Wednesday, August 29, 2012

Jovellar, Albay


The town of Jovellar is located in the province of Albay, Bicol Region. Jovellar major industry is agriculture. There are some nice destinations in Jovellar but majority of those are undeveloped. Some of the destinations to visit in Jovellar are the Naglaus Underground River in Barangay Del Rosario and the Quitinday Falls.

Entrance to Naglaus Underground River

Jovellar Church

Public Market

Naglaus Underground River

How to get to Jovellar:

By Plane:

Cebu Pacific, Air Philippines and Zest Airways have several daily flights to Legazpi Airport. From Legazpi Airport, you can ride a taxi or a tricycle to the central terminal. From the central terminal, ride a van or a bus bound for Naga City, and then get off at crossing Guinobatan. The travel time from Legazpi City to Guinobatan crossing is about 30 to 45 minutes.  From Crossing Guinobatan or Guinobatan junction, ride a tricycle and tell the driver to drop you off at Jovellar-bound jeepney terminal near the public market.  The travel time is 5 to 10 minutes. From that terminal, ride a jeepney to Jovellar. The travel time from Guinobatan to Jovellar is 30 to 45 minutes.

You can also ride a jeepney from Legazpi City to Guinobatan town proper. And then look for the Jovellar-bound jeepney terminal located near the Guinobatan public market.

By Bus:

From Manila, there are several buses bound for Bicol region. Ride a bus that is bound for Bulan, Matnog or Legazpi City and tell the driver to drop you off at Guinobatan junction or crossing. There are a number of bus terminals in Cubao, Quezon City, that have buses bound for Bulan, Matnog, and Legazpi City. There are also bus terminals in Pasay City, near Pasay Rotonda. The usual travel time from Metro Manila to Guinobatan is 10 to 12 hours. From Crossing Guinobatan or Guinobatan junction, ride a tricycle and tell the driver to drop you off at Jovellar-bound jeepney terminal near the public market.  The travel time is 5 to 10 minutes. From that terminal, ride a jeepney to Jovellar. The travel time from Guinobatan to Jovellar is 30 to 45 minutes.

By Train:

The PNR has a regular train schedule for the Manila-Ligao City route. The train departs at Tutuban Station in Manila every 6pm and arrives at Ligao City at around 6am the next day. The usual travel time is 10 to 12 hours. From Ligao City, ride a bus or a jeepney that is bound for Legazpi City or Daraga City and tell the driver to drop you off at Guinobatan junction, and then from Guinobatan junction, ride a tricycle to downtown Guinobatan. The travel time from Ligao City to Guinobatan is 20 to 30 minutes.  And then at downtown Guinobatan, ride a jeepney to Jovellar. The travel time is 30 to 45 minutes.


Additional Link:


Tuesday, August 28, 2012

Castilla, Sorsogon Province


Castilla is a town located in the province of Sorsogon, Bicol Region. The town is the neighboring town of Sorsogon City, the capital of Sorsogon province. Castilla is a small town facing the Sorsogon Bay and one of the livelihoods in the town is related to the fishing industry. A famous tourist destination in Castilla is the Malawmawan Island, a private island located just a few minutes boat ride from Barangay Macalaya.

Malawmawan Island located in Barangay Macalaya, Castilla

Malawmawan Island located in Barangay Macalaya, Castilla

Malawmawan Island located in Barangay Macalaya, Castilla

How to get to Castilla:

By Plane:

Cebu Pacific, Air Philippines and Zest Airways have several daily flights to Legazpi Airport. From Legazpi Airport, you can ride a taxi or a tricycle to the central terminal. From the central terminal, you can ride a van or a bus bound for Sorsogon City, and then get off at the junction going to Castilla town proper.  The travel time from Legazpi City to Castilla junction is about 1.5 hours to 2 hours. From Castilla junction, ride a tricycle bound for downtown Castilla. The travel time from Castilla junction to downtown Castilla is 15 to 20 minutes.

By Bus:

From Manila, there are several buses bound for Bicol region. Ride a bus that is bound for Bulan or Matnog and tell the driver to drop you off at Castilla junction. There are a number of bus terminals in Cubao, Quezon City, that have buses bound for Bulan and Matnog. There are also bus terminals in Pasay City, near Pasay Rotonda. The usual travel time from Metro Manila to Castilla is 10 to 14 hours.

By Train:

The PNR has a regular train schedule for the Manila-Ligao City route. The train departs at Tutuban Station in Manila every 6pm and arrives at Ligao City at around 6am the next day. The usual travel time is 10 to 12 hours. From Ligao City, ride a bus that is bound for Matnog or Bulan and tell the driver to drop you off at Castilla junction, and then from Castilla junction, ride a tricycle to downtown Castilla. The travel time from Ligao City to Castilla is 2.5 to 3.5 hours. From Ligao City, you can also ride a jeepney bound for Daraga City, and from Daraga City, ride a bus bound for Sorsogon City and then get off at Castilla junction, and then ride a tricycle to downtown Castilla. The travel time from Ligao City to Daraga City is 45 minutes to 1 hour. The travel time from Daraga City to Castilla is 1.5 to 2 hours.


