Solong Eco-Park - Albay

Located at Barangay Solong, Camalig in the province of Albay, Solong Eco-Park is one of the newest tourist destinations in Camalig.
Solong Eco-Park

Solong Eco-Park History

The 6.5-hectare Solong Eco-Park opened to the public on April 29, 2017. It's known for outdoor activities like the hill trek and spelunking inside Crystal Cave. Although these activities seem to target the energetic youth, it's actually suited for explorers of any age. The 10-15-minute hike up its hill is made easy by the old car tires that were installed as improvised steps. Aside from that, the cool fresh air and the soothing sound of the breeze, and the melodious songs of the birds relax one's mind and body. That's why I was not surprised when my mom who's not the outdoorsy type successfully hiked the said hill. 
Road to Solong Eco-Park

Welcome to Solong Eco-Park

Don't miss out on the chance to take pictures with the giant letter standees!

Going up the hill!

Halfway there!

Almost there!

The path to the left leads to the hill and the one on the right to Crystal Cave.

Can you guess what we chose?

From the top of the hill, visitors can take a breather at the rest area. They can also order some refreshments and snacks in the mini-store that's situated there. Once the visitors are ready, they may choose to go cave spelunking or continue hiking up the highest point of the hill. 
Heading to Crystal Cave.

Crystal Cave entrance

Crystal Cave - Solong Eco-Park
Mustering her courage to go into the cave

Inside the Solong Eco-Park's Crystal Cave

The guide showed us some "crystals" inside the cave

 In our case, we chose to explore Crystal Cave (aka Solong Cave) first. To get there, we had to do a 5-minute descent on the other side of the hill. Like our trek up, the trail down was made easier by the old car tire steps. Once we reached the cave opening, the young local guides who were stationed there gave us a "hugot-filled" briefing (Filipino readers would get what this means) about the rules when spelunking inside the cave. The simple rule was, follow the guide at all times and never touch the stone formations inside. The explorable area in the cave for tourists was 250 meters but if you brought your kid along, like me, you'd only be allowed to explore 50 meters and be ushered back out by another guide. 
Next stop... the hill with the 360-degree panoramic view of Camalig

Almost there...

Team Nicerio in Solong Eco-Park:


Team Nicerio visits Solong Eco-Park 



After the cave spelunking, we had to hike back to the rest area then go for an additional 2-5 minute hike to the highest point of the hill. What I love about this area of Solong Eco Park is its installations. This reminds me of those similar installations found in Bali, Indonesia. These add up to the composition of photos for our social media accounts. After the photo-shoot, we got to rest in the open-air hut on the top of the hill. This hut offers a 360-degree view of the eco-park and its surrounding hills. If you're lucky, you'd get to see Mayon Volcano if it's not hiding behind the clouds.
Time to go back down.

Heading back to the jump-off point

Back to the large, I LOVE SOLONG ECO PARK standee

Gotta rest a bit after all those adventures

Tea making with Ms. Beth Marino

Blue ternate tea... Before and after adding calamansi (Philippine lime)

Other things to check out in Solong Eco-Park is the mini hanging bridge and the bee farm. Also, don't forget to take a photo with the giant "I LOVE SOLONG ECO PARK" standee near the entrance of the park. If you happen to visit during lunchtime, you may opt to try their dishes as well. 

Other things to see in Solong Eco-Park:

Mini hanging bridge of Solong Eco Park

one of the bee houses in the Bee Farm 

These are probably native bees...

The road back home...

I got the chance to visit Solong Eco-Park during the 3rd day of our 2019 Bicol Road Trip. 

Solong Eco-Park Entrance Fee

The Entrance Fee for Solong Eco-Park is 40 pesos per person.

Solong Eco-Park Opening Hour:

Solong Eco-Park is open 24 hours a day.

Why visit Solong Eco-Park?

Solong Eco-Park is a highly suggested destination for those who are planning to visit Albay particularly the town of Camalig. Solong Eco-Park is a destination that offers an overall package of adventure. There's a mix of cave spelunking and hiking for visitors that's worth the 40 pesos entrance fee.

