Lignon Hill, Albay

After Daraga Church, we headed to our last destination in Albay - Lignon Hill. Kuya Lijong dropped us by the entrance, we settled the payment and he left. Instead of a continuous ascent, we had a buko break first. Relaxed and regained the fluid we lost. The road to the summit is concrete and surrounded by hardwood trees, so the ambiance, while we were walking, was relaxing, with the cold wind blowing. And after 30 minutes, we finally reached the summit. Beautiful landscape and a 360 degrees view of Legaspi City and the hiding Mt. Mayon. Commercial establishments such as souvenir shops and food stalls are available. By the way, restrooms are also available. READ: BACKPACKING ALBAY, SORSOGON, CATANDUANES

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Daraga Church, Albay

We were still wishing that on our next destination, Mt. Mayon will show its perfect cone. Kuya Lijong brought us to the historical Daraga Church, situated on a hill. The location is also a perfect spot to see the beauty of Magayon which was playing hide and seek with us. The clearing was negative, so let's proceed to its history. The structure of Daraga Church has a Baroque design built by the Franciscan Friars in 1773. It served as the place of worship after the church of Cagsawa was destroyed by the eruption of Mt. Mayon in 1814. Also, Daraga Church served as the station of Japanese soldiers during the Second World War in 1945. It was rebuilt from 1971 to 1973. READ: BACKPACKING ALBAY, SORSOGON, CATANDUANES

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Sumlang Lake, Albay

After Hoyop-Hoyopan Cave, we were brought to Sumlang Lake, a beautiful and instagrammable spot in Albay. The area has a beautiful landscape, surrounded by trees, flowers and other plants. It could have been perfect if there was a clear view of Mt. Mayon on the backdrop, however, it was hiding during our visit. We waited for almost an hour while enjoying the view and eating ice cream, but, Magayon was still hiding. READ: BACKPACKING ALBAY, SORSOGON, CATANDUANES

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Hoyop-hoyopan Cave, Albay

After Cagsawa Ruins, Kuya Lijong brought us to Hoyop-hoyopan Cave. Its name was derived from their local dialect which means "to blow or blowing." The wind enters the cave opening, blows through the cave's cavern, and exits to the other side. That blowing wind is the reason why the ambiance inside the is cool and relaxing. Aside from that, there are a lot of artistic stalactites, stalagmites and columns inside the cave. What's different than the other cave? There's a round concrete dance floor inside this cave. According to our guide, the locals created the dance floor to hide their party and gimmicks as these were not allowed before. READ: BACKPACKING ALBAY, SORSOGON, CATANDUANES

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Mt. Mayon

Mt. Mayon is definitely the top tourist spot in Albay and it was hiding in the clouds during our 2 attempts to visit Cagsawa Ruins. According to the metal plate: "The spiritual administration of Cagsawa from 1587 to 1595 was under the Parish of Camalig. An early church was burned, 25 July 1636, by the Dutch who ransacked the towns bordering Legaspi Bay. This church was built after 1724 by Fray Francisco Blanco. D.F.M., was buried by rocks and lava during the eruption of Mayon Volcano, on 1 February 1814. The authorities of Cagsawa meeting at Ligao, 6 July 1814, decided to incorporate their town as part of Daraga. The first centenary of the destructions of the church was commemorated 1 February 1914, with a huge pilgrimage to the ruins where high mass was celebrated."

Albay Cathedral: History, Mass Schedule

The Albay Cathedral is one of the top tourist destinations in the province and it was our first destination. It is also known as the Cathedral of St. Gregory the Great situated in front of McDo and beside Legaspi City hall. According to its historical data, this cathedral started as a chapel built in 1580s by the Spanish missionaries. The early structure was made from local products such as wood and nipa. Then, it emerged to a stone structure in 1800. READ: BACKPACKING ALBAY, SORSOGON, CATANDUANES

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Backpacking Guide and Tourist Spots in Albay, Sorsogon, Catanduanes

To complete my Region 5 league, I made a backpacking itinerary for Albay, Sorsogon and Catanduanes Island. Initially, it was a solo backpacking, but Tin, my friend joined me. Traveling via land from Manila to this region can take 12 hours, a bit challenging, right? As I always say, time is just a number, in exchange, you'll be rewarded with the stunning tourist spots and destinations of Albay, Sorsogon and the province of Catanduanes. CLICK HERE TO WATCH MY TRAVEL VLOGS

Albay Tourist Spots

The provinces of Albay, Sorsogon and Catanduanes are part of my solo-backpacking list, however, the reality started when I planned my Bicol itinerary two months ago - to complete Region 5. Legaspi City in Albay is the center of the Bicol region that showcases a lot of tourist spots and destinations; from historical sites, beaches, gorgeous landscapes, and to the remarkable activities and sumptuous delicacies. Here are the top tourist spots and destinations in Albay.

Top 5 Best Bicolano Dishes (Authentic Recipes)

1. Laing

When we visited Caramoan islands in Camarines Sur, tasting their very own and authentic dishes as part of our itinerary. I am not a chef or a cook but according to some friends, I have good and active taste buds. Taray diba??? For the first time I will be a food critic. First is the famous Laing. This is a spicy dish with dried taro leaves, siling labuyo, and coconut milk as the main ingredients. There's a linamanam factor and the texture is smooth inside my mouth.