Reasons to Visit Bicol - Philippines

Bicol is an interesting yet often ignored province that can yield so much if you would just give the place a chance. It has different points of interest ideal for different kinds or travelers and we are going to let you experience the goodness of Bicol right here right now. Get to know Bicol through the list of the top 5 reasons to visit Bicol Philippines.

The Express to Bicol

The famous Filipino dish Bicol Express is on the top 5 reasons to visit Bicol Philippines because it is one of the most popular foods in the entire Philippines. This delicious dish has made it from a regional dish to a national favorite and it is basically a pork dish with coconut cream. This dish does not only have common ingredients, but also special spices that you can only get in the Philippines like Dilao which is pure turmeric. The Bicol Express also has the special Filipino Bagoong Alamang which means shrimp paste translated as an ingredient.

Rodeo Filipino

Rodeos are not only famous in the US, but also in the Bicol region which is actually the only region in the Philippines that has a rodeo festival. Since Masbate in Bicol is a major cattle producer, the annual rodeo events are part and parcel of the cattle business which catapults the rodeo shows into the top 5 reasons to visit Bicol - Philippines. You can witness bull riding, Carabao races and steer wrestling. The rodeo events are part of the bigger Masbate Livestock Week in which you will also be able to visit the agriculture livestock fair.

Festival of the Pineapple

Camarines Norte is not only the major pineapple producer in the Bicol region, but its citizen also love to celebrate to honor this fruit. The pineapple made it into the list of the top 5 reasons to visit Bicol Philippines, because you do not want to miss the famous Pineapple festival where everybody and anybody can dress up as a giant pineapple to celebrate this major agricultural product. The celebration includes trade fairs, dances, street presentations, and a demonstration on pineapple food processing.

Volcano of the Bicol Region

Another reason on the top 5 reasons to visit Bicol Philippines is the great Mayon volcano that stands at almost 8,000 ft in the Albay province of Bicol. The Mayon volcano is dubbed as the nearly perfect cone of the world. The base of the Mayon volcano runs a 10 km radius and the crater has a radius of 500 meters. This volcano is the most active volcano in the Philippine archipelago, so you should take care while getting close to this giant stratovolcano.

Diving and Swimming with the Whalesharks

The Whaleshark season is from February to May every year, so you got to book ahead of time if you want a chance to swim or dive with a Whaleshark. The number one experience is one you will never forget thus ending up on the top 5 reasons to visit Bicol Philippines. The whalesharks are relatively close to the surface which enables you to simply swim or snorkel with them. Make sure you bring your underwater camera because this will be an unforgettable experience that most of your friends and family might not believe until they see it.