Bicolandia Escapade

Beautiful and bountiful place in the southern part of Luzon,
Its perfect coned Mayon Volcano as the main attraction,
Cool wind and breeze in Hoyop-Hoyopan Cave we feel,
Overlooking of the Legazpi’s view in the well-known Ligñon Hill,
Long ATV drive, cruise and trek to the Mayon’s Lava Rock Bed,
Albay’s famous Cagsawa Ruins and Daraga Church our time we spent,
Natural beauties that make us all feel excited and happy,
Donsol’s fireflies watching and Whale Shark interaction we had,
In Cam Sur’s CWC first time knee boarding we had tried,
Amazing weekend adventure experience in beautiful Bicol.

Bak, my brother will be going home for a 2 week vacation from his work in Abu Dhabi. As what we had been planning last year after our Pinatubo Trekking will conquer Mayon or Ilocos. But we were able to go to Ilocos last August 2011, so we will be going to Bicol for a weekend trip.

 There  are lot of options going to Bicol. First is to ride on famous Bicol Express Train which leaves Manila at 6:30 PM and will be arriving Naga between 4:30 to 5:30 AM. Second option is to take deluxe bus to Legazpi or Naga for a night  trip. But when my bro’s schedule was finalized, the 2 options will not be possible since he will be arriving here in NAIA 1 at March 2, 2012 at 8:00 PM (we also consider the delay to be encountered). We decided that we will take  plane (Cebu Pacific) to Legazpi.  We were able to purchase ticket at Php 2, 400.00 for three persons 1 way (Php 800.00/head). Our schedule to Legazpi was March 3, 2012 7:55 AM. At 8:55 we will be arriving at Legazpi Airport. Then we planned that we will do the day 1 Legazpi and day 2 Naga... After researches done, we had decided to maximize our weekend trip. I was able to make complete itinerary Day 1: Legazpi – Daraga Tour PM:  Travel to Donsol Sorsogon and do Firefly Watching. Day 2: Whale Shark Interaction PM Travel to Naga and CWC Extreme adventure.

 5:00 AM of March 3, we leave our home as we bring our backpacks for the most awaited Bicolandia Trip. We took the bus going to Magallanes from Carmona Market then we took a taxi going to NAIA Terminal 3 (Cebu Pacific). We arrived at the airport at 6:00 AM, we directly go to the Terminal fee payment counter because I did the web check in. After paying the terminal fee, we decided to take our breakfast at the airport. We departed Manila at 8:00 AM and arrived at Legazpi airport at exactly 9:00 AM.

While still on the plane, I enjoyed looking at the view of the Mayon Volcano on top, but we were quite unfortunate since the weather is somewhat cloudy. We were not able to see the Mayon clearly. When we went out of the terminal, we went to the tourism office to get maps and I was able to ask if how much will be the cost of  van rentals on the day trips. Here is the info: If the package will include Daraga, Legazpi, Albay tour including Mayon Skyline it can cost us Php 3, 500/ van. If skyline will not be included it can be between Php 2,500 to Php 3,000.  Entrances will be shouldered by the tourist; the amount is merely for the van rentals.

I find it expensive, so we were thinking to have our DIY (Do It Yourself) trip. Since in my itinerary I had indicated instructions on how to go to the tourist spots, the only thing is the time constraints. We decided to go to Cagsawa Ruins as our  first destination. A taxi driver approaches us; we ask him how much it will cost us if we will go to Cagsawa Ruins. When he replied it will only be for Php 200, we decided to take a taxi.  
 

But of course, it is not my main objective; I was able to start a conversation on how much it will cost us if we will do the Daraga-Legazpi tour. Php 3000 including Mayon Skyline and 2,500 without skyline, but I was able to negotiate it for Php 1,800 only. It was a big savings for our budget financially and on our time

Hoyop-Hoyopan Cave

Our first destination, the Hoyop-Hoyopan Cave at Cotmon, Camalig Albay... It got its name from ‘hoyop’, a Bicolano word for ‘blow’.  You can feel the cold eternal whispering breeze inside the cave; it feels like you were in fresh and cold place.

We paid a total of Php 400.00 in all, Php 300.00 for the lights and Php 100.00 for the guide.
When we enter the cave I really feel the freshness of the breeze and the view is beautiful. Different from other caves, there are concrete steps and bulbs that makes the navigation and exploring the cave. We only visited some parts of the cave since the inner part can be explored in 11 hours. Our guide, Kuya Bruno tell us informations and stories about the cave. It was dicovered during Japanese occupation and it was one of the most visited cave in Albay because of its accessibility.

