Legazpi

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.

The climate is tropical, with plenty of rainfall throughout the year. For most days, there would be sunshine, with the daytime high between 29–32 °C (84–90 °F), 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.

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 2 km (1.2 mi) away from downtown, at Daraga.

• 🌍 Bicol International Airport (BIA, DRP  ^IATA), Airport Road. Open 24 hours. This is an international airport 15 km (9.3 mi) in the municipality of Daraga, which replaced the smaller and constrained airport near downtown. This airport has a runway long enough to support wide-body aircraft, and to accommodate international flights. Cebgo, Cebu Pacific and PAL Express has flights from Manila. (updated Oct 2023)

Tricycles will take 10-15 minutes to get to downtown, and the driver will quote ₱50 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 ₱30.

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.

• 🌍 Legazpi-PNR Station, Peñaranda St, Legazpi Port District. (updated Apr 2020)

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.

• 🌍 Legazpi Grand Central Terminal, Landco Access Road (Near SM City Legazpi and Ibalong Center). Open 24 hours. (updated Oct 2023)

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:

• Philtranco. Three daily buses leave Pasay every 6:30PM, 7PM, and 8PM. They also have buses going south as far as Davao and Cagayan de Oro via Tacloban and Butuan, which stop at Daraga. (updated Oct 2019)
  • Amihan. Philtranco's sister bus line, with a similar schedule, but with departures from Cubao. (updated Oct 2019)
• Raymond Transportation. Has a daily trip from Cubao. (updated Oct 2019)
• RMB Express. (updated Oct 2019)
• Superlines. Three departures from Cubao every 6:30PM, 10:30PM, and 5:30AM. (updated Oct 2019)

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 ₱25.

• 🌍 Passenger Terminal Building PMO-Legazpi, Legazpi Boulevard, Legazpi Port District. Open 24 hours. Has boats to Rapu-Rapu, and is being developed as a cruise terminal to serve domestic and foreign cruises. (updated Oct 2023)

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

• 🌍 Bicol Heritage Park, #1 EM's Barrio North Road (Inside Camp Simeon A. Ola). Open 24 hours. Has a statue of General Simeon Ola.Site at the Camp Simeon Ola headquarters featuring monuments, including one of General Ola. (updated Oct 2023)
• 🌍 General Jose Ignacio Paua Statue, Lerma Street corner Emilio Jacinto Street, Barrio Bañadero. Open 24 hours. Paua is the only pure-blood Chinese who supported the Katipunan during the Philippine Revolution. Free. (updated Oct 2019)
• 🌍 Japanese Tunnel, D. Nieves Street, Barangay Tinago, Camalig. An L-shaped tunnel used as an arsenal by the Japanese Imperial Army during the World War II. It measures 40 m (130 ft) long and around 2.1 m (6.9 ft) deep below the ground. It was built by Japanese during WW2. Interesting place to visit once you’re at Quituinan Hills (it is included in the price). Short walk down (10 m). The tunnel is on the left. Up front is the decoy. (updated Oct 2023)
• 🌍 Legazpi City Museum and Library (Albay Provincial Library and Information Center), Rizal Avenue (located in Legazpi City Hall). Revelations about the history of Legazpi. Well-maintained place with a high standard. Especially interesting were the sculptures, the paintings, historical photos and the dioramas. (updated Oct 2023)
• 🌍 Liberty Bell, Rizal Avenue, Old Albay District (located at Peñaranda Park). Open 24 hours. Housed on a concrete dome structure. This bronze bell was a gift from the Americans ( the 158th Infantry Regimental Combat team of the US 6th Army command led by Brig.General Hanford Macnider and Captain Hoomer Mcgee) in 1945 after the liberation of the city from the Japanese occupiers. A side note wherein inscribed "Whenever oppression knocks at your door, feel free to ring this bell". Free. (updated Oct 2023)
• 🌍 Peñaranda Park, Rizal Avenue, Albay District. Open 24 hours. Has a statue of Jose Maria Peñaranda, the first governor of Albay. Around the park is Legazpi City Hall, Albay Capitol and St. Gregory the Great Cathedral. Free. (updated Oct 2019)
• 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.
• 🌍 St. Gregory the Great Cathedral (Legazpi Cathedral, Albay Cathedral), Bicol 640 Road, Albay District. The episcopal seat of the Diocese of Legazpi, it was first built by Spanish missionaries as a wooden chapel in 1581. The present church, designed by then governor Don Jose Ma. de Peñaranda, was built in 1839 using volcanic rocks. (updated Oct 2023)

