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| Mt Bulusan view from 3rd floor window |
Before leaving we got through the rooftop to see a clear view of this legendary active volcano.
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| Mt Bulusan, nagpakita ka rin. |
In our first day here in Irosin almost all day is raining until morning in the second day, all view deck we visited in Irosin to see a clear view of Mt Bulusan is always covered by clouds. But before we leave this beautiful town, the mountain cleared his peak. Salamat po!
14:20 Ride bus bound to Legazpi City
4:30 pm dahil medjo maaga pa at maaraw sa Albay, we opt to alight in Daraga to take advantage the good weather and go to Daraga Church for a possible sighting of Mt Mayon.
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| We ride the first bus that pass through to Legazpi City. |
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| Medjo nagulat kame sa pa-asin nila hahaha! |
4:30 pm dahil medjo maaga pa at maaraw sa Albay, we opt to alight in Daraga to take advantage the good weather and go to Daraga Church for a possible sighting of Mt Mayon.
At hindi kame nabigo.
5:40 pm check-in at Mayon Lodge
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| Jen at the reception of Mayon Lodge |
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| Naghahanap ng contact for tomorrow's ATV adventure, go Jen! :D |
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| They have a restaurant that offers Kinalas. |
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| Special Kinalas Taste authentic, bago sa panlasa at ang sarap! For me that thick sauce is taste like palabok sauce. |
After a good dinner we walked up to the rooftop to see if stars are visible.
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| Starry night (c) Jen |
End of day 2.
Day 2: Itinerary and expenses
7:00 Wake up, quick breakfast in bed
8:30 Adventure start
9:00 Arrived at Irosin Lake
9:40 Arrived at Irosin Eco Zoo Park
10:00 Arrived at Irosin Valley View
10:30 Arrived at San Mateo Hot and Cold Spring Resort
End tour
12:00 Lunch at Rawuh Restaurant
12:50 Back hotel wash up
14:20 Ride bus bound to Legazpi City
17:00 Arrived at Daraga Church
17:40 Check-in at Mayon Lodge
Php 500 - Half day tour day
Php 280 - Lunch at Rawuh Restaurant
Php 100 - Entrance Benoy Hot Spring (2 pax)
Php 20 - Trike to Irosin Rotonda
Php 300 - Bus to Legazpi (2 pax)
Php 80 - Trike to Mayon lodging (Special trip)
Php 1200 - Accommodation
Php 90 - Dinner (2 pax)
Day 3: Wandering Albay
(Jovellar Falls and Underground River, Quitinday Hills, Solong Cave and Eco Park, Let's Pinangat, Camalig Church)
06:00 Wake up cal and have breakfast
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| It's Magayon |
We have scheduled ATV adventure this morning, but we feel is not worth it at this moment. Luckily our contact kuya Niño allowed our ATV schedule to make flexible haha.. Kung pwede sa hapon nalang at kung wala parin clearing kinabukasan nalang umaga last resort :D
We opt nalang to go in Camalig for Jovellar Underground and Quitinday Hills that morning, I ask kuya reception on how to get in Camalig and upon hearing that we're going to rent a tricycle in Camalig he immediately recommend a tour guide, mabait daw yun at di tulad ng iba tatagain ka sa service fee, he then called the tour guide.
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| Whole day tour in Albay, 1,800 |
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| ATV adventure prices |
And coincidentally it's kuya Niño our contact in ATV adventure. After arranging the tour and price we have breakfast at the restaurant in Mayon Lodge.
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| Perfect breakfast to start the day |
Hotdog - 15p
Egg - 10p
Fried rice - 10p
3in1 Coffee - 10p
= Sulit 45p
Adventure start
08:20 Arrived at Jovellar Falls and Underground River
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| Payed the entrance and the balsa fee |
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| Hanging bridge |
As expected, chocolate ang tubig :D
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| The entrance at the underground river |
That time mataas daw ang tubig cause ng ulan yesterday, we did not reach the main attraction inside the cave which is the falls on the end of the cave because of the strong water current. Bilang pampa lubag loob itinapat nalang kame nila guide sa isang stalactite na may tumatagas na malakas na tubig at binasa nalang kame.
Eto yung..
Okay, let's move on!