Additional Link:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Castilla,_Sorsogon


Wednesday, August 15, 2012

Bombon, Camarines Sur


The Municipality of Bombon is located in the province of Camarines Sur in the Bicol Region. Bombon is located north of Naga City and it is a 20 minute jeepney ride from Naga City Northbound Terminal. The town is famous for its Leaning Bell Tower and its old town church. The other tourist destination in the town of Bombon is the Casa Ofelia Resort located in Barangay Siembre, at the foot of the majestic Mt. Isarog.

Municipal Hall of Bombon

Casa Ofelia Resort. Photos from  http://www.casaofelia.com/

Bombon Church and its Leaning Bell Tower

How to get to Bombon:

By Plane:

Cebu Pacific and Air Philippines have several daily flights to Naga Airport. From Naga Airport, located in the town of Pili, you can ride a bus, jeepney or a taxi bound for Naga City. The airport is about 15 to 30 minutes ride to Naga City. If you’ll be commuting to Naga City from the airport, then ride a pedicab going to the national highway, that’s about 5 to 10 minutes ride, the fare is 10 pesos. From the highway, there are a lot of jeepneys and buses bound for Naga City and you can choose what mode of transportation you want. For buses, the travel time is 20 to 30 minutes and the fare is 10 pesos. And then when you arrive in Naga City, ride a tricycle and tell the driver to bring you to Northbound Jeepney Terminal. The travel time from Naga City centro to Northbound terminal is 5 to 10 minutes. From that terminal, ride a jeepney bound for Calabanga or Tinambac and then get off at Bombon. The travel time from Naga Northbound Terminal to downtown Bombon  is 20 to 25 minutes.

By Bus:

From Manila, there are several buses bound to Bicol region. Ride a bus going to Naga City. There are a number of bus terminals in Cubao, Quezon City, that have buses bound for Naga City. There are also bus terminals in Pasay City, near Pasay Rotonda. The usual travel time from Metro Manila to Naga City is 8 to 10 hours. The fare ranges from 500 to 1200 pesos for air-conditioned buses and 350 to 500 pesos for non-airconditioned buses.

Upon arrival at the Naga City Bus Terminal, ride a tricycle going to centro and then from centro ride another tricycle and tell the driver to bring you to Northbound Terminal. The regular tricycle fare in Naga City is 8 pesos. You also have that option to rent a tricycle from bus terminal to Northbound Terminal so that you don't need to transfer to another tricycle at Naga centro. The usual special fare for tricycle is 30 to 50 pesos. It's a 15 minute tricycle ride from Bus Terminal to Northbound Jeepney Terminal. From that terminal, ride a jeepney bound for Calabanga or Tinambac and then get off at Bombon. The travel time from Naga Northbound Terminal to downtown Bombon  is 20 to 25 minutes.

By Train:

The PNR has a daily train schedule for the Manila-Naga City route. The train departs at Tutuban Station in Manila every 6pm and 8:30pm and arrives at Naga City at around 4am the next day. The usual travel time is 10 to 12 hours. In Naga City, the train departs for Manila at around 6pm and 8:30pm also. Upon arrival at PNR Naga City Station, ride a tricycle bound for centro and then from centro, ride another tricycle bound for Northbound terminal. Regular fare is 8 pesos. You can also rent a tricycle from PNR Naga to Northbound Jeepney Terminal. The usual special fare is 30 to 50 pesos. The travel time is 15 minutes. From that terminal, ride a jeepney bound for Calabanga or Tinambac and then get off at Bombon. The travel time from Naga Northbound Terminal to downtown Bombon  is 20 to 25 minutes.


Additional Link:

Tuesday, August 14, 2012

Magarao, Camarines Sur


Magarao is a town located in the province of Camarines Sur, Bicol Region. The town is about 15 minute drive from Naga City. The town is famous for its parahilot. Individuals visiting Magarao seeks relief or cure for their body aches and pains, specifically “lapo” or dislocated bones and joints. The "hilot" service has been the livelihood of town-folks in Magarao, and because of this, the town is called as the "Hilot Capital of Camarines Sur."