Getting to Solong Eco-Park:


From Manila, ride a bus bound for Legazpi City in the province of Albay. Tell the conductor to drop you off at Camalig town proper. From there, you can rent a tricycle that will bring you to Solong Eco- Park and bring you back to the town proper after. The rate goes from 300 - 400 pesos. 

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Location: Camalig, Albay, Philippines

Comments

  1. ReneeJanuary 16, 2020 at 12:48 AM

    Beautiful pictures! That looks like so much fun

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Neil Alvin NicerioJanuary 16, 2020 at 9:24 AM

      Thanks Renee! A visit to Solong Eco-Park is really enjoyable. Please do come visit.

      Delete
  2. Cyndi BuchananJanuary 16, 2020 at 1:44 AM

    What a cool place! I especially love checking out caves.

    ReplyDelete
  3. DebbythechocoholicJanuary 16, 2020 at 4:41 AM

    The Christal Cave seems like such a wonderful experience

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Neil Alvin NicerioJanuary 16, 2020 at 9:26 AM

      It was. Sadly, I only managed to check out 50 meters of it.

      Delete
  4. Anita WearJanuary 16, 2020 at 6:38 AM

    What a nice looking park. So much to do!

    ReplyDelete
  5. MybeautifulcrazyworldJanuary 16, 2020 at 12:42 PM

    We love exploring caves and taking new adventures. Looks so fun..another addition to my bucket list!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Neil Alvin NicerioFebruary 26, 2020 at 10:02 AM

      Thanks so much! I do hope you get to visit Solong Eco Park someday.

      Delete
  6. UnknownJanuary 16, 2020 at 11:14 PM

    Love the photos! Looks like a fun time :)

    ReplyDelete
  7. Fransic VersoJanuary 17, 2020 at 12:25 AM

    This park is awesome and fun to visit. I like the eggy thing in the picture haha. you guys looks nice.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Neil Alvin NicerioFebruary 26, 2020 at 10:03 AM

      Thanks Fransic. =) This place is perfect for Instagram photos

      Delete
  8. Luna MoonJanuary 17, 2020 at 12:31 AM

    Absolutely stunning display of nature, this park looks amazing to explore and that cave is pretty neat as well. Thanks for sharing these photos with us, I loved looking at them and learning about this park.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Neil Alvin NicerioFebruary 5, 2021 at 2:33 PM

      Thank you so much Burning Moon. I wish you do visit Solong Eco Park after this pandemic.

      Delete
  9. JoannaJanuary 17, 2020 at 4:52 AM

    The park seems perfect for a day out in the nature. I like that they have created all those beautiful photo props, so that people can post on Instagram and promote the eco park.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Neil Alvin NicerioFebruary 26, 2020 at 10:04 AM

      That's correct Joanna. I think they are promoting it that way to the younger generation.

      Delete
  10. aisasamiJanuary 17, 2020 at 10:23 PM

    What a wonderful place to enjoy nature with the kids. The trail doesn't look to hard for kids.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Neil Alvin NicerioFebruary 26, 2020 at 10:05 AM

      It's not that hard but it could still be challenging to some. =)

      Delete
  11. UnknownJanuary 18, 2020 at 12:16 AM

    love this share i will go with my husband there to enjoy

    ReplyDelete
  12. Marjie MareJanuary 18, 2020 at 12:17 AM

    All the pictures are so beautiful and make me want to go there. Thanks for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  13. JanayJanuary 18, 2020 at 6:52 AM

    Omg I love all of these photos. This looks so fun

    ReplyDelete
  14. JHCOJanuary 18, 2020 at 7:18 AM

    Awesome post keep up the good work

    ReplyDelete
  15. LilyJanuary 18, 2020 at 4:21 PM

    Wow this is a beautiful park. Its colorful and has some fun elements in the park to make it memorable!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Neil Alvin NicerioJanuary 20, 2020 at 10:17 AM

      I agree with you Lily! Solong Eco-Park seems to have it all; a cave, a hill, a bee farm... truly an amazing place. I can't wait to come back and visit it.

      Delete

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