Interesting place to visit

1. Mayon Vocano Ecological Campsite

Mayon Volcano Ecological Campsite. It is located at foot slope of Mt. Mayon specifically at Brgy. Lidong, Sto. Domingo, Albay. The place is good for campers for all levels (elementary, high school and college). There are many interesting features that campers can observe such as the Philippine Civil Service Centennial Forest established in 1996, rattan plantation, the dry creek where you can find rocks of different sizes and shapes formed during and after eruptions of Mayon. Also, the campsite is good for bird enthusiasts who want to see birds that are indigenous and/or endemic to the park.

2.Cagsawa Ruins at Daraga, Albay

Cagsawa Ruins. Oroiginally, the word was “Kagsawa”. It was derived from Kag “who does or owner” and SAWA, meaning “a python” which suggested “one who collects snake” or perhaps “a snake charmer”. On its worst, it signifies “excesses” from SAWA (pronounced in “maragsa” on the last syllable) meaning “too much”. Fr. Francisco Aragoneses, OFM, former curate of Kagsawa and Budyaw, seemed to conform the notable “overindulgence” of the people during the time. In fact, he affirmed the 1814 Mayon eruption as ‘divine justice”. The February 1, 1814 Mayon eruption, recorded as the worst eruption of Mt. Mayon which killed 1,200 people and caused the Kagsawaa Church to be submerged in the fast action of mudflow. Only the belfry remains prominent today. The place is now called Cagsawa Park managed by the municipal government of Daraga, Albay

3. Philippine Civil Service Centennial Forest is located at the southeastern portion of the slopes of Mt. Mayon. Brgy. Lidong, Sto. Domingo, Albay. It started in 1996 with nine (9) LGUs, twelve (12) NGAs, three (3) Academe and eleven (11) OGAs participating to the Commemorative planting of trees for the Celebration of Philippine Civil Service. The place is approximately 18 kilometers away from Legazpi City or about 30 minutes. Various forest trees species were planted and maintained by different government agencies. Visitors of the park who would want to have a legacy can plan their own tree at the designated area in the centennial forest.

 A viewing tower was built at the center of Centennial Forest purposely for viewing the peak of Mt. Mayon and for monitoring/detention of illegal activities and fire inside the PA.

4.   Mayon Skyline Hotel is located 2,500 feet asl rises.msh run by Provincial Government of Albay. Aside from being a venue for convention and conferences, the place is overlooking Tabaco Bay, Mt. Masaraga and Mt. Malinao where one finds a good view of its near and far environs. It could also be a starting point for climbers to assault the peak of Mayon.

5. Muladbucad (Oohlala) Paradise Spring Resort is about 7 kilometers away from mainroad, Guinobatan, Albay or approximately 25 kilometers away from Mt. Mayon. It is located at Muladbucad Grande, Guinobatan, Albay. Amenities offered to local and foreign tourists include swimming pool with slides, 4 convention halls, 2 function halls and 2 mini halls. They also have children amusement area, disco, videoke bar and restaurant. Come.. visit the place and enjoy the native dishes of Bicolanos.

 6. Albay Park and Wildlife is located behind Legazpi City Airport, Brgy. Bogtong Host a number of wild animals being cared-of by Albay Park and Wildlife. Run by Provincial Government of Albay, it also serves as a wildlife rescue center by DENR. Endemic wild animals and few exotic species being displayed here are subject for educational and recreational purposes.

7. Busay Falls located in Malilipot, Albay is considered as one of the highest waterfalls in the province of Albay because of its seven-tiered cascading white foam. It is estimated to have a vital height of 800 feet from the top. This first catch basin forms below where hundred of bathers could refresh from the scorching heat of summer. It is accessible only bu foot trail from Brgy. Busay, Malilipot, Albay. It is about 20 kilometers away from Legazpi City.

8. Dhio Endheka Resort. After hiking Mayon Volcano at Mayon Skyline/rest house, you can drop by at Dhio Endheka Spring Resort and take a refreshing swim at the pool. By the way, the water comes from the forest of Mt. Mayon. Surely, you will enjoy your time with friends and relatives while swimming or simply having a picnic. It is located at Crossing Mayon, Brgy. Buang, Tabaco City. Dhio Endheka offers swimming pool for young and adult, function rooms/hall for business meeting or social gathering, room accommodation for hose who wanted to stay overnight or have a short vacation. For those who would like to take their families for a picnic they have picnic huts and souvenir shops too.

9. Mayon Spring Resort. Lying on the coastline of Albay gulf is one of the most visited resorts in Albay. It is located at San Isidro, Sto. Domingo, Albay about 20 minutes ride from Legazpi City and 45 minutes away from the Mt. Mayon Lidong Campsite. Amenities found at the resort include convention hall, restaurant with videoke, cottages, dorm, beach and beach huts, gardens and swimming pools.

10. Daraga Catholic Church. Built in 1773 by Franciscan missionaries, that is, three years before the declaration of American Independence from the Spanish colonizers. It’s highly prized by art enthusiast because of its rich baroque architecture. Its very huge structure is considered above standard. Standing on a massive hilltop, it dominates among other structures of the town of Daraga. At closer look, it contains archeological relics such as “santos” and religious seals carved articulately on volcanic rocks. These relics are considered priceless and collector’s item.

 One will be fascinated to look at Mayon Volcano viewed on the site of Daraga Church especially when the evening comes.