Bicol region is one of the most visited tourist spots in the Philippines that is surrounded by pristine beaches, lakes, coves, caverns and other natural wonders that is truly captivating. Situated in the southeastern end of Luzon Island, Bicol region is comprised of four provinces, namely: Albay, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, Masbate and Sorsogon.
Recently, the region has seen resurgence in its tourism industry due to the never-fading popularity of Mayon Volcano and the new CamSur Water Sports Complex. Bicol is undoubtedly a wonderful destination to visit with its wonders and activities.
So here are the ten astounding destinations that tourists should see upon reaching Bicolandia:
1. Palumbanes Island
Situated in Catanduanes province, Palumbanes Island is a coastal village that is 13 km away from the town of Caramoran. The island is also known locally as “Paromopong” and it has a beach that is free to the public namely, Bitaog Beach. Its beach is unspoiled without any commercial establishments which make it perfect for those who just want to enjoy the beauty of nature.
2. Misibis Bay Resort
Misibis Bay Resort in Caragraray Island, Albay is described as a “luxury island getaway”. It is one of the most remarkable tourist spots in Bicol due to its crystalline waters and a pristine stretch of beach. The resort has an exclusive 37 Asian-inspired villas and two superb restaurants. Misibis Bay offers a wide array of activities from vitalizing water sport to swimming or diving with whale sharks.
3. Subic Beach in Matnog, Sorsogon
This beach has a pinkish-white sand beach that differs from other beach. It is divided in two segments, the Subic Laki (Subic Big) and Subic Liit (Subic Small). Subic Laki and Subic Liit are adjacent beaches that are separated by just a short stretch of land. Subic Laki is much more developed than its little brother. It has air-conditioned cottages while Subic Liit has few huts and benches for picnics.
4. Twin Rock Beach Resort
The Twin Rock Beach Resort is another tourist destination situated in the Catanduanes province. It is popular for the two iconic rocks jut out of the Pacific Ocean. The resort has white sand beaches sandwiched between coves. This destination is a haven for surfers because it is ideal for windsurfing and surfboard surfing while the underwater coral formations are perfect for spear fishing.
5. Ticao Island
One of the major islands of Masbate province, Ticao island is an ideal getaway for snorkeling, diving and swimming. The island is surrounded by several dive sites where tourists can choose. The two main dive areas here are the Manta Bowl Shoal and the San Miguel Island. Tourists can also immerse into the tranquility of nature in this prepossessing island.
6. Camsur Water Sports Complex
The reason why CamSur became a very popular destination in the country, the Camsur Water Sports Complex is designed for wakeboarding, waterskiing and wakeskating. It is situated within the Provincial Capitol Complex in Cadlan, Pili, Camarines Sur. Tourists who love water sports will certainly fall in love with this place.
7. Caramoan Islands
Another tourist destination situated in Camarines Sur, Caramoan is probably the most wonderful place in CamSur. It offers jaw-dropping sceneries of its wonderful islets and islands such as Bag-ing, Cagbanilad, Catanhawan, Cotivas, Lahus, Lahuy and Matukad. Caramoan has been the favorite site of several Survivor editions (a reality show with international franchises) so there’s no reason not to go here.
8. Lake Bulusan
One of the many splendid reasons to visit Bicol, Lake Bulusan offers tourists and visitors a chance to be astonished by the wonders of nature. It is nestled at the foot of Buusan Volcano in Sorsogon province. It has an exceptional surrounding that tourists would like. They can explore Lake Bulusan through renting aqua cycles or kayaks.
9. Calaguas Islands
Just like Caramoan, Calaguas is another group of Islands that is becoming Philippines’ prime tourism magnet. It is situated in the province of Camarines Norte and includes the major islands of Tinaga Island and Guintinua Island. Recently, Tinaga Island’s famous long beach called Mahabang Buhangan is experiencing a flood of tourists in the area despite the absence of accommodation.
10. Mayon Volcano
Who else doesn’t know the famous Mayon Volcano of Albay? It is a stunning attraction that offers tourist a breathtaking view with its almost perfect cone shape. This natural monument is the catalyst why Bicol became a known tourist destination not just in the Philippines but also all over the globe. This serves as an ideal place for hikers, climbers and other adventure-enthusiasts.
You may also check these articles for more tourist spots in the Philippines:
The Seven Natural Wonders of the Philippines
The Ten Most Popular Destinations to Visit in Manila
Ten Tourist Attractions in Davao City that are worth visiting
Ten Hidden Vacation Spots in the Philippines
25 Emerging Tourist Hotspots in the Philippines
Top Ten Most Livable Cities in the Philippines
Five Philippine Lakes That Are Worth Visiting
Top Ten Coolest Town and Cities in the Philippines
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- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Calaguas
- http://philippinetravelforum.com/2013/02/top-ten-places-visit-camarines-sur/
- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caramoan,_Camarines_Sur#Caramoan_Islands
- http://www.choosephilippines.com/go/mountains-and-volcanoes/404/bulusan-lake-sorsogon-bicol/
- http://shoestringtravelers.com/?q=node/87
- http://catanduanes.gov.ph/twinrock-beach-resort/
- http://wowlegazpi.com/misibis-bay/#sthash.akv2Qhed.dpbs