Article by Desa Desiree Tayting (@dsdsrtytng)
Plan on visiting Region 5 aka Bicolandia, but want to avoid the crowd? Skip the usual spots and/or add these tourist attractions to your list! These places are just waiting for your attention.
7 Low-Key Destinations in Bicol You Might Not Know About Yet
7. Quitinday Green Hills
Look again. This is not the Chocolate Hills of Bohol, but Quitinday Hills of Camalig, Albay. This amazing formation lies just a little over an hour away from Legazpi, Albay’s capital. No need to worry about a long trek because it will only take you 10-15 minutes (depending on your pace) to reach its viewpoint. You’ll also get a glimpse of the majestic perfect cone-shaped Mayon Volcano. Best time to visit? Sunrise.
6. Nupa Green Lagoon
You may think this is Magpupungko Pool of Siargao Island, but this is actually Nupa Green Lagoon of Gigmoto, Catanduanes. Enjoy its serene and tranquil ambiance while watching some petite marine life in their natural habitat – completely free of charge, too! Ask your guide if you want to swim. Just don’t forget to apply the LNT (Leave No Trace) principles and also check the tides before going! The best time to visit is during a sunny day because it can get dangerous and slippery on the way there when it rains.
5. Balacay Point
If you rented a tricycle and hired a guide for your Catanduanes tour, they are sure to recommend this place to you. Balacay Point, also called Benticayan Point, is located in Brgy. Benticayan, Baras, Catanduanes. We’re betting you’ll stay here for an hour solely for picture-taking.
4. Binurong Point
Save your camera’s batteries for this Batanes-like beauty! Also perfect for unwinding, Binurong Point is located in Brgy. Guinsaanan, Baras, Catanduanes and offers a wide view of the sea from its cliffs and rocks. The best time to visit is during the sunset as the sun can get scorching hot at daytime. Excited to go yet?
3. Puraran Beach
After the long and tiring tour in Catanduanes, spend a night or two at Puraran Beach in Brgy. Puraran, Baras, Catanduanes. If you want to feel Elyu or Siargao vibes with a smaller crowd, this beach is for you. There are a few surf camps/resorts to stay in that offer cheap but nice accommodations here, and we suggest you go surfing in the morning. Channel the inner surfer in you!
2. Sunflower Farm in KawaKawa Natural Park
Calling all flower fairy-wannabes! This sunflower farm is just a few minutes away from Legazpi, Â in Ligao, Albay. If you decide to add Kawa-Kawa Hill Natural Park to your itinerary, why not get a sight of this sunflower farm while you’re at it, as well? The best time to go? Catch the flowers bloom in April or May.
1. Lola Sayong Eco-Surf Camp
Looking for a laid-back and chill place to unwind and surf? Lola Sayong Eco-Surf Camp is the perfect getaway destination for you! This camp is located in Gubat, Sorsogon, which has a smaller crowd and a more relaxing ambiance. It’s the place where good beers and cucumber shakes reign! Warning: be careful of the falling coconuts!
They say you must go an extra mile (or more!) if you want to avoid the crowd. You can reach the Bicol Region via plane in 45 minutes to an hour or ride a bus for 10-15 hours depending on which province you’d like to visit. Yes, it may be a long trip by land, but it’s definitely worth it. Enjoy traveling and keep safe!
