The province of Albay has drawn tourists since time immemorial because of the stunning Mt.Mayon. And Legazpi is the gateway to many adventures and natural attractions in the region. Despite being a popular tourist destination in the Philippines, its colossal pastoral land still gives it a chilled-out and countryside vibe. And whether you are seeking for mountains, rivers, water falls, beaches, food, or adventure, Albay has it for you.
Legazpi and Albay’s more relaxed travel requirements makes it easier to visit compared to other places and provinces in the Philippines. So, to help you plan your trip in this province, here’s a list of Legazpi and Albay travel requirements. I also included a sample Legazpi/Albay itinerary below, list of affordable accommodations, and directions to get there and get around.
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Legazpi Travel Requirements for FULLY VACCINATED TOURISTS
For fully vaccinated tourist traveling to Legazpi and Albay, before boarding your flight or bus, you must present:
1.Valid ID
2.Vaccination Card
Legazpi Travel Requirements for UNVACCINATED OR PARTIALLY VACCINATED TOURISTS
For unvaccinated and partially vaccinated tourist visiting Legazpi and Albay, before boarding your flight or bus, you must present:
1.Valid ID
2.Negative Anti-gen result (including children). Must be taken from any DOH-accredited laboratories within 48 hours.
Important: Though not listed on the Legazpi/Albay Travel requirements Upon arrival at Legazpi/Bicol International Airport, you will be asked if you registered on Traze App, if you didn’t, you can just fill out the arrival form. I tried to registered at Traze App, but for some reason, it wasn’t working in the end, so, I ended up filling out the form.
(photo by Ria Baldo)
HOW TO GET TO LEGAZPI/ALBAY:
BY AIR
The preferred way to get to Legazpi and Albay is by traveling by air. There are daily flights to Legazpi via Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific. Travel time is approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes.
Upon arrival at the Bicol International Airport (Legazpi Airport), you can take a shuttle van to downtown Legazpi.
- Manila to Legazpi Flight: RESERVE HERE
BY BUS
You can also take a bus from Manila to Legazpi. There are several buses with daily trips to Legazpi such as Philtranco, Raymond Bus, DLTB, Penafrancia. You can ride them at Paranaque Integrated Terminal Exhange (PITX) and Araneta Center Bus Terminal in Cubao, Quezon City. Travel time is approximately 12 hours. Fare starts at around ₱1,076 ($21).
- Manila to Legazpi Bus: RESERVE HERE
BY PRIVATE VEHICLE
You can also travel by private car or van from Manila to Legazpi or any point in Luzon. If coming from Metro Manila, travel time or roughly 10 to 11 hours depending on traffic and where you are coming from. Refer to Google Maps for direction.
GETTING AROUND LEGAZPI/ALBAY
There are many public vehicles in Legazpi, you can use them to get around.
- Jeepneys – A cheap way to get around Legapi and Albay. However, you need to know the routes to avoid riding the wrong one. You can read the route painted on the side of the jeepney and ask the driver to make sure it’ll pass by your destination.
- Tricycles – There’s an abundance of tricycle in Legazpi city center that can take your directly to your destination. Rate depends on the distance of your destination. Always ask and negotiate the price before hopping in. Tricycle drivers in Legazpi are notorious for overcharging tourists. You can also charter a tricycle to Bicol International Airport in case you miss the shuttle van
- Taxi – Taxis are available in Legazpi, always tell the driver to use the meter. You can also charter a taxi for a day tour. Negotiate the price and discuss your itinerary and destination before hopping in.
LEGAZPI TOUR PACKAGE
(Sumlang Lake photo by Ria Baldo)
When visiting Legazpi or Albay, you can join group tours for convenience and book tours in advance to reserve a slot. Here’s some of the recommended tours in the province.
Mount Mayon ATV Experience: RESERVE HERE
Sumlang Lake Tour in Albay: BOOK HERE
WHERE TO STAY IN LEGAZPI/ALBAY
Legazpi City Center Hotels
- Josephine’s Bunker
- Location: Washington Drive, Legazpi City
- CHECK RATES HERE or BOOK HERE
- Risser Residences
- Location: Washington Drive, Legazpi City
- CHECK RATES HERE
- Golite Hostel – Washington
- Location: Washington Drive, Legazpi City
- RESERVE HERE or BOOK HERE
- Anne Ville 1
- Location: Legazpi City
- CHECK RATES HERE
- Casa Roces Bed and Breakfast
- Location: Legazpi City
- CHECK RATES HERE
- Hotel St.Ellis
- Location: Legazpi City
- RESERVE HERE or BOOK HERE
- Hotel Venezia
- Location: Legazpi City
- RESERVE HERE
Daraga Hotels
- FJ Manila Hotel
- Location: Daraga (near Cagsawa Ruins)
- CHECK RATES HERE or RESERVE HERE
- Mayon Lodging House
- Location: Daraga (near Cagsawa Ruins)
- CHECK RATES HERE or RESERVE HERE
LEGAZPI/ALBAY ITINERARY
Here’s a sample Legazpi/Albay itinerary, prefect for a weekend getaway or a long weekend vacation. I’ll blog a detail Legazpi Itinerary soon, but here’s a quick list to give you an idea.
| DAY 1 |
| Arrival in Legazpi |
| Hotel check-in |
| Lunch |
| Cagsawa Ruins |
| Mt.Mayon ATV Ride |
| Daraga Church |
| Lignon Hill |
| Legazpi Boulevard |
| Embarcadero |
| DAY 2 |
| Sumlang Lake Tour |
| Quitanday Falls and Underground River |
| Quitanday Hills |
| Albay Park and Wildlife |
| Back to Legazpi |
| Hotel Check-out |
ALSO READ: LEGAZPI TRAVEL GUIDE + BUDGET ITINERARY
If you have more time and budget you can include island hopping in Albay on Day 3 or do it on Day 2. Alternatively, you can also proceed to Sorsogon, which has pretty good white beaches. The rate of the island hopping in Albay depends on the boat capacity of number of islands to visit. Leave Legazpi early so you can start the activity early.
| DAY 3 |
| Proceed to Tabaco, Albay |
| Albay Island Hopping |
| -Vanishing Island (Wara-Wara Island) |
| -Pinamuntugan Island |
| -Maliktay |
| -Guinanayan Island |
| -San Miguel Island |
| Back to Legazpi |
| DAY 4 |
| Departure |
Travel Tips and Reminder
- Smoking is prohibited in public places in Legazpi, including malls, parks, and government offices.
- Ibalong Festival is celebrated in August.