• 🌍 Battle of Legazpi Pylon, Quezon Street (At the corner with Rizal Street). Open 24 hours. A 16-metre (52 ft) high monument built to commemorate the defeat of Filipino fighters by American forces in 1900. The pylon marks the site of a bloody battle during the Philippine-American War and World War II. (updated Oct 2019)
• Baltog Shrine (Ibalong Epic), Legazpi Blvd, Legazpi Port District
• 🌍 Headless Monument, Post Office Compound, Lapu-Lapu Street. Open 24 hours. It is dedicated to the unknown heroes who died in the Japanese occupation of Legazpi City during World War II. Free. (updated Oct 2019)
• 🌍 Ibalong Heroes Monument (Ibalong Festival Monument), Legazpi Blvd, Legazpi Port District (This structure is located at the junction of Bicol 630 and Quezon Avenue and near a college school.). A monument named after the complete Bicolano folk epic Ibalong. Based on another Asian epic the Ramayana and was allegedly narrated by an ancient sage called Kandunung. The three heroes of the story, Baltog, Handyong, and Bantong are featured as relief with their names in the ancient Baybayin characters on each post. (updated Oct 2019)
• 🌍 Kapuntukan Hill (Sleeping Lion Hill), Legazpi Boulevard, Legazpi Port District. Open 24 hours. Provides a view of the Embarcadero, the Port District, Albay Gulf, and Mayon Volcano. Free. (updated Oct 2023)

• 🌍 Legazpi Boulevard, Legazpi Boulevard, Legazpi Port District. Open 24 hours. A picturesque seaside road along the city's southern coastline with wide promenades, bike lanes, monuments such as the statue of Miguel López de Legazpi, JCI Legazpi Tourism Marker and the Freemason Obelisk, restaurants, cafés, and pubs. Free. (updated Oct 2019)
• LEGAZPI Sign, Legazpi Boulevard, Legazpi Port District
• The Obelisk, Legazpi Boulevard, Puro. A monument which is built as a joint project between the city government and Masonic Lodge No. 61. (updated Oct 2019)
• 🌍 Our Lady of Guadalupe Shrine (Legazpi City), PBN Subdivision, Barangay Buraguis,. 6AM–5:30PM. It features life-sized depictions of Stations of the Cross and a huge statue of the Virgin of Guadalupe at the summit. Free. (updated Oct 2023)
• 🌍 St. Raphael the Archangel Church, Peñaranda Street, Port District. The original church was built in 1834 under the auspices of Pedro Romero, but was destroyed during the liberation of Legazpi by Allied forces in 1945. A more modern church was rebuilt in its place. Notable features include an altar table made of a single block of hardened lava rock. (updated Oct 2019)
• 🌍 Plaza Rizal, Peñaranda Street (In front of Saint Raphael Church de Legazpi). Open 24 hours. It has a fountain and a monument to José Rizal, the country's national hero, sculpted by National Artist Napoleon Abueva in 1966. Free. (updated Oct 2019)
• 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.

• 🌍 Albay Gulf Landing Monument, Barrio Rawis. Open 24 hours. Built in 1995 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Landing of the Allied American Forces in Legazpi City. (updated Oct 2019)

• 🌍 Albay Park and Wildlife, Diversion Road, Bogtong. A picnic grove and a zoological park combined. Quaint city park hosting a diverse array of wildlife, including crocodiles, pigs & eagles. (updated Oct 2019)

• 🌍 Ligñon Hill (Ligñon Hill Nature Park), Tiwi Rd, Barangay 41 Bogtong. Open 24 hours. Pronounced leeng-YAWN, it is a 156 m (512 ft) peak with a nature park at its summit offering panoramic views of the city and Mayon Volcano, and adventure activities like ziplining. (updated Oct 2023)
• Giant Statue of Nuestra Señora de Salvacion, Barangay Pawa, Pawa Road
• 🌍 Padang Memorial Cross, Padang. Open 24 hours. A monument dedicated to the victims of Typhoon Durian ("Reming") in 2006, which destroyed parts of the city. The location is right beside the highway. There are no parking spaces available except for the highway's shoulder. Visitors should take extra precaution alighting from their vehicles as there are lots of fast moving vehicles on the highway. There are no trees at all to hide under when the sun gets too hot or any covered areas should it rain. Free. (updated Oct 2019)

