2019 Bicol Road Trip: Day 5

Day 5: May 25, 2019

Exploring Legazpi City

2019 Bicol Road Trip: Day 5

It's the second to the last day of our 6-day road trip around the Bicol Region. So far, we've been to 3 provinces and a number of cities and municipalities already.

 

A view of Mayon from our room in La Granja Boutique Hotel

Here we are! Albay Park and Wildlife

Reminds me of Jurassic Park

Entrance fee: P20 per child and P50 per adult 

This is probably the most picturesque part of the park.

For today's itinerary, we'll visit some of the most famous tourist destinations in Albay. However, before we do that, we first had our complimentary breakfast at La Granja Boutique Hotel. Following our delectable breakfast, we checked out of the hotel and immediately proceeded to our first destination for the day which was the Albay Park and Wildlife in Bogtong, Legazpi City. 

Here are some of our photos in Albay Park and Wildlife:

The park houses numerous animals, most notable of which are the big cats and the wide collection of birds. There are also plenty of Instagrammable spots inside Albay Park and Wildlife like the gazebo in the middle of the lagoon and the life-size dinosaur statues. If you have plenty of time and some money to spare, then, I highly suggest that you rent a bike and explore the park-like what we did. 

Next stop: Cagsawa Ruins

The road seems to be better compared to the last time we visited it

A bit of souvenir shopping before going in Cagsawa Ruins vicinity

Check out the rates to enter Cagsawa Ruins

Got the tickets for me, my wife, and Ella

Check out our photos at Cagsawa Ruins:

Lunchtime!

Halo-halo for dessert

The new flower park area of Cagsawa Ruins

Ella in Cagsawa

After about an hour or two in the park, we drove to our next destination. Like what many would say, it wouldn't be a Bicol road trip if one misses its most famous landmark - the Cagsawa Ruins with Mayon Volcano serving as its majestic backdrop. However, before we went in and pay the entrance fee to check out the vicinity of the ruins, my wife and I went around the numerous stalls at the parking area to look for souvenirs. We bought some ref magnets, wall decorations, and some food products. We then met up with my parents who were already inside and then we partook of the lunch which they availed of in one of the food stalls inside. It was such an amazing dining experience as we have a great view of Mayon Volcano. After lunch, my daughter and I entered this "flower park" (we had to pay extra to do so) and had a bit of a photoshoot with the picturesque volcano as the backdrop and the colorful flowers as our props. 

Next stop: Sumlang Lake

I hope they expand the road to at least two lanes

Here are some of our photos at Sumlang Lake:

Time for some snacks

Looks yummy!

This is how it looks like

Sumlang Lake

Tried out the Sumlang Lake balsa ride

Say cheese

Don't miss out on the little island in the middle of the lake

Time to rest a bit before going back home...

To cap off our 5th-day itinerary, we headed to Sumlang Lake in Camalig. The lake is one of Camalig's newest tourist attractions. Sumlang Lake is famous for its "balsa" (bamboo raft) ride around the lake. This place is also one of those places to best view Mayon Volcano on a clear day. My family did not waste the opportunity to ride the balsa and have that photoshoot with the volcano as our backdrop. We also tried some of the snacks available here to complete our Sumlang Lake experience. 

The road back home

After enjoying the view and food at Sumlang Lake, we drove back to my father's residence in Camalig. There, we had our dinner before calling it a day which of course officially ends our 5th day of adventure in the Bicol Region. 

Overall, today's activities brought back memories of our 2014 road trip to the region but at the same time creating great new memories which we'd look back to again when we revisit the region again (soon).

Read more:

• Albay Park and Wildlife
• Cagsawa Ruins 
• Sumlang Lake

Previous: Day 4
Next: Day 6