Say “Albay”, and “Mayon Volcano” would eventually follow suit. It’s true that the Perfect Cone is hard to ignore when you’re in the province, but take a second and look past it and you’ll find some of the most beautiful destinations in the region. So, go off the beaten path, stray from the hordes of tourists and get to know more of this province with these six less-traveled places.
Pinamuntogan Island
On the edges of the Tabaco Bay lies an islet that goes by the name of Pinamuntogan Island. Sometimes also spelled as Pinamuntugan, this place in Bacacay boasts a length of chalky, cream sands that welcomes clear, blue waters. It’s also fringed with coconut trees and a sprinkling of rock formations. It’s very popular with the locals and is still relatively unheard of to people outside of the region. Come and visit and there’s a good chance you’ll be the only one there.
Vanishing Island
Vanishing Island in Malilipot is a swirl of shoal with white, sparkling sands. This sandbar, known locally as Wara-wara which can be translated as “appearing-disappearing,” is accessible at specific times, particularly when the tide is low. Showcasing fine sands rimmed by the Tabaco Bay’s cobalt waters, Vanishing Island also plays host to a number of floating cottages along its periphery which guests could rent. This sandbar is also near the Pinamuntogan Island—you can tell your boatman to stop by here.
Oras Falls
Often grossly unnoticed by travelers, Tabaco City is popularly considered as a mere gateway to the nearby province of Catanduanes. Yet, this place holds so much more if you just know where to look. Oras, a relatively unknown waterfall, can be found in the upland village. Tucked in a parcel of forest accessible via 15-minute easy trek through a rutted path, the elegant cascade gathers into a circular basin before continuing on to a stream that runs along the barangay. Locals can often be found bathing, even drinking from the tributary since the water is clean and cool.
Quitinday Green Hills
In the quaint town of Camalagi, just about an hour away from the capital Legazpi City, lies what is, perhaps, the province’s best-kept secret: Quitinday Green Hills. This 400-hectare stretch of rolling plains has been compared to Cebu’s Osmeña Peak and Bohol’s Chocolate Hills. Easily reached by a short trek up an established path, Quitinday Green Hills affords a picturesque view—arguably one of the bests in the province. On a clear day, Mayon can be seen looming over the endless sea of valleys and hills.
Jovellar Underground River
If the Quitinday Green Hills is to the Chocolate Hills, the Jovellar Underground River is to Palawan’s subterranean waterway. This watercourse in the town of Jovellar, just a quick ride from Quitinday, may be short but it more than makes up for it in awesomeness. The cave can be accessed by going on a bamboo raft where once can get to see its stunning rock formations, as well as bats zipping in and out. An underground waterfall awaits at the other end. Here, one can bathe in the rocky platform and let the refreshing current wash your worries away. Upstream, the cavern reveals a more peaceful, albeit rock-strewn portion of the river.
Sumlang Lake
The Mayon’s ubiquity in Albay results in a range of possibilities for wonderful backdrops. If you simply can’t get enough of its perfect cone, but doesn’t want to elbow your way through the tourists in Cagsawa Ruins, head out to Sumlang Lake in Camalig. The placid, glittering lake mirrors the volcano, creating a hypnotizing vista you’d find nowhere else. On top of this marvelous view, bamboo rafts adorned with abaca furniture can be rented out for a relaxing cruise. Other activities such as paddle boarding, kayaking and even swimming can be also be done here. Plus, food stalls are also plenty here; a perfect merienda hangout spot.
Image credits: Dennis Murillo & Celine Reyes