10:00 We arrived at Quitinday Hills and start hike.
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| Road to Quitinday Hills |
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| Kubo where you will pay the entrance fee of 20p. |
At nagsimula na namang umulan, we wait here until the rain is stopped.
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| Going up! |
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| Malapit na! |
It's still a beautiful view kahit na nakatago si Magayon. Thank you the rain has stopped and gave us a good view.
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| :D |
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| Taking a short rest before descend. |
We don't waste our time it's time to move on. Our next destination is Solong Eco Park not far away from Quitinday Hills
11:30 Arrived at Solong Eco Park
Quick register and start the tour..
First stop is the cave, pero dahil sa ulan again the DENR has advised guest are only allowed to enter the cave just 50/200 meters. Naka piso fare lang daw kase kame ehh hahaha :D
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| The trail going to the cave |
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| The junction to rest |
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| Vandalism in Angel Wings |
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| Crystals forming |
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| Jen and me <3 |
Second stop is the Solong Hills
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| Jen @Bird's Nest - View of Mt. Mayon and other nearby mountains. Asan?? |
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| Awww <3 #TeamRedCap |
Third stop is the Solong Park
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| Sweeeet Jen!! |
At tanghali na naman time for lunch, we drove back to Camalig and dine it at Let's Pinangat!
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| The Bicol's Pinangat |
We ordered Fish fillet, Pork steak, Ginataang Santol and Pinangat.
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| We were so hungry na kaya galit-galit muna :D |
Before going back to Mayon Lodge we have a quick visit to Camalig Church (St. John the Baptist)
End tour.
Go back to lodge, pack up and check-out.
Kuya Niño was also kind he wait for us and drove us to our next accommodation almost 4 kilometers away, kasama na daw yun sa bayad plus susunduin pa kame kinabukasan for our ATV adventure.
As the Mt Mayon consistently covered by clouds, we opt to cancel our ATV adventure and reschedule it the next day at morning.
14:15 Check-in at Alinchlo Tourist Inn
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| Jen again paying at the reception :D |
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| Apartment type Inn |
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| Our room, a bit small but good thing is it's new and clean. |
Aroung 3:00 pm it started to rain heavy, sabi ko wala talaga hindi makakapag ATV, kung tumuloy kame walang mapapala :D
Were still waiting for the rain to stop, but it looks like it will not stop and we don't want to spend the rest of our day just here at inn even though it's raining we opt to go to Lagazpi city for a mall tour :D
It's dinner time at sympre it's a must to try the famous 1st Colonial Grill specially their Sili Ice Cream.
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| Bopis |
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| Spicy Laing |
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| Sili Ice Cream (Level 2) |
Masarap, creamy and genius yung pagka spicy niya. Ayos!
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| Happy Dinner! <3 |
Burrpp..
End of day..
Day 3: Itinerary and expenses
06:00 Wake up call, breakfast
07:15 Adventure start
08:20 Arrived at Jovellar Falls and Underground River
10:00 Arrived at Quitinday Hills, start hike
11:30 Arrived at Solong Eco Park
13:00 Lunch at Let's Pinangat in Camalig
13:40 Quick stop at St. John the Baptist Church (Camalig Church)
14:00 Back at the lodge and check-out
14:15 Check-in at Alinchlo Tourist Inn
17:00 Legazpi City, dinner in 1st Colonial Grill
Php 500 - Jovellar Tour (Entrance and balsa) (2 pax)
Php 100 - Guide tip
Php 1,300 - Camalig Tour
Php 40 - Quitinday Hills entrance fee (2 pax)
Php 150 - Solong Eco Park entrance (2 pax)
Php 70 tip - Guide tip
Php 438 - Lunch at Let's Pinangat
Php 900 - Accommodation at Alinchlo Tourist Inn
Php 605 - Dinner at 1st Colonial Grill
Php 80 - Jeep / Trike vv Daraga-Legazpi-Daraga
Day 4: Green Lava Trail Adventure
(ATV Adventure, Cagsawa Ruins, Sumlang Lake)
Kuya Niño told us yesterday that he text us if he see Mayon is clear at 5:00 am, and wish granted!
Past 5:30 am, nagtaho nalang kame sa kanto kase dumating na si kuya Niño para sunduin kame.
After orientation, do's and don'ts, short practice and let's go!
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| First challenge the river crossing. |
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| Some deep and rocky river crossing. |
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| Some part of the lava trail |
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| Malapit na! |
And tadaa!!
Behold the Green Lava Wall!
Konting trivia:
This green expanse is a lava flow formed by the 1968 Mayon volcano eruption and over the past years it turned into a grassland and called it Green Lava Wall (Trail) and it features an overlooking views of Camalig, Daraga, Legazpi City and whole Albay.
Some of our photo ops..
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| Jen - Ang pinaka aasam. |
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| Thank you Mt. Mayon! |
Ang sarap pa sana mag stay dito, kayalang baka mag exceed naman kame, although kuya Niño said it's okay kahit lumagpas ng 3 hours. That time kase dahil Wednesday ordinary day kakaunti lang ang tourist.
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| Last photo ops bago matapos ang adventure. |
Hwoo! Solve!
Again hinatid kame ni kuya Niño sa Cagsawa Ruins, kasama na daw yun sa binayad namin sa ATV, kabait naman talaga..
After breakfast it's for pasalubong and photo ops..
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| Not so crowded at the same time nakalitaw parin si Mt. Mayon |
11:00 Arrived at Sumlang Lake
Our last stop :(
We told kuya Niño na hanggang dito nalang, nahiya naman na kame, tumangi din siya sa tip, pero we insist.
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| Around 11:00 am after this Mt Mayon hid himeself. (c) Jen |
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| Final photo @Sumlang Lake |
Exactly 12:00 noon we're heading back to our inn to wash up and check-out, paid the Php 100 for over staying :D
13:30 Late lunch in Ayala Mall, Legazpi City (Coffee and relax)
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| Bought this :) |
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| Tambay muna palipas oras |
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| I told her to smile :) |
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| View from SB Ayala Mall |
Check-in
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| Waiting for boarding |
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| Happy lovers <3 |
Day 4: Itinerary and expenses
05:30 Wake up call, very quick breakfast
06:40 Start ATV Adventure (Green Lava Trail)
07:30 Arrived at Green Lava Mayon Volcano (Part of 6KM Radius Permanent Danger Zone)
08:50 Arrived at Cagsawa Ruins, buy pasalubong
11:00 Arrived at Sumlang Lake
12:00 Back to inn, wash up and check-out
13:30 Late lunch in Ayala Mall, Legazpi (Coffee and relax)
16:00 Go to Airport
19:10 Arrived at NAIA (Back to alam n'yo na!)
Php 2600 - ATV adventure (2 pax / Green Lava Trail)
Php 50 + 100 - Guides Tip
Php 40 - Sumlang entrance (2 pax)
Php 40 - Trike fare from Sumlang lake to inn in Tagas
Php 20 - Jeep fare to Ayala Mall from Tagas
Php 195 - Lunch
Php 125 - Snack
Tips:
- Always plan your itinerary if your going DIY and have a plan B incase
- Make advance booking reservation prior to your trip
- Make sure you have a tour guide/contacts and have validation or reviews
- The best time to visit Bicol is from December - May for a good weather
- Always bring extra cash or emergency money for unplanned expenses
Be a Biyahero:
- Always practice LNT (Leave No Trace) principles
- Buy their local goods
- Respect the place and locals
- Avoid tawad to locals as much as possible if your buying, parang tulong n'yo narin sakanila
- Don't say bad words
First of all I thanked God for keeping us safe on this four days Bicol adventure.
All in all it was a superb, exciting and super adventure experience for us. I'm so proud of us Jen we survive our four days first time travel itinerary, the most challenging part is the consistent rain in the noon everyday that make us adjust our planned itinerary and the expenses is bit high because we're just two. But we were prepared on this.
Special mention our two tour guides kuya Bener (0935 493 0532) and kuya Niño (0918 619 1884) for taking care of us, they are highly recommended tour guides.
A super special adventure!
Watch our adventure!
Dios mabalos Jen! Dios mabalos Bulusan! Dios mabalos Magayon!
Kaogmahan kong makabisto ka!
❤️🧡💛💚💙💜
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