There are rock formations of the stalatites and stalagmites found in the cave. There are formations like sexy woman, hand to bless, and a lot more... As per our guide, the stalactitites and stalagmite continously grow very small every year. Also they are not allowed to touch especially those who are still growing because the sweat can possibly destroy them.

There are waters along the pathways that makes it slippery and  muddy so we had to be careful. There are lot of narrow passages and some narrow sections of the cave but It doesn't stop us to take pictures and posed everywhere. What really amaze us is there were a small room, which our guide told us that it was the honeymoon room since there were discoveries that they found remains of a couple in that room. The remains were small people or pigmies. Also what got our attention was what they called the indicator. It is like a small pond inside the cave. As per our guide when it dries it signifies that the Mayon Volcano will erupt, as like the last eruption the pond was very very dry and after the volcano erupts water was refilled.
There is also a dance floor in the cave, where during Marcos time "sayawan" is not allowed outside the areas, but in order for them to celebrate or do the dancing they made a dance floor inside the cave. Also we've seen a skull shaped ceiling, in the other view it is like sad skull but in the other side it looks like happy skull. There are also fossils of the human's bone and jars found in the cave.
After some pictorial and enjoyment, we had found a small opening which we really enjoyed to took picture. Also we were sad that we found a good angle but the Mayon Volcano was so shy, we promised ourselves that someday we can have the view we want when we come back to the Hoyop-Hoyopan Cave. 

Daraga Church

Our next destination is the Daraga Church, one of the oldest church in the Philippines. Also known as Our Lady of the Gate Parish Church, was established in 1773 by a group of Franciscan Priests. The church was made mostly of volcanic stones.It is located at the top of a hill where there is a nice view of Mayon Volcano at the side. The church is now color white because it was washed with lime.

We had an opportunity to enter the church because the baptism was just finished. We just pray and wished since that was our first visit on the church. There were pathway with a lot of saints.

When we went out the church, the view was so breathtaking... Our background were a church and the Mayon Volcano. Unfortunately, our camera was damaged because of the strong wind. Our tripod was not able to sustain the wind but we were still happy that our camera can still be used. We still took pictures of the church and its belfry...

Lunch at Balay Cena Una

Since we were in Daraga, even it's still early for lunch (11:30AM) we took our lunch at Balay Cena Una, a beautifully restored ancestral home that houses celebrated traditional
flavors of different cultures.


Though the price of the food is quite expensive since 1 set meal ranges from 200-300 pesos(drinks not included), the food is delicious and the place is wonderful. The place is fine dining type of restaurant and there are lot of historical items like old philippine money, minatures cars, motorcycle and a lot more...

What we ate are fresh lumpia, Fillet of Lapu Lapu in Cena Una Gourmet Sauce, Chicken Tinuktukan, and Grilled Pork Chop with Caramelized Onions and Apples. They are all yummy.

Cagsawa Ruins

After our early lunch we headed to Cagsawa Ruins, this is the ruins of the old Cagsawa Church which was destroyed by the eruption of Mayon volcano centuries ago where more than a thousand people died. They took refuge and hide inside the Cagsawa chuch, all were dead when the lava flow engulf the church. The only remains of th
As we reached the Top, we saw a e church is the belfry which was one of the main attraction and historical site in Bicol which symbolizes people’s strength and resiliency to face and to rise from the ravages of Mother Nature.

The Cagsawa ruins is a beautiful place where you can see the full view of the Mayon Volcano... We had lot of trick shots taken at Cagsawa Park. I just posted pictures of the trickshots here kasi ang hirap to explain... Hehheehe...
Anyway, the bridge to Cagsawa Ruins was damaged before by a strong typhoon. For now it is on going construction so we had to take a short walk. There was somebody who approached us to take pictures of trick shots and we gave him Php 150 as tip because we really enjoyed and liked our pictures at Cagsawa Ruins. We bought here a pepper ref magnet, as usual our favorite token of the place we go to the REF MAGNET. There are stores here where to buy  pasalubongs and souvenirs. As we are going back to the car we've seen maruya or banana fritters, we bought and ate as we travelled going to our next destination, the Ligñon Hill and Japanese Tunnel.