• 🌍 Our Lady of Fatima Church de Legazpi City, Imelda Roces Avenue. A modern church with a semi-circular nave built in 1999. (updated Oct 2023)
• 🌍 Imelda Park (Kalayaan Park), Barriada Road, Gogon. Open 24 hours. Has pavilions, a playground, and a basketball court. Also at the park is Mag-Ilusyon, a metal sculpture by award-winning artist Eduardo Castrillo, commissioned in 1976. Free. (updated Oct 2019)
• 🌍 Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish Church (Redemptorist Church), Lakandula Road. This is located near the Marison hotel opposite side of the hotel. This is also known as the Redemptorist Church and Our Lady of Perpetual Help is the patron. (updated Oct 2019)

• 🌍 Cagsawa Ruins. The picturesque ruins of an old parish church on what was the town of Cagsawa. The original church was built in 1587 until it was burned down by Dutch pirates in 1636. A new church was again built in 1724 until it was destroyed by the devastating 1814 eruption of Mayon. (updated Apr 2020)
• 🌍 FarmPlate (The Happiest Place in Bicol), Lotivio Street, Barangay Gabawan, Daraga. The Filipino version of Farmville, Great place for your family and friends. Awesome view. Night lights are pretty good. Outstanding live music performance. Wide selection of food. The place is impressive. Not the best destination during rainy seasons. Overall, a must visit place when you are around the area. ₱150/Adult; ₱100/Kids. (updated Oct 2023)

• 🌍 Hoyop-hoyopan Cave, Barrio Cotmon, Camalig. Windy ancient caves used as a WWII refuge & typhoon shelter with bats, stalactites & stalagmites. (updated Oct 2023)
• 🌍 Albay Farmers Bounty Village, Pan-Philippine Highway, Barrio Sumlang. It is a 15-hectare one-stop farmers' complex that serves as a learning facility, recreation, entrepreneurship, and tourism site. (updated Oct 2023)
• 🌍 Sumlang Lake, PNR Road, Barrio Sumlang. Open 24 hours. Ride a raft decorated with sofas and umbrellas made of rattan. The lake is small but you can do a lot of activities. The view of Mayon is great. At night, you can see the glow from lava flow. Free. (updated Oct 2023)
• 🌍 Quitinday Green Hills Formation Reserve, Barrio Quintiday. Open 24 hours. (updated Oct 2023)
• 🌍 Jovellar Underground River, Barrio Jovellar, Camalig. 7:30AM–5PM. Great experience, had the chance to do dry caving and underground river adventure here. Short hike are expected. The caves and rock formations were amazing. Local guides and boatmen are available on the scene. Life jackets are available. (updated Oct 2023)
• 🌍 Busay Falls, Guinobatan - Jovellar Road, Barrio Jovellar. Open 24 hours. (updated Oct 2023)

• 🌍 Embarcadero de Legazpi, Legazpi Boulevard, Port Area. 9AM–8PM. A marina-inspired waterfront lifestyle hub, commercial and entertainment center in the city's port area. It also hosts the first Duty Free Philippines store in Bicol. (updated Oct 2019)
• 🌍 Pacific Mall, F. Imperial St, Legazpi Port District (Landco Business Park). 10AM–9PM. Has a Metro Gaisano supermarket and a cinema. (updated Aug 2016)
• 🌍 Yashano Mall Legazpi, Terminal Road 1 Corner, F. Imperial Street. 9:30AM–8PM. They do have a fast food, resto, food kiosks, and cellphone accessories. (updated Aug 2016)
• 🌍 SM City Legazpi, Brgy 37 (Bitano) Capantawan. 9AM-8PM. A 140,000-m² mall, which also hosts the central bus station. (updated Oct 2023)
• 🌍 Ayala Malls Legazpi, Rizal Street, Corner Quezon Ave, Brgy. Capantawan. 10AM–7PM. (updated Oct 2023)
• 🌍 Legazpi City Public Market, F. Imperial Street. 3AM–10PM. (updated Oct 2023)
• 🌍 Robinsons Supermarket Albay, #738 Building, Rizal Street, Old Albay. 7AM–10PM. (updated Oct 2023)

• Albay Pili Nut. 
• Socorro's The Venue, Sumlang, Camalig

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.

