Monday, September 3, 2012

The Wonders of Albay

If you were given enough time to visit all the towns in Albay, these are the places I would recommend you to see.

Bacacay Beach - Bacacay, Albay

No need to go to Iceland or Hawaii to experience volcanic beaches and enjoy black sand. Just takes a short 45 minute ride from Legazpi City.

Viento de Mar Beach - Bacacay, Albay


How to get there:
  • From Legazpi City take any jeep or bus bound to Tabaco City. 
  • Tell the driver to drop you off at San Jose Junction in Malilipot.
  • Ride a trike and tell them that you want to go to Bacacay Beach. They will recommend beaches for you. The best beaches are in Brgy. Sogod. Trike fare depends on your haggling skills.



Black Sand @ Bacacay, Albay
(don't mind my feet, i know it looks awful! )


Vera Falls - Malinao, Albay

This falls is located at the foot of Mount Malinao.

Vera Falls in Malinao, Albay

Helpful Info:
  • Bring change of clothes and towel.
  • There is no restroom or changing room in the area but one can -improvise.
  • Bring your own food and water. Food and refreshments are not available.
  • There is no entrance fee but visitors are advised to check with the Barangay Captain to register and arrange for a local guide. (The road directions are easy to follow and the trek down the falls takes about 5-10 minutes only)

How to get there:
  • From Legazpi City take any jeep or bus bound to Tabaco City. 
  • Tell the driver to drop you off at the plaza near Tabaco City Hall.
  • Ride a habal-habal to Vera Falls. (Use your haggling skills to get a good price)

Busay Falls - Malilipot Albay

Main Falls at Busay in Malilipot, Albay

One of the highest waterfalls in the country descending in stages from a height of 250 meters cascading into seven small pools.

Entrance to Busay Falls

Helpful Info:
  • Malilipot Munical Hall is a good landmark for meet-up. It is situated along the highway and a few minutes of walk from the turn out.
  • Entrance fee is 10 pesos for adults and 5 pesos each for kids.
  • Small Nipa hut cottages are available for rent for 100 pesos
  • Parking is also available at the area (check photo below for rates)
  • An improvised grilling area is also available.
  • Although a guide is not necessary for experience hikers, it is advisable to get one if you will hike all the way to the 7th falls. Drop by at Malilipot Fire Station and look for Untos to help you find a guide.
Parking Rates at Busay Falls

How to get there:
  • From Legazpi City take any jeep or bus bound to Tabaco City. 
  • Tell the driver to drop you off at the turnout of Busay Falls located at the left side of the road heading to Legazpi or at Malilipot Municipal Hall if you missed the turnout.
  • Take a trike and tell them that you want to go to Busay Falls. Trike fare depends on your haggling skills.
Busay Falls turnout marker

I would recommend that you take a hike to the top of the falls first before taking a dip at the lowest pot from the falls. The hike can be extremely tiring and the trail is a bit steep. 

Our little explorer hiking to get to the top of the falls.

And if you feel real thirsty after hiking and swimming, you can take a drink of spring water. Super lamig! Refreshing!

Spring water from the falls. Refreshing.




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