10 Best Tourist Spots in Albay

Albay is a province in the Philippines located in Bicol Region in Luzon speckled with remarkable tourist spots. The major spotlights in the travel and tourism of the province are focused on its world-renowned sightseeing destinations and luxury resorts. The beautiful mountain peaks, green hills, waterfalls, nature parks and pristine islands are among list of tourist attractions the province is proud of.

The province of Albay is bordered Camarines Sur (north), Sorsogon (south), Lagonoy Gulf (northeast) and Burias Pass (southwest). Approximately 1,300,000 total residents speak in Bikol, Filipino and English languages. Legazpi is its capital city.

Planning to visit Albay this year? From backpackers to leisure travelers, there’s always a place to visit for you. Check out the best tourist spots in Albay.

10 Best Tourist Spots in Albay

1. Mount Mayon

Photo courtesy of Winrey Reyes

Mount Mayon is one of the best tourist spots in Albay considered as the world’s perfect conical shape volcano standing 2,463 meters above sea level. It is the most prominent iconic landmark in the entire province since its grandeur can almost be seen anywhere in its cities and towns. Local organizers conduct mountain climbing activities to reach the crater of the active volcano on a 2-day itinerary. ATV tours company nearby offers ATV rides going to the foot of the mountain. Most visitors go to Cagsawa Ruins Park for the best view and take photos of the most photogenic mountain in the county.

Mount Mayon is geographically located in the 8 cities and municipalities of Albay.

2. Misibis Bay

Photo courtesy of Misibis Bay Resort

Photo courtesy of Misibis Bay Resort

Misibis Bay is a very renowned luxury destination in Albay, a 5-hectare high-end island resort. The great architectural designs and top-of-the-line amenities of the resort was built along a kilometer long stretch of golden sand beach. Visitors can enjoy the in-house facilities including pools, spa, activities and fitness center. For water sports activities, go beach swimming, kayaking, banana boat riding, Hobie Cat sailing and jetskiing. For inland adventures, go ATV riding to Cagraray Eco-Park and explore the rolling hills which offers beautiful views of Nag Aso Lake, Mount Mayon and Pacific Ocean. CHECK ROOM RATES HERE

Misibis Bay is perched on the southeastern tip of Cagraray Island, Bacacay, Albay.

3. Sumlang Lake

Photo courtesy of Geoff Buot

Sumlang Lake is the newest most visited tourist spots in Albay. It is a 14-hectare lake where locals discovered that it offers a romantic view of Mount Mayon, since then it was converted into an aco-park and frequented by many tourists. The lake is more of a sightseeing and recreational destination where visitors may rent a floating cottage (bamboo raft) at the center of the lake which offers an extraordinary view of the volcano. Most visitors are couples, families or group of friends to spend time mingling and chit-chatting while on the raft for an hour or more. Afternoon is the best time to visit.

Sumlang Lake is located in the municipality of Camalig, Albay.

4. Vera Falls

Photo courtesy of ronlibramonte

Vera Falls is a beautiful and refreshing waterfalls destination in Alabay. The 25-foot cascading waters flows on the different levels of rock surfaces before it reaches the plunge pool. The falls is being considered as outdoor enthusiast’s paradise since it is surrounded with lush greenery and foliage, alluring deep and turquoise natural pool, and mini falls on the rock walls. It is nested at the foot Mount Malinao but there is an established trail leading to the falls. Upon entering the town going to the falls, visitors may notice the scenic road with great views of the agricultural fields, verdant greenery and mountains.

Vera Falls is situated in the municipality of Malinao, Albay.

5. Ligñon Hill Nature Park

View at the hill | Photo courtesy of Sir Drew Ambrose

Ligñon Hill Nature Park is one of the famous tourist spots in Albay, a noticeable hill standing 156 meters above sea level. The flat surface on top of the hill is converted into a nature park which is a favorite sightseeing and adventure destination among locals and foreign tourists. Its main attraction is the circular deck that gives 360-degree view of Mount Mayon, Legazpi City and Albay Gulf. The sunset is a magnificent sight to behold here and during the night, it offers a beautiful view of the city lights and skyline. Other things to do includes 320-meter zip lining, hiking, biking, rappelling, paint ball and airsoft among others.

Ligñon Hill Nature Park is located in Legazpi City, Albay.

6. Quitinday Green Hills Formation

Photo courtesy of Liz de Jesus Cardano

Quitinday Green Hills Formation is a scattered small green hills in Albay that resembles to that of Bohol’s Chocolate Hills. The approximately 200 hills are covered with verdant green grass and scattered trees, hence the name Green Hills. There are three most-visited peaks that serves as viewing sites of the unusual land formations. Established trail connecting the peaks is noticeable and some nipu huts are erected for visitors to rest. Though ascends and descends requires some fitness, the green environment, amazing views, refreshing wind and hills formation should not be missed by nature wanderers.

Quitinday Green Hills Formation is situated in Camalig, Albay.

7. Tambac Beach

Photo courtesy of Fernando Vallejo Gonzalez

Tambac Beach is a kilometer long beach that lies in the west coasts of Albay, one of the newest booming tourist spots in the province. It features a white sand beach, crystalline waters, lush trees and abundant mangroves which serves as breeding grounds for marine life and birds. Another attraction nearby is a rock formation called Batong Langoyon situated in the middle of the sea. Near it are the best sites for snorkeling and diving since it is abundant in fishes and corals. Going to the rock formation, visitors may aboard a floating cottage being towed by motorboats.

Tambac Beach is located in Sitio Tambac, Maonon, Ligao City, Albay.

8. Pinamuntugan Island

Photo courtesy of Pinamuntugan Island

Pinamuntugan Island is an unspoiled paradise island in Albay, a private island but the owners opened the doors for interested visitors. The island is covered with green trees at its center while its shores have very long stretch of pristine white sand beach, cove, rock formations and turquoise sea water. Its undisturbed sea waters is abundant in different kinds of fish and corals, a great site for snorkeling. The island is open for day visits and overnight camping. Visitors may also enjoy island hopping in the nearby Kabungahan Island, Namanday Island, Guinanayan Island and Kagbulacao Cave.

Pinamuntugan Island is situated in the municipality of Bacacay, Albay.

9. Hoyop-Hoyopan Cave

Photo courtesy of Engr. Juvs

Hoyop-Hoyopan Cave is one of the known tourist spots in Albay. The cave covers a 31.4 square meters of land area and has many entrance and exit points. The numerous openings makes the gentle winds blow inside the cave providing a natural ventilation. “Hoyop” in local dialect means “blowing of air“, hence the name Hoyop-Hoyopan Cave was derived. The exploration of interesting stalactites and stalagmites made easier and convenient for visitors through the development pathways and stairs inside. Based on historical facts, the cave serves as a refugee camp during Japanese occupation and party site during Martial Law.

 Hoyon-Hoyopan Cave is located in Catmon Village, Camalig, Albay.

10. Daraga Church

Photo courtesy of Deanmark Tortosa

Daraga Church is one of the grand churches in Albay constructed on top of a hill with vantage view of splendid Mayon Volcano. The Renaissance Gothic and Mexican Baroque style Roman Catholic Church was built Franciscan Friars on 1773 and it was declared as a National Cultural Treasure of the Philippines. The church was made of volcanic rocks, well-decorated facade and an octagonal bell tower. Rehabilitation works have been done to preserve its cultural and historical significance.

Daraga Church is situated in Daraga, Albay.