Sinjin’s Roadtrip to Beauteous Bicolandia

PRELUDE

The Bicol Region or Bicolandia is one of the 17 regions of the Philippines. It occupies the Bicol Peninsula at the southeastern end of Luzon island and some other islands. It consists of six provinces, namely, Albay, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, Masbate, and Sorsogon.

What has been planned for years has finally come to fruition. It was my first time to do a roadtrip to the Bicol Region and it is definitely an unforgettable experience. I will not hesitate to revisit the region once the opportunity comes. For the meantime, I would like to share our marvelous and astonishing experience in Bicolandia. I’m writing our experience also to help others who desire to visit the place but don’t know the essential information such as where to start, what to visit, etc.

TIPS:

• Plan your roadtrip ahead. You can’t just go there unprepared. Finalize your itinerary, and your hotel bookings.
• Buy some maps. I recommend EZ Maps. Get the Luzon EZ Map (shows the entire national highway sytsem for Luzon, as well as major roads, distances and cities) and the Bicol EZ Map. It is exciting and interesting to see where you are and how far you have gone in South Luzon. Also, this gives you an assurance that you are on the right track.
• Get your cash ready and don’t rely on ATMs. The further you get in the South, the lesser the ATMs are.
• Check your car days before your roadtrip. Make sure it is well tuned up. You wouldn’t want to encounter engine troubles while you’re enjoying your roadtrip, right? Also, make sure your tires have the right pressure and bring a spare tire.
• Keep your gas half full all the time. Whenever you see a gas station, don’t hesitate, get your tank refilled.
• Bring food and drinks. At times when making a stopover is untimely, it helps if you have with you some chips and bottled/canned drinks to fill your stomach.

Here are the details of our Roadtrip to Ilocandia:
(please check them out and feel free to ask questions, post comments and other stuff related to the photos and information posted)

1. Quezon Province
2. The Heart of Bicol
3. Naga Metropolitan Cathedral
4. Basilica of Our Lady of Peñafrancia
5. A Preview
6. Tanchuling Hotel
7. Pacific Mall Legazpi
8. Waking Up in Legazpi
9. Conquering Lignon Hill
10. St. Gregory the Great Cathedral and its environs
11. Cagsawa Ruins
12. Hoyop-Hoyopan Cave
13. Camsur Watersports Complex
14. The CWC Experience
15. Camarines Sur Provincial Capitol Complex
16. Revisiting Naga Metropolitan Cathedral
17. Mount Isarog
18. Goodbye, Thank You, ‘Til Next Time, Bicolandia!

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