Ligñon Hill and Japanese Tunnel

Our next destination is the Ligñon Hill, a steep uphill where you can see the view of Mayon Volcano. There were big telecscope which you need to pay 5 peso to use for a certain period of time, I'm not sure if per minute. Also there are zip lines and souvenir shops and fast foods.
After taking some picture, we immediately proceed to the Japanese Tunnel, entrance is Php 10 and you will be wearing a hard hat before entering since the tunnel is too small, muddy and super hot. The air is not circulating well inside the tunnel but we really enjoyed our short visit on the Japanese Tunnel.

Mayon Volcano ATV Ride

After our Cagsawa Ruins, one of the most awaited part of our Bicolandia Adventure is the Mayon Volcano ATV (All Terrain Vehicle) Ride going to the lava rock bed. The ATV rental is Php 1,800 per head per ATV. It is good for one person only but there are available thats for 2 persons or 4 persons. But I did really enjoy riding on my own ATV. When we arrived at the ATV starting point we were oriented on what to do, we registered and they gave us idea since that we were all first timers. The assess us through test drive, I can confidentially say that ATV is so easy to drive.
We had our guide and we had to follow the actual sequence, racing is not allowed and the guide must be followed all the time. We cruise the river, some hills and rough roads... I really did enjoy this ATV ride. We had a 45 minutes bumpy ATV ride going to the Lava Rock Bed area.We had to go up and trek going up the Lava Rock Bed.
As we reached the top there is a helipad, it is being used when there are VIPs going in the area. The Lava Rock Bed is very beautiful and interesting. All the rocks found there came from the Mayon's eruption. Rocks are large and can you imagine the life of the people who were burried in that area during the eruptions as well as all the crops and land areas as the source of living of the people in the area.
We were quite sad because we were not able to see the Mayon clearly but that was one of the most beautiful spot to see the Mayon since you can clearly see it as if you are in its foot. We still enjoyed our picture taking though Mayon is quite shy, there are instances that the peak was shown so we took advantage and waited for it.
After 15 mins, we went down the lava hill. There are options if you want to go on a zip line ride going down passing the lava rock for Php 200.00. Since we were able to ride on zip lines before, we chose to do downhill manually. We took a rest on the kubo and the residents are selling fresh buko juice as in fresh from the tree for Php 25.00.
After we were done we again ride on our ATV and get back to the starting point. We had arrived there past 5 PM. While driving back we still had our picture taking with Mayon Volcano as the back drop... This experience was such an amazing one... I enjoyed being independent driving my own ATV.

Travel to Donsol Sorsogon and AGM Resort 

After our ATV Ride, our side trip will be in the Baywalk and Embarcadero since the Van Terminal going to Donsol is near the area.We just took some picture at the baywalk and bought some foods and snacks at the Puregold Embarcadero. We were not able to explore the mall since we had limitted time and we need to travel to Sorsogon to have our firefly watching at 7:00PM.
We were dropped at the Van Terminal but unfortunately there were no van available but we were able to depart from legazpi at around 6PM. We paid the other seats for us to go since we will be arriving at Donsol too late, we had a schedule for the firefly watching and the travel time is 1-1.5 hours. The driver also took advantage charging each passenger Php 100 instead of Php 75 only.
We had a long trip, we take advantage to take a better sleep while travelling. We arrived at Donsol town proper at 7:30 PM and took a tricycle going to the resort.
 
As we arrived at AGM Beach Front Resort, we had our check in. We accomplished necessary  forms. We had a reservation so we had no problem with our accomodation. Here is the link of there site (http://www.agmresort.com/). The owner/manager Mae Yambao is friendly and accomodating. They allowed us to book without deposit since I have no time to do the bank to bank deposit. But I had promised her that we were really sure to go there. AGM also arranged our Butanding or Whaleshark Interaction, they look for our companion for us to save. The room is clean and homy. There is also restaurant in the resort. We just paid just Php 2,200 per night for the Premium room. The room is good for 3 persons (1 double bed and 1 single). The only problem is the long waiting time for the food to be served. But all in all the accomodation and services of AGM is good and recommended.

