It’s the perfect time for new adventures and we have some New Year travel resolutions that you might want for yourself.
Travelling can give you the release you want from the staleness of every day life. And while it can be costly, it is one of the best investments you can ever make in your life. Remember, spend on experience, not things! Okay, so here we go!
Travel with someone you want to know better
Travel brings out the best (and worst) in people. If you really want to know someone better, travel with them! Going out steadily with someone? Plan a trip with him/her. Your son is entering a new phase and you want to spend quality time with him? Plan a trip with your unico hijo!
It is best to know the place you are going to minimize stress. However, if you are both adventurous then you can go somewhere the both of you have never been to. Travelling together allows you to bond better and it gives you a better, pretension-free peek of a person’s character.
Travel on your own
Always travelled with a companion before? 2018 can be the year to finally try going at it solo! Solo travel is a unique experience and while there are some risks involved (getting bored in the middle of the trip), there are huge rewards.
Solo travel gives you a different perspective on things, forces you to try new ways of doing things, it can also free lots of time for actual adventures as your schedule is your own. The important thing here is to pace your itinerary and to plan ahead the next day – to make sure there are no long downtimes.
Plan your travels ahead of time
If last year your travel calendar was full of spontaneous (and costly) trips, 2018 is the best year to try well planned travels through the next 10 months. Plot it all out in your calendar, secure cheap flights to your destinations, and research in advance the places you want to go while booking hotels ahead of time. Nothing beats a well planned trip! Also plan trips with different travel companions, something new to try this year if you are used to going somewhere with a regular travel buddy – you know, for some variation.
And because you saved money on your plane tickets and hotel room, you can go to more destinations. That’s more adventures for you!
These travel resolutions can add color and something new to your trips this 2018. Trying something different is a good way to put a fresh spin on your travel experience. Make this year more memorable!
Travelling solo is fun, although it has its own pro’s and con’s. But in its entirety, travelling solo has more good than bad. One key advantage of travelling alone is that you only answer to yourself. You eat what you want and you do what you want, where you want, when you want. You do not have to think of your companion – is she really okay if we call it a day because my feet feel sore? Is she hungry already because I’m starving? Is she sure the hotel room is good enough because for me it’s perfect?
These questions can easily get your focus away from your trip and into the welfare and convenience of your travel companion and that can easily ruin the whole vacation. Travelling solo however would mean higher costs – you have no one to split the expense of the hotel, the food, the taxi, and etc.
But should you do it? Heck yes! Here are our pointers that can make the whole solo adventure more enjoyable.
Travel during peak season
Counter intuitive advice but it makes a lot of sense when you travel alone. The most obvious downside is the higher cost of everything. But even that has a solution: you plan your trip way in advance. Plan it out early, book your flight and hotel months before you actually go and do it. That should already save you some money.
So why travel in peak season? Simple – you will have no shortage of people to engage with on the road. One of the biggest fears of first time solo travellers is getting lonely in the middle of the trip. But with a lot of people in hotels, restaurants and tourist destinations you are always guaranteed a lot of company. That translates to plenty of opportunities to start a conversation, even finding someone to share dinner with.
Take public transportation
Many go for convenience and choose to take taxi cabs to get anywhere in the city. If you really want to have fun, choose public transportation instead. Ride the bus, jeepney, or tricycles. It’s fun just having that local vibe in your trip plus you get more chance to meet people and actually talk to them. Do not be afraid to talk to locals, in fact that should be your goal. Locals can give great tips where to go and when, not to mention great places to eat at an affordable price.
Meet people
This simply means initiate conversations with people. Do not alienate yourself, get into the mix, talk, learn, and be carefree with your interactions. Remember that one of the most important fun factors in any trip is meeting new people and building good relationship with them.
Plan your day in advance
The reason why many solo travellers get lonely is that they allow themselves to run out of things to do. When you allow yourself to sit and wonder what you should do next, more often than not, the thought that comes to mind is how stupid you are in taking the trip alone. Take your journal with you and list down what comes to mind as you enjoy the sights and sounds of the city – note the things you might want to explore more (so that you get back to it some other time). Also write down the recommendations of locals as you talk to them so that you do not run short of to-do’s while in your trip.
There you have it, 4 simple pointers that should make your solo trip amazingly fun. There is a different dimension to enjoying a city on your own, something that you really can’t have when travelling alone. Make it a goal to truly experience that “dimension”. Have fun!
For many years people were drawn to the concept of “bigger is better”. The modern times beg to differ and while luxury is still equated with space and grandeur, the hotel industry is moving towards a different direction, counter-intuitive in fact, but very effective in today’s emerging trends in hotel accommodation. The ideas of less is more, value for money, and unique experience is making it big in the industry. The emergence of boutique hotels ride on these concepts – where the value of the offer is not on space but on the “other” things that make a hotel stay worthwhile. With many people getting more acquainted with these smaller, more compact hotels, what are the things you can expect?
Smaller rooms
While many hotels under this classification have well-appointed rooms, most have smaller square footage than the industry standard. But the story does not end there. While the rooms are smaller, the bed you sleep on is as comfortable as those you sleep on bigger hotels. While you have a smaller floor plan, the room is as comfortable as any bigger hotels in the city. For Emerald Boutique Hotel this is a very noticeable feature. We have 5-star quality mattresses on our rooms and bed linens that you can really feel are not for “budget” accommodations. Our rooms are small but it is made to impress.
Another thing that is worth mentioning for Emerald is its unmatched 5-star toiletries. You can go in any hotel in the city with the price point of Emerald and you will appreciate more how we put emphasis on subtle luxury. We have small rooms but we want to exceed expectations on the other things – things that matter a lot to our guests.
Value for money
For Emerald Boutique Hotel this is not just a consequential element. It is an intentional pursuit to provide as much comfort and convenience to our guests as possible but at the least costs. The core of our business is value. At P1,500.00 per night for our Standard Rooms, you get a fully air-conditioned accommodation complete with Cable TV, fast Internet access, shuttle service, free breakfast, and more! Peso to convenience ratio is very high.
Intimate service
There is just a nice, calming vibe in boutique hotels. Stay more than a day and the staff will start calling you by your first name. The service team will start picking up on the minute details of your preferences. They are quicker to answer to your needs (as they already anticipate it) and they give you more than what big hotel hospitality crews can ever give you. If you are into a more intimate environment, ditch the bigger hotels and come home to smaller, “boutique” options.
Unique Experience
The Emerald Boutique Hotel is located right in the heart of Legazpi City. You do not need complicated transportation arrangements if you want to explore the city and the nearby tourist destinations all over the Albay province. If you are the adventurous type you can just walk to the nearest local cafés that offer amazing food. You can just take a map and start exploring on the get-go. Fancy some city-specific adventures? You can ask the front desk for some amazing tours and you are on your way to a wonderful time outdoors. Who needs a big hotel when all you want is offered at a smaller place with more affordable nightly rates?
The seat of the local government of Legazpi City. Emerald’s location is just a short walk from this place. Talking about experiencing the city!
Good Food
Boutique hotel boasts of one thing – good food prepared in the hotel restaurant. For The Emerald Bistro Café, it offers a fusion menu with local delicacies like Bicol Express and Laing. It has two dining areas. One of those, which we call “The Garden”, features a transparent roof that allows the sunlight in. This semi-outdoor space is also great for small events and family gatherings.
Quirky offering
Do you love videoke? Sing your heart out in two of Emerald’s sound proof KTV rooms complete with state-of-the-art sound system. This is a great option for family and friends to have fun and get lost in this popular Filipino past time. For only P2500.00 you can use the KTV room for 3 hours. The package comes with food too – enough for 10 people.
Emerald’s VIP Videoke rooms are second to none. It is also an uncommon amenity for hotels. Boutique hotels are indeed full of surprises!
Boutique hotels are not your typical hotel options. It provides an entirely different experience. Before you reserve that room consider these things and allow yourself to ask: “is this the kind of hotel I want to spend my nights while in the city”? Our answer to that is obvious. YES. You stay with us because our “smaller rooms” make us unique and allow us to give you most hotels cannot give – value for money. And like an icing on the cake, we strive to exceed your expectations. Give us a try. Maybe on your next trip in the city? See you then!
At a time of Airbnb and backpacker hotels, the pull of big, grand hotels is getting weaker – and the reasons are obvious. People care less about luxury and care more about value for money and how a hotel can help them have a great time in their destination city. So next time you book a hotel, choose a smaller one that can deliver the comforts of a typical hotel minus the high costs and the seemingly detached service many bigger hotels are known for.
Boutique hotels have better locations
Because of its small size, boutique hotels are often squeezed in right smack in the middle of a city you fancy. Location is very important in hotel selection. You just can’t afford to not enjoy the sights and sounds of a city because your hotel is tucked in a remote area with very limited transportation options, or too far you cannot just stroll around and get to know the place right when you go out the door. Emerald Boutique Hotel is right in the middle of Legazpi City. When you decide to eat local food you are just a short walk to the nearest Café. Location matters so when you book a hotel, Google it and find out how close it is to the heart of the city.
Small hotels have practical, intimate service
Boutique hotels do not need to be very rigid with its service processes. Most of its people would be willing to multitask just to please a guest. You can easily talk to the Chef and ask for some special additions to your ordered food. You can ask for small favors from the staff and there would be no need to formalize that request and then get delayed with service protocols (like in big hotels where services are very structured). This makes small hotels very intimate when it comes to delighting guests.
If you stay for three days it would feel more like a home than a hotel and you know everybody already from the housekeeping staff to the waiter in the charming restaurant downstairs. Contrary to popular belief that small hotels lack the refined service of grand, luxury hotels, what it lacks in grandeur it makes it up for quick, reliable, and personalized service.
Boutique hotels give the best value
While it is good to make your vacation as affordable as possible, you have to remember that the quality of your sleep will dictate the overall experience of your vacation. It is easy to be a cheapskate and stay in very affordable hotels and inns but if you do this there is a big chance you will regret it later – plumbing does not work, the room is too humid (no air-conditioning), bed is uncomfortable, awful smell inside, and many more “issues”. Staying in a boutique hotel, though priced higher, can give you the best experience with its air-conditioned room, very comfortable beds, and simple yet very nice rooms with amenities that you need and want for a comfy stay.
At Emerald Boutique Hotel we go beyond what people expect in a small hotel. We have 5-star hotel quality mattresses, well maintained and brand new rooms, cable TV, fast Internet connection, an impressive menu at our restaurant, and many more things that can surely impress you.
If you plan to visit Albay or the Bicol Region, Emerald is a very good hotel to book in. Our location is an ideal jump-off point to the many tourist attractions in the Albay and Sorsogon provinces in Region V. Visit our website at www.emeraldboutiquehotel.com or like our FB page at www.facebook.com/emeraldhotellegazpi to know more. See you soon!
Vacations are not fun by default. Seasoned travelers can always identify better trips and can single out their worst adventures. So if you are planning to go on a vacation of your own you need to do it right and steer clear from the most common blunders of leisure travel. Heed these pointers.
Start with a solid plan
There is certain charm of going on a spontaneous adventure but more often than not this can lead to problems that can easily break your trip. So always have a plan before you go. Where are you staying? Are you already booked? What about your flight details and airport transfer? Is your tour package all set? Do you where you are going? Are you packed according to your destinations? These questions are very basic but it can make all the difference.
The more details you cover, the better your trip will turn out. It means you have more time to focus on the fun side than addressing logistical concerns. All you have to do is just let things unfold. Of course there will still be problems along the way but these would be easier to deal with than starting blind and unprepared.
Get psychologically ready
This is one of the most overlooked parts of taking a vacation. Many go on a dreamy trip only to have their minds thinking about work problems, worrying about imagined fears, doubting the plan, and minding the small stuff, the negative vibes. If you are in a vacation turn your happy thoughts on. Decide to let go of your worries, convince yourself you are out to have fun. When bothersome thoughts come, shove them away. Be mentally aware of its effects on your mood and attitude towards your vacation.
If you are not mindful of your mindset one wrong turn and you will be fuming mad. One wrong order from the hotel cafe and your day is ruined the whole day. Remind yourself the reason why you are taking the trip – to unwind, to relax, and to break free from the stale repetition of life.
And be sure to remind yourself things can easily go wrong. That is a reality for every vacation. Be mentally prepared to deal with situations with a cool head. Things will not always go your way. Even in those situations, smile and shrug it off!
Connect with people
Many vacationers are more keen on the attractions and the things that a destination has to offer, often forgetting to enjoy one of the best parts of taking a trip to somewhere you have not been before – knowing people in the locality. Building local friendship can easily cement your experience of the place. Striking casual conversations with locals can enhance your feelings towards the city. Learning a few local words can also boost your confidence in connecting with people everywhere you go. Knowing the local words for “thank you”, “please”, and “take care” can prop up your appeal to locals, encouraging them to engage you.
Keep a journal
This can be a digital journal if you are not the “writer” type. You can make an FB album with your photos on your destination city and then make sure to include captions that best describe the photo and the story behind it. This can help you record your trip and the whole experience. It is easy to get through the photos later on and remember all the fun you had, the people you knew, the places you visited, and the things you learned.
There you have it. Vacations are expected to be fun. Do not come short of that. Follow these pointers and have a blast. Vacations do not come often. Make sure to do it right the first time. And remember to take note of your bad experiences. That way on your next trip you can work on that and make sure your adventures will only get better.
Legazpi is one of Philippine’s most visited cities by local and foreign tourists today. The amazing beaches, the majestic Mt. Mayon, the many stone churches in and around Albay, and other scenic places to visit (not to mention the many festivals year round) makes Legazpi a tourist favorite.
An aerial view of the city. It is beautiful and captivating with the miