Top Attractions and Activities to visit in Bicol for Group Travelers

Vacation is almost approaching, and many travelers are already making plans for their next visit. And if you're one of them, be sure to include these top attractions and fun activities to do if you're planning a trip to the province of Bicol with your group of friends for 3 days and 2 nights.

Day 1: Manila – Bicol

If you are traveling to Bicol with a group friend you can either ride a bus, plane, or van service because these modes of transportation are the most common ways to get to Bicol. However, if your group wants to be in the province early, you should take an airplane rather than bus or van services because their travel time usually range of 12 hours and for airplane you can be able to get in the destination after 1 hour which allows your group to save more time and give your group enough time to explore the place after you are arriving. When you arrive to Bicol there are many affordable hotels that you can find around Legazpi, and I would suggest the Balai Tinay Guesthouse because aside from being affordable it has a many positive reviews and a high star rating on their page. This guesthouse will made you feel that you are really in the province since it is made of bamboos then after doing some check-in your group can start unpacking and have some rest so that you can start your group adventure on the next day.

DAY 2: Tour

Start the day by filling up your stomachs so that you and your group can be ready for the adventure. After you've finished eating, you can begin preparing the items that you and your group will be bringing for the tour.

Sleeping Lion – Even from afar you can get a glimpse to the magnificent shape of a sleeping lion in Legazpi port with its waterfront view. Your group can take pictures of the scenery or go for a stroll to enjoy the sea breeze. Aside from the landscape, there are street food vendors and restaurants nearby where your group can dine.

Sawangan Park – The Sawangan Park is the next close site which is a latest landmark in Legazpi port. It takes about 8 minutes to walk from Sleeping Lion to Sawangan Park.  Relish the pleasing landscape that the sites offer to its visitors.

Daraga Church – The Daraga Church, which is only 12 minutes away from your guesthouse. This site is popular for its Churrigueresque architectural style in its facade that is a fine example of a Baroque architecture. Aside from the church itself you can witness the perfect shape Mayon volcano because it is hiding behind this church. There are Restaurants near Daraga Church where you group can check out.

Cagsawa Ruins – The second site to visit is the Cagsawa Ruins which only takes 9 mins away from Daraga Church. Cagsawa Ruins is a religious site located in Daraga, Albay. The belfry is the only portion of the church that has survived from Mayon Volcano's most catastrophic eruption in recorded history wherein thousands of people died.  After knowing’s its history, know the things you can do around here.  ATV riding and hiking with a wonderful view of the perfect cone Mayon Volcano are some of the enjoyable outdoor activities that your group may do in Cagsawa Ruins.

Ligñon Hill Nature Park – The next sites that you will visit is the Ligñon Hill Nature Park You can enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view of Legazpi City, Daraga, the Albay Gulf, and the Mayon Volcano from the spot. The Nature Park has a wide range of activities for visitors to choose from, depending on their interests. Activities such as hiking, biking, rappelling are available in Ligñon Hill Nature Park. 

• Lizard Grip Trail – an extremely steep shortcut to Ligñon Hill's summit that provides a           taste of ascending Mayon Volcano. Trail takes about 5-10 minutes to complete.

•  Japanese Tunnel – One of the park's popular attractions is the Japanese Tunnel, which was used during WWII. Experience what it's like to be a soldier in this 50-foot tunnel.

Sumlang Lake – The last site to visit is the Sumlang Lake.  The Sumlang lake is considered to be the only body of water that is capable of capturing a flawless reflection of the world-famous volcano. Some activities to do here includes Bamboo Raft Riding, Balsa Tour, and Aqua Biking.  Visitors can also dine while riding the bamboo raft and in the middle of the lake.

You can return to your guesthouse after visiting the sites to recuperate after a tiring day of touring the area.

DAY 3: Bicol -Manila

After you've finished eating, begin packing your belongings so that you'll be ready to go after checking out.  Your group's final destination will be the Ibalong Pasalubong Center in Legazpi City's grand terminal. It's essentially a series of stores offering Bicolano-made goods such as abaca, pili nuts, laing, and Bicol Express, as well as the usual t-shirts, magnetic magnets, and keychains.For the last stop, your group will be going to Ibalong Pasalubong Center at the Legazpi City’s grand terminal. It’s basically a line of shops selling Bicolano-made products from abaca, the popular pili nuts, local delicacies like laing and Bicol Express and the usual t-shirts, ref magnets and keychains. Then if you finished shopping you can now finally return to Manila.