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

• 🌍 Magayon Hotel, Peñaranda Street, ☏ +63 52-4807770, +63 9107881144 (Cell phone). Check-in: 2PM, check-out: noon. Fan single room with cable TV. Outside bathroom. From ₱1,700. (updated Oct 2023)
• 🌍 Catalinas Lodging House, 96 Peñaranda Street, ☏ +63 52 4807841. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: noon. Single fan rooms with shared bathrooms. Old but clean. From ₱250 ₱600. (updated Oct 2023)
• 🌍 Mayon Backpackers Hostel, 040 brgy 11 Maoyod (off rizal street), ☏ +63 52-4800365, +63 9055186076. Check-in: 1PM, check-out: noon. Fan dorm beds in a room with 4 beds per room. A/C dorm beds in a room with 6 beds. ₱1,200. (updated Oct 2023)
• 🌍 Anvil Bed & Breafast, Quezon Avenue, Orosite (btwn Quezon Aveune & alonzo strret.), ☏ +63 52-4808886, +63 9159585180, hotelanvila@yahoo.com. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: noon. Fan double room. No window. (updated Oct 2016)
• 🌍 Hotel Rex, Aguinaldo Street, Legazpi Port District, ☏ +63 52-4805489. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: noon. Single fan rooms. You must pay an additional ₱100 for cable TV. (updated Oct 2023)
• 🌍 RMJ Apartelle, #29 Camia Street, Barangay 25 (near Pacific mall), ☏ +63 52-4801145, +63 9175589100 (cell). Check-in: 2PM, check-out: noon. A/C double room with bathroom and cable TV. (updated Oct 2023)
• 🌍 Siville Inn, Vibal Street, ☏ +63 52-4812883. Check-in: 1PM, check-out: noon. Fan double rooms with bathroom. from ₱500. (updated Oct 2023)
• 🌍 MEACO Royal Hotel - Legazpi City, Tiwi Road, Legazpi Port District. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: noon. ₱1,350. (updated Oct 2023)

• 🌍 Hotel St. Ellis, Rizal Street, Legazpi Port District, ☏ +63 52 480 8088. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: noon. It is a 3-km drive from the airport. It offers rooms completely furnished with a 32-inch LCD television set with satellite cable TV connection, high-speed internet access, NDD/IDD telephone, in-room safe, and an electronic door lock system. Amenities include Essences Spa, Salon Mye, a fitness center, and a kiddie activity room. From ₱3,000. (updated Oct 2023)
• 🌍 Tyche Boutique Hotel, Gov. Forbes St. corner Rizal St., Baybay (directly across the Philippine National Bank branch, it is only a few minutes from the Legazpi Domestic Airport), ☏ +63 52 480-5555. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: noon. All rooms are equipped with air-conditioning, widescreen high-definition LCD TV with cable channels, complimentary wireless internet access, bathroom amenities and hair dryer. 24-hour room service, concierge, massage service (by arrangement), laundry service, 24-hour security, business center with Internet access for email, secretarial services, and fax. 
• 🌍 Alicia Hotel, 653 Capt. F. Aquende Drive, ☏ +63 52 4810801, alicia_hotel@yahoo.com. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: noon. A few minutes from the old domestic airport. 32 rooms and suites individually equipped with modern amenities like cable TV, individually controlled air-conditioning, a telephone, and Internet access. (updated Oct 2023)
• 🌍 La Piazza Hotel and Convention Center, Imelda Roces Avenue, ☏ +63 52 480 3377. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: noon. A/C suites equipped with LCD TV with cable channels and unlimited Wi-Fi access. Function rooms, Wi-Fi access in public areas, massage services and airport transfer. (updated Oct 2023)
• 🌍 Hotel Venezia, Renaissance Garden, F. Aquende Drive. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: noon. (updated Oct 2023)
• 🌍 Vista Al Mayon Pensionne, #647 F. Aquende Drive. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: noon. (updated Oct 2023)
• 🌍 Casablanca Suites, Benny, F. Imperial Street. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: noon. (updated Oct 2023)
• 🌍 Emerald Boutique Hotel, Marquez Street, Old Albay District. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: noon. ₱3,000. (updated Oct 2023)
• 🌍 The Apple Peach House, corner Rosario and, Marquez Street, Old Albay District. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: noon. (updated Oct 2023)

• 🌍 The Oriental Legazpi, Taysan Hill, Sto. Niño Village, ☏ +63 52-742-8888. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: noon. A/C suites equipped with TV with cable channels, executive work desk, IDD/NDD telephone and high-speed broadband Internet access. Airport transfer, wireless Internet access, infinity pool, spa, fitness room/gym, business center, car rental, and city transfer. From ₱9000. 

• 🌍 The Oriental Albay, Purok 1 Barangay 33, Peñaranda St, ☏ +63 52 732-2000 (to 2002), toll-free: +63 91 7709 5723, albay-reservations@theorientalhotels.com. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: noon. ₱5,000. (updated Feb 2020)
• 🌍 The Marison Hotel, Lakandula Drive corner Imelda Roces Avenue. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: noon. ₱5,000. (updated Oct 2023)
• 🌍 Bali Suites Legazpi, Marquez Street, Old Albay District. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: noon. (updated Oct 2023)