Ogod River Firefly Watching

When we finished checking in at AGM resort at around 8PM, we had our firefly watching at Ogod River. The tricycle driver had brought us to Ogod river, a 20 minutes tricycle ride from our hotel. There was also a firefly boarding area near the bridge but our guide/tricycle driver brought us to Ogod River since as per them there are more fireflies on the area. As we arrived the Boarding area at Ogod River, we paid Php 1,250 per group for the firefly watching. We had a boat ride in the river going near the fireflies area. As per our guide Kuya Jun the fireflies live in the mangroves or the nakawan trees. They are getting there food there. As we approaches the mangrove area, there was a small tree with blinking lights. We continued our journey, since it was a little bit late there were only few boats. We were the last boat to depart. We seen other boats going back and others enjoying seeing fireflies nearly.
We continue or river cruising saw a big bakawan tree with too many fireflies lighting a huge tree. Its like a giant christmas tree with too many blinking rice lights. But unfortunately camera flashing is not allowed we were not able to capture them clearly. We really did enjoy interacting with fireflies as they came near us. The true beauty of nature since they were synchronize during blinking. We did enjoy the night at Ogod River's Fireflies. It's like a journey in the magical river and the blinking fireflies are amazing and spectacular. Though we were not able to capture it, we will always remember it in our heart and mind.
After our firefly watching we went back to the resort , ate our dinner and sleep early for our next destination, the Whale Shark or Butanding Interaction.

Butanding Interaction

One of the most awaited part of our trip is the Whale Shark Watching. Since we were just 3, Our accomodation provider looked for our companion. The boat costs is Php 3,500 maximum of 6 persons. In the tourism office, environmental fee is Php 100/head. We were able to complete the 6 person, our companions were 3 ladies (2 from laos and 1 japanese). Our guide is Manong Jun, we had a spotter and boat driver. We also rented for fins and snorkell at the resort for Php 300/pax.
We started searching for the whaleshark at exactly 7:45 AM. We had been roaming around and there are lot of boats looking for the whale shark.
The policy are the following:
-      Underwater photo equipment is allowed, although any artificial lighting or flashes are prohibited.
-       Do not touch, ride or impede the movement of the whale shark.
-       Maintain a distance of 3 meters from the head and body of the whale shark, and 4 meters from the tail section.
-       Maximum of six swimmers and one boat are allowed per whale shark.
-       Keep the environment clean, dispose of trash and waste in proper receptacles.

But some of the policy were not strictly followed since during that time there were few Butanding found because of gloomy weather. We were still fortunate that we were able to see the whaleshark closely and were able to took a photo of its head and gills. It took us more than 3 hours searching for it but all the effort was rewarded when we saw one at around 10:45AM. As per our guide the Butanding can be clearly seen if the weather is too hot, since the water is clear and they can see a big shadow in the water.
Our experience seeing the whaleshark was amazing, for now we want to experience this more next time.
We went back to the resort and our long time friend, Nena Clemente that I was not able to see for 18 years were waiting for us. We freshen up, check out the resort and ate lunch with Nena.
At 2:00 PM we were going back to Daraga for us to ride on the Van going to Naga for our next destination the CamSur Watersports Complex (CWC)

CWC Knee Boarding Experience

We travelled for more than 3 hours going to Naga from Donsol, 2 van rides. As we reached Naga City Town Proper, we got our bus ticket for Manila at 9:15 trip Php 750.00 fare, 7-8 hrs tour to Turbina. We need to travel that night because I had work on the next day and my brother will have his flight to Iloilo too.
After getting our ticket, we rode on the bus going to Pili, Naga since the CWC is located at the Provincial Capitol Complex,  Cadlan Pili. We took a tricycle from highway near 7-11 store. We paid Php 60.00 for 1 trip. When we arrived the the complex we immediately took picture since it was already dawn.
We had paid Php 215 each for an hourly night time rate with deposit of 500 per head. The website provided us informations (http://www.cwcwake.com/) regarding the rates and etc.
We tried the knee boarding since this will be all our first time, and my brother's knee had a problem. We changed for the proper outfit, had our orientation and getting ready to do the knee boarding.
The first one to do it was my husband allan, he completed one round and I'm the next one to do it, after only I few second I fell the board... Hehehe... But I really enjoyed the experience though I was not able to complete and retry. My arms muscles were not able to prepare. Allan, my husband had 3 complete rounds and my brother had 2. We were looking for the Lago del Rey sign since we want to took picture because our last Family name is Lago.
We took pictures, freshen up and went back to Naga Town proper for our dinner before our scheduled trip.
We took our dinner at SM City Naga, bought some Pasalubong and at exactly 9:15 we were on board to our designated bus and seat. Tired of our 2-day Bicolandia Adventure. We really did enjoyed this unique experiences, mayon volcano, atv rides, caves, tunnels, whale shark interaction, firefly watching, historical sites, trick shots, foods and the CWC experience.
We did experience lot of things in this 2 day Bicolandia trip, also I had spend quality time with my husband and dear brother Bakz. I had enjoyed with this two special guys in my life... The travel with them will again be experienced maybe late this year or next year during my brother's vacation.




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