Wanderlust Diary

I honestly got not much information on Bicol when I visited the place. With some vague history of Mt. Mayon and news of such foreign Survivor series at Caramoan , I was clueless with tourist spots, just drooling over thoughts of Laing and Bicol Express.

My friend Aimee tediously drafted a 4-day packed with activities as we head our way to some adventure. I would like to share her intense itinerary with some “freshen up” time every couple of hours, thankfully there were not much changes that we couldn’t handle aside from my friend Pane not waking up on time for her flight!

Let me summarize some wonderful thing one can do in the Bicol region:

1. Visit old churches
Philippines is famous for ancient churches so you might be interested in checking out some of the beautiful ones that hold so much history. Daraga church, Penafrancia Church, Cagsawa Church were some of the churches we visited.

Cagsawa Church was the one which was swallowed by lahar/ash/lava some centuries ago. It was quite eerie stepping on a burial ground of devoted people who only found shelter in the town Church. No disrespect intended but it seems that nowadays this area became some pictorial area where it has an excellent backdrop of Mayon.

2. Take a dive in a waterfall or enjoy a hot natural spring bath

We happen to have a very accomodating Van Driver for rent, Jo (09277860984). He took us to this local natural hot spring (Panicuason Hot Springs) up the mountains after touring us to check out the waterfall in the area. Do take caution as it can get slippery finding your way to the waterfall called Malabsay falls. It is located at the Nature park of Mt. Isarog.

3. Push yourself to your physical limit (Wakeboard, Kneeboard, Wakeskate) @ CWC

Landed face first on the water unladylike-ly so I guess this meant that I really push myself to do this sport! I enjoyed every bit of body slam here but heavy consequence awaited my body a few hours after.

4. Spot the mistakes at Ecovillage
WARNING: This is NOT a pleasant tour but if you guys don’t mind checking out and hoping that the government will take notice of this neglected place, visit the Ecovillage which is somewhat a stone throw’s away from CWC. This was nostalgic, I wondered how this might have looked like 5 years ago. Hopefully they will revive this place.

5. Foodtrip!

Visit BIGGS!! A famous fastfood diner in Bicol that has very nice interiors!

Laing and Bicol express must be ordered here. Originally one of the signature dishes of Bicol, you can’t get enough of eating this..even top this in a unique pizza snack (served in CWC). You can also dine in a posh restaurant in Legaspi called Small Talk.

We also got to try their local version of halo halo in DJC which was evidently different because of cheese (I prefer Razon though, I’m not a fan of beans).

Of course, do not forget to take home Pili Nuts! This addicting treat can make your friends jealous of your trip!

**We missed our chance to visit Gota Village in Camaroan Islands. Misibis Bay is also a new luxury resort in Albay that I think this is must visit for non budget conscious visitors.

References:
CWC ROOM RATES
Villa Del Rey Cabanas
http://www.cwcwake.com/accomodations_rooms
2 single beds - 1,350Php — 675 per head
2 single beds plus one extra bed - 1,850Php - 616 per head
room accomodation only

We rented our van for 7000 for 4 days plus airport transfers.