Magarao Church

Magarao Town Hall

Magarao Park

The Wellness Center of Magarao



Pechelito's Place Resort




How to get to Magarao:

By Plane:

Cebu Pacific and Air Philippines have several daily flights to Naga Airport. From Naga Airport, located in the town of Pili, you can ride a bus, jeepney or a taxi bound for Naga City. The airport is about 15 to 30 minutes ride to Naga City. If you’ll be commuting to Naga City from the airport, then ride a pedicab going to the national highway, that’s about 5 to 10 minutes ride, the fare is 10 pesos. From the highway, there are a lot of jeepneys and buses bound for Naga City and you can choose what mode of transportation you want. For buses, the travel time is 20 to 30 minutes and the fare is 10 pesos. And then when you arrive in Naga City, ride a tricycle and tell the driver to bring you to Northbound Jeepney Terminal. The travel time from Naga City centro to Northbound terminal is 5 to 10 minutes. From that terminal, ride a jeepney with Magarao signboard. The travel time from Naga Northbound Terminal to downtown Magarao is 15 to 25 minutes.

By Bus:

From Manila, there are several buses bound to Bicol region. Ride a bus going to Naga City. There are a number of bus terminals in Cubao, Quezon City, that have buses bound for Naga City. There are also bus terminals in Pasay City, near Pasay Rotonda. The usual travel time from Metro Manila to Naga City is 8 to 10 hours. The fare ranges from 500 to 1200 pesos for air-conditioned buses and 350 to 500 pesos for non-airconditioned buses.

Upon arrival at the Naga City Bus Terminal, ride a tricycle going to centro and then from centro ride another tricycle and tell the driver to bring you to Northbound Terminal. The regular tricycle fare in Naga City is 8 pesos. You also have that option to rent a tricycle from bus terminal to Northbound Terminal so that you don't need to transfer to another tricycle at Naga centro. The usual special fare for tricycle is 30 to 50 pesos. It's a 15 minute tricycle ride from Bus Terminal to Northbound Jeepney Terminal. From Northbound terminal, ride a jeepney with Magarao signboard. The travel time from Naga Northbound Terminal to downtown Magarao is 15 to 25 minutes.

By Train:

The PNR has a daily train schedule for the Manila-Naga City route. The train departs at Tutuban Station in Manila every 6pm and 8:30pm and arrives at Naga City at around 4am the next day. The usual travel time is 10 to 12 hours. In Naga City, the train departs for Manila at around 6pm and 8:30pm also. Upon arrival at PNR Naga City Station, ride a tricycle bound for centro and then from centro, ride another tricycle bound for Northbound terminal. Regular fare is 8 pesos. You can also rent a tricycle from PNR Naga to Northbound Jeepney Terminal. The usual special fare is 30 to 50 pesos. The travel time is 15 minutes. From Northbound terminal, ride a jeepney with Magarao signboard. The travel time from Naga Northbound Terminal to downtown Magarao is 15 to 25 minutes.


Additional Link:

Sunday, August 5, 2012

Baao, Camarines Sur

Baao is a municipality located in the 5th district of Camarines Sur province. Baao town is in Bicol Region. This town is famous for being the birth place of Bishop Jorge Barlin, the first Filipino bishop. There are only few destinations to visit in Baao because this town is mainly an agricultural town, however, this town is full of history. Baao is one of the oldest towns in the Philippines. Some of the notable people who were born in this town are Bishop Jorge Barlin, Luis Dato and Senator Joker Arroyo.

Baao Church



Baao Recreation Center/Resort

Bishop Jorge Barlin Monument


Sta. Monica Academy

Bishop Jorge Barlin Birthplace marker

Emelie Hotel

Luis Dato monument


How to get to Baao:

By Plane:

Cebu Pacific and Air Philippines have several daily flights to Naga Airport, which is locally known in Bicol as Pili Airport. From Naga Airport, located in the town of Pili, you can ride a bus or a taxi bound for Iriga or Legazpi City and then get off at Baao. The town is about 45 minutes to 1 hour ride from the airport. The bus fare from Pili to Baao is 20 pesos. If you’re coming from Naga or Pili, you will be passing the forked road in Baao town going to downtown Baao and Iriga City. Just after the railroad crossing, turn left going to Iriga City, because if you turn right, that’s the road going to Nabua and Legazpi City.

By Bus:

From Manila, there are several buses bound to Bicol region. Ride a bus that is bound for Iriga City or Legazpi City and then get off at Baao.  If you’ll be riding a bus bound for Legazpi City or Tabaco City, be sure to ask the driver or the conductor if the bus will pass by downtown Baao because some buses will not pass downtown Baao and will just use the diversion road at Nabua town. The usual travel time from Metro Manila to Baao is 8 to 10 hours. There are a number of bus terminals in Cubao, Quezon City, that have buses bound for Iriga City, Legazpi City and Tabaco City. There are also bus terminals in Pasay City, near Pasay Rotonda.

By Train:

The PNR has a regular train schedule for the Manila-Ligao City route. The train departs at Tutuban Station in Manila every 6pm and 8:30pm and arrives at Ligao City at around 6am the next day. Ride the train and get off at Baao. The last station is Ligao City station which is 45 minutes away from Iriga City so be sure to get off at Baao. The usual travel time is 10 to 12 hours.

Additional Link:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baao,_Camarines_Sur