Nature Experiences in Bicol - Philippines

The Bicol Region occupies the south eastern part of Luzon and stretches towards the Pacific Ocean for more than 160 miles from Camarines Norte in the northwest up to Sorsogon in the south west. This peninsula offers one of the best nature experiences in Luzon, with white sand beaches surrounding the shores and caves, mountains and waterfalls scattering throughout the landscape. If you enjoy nature, then Bicol is the place to visit. Outlined below are the Top 5 Nature Experiences in Bicol-Philippines:

Mt. Mayon

Mt. Mayon towers over the Legazpi landscape, a 2, 426 meter majestic volcano. Many an adventurous mountaineers have dared to scale the slopes of this still active volcano. Tourists and mountaineers alike makes a special trip to Bicol to view and climb this perfectly shaped mountain, which makes it one of our Top 5 Nature Experiences in Bicol-Philippines. For tourist, one can either stop by at the Mayon Volcano National Park at the foot of the mountain or climb a third of the way up at the Mayon Rest house and the PHILVOCS Observatory and Museum. Climbers can get in touch with an expert guide from the Mayon Mountaineers through the Department of Tourism. They will wade through talahib (a kind of native grass with razor sharp edges) grasslands and forests and brave rocky borders which may be dislodged by a careless footing. However, the breathtaking view makes it worth the climb.

Mt. Isarog

Mt. Isarog is known as one of the little sisters of Mt. Mayon. Mt. Isarog is dubbed as the Vulcan de Agua with 16 major rivers which provides water and irrigation for the outlying towns. The mountain is home to an array of flora and fauna. It is a home for about 143 species of birds, mammals, reptiles and 1300 species of plants. Endemic to this place is the Isarog striped shrew rat, Philippine deer, monkeys, rafflessia- the largest flower in the world, and a variety of mushrooms and insects. At the summit, one can see Mt. Mayon in the distance and the green plains of the towns and barrios. Mt. Isarog, with its abundance of natural wonders deserves a spot in the Top 5 Nature Experiences in Bicol-Philippines.

Calabidongan Caves

The Calabidongan Caves is located 2 km from Hoyop-Hoyopan Caves. It has an enchanting grotto-like formation inside and an underground stream. The cave is also known as the Cave of the Bats because of the bats who had made its home. Various artifacts believed to be 4,000 years old, such as beadwork, pottery and human bones have been found inside the cave. These artifacts can be viewed at the nearby Camalig Church.

Sogod Beach

Sogod Beach is the most popular beach in the Bicol Region. Offering white sand beaches and azure blue waters. Any tourist can enjoy a variety of water sports, such as swimming, surfing and snorkeling or just simply pick sea shells and build sand castles along the shore.

Bulusan Lake

Bulusan Lake is located at the center of the Bulusan National Park. The area was first designated as a National Park in 1935 and then as a Natural Park in 2000. The surrounding forest around Lake Bulusan is home to a number of butterfly and bird species and to approximately 41 species of trees. Because of its other-worldly beauty, it has been dubbed as the Switzerland of the Orient.