Legazpi

Legazpi, a city of almost 200,000 (2015), is the provincial capital of Albay. With the nicknames of "Queen City of South Luzon" and "City of Fun and Adventure", it is a city full of adventure and history, and is the regional center of Bicol Region.

The nearby town of Daraga, though an independent municipality since 1922, is historically tied with the city, and it hosts the picturesque ruins of Cagsawa Church and the airport.

Another touristy municipality in the Capital District is Camalig, a small town closest to Mayon Volcano, and features many beautiful countrysides.

History
Legazpi's history trace back to prehistoric times, with Neolithic discoveries dated back to 500-100 BCE. Spanish explorers who first arrived also speak of an ancient pre-Hispanic civilization in the area, practicing rice farming, producing gold jewelry, and trading silk.

Miguel López de Legazpi led the Spanish expedition that colonized the Philippines in the 1560s, after Magellan's expedition had "discovered" it in the 1520s. Legazpi himself did not visit this region, but one of his officers named the town after him. Before the Spaniards, it was the village of Sawangan, and the first Spanish structures were in a Roman Catholic mission, named Misión San Gregorio Magno de Sawangan. The mission was repeatedly ravaged by raids from pirates, mostly Muslims from Mindanao, during its first years, but the Spaniards kept rebuilding it; it officially became a town in 1616.

Climate
The climate is tropical, with plenty of rainfall throughout the year. For most days, there would be sunshine, with the daytime high between, and rainfall coming in the afternoon, with overcast skies caused by moisture moving inland from the Pacific Ocean.

The rainiest months are from late October to January, while the hottest months are from April to early October. The peak season for tourism is practically from February to October, though the best time to visit is from February to March, when the temperatures are tolerable and there are few rainy days.

Orientation
Legazpi is subdivided into 70 barangays, but for the visitor, the city proper has two districts, the Old Albay District, the downtown (poblacion) which is also an old town with a grand old cathedral, and the Port District, the waterfront area with busy malls and a picturesque waterfront boulevard. The former airport, Mayon Volcano, and Ligñon hill are north of the city proper. The new airport is away from downtown, at Daraga.

By plane


Tricycles will take 10-15 minutes to get to downtown, and the driver will quote for a single-person trip. Walk straight out of the airport, across the parking lot, and out of the gate where the cars are exiting. Taxis are also available in the airport.

To return to the airport, tricycles waiting at Peñaranda Park and F. Aquende Drive will charge.

Update Feb 2024 - There is an aircon shuttle van with service desk located just as you walk out of arrivals lobby. There is a fixed fee of P150 per person to SM Legaspi or you can ask them to drop of you off direct to your hotel if it's near there. The van leaves when it's full. There will also be touts for tricycles as you exit but we got quoted 350 for 2 people (then he lowered his price to 300 as we looked to inquire at the shuttle van desk). We also tried booking tricycles or "e-trikes" through the Grab App at the airport as well as at multiple times within the city, but they we had no luck at all, perhaps they are in low supply. Probably best to learn how the jeepney systems work when getting around the city, they are frequent and reliable.

By train


As of 2019, there is no through train service between Manila and Legazpi. It may be restored in 2022 at the earliest.

Philippine National Railways (PNR) operate a once-daily train (numbered 500) between Naga and Legazpi. It leaves 5AM at Naga Station and stops at cities and towns along the line, and takes over 2 hours.

By bus or van




Legazpi has a good central bus station, which also serves jeepneys and vans from nearby towns. Several food stalls serve local food for departing and arriving passengers, there are signs for bays serving buses headed for a certain destination, e.g. to Manila, to Naga, and there is also a handicrafts store and a Savemore supermarket.

Tickets are sold on booths, and you can also book in advance. Look for the name of the company the booth are selling tickets for.

The following bus companies have trips from Manila:



The journey from Manila to Legazpi via Naga takes about 8-10 hours. Most of them arrive and depart from company-owned terminals at Pasay.

There are also buses and vans from Tabaco City. The fare is from.

By ferry


Other nearby ports are at Tabaco, for ferries from Catanduanes, and Pilar and Matnog for services from the Visayas.

Get around
Jeepneys are frequent. The largest sign on the windshield will be the jeepney's final destination, so you must ask the driver if they serve your intended destination.

Tricycles are useful for short trips. You may share one with other passengers to the same destination. Hail one at the terminal or on the street.

Old Albay District (Poblacion)

 * Pinarik Viewdeck, Estanza Road, The Pinarik Viewdeck offers a truly breathtaking experience that captures the essence of natural beauty. Nestled amidst lush landscapes and towering trees, this vantage point provides an unparalleled panoramic view that leaves one speechless. The vast expanse of rolling hills and valleys is adorned with vibrant hues, creating an awe-inspiring canvas that changes with the light of the day. The serenity of the surroundings invites introspection, making it a perfect spot for those seeking solace in nature's embrace. The well-maintained facilities and thoughtful amenities enhance the overall experience. Whether you're an avid photographer, a nature enthusiast, or simply in search of tranquility, the Pinarik Viewdeck promises an unforgettable encounter with the wonders of the natural world.
 * Pinarik Viewdeck, Estanza Road, The Pinarik Viewdeck offers a truly breathtaking experience that captures the essence of natural beauty. Nestled amidst lush landscapes and towering trees, this vantage point provides an unparalleled panoramic view that leaves one speechless. The vast expanse of rolling hills and valleys is adorned with vibrant hues, creating an awe-inspiring canvas that changes with the light of the day. The serenity of the surroundings invites introspection, making it a perfect spot for those seeking solace in nature's embrace. The well-maintained facilities and thoughtful amenities enhance the overall experience. Whether you're an avid photographer, a nature enthusiast, or simply in search of tranquility, the Pinarik Viewdeck promises an unforgettable encounter with the wonders of the natural world.
 * Pinarik Viewdeck, Estanza Road, The Pinarik Viewdeck offers a truly breathtaking experience that captures the essence of natural beauty. Nestled amidst lush landscapes and towering trees, this vantage point provides an unparalleled panoramic view that leaves one speechless. The vast expanse of rolling hills and valleys is adorned with vibrant hues, creating an awe-inspiring canvas that changes with the light of the day. The serenity of the surroundings invites introspection, making it a perfect spot for those seeking solace in nature's embrace. The well-maintained facilities and thoughtful amenities enhance the overall experience. Whether you're an avid photographer, a nature enthusiast, or simply in search of tranquility, the Pinarik Viewdeck promises an unforgettable encounter with the wonders of the natural world.
 * Pinarik Viewdeck, Estanza Road, The Pinarik Viewdeck offers a truly breathtaking experience that captures the essence of natural beauty. Nestled amidst lush landscapes and towering trees, this vantage point provides an unparalleled panoramic view that leaves one speechless. The vast expanse of rolling hills and valleys is adorned with vibrant hues, creating an awe-inspiring canvas that changes with the light of the day. The serenity of the surroundings invites introspection, making it a perfect spot for those seeking solace in nature's embrace. The well-maintained facilities and thoughtful amenities enhance the overall experience. Whether you're an avid photographer, a nature enthusiast, or simply in search of tranquility, the Pinarik Viewdeck promises an unforgettable encounter with the wonders of the natural world.
 * Pinarik Viewdeck, Estanza Road, The Pinarik Viewdeck offers a truly breathtaking experience that captures the essence of natural beauty. Nestled amidst lush landscapes and towering trees, this vantage point provides an unparalleled panoramic view that leaves one speechless. The vast expanse of rolling hills and valleys is adorned with vibrant hues, creating an awe-inspiring canvas that changes with the light of the day. The serenity of the surroundings invites introspection, making it a perfect spot for those seeking solace in nature's embrace. The well-maintained facilities and thoughtful amenities enhance the overall experience. Whether you're an avid photographer, a nature enthusiast, or simply in search of tranquility, the Pinarik Viewdeck promises an unforgettable encounter with the wonders of the natural world.
 * Pinarik Viewdeck, Estanza Road, The Pinarik Viewdeck offers a truly breathtaking experience that captures the essence of natural beauty. Nestled amidst lush landscapes and towering trees, this vantage point provides an unparalleled panoramic view that leaves one speechless. The vast expanse of rolling hills and valleys is adorned with vibrant hues, creating an awe-inspiring canvas that changes with the light of the day. The serenity of the surroundings invites introspection, making it a perfect spot for those seeking solace in nature's embrace. The well-maintained facilities and thoughtful amenities enhance the overall experience. Whether you're an avid photographer, a nature enthusiast, or simply in search of tranquility, the Pinarik Viewdeck promises an unforgettable encounter with the wonders of the natural world.
 * Pinarik Viewdeck, Estanza Road, The Pinarik Viewdeck offers a truly breathtaking experience that captures the essence of natural beauty. Nestled amidst lush landscapes and towering trees, this vantage point provides an unparalleled panoramic view that leaves one speechless. The vast expanse of rolling hills and valleys is adorned with vibrant hues, creating an awe-inspiring canvas that changes with the light of the day. The serenity of the surroundings invites introspection, making it a perfect spot for those seeking solace in nature's embrace. The well-maintained facilities and thoughtful amenities enhance the overall experience. Whether you're an avid photographer, a nature enthusiast, or simply in search of tranquility, the Pinarik Viewdeck promises an unforgettable encounter with the wonders of the natural world.

Port District

 * Baltog Shrine (Ibalong Epic), Legazpi Blvd, Legazpi Port District
 * Baltog Shrine (Ibalong Epic), Legazpi Blvd, Legazpi Port District


 * LEGAZPI Sign, Legazpi Boulevard, Legazpi Port District
 * Sawangan Park, Legazpi Port District. Very nice place to relax, just do a simple walk or jog around the area. The park is so clean. No mosquitoes and smells good even if the area is near the port. There are food kiosks and you can enjoy eating with your friends or family.
 * Sawangan Park, Legazpi Port District. Very nice place to relax, just do a simple walk or jog around the area. The park is so clean. No mosquitoes and smells good even if the area is near the port. There are food kiosks and you can enjoy eating with your friends or family.
 * Sawangan Park, Legazpi Port District. Very nice place to relax, just do a simple walk or jog around the area. The park is so clean. No mosquitoes and smells good even if the area is near the port. There are food kiosks and you can enjoy eating with your friends or family.
 * Sawangan Park, Legazpi Port District. Very nice place to relax, just do a simple walk or jog around the area. The park is so clean. No mosquitoes and smells good even if the area is near the port. There are food kiosks and you can enjoy eating with your friends or family.
 * Sawangan Park, Legazpi Port District. Very nice place to relax, just do a simple walk or jog around the area. The park is so clean. No mosquitoes and smells good even if the area is near the port. There are food kiosks and you can enjoy eating with your friends or family.
 * Sawangan Park, Legazpi Port District. Very nice place to relax, just do a simple walk or jog around the area. The park is so clean. No mosquitoes and smells good even if the area is near the port. There are food kiosks and you can enjoy eating with your friends or family.

Northern outskirts

 * Giant Statue of Nuestra Señora de Salvacion, Barangay Pawa, Pawa Road
 * Giant Statue of Nuestra Señora de Salvacion, Barangay Pawa, Pawa Road

Do

 * Black sand beaches: The city's coastline has lot of them, along the Albay Gulf, and are ideal for skimboarding.
 * Whale shark watching: Whale sharks, locally known as butanding, occasionally visit the waters off the city's coast.
 * Diving: There are 16 coral reefs off the coast of Legazpi and around the Albay Gulf ideal for scuba diving.
 * Diving: There are 16 coral reefs off the coast of Legazpi and around the Albay Gulf ideal for scuba diving.

Budget

 * Socorro's The Venue, Sumlang, Camalig
 * Socorro's The Venue, Sumlang, Camalig

Mid-range
LCC Mall nearby Lapu-Lapu Street has several vendors that sells some Filipino menu, just like fried bangus with rice, fried chicken with silog.
 * 1st Colonial Grill, Sagpon, Daraga. The home of the original chili ice cream.

Splurge
Find out in the cafes within Embarcadero and having dinner towards the sea.

Splurge




Stay healthy

 * Bicol Regional Hospital and Medical Center. Rizal Street. Phone +63 52-4830636. (DOH Hospital).


 * University of Santo Tomas — Legazpi Hospital. Washington Drive. Phone +0917 633 9396 (PhilHealth Acredited)


 * Allied Care Expert Medical Center. Diversion Rd, portion Bgy. Bogtong.

Cope

 * Bureau Of Immigration Legazpi Office. Door 3 Blst Building Rizal Street.

Go next

 * Gubat and Rizal Beach. There are several sleepy towns and nice beaches after Legazpi just like Sorsogon and Gubat. Take a jeepney to these directions. Normally they make a stop in Pilar Port on the way to Sorsogon and Gubat.