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Bicol
Bicol: The Great Region of The Bicolanos
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When we talk about Bicol, we are talking about a big portion of the Philippines – an entire region indeed – a diverse kaleidoscope of landscapes, seas and cultural influences.
Bicol Region is located at the southern-most tip of the Luzon Island, the biggest island of the Philippines (and the 15th in the world as well). This big territory is divided into 6 Provinces: Catanduanes, Masbate, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Albay and Sorsogon.
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Bicolanos mainly speak Bikol with around 2 million speakers. Though in Masbate and Sorsogon Provinces it is already mixed with the Visayas language, due to proximity with the Visayan Region. In addition to Bikol, many Bicolanos are also fluent in Filipino and English. Bicolanos were influenced by Spanish and American cultures as well as Catholic doctrines, a connection with the traditional beliefs still resist nowadays. That’s why experiencing Bicol you will witness also a multicultural and diverse context.
The Queen of Bicol? Mayon Volcano
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Green plains, rolling hills, intricated bays and gulfs are alternated by multiple volcan cones. Among these, the Mayon Volcano undoubtedly is the queen of the region and the most famous volcano of the Philippines.
This huge active stratovolcano is widely visible from most of the provinces with its mutable beauty, changing depending on your point of view, on the weather state or the part of the day. With its strength it shaped the history of the place, it created fertile lands and destroyed old manufacts as well. No wonder it has been always looked at as a divinity by the locals.
The fun ATV activities at the foot of Mayon are an iconic attraction you would easily spot while searching for Bicol on the Internet, yet don’t miss also the opportunity to trek on the slopes of Mayon volcano, getting nearer to the summit and experiencing the quiet and lush vegetation until you reach the lava trails. A not-to-miss spot are the Cagsawa Ruins, the remnants of a XVI Century church destroyed by the volcano during an eruption in 1814.
The Famous Cuisine of Bicol
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Another renowned star is the local cuisine, indeed one of the most renowned cuisines of the Philippines. Bicol is often associated with chillies as the local cuisine is notably spicy and definitely spicier than the others of the country. Chili is often used in combination with fresh coconut milk and coconut cream, a combination that creates a distinct and powerful flavour to the local food.
The most famous local recipe is Bicol Express, named after the old train that used to connect this area to Manila and where this pork-based local food was sold to passengers. Another popular recipe is Laing, a delicious dish made with leaves of a root crop. We must also mention pili nuts, an exquisite, specially soft, rich and buttery nut that grows mostly only in this region and that is often sold as “pasalubong” (gift/ souvenir delicacy).
The Seas of Bicol, the Right Place for Ethical Whale Shark Watching in the Philippines
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The area of Bicol is also famous for the possibility of swimming with the whale sharks, the gentle giants of the sea. These animals are especially present in the area of Donsol between the months of November and May. Here, they can be sighted through special boat trips. Compared to other places where this activity is done through feeding the animals, Donsol Whale Shark Watching is done only by searching for these huge fish in the ocean, without attracting them with foods or other tricks. This makes this activity known as the sustainable whale shark watching of the Philippines, as the rules applied in Donsol help doing this wonderful snorkelling activity in a responsible and ethical manner. The sights cannot be 100% guaranteed, however, if done in the right months, chances of encountering the whale sharks in Bicol are very high.
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Speaking of the seas of Bicol, a well-known site is Ticao Island, located in the Masbate Province. This island is known as a great snorkelling and diving site and is populated by colourful fishes, manta rays, turtles and many other creatures. It also features wonderful beaches and the rare sight of a waterfall majestically falling straight into the sea. Other known and charming sea destinations in the region are Caramoan Islands, with their rugged landscape decorated by limestone cliffs or Matnog, with its beautiful beaches – one made of pink sand! – and snorkelling spots.
A Stunning Nature!
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The nature in Bicol is bountiful, refreshing, lush, clean, rich and generous! The adventures never end even in the most hidden spots. In the tiny town of Jovellar you can find an underground river that flows through a cave and that you can go through using a raft, a truly fun adventure.
Through a calm and relaxed boat trip on Donsol River you can observe the spectacle of fireflies roaming around the mangrove trees. In Sumlang Lake, you can have a gentle kayak trip while admiring Mayon Volcano.
And there are so many more things to do in Bicol, just experience and discover them yourself!
When and How To Visit Bicol
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Bicol is definitely one of the best off-the-beaten track destinations in the Philippines, ideal for those searching for adventure and a genuine experience.
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The best time to visit Bicol is between December to May: this season is calmer and with less rains compared to other months. As much as we stress that the Philippines can be visited well also during the rainy seasons, this particular region faces the Pacific Ocean and it is on the common track of storms and typhoons that typically form more frequently during the rainy season. If you want to visit Bicol during the rainy season, you can do that too, just be prepared with some flexibility and willingness to adapt.
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The fastest way to reach Bicol is getting a short flight from Manila to Legazpi or Naga. If you fancy visit these places and want a tour of the Philippines including Bicol, find out more on our “Tour E” here!
