Tabaco

Tabaco is a port city in Albay, where the ferries to Catanduanes depart.

Understand
Tabaco's name is rather debatable. Some say it derives from Spanish tabaco ("tobacco"), but locals and the city government itself insist that the name came from Bikol tabak ko, referring to a bolo, a traditional knife that has been produced long before the Spaniards arrived.

Despite its city designation, Tabaco feels more like a typical provincial town, and it only gained cityhood in 2001 through a plebiscite. The downtown is typical of most Spanish-era towns, with a central Catholic parish church, plaza, and a traditional market. Life in Tabaco is quite relaxed over Legazpi to the south.

Get in
Tabaco is from Manila, and  from Legazpi.

By plane
The nearest airport is in Legazpi.

By bus


Long-haul provincial buses arrive from Manila and there are some intra-provincial operators from the capital at Legazpi.

From Manila


It takes about 12 hours or longer, including major stopovers, to Cubao or Pasay; from Alabang, about 11½ hours under the same conditions.

By jeepney
Jeepneys connect Tabaco with Legazpi, Bacacay, Tiwi, and Ligao.

By boat
Tabaco has an international seaport, which is on the waterfront east of downtown.

Ferries arrive from San Andres and Virac ports in Catanduanes. The ferry from San Andres is operated by MV Regina Calixta 2, 3, and 5, and takes 2½ hours. From Virac, it takes around 3½ hours on MV Eugenia, a regular ferry, and 1½ hour on MV Silangan, a fast ferry.

By train
Trains no longer run up to Tabaco. The nearest train station is at Legazpi, which is served by a once-daily local train from Naga. Overnight services from Manila are suspended indefinitely since 2013.

Get around
Around downtown, padyak (pedicabs) abound.

Do

 * Watch Mount Mayon Volcano up close at Mayon Skyline located at Buang, Tabaco City.

Buy

 * Cutleries are sold as souvenirs.

Go next

 * Bacacay
 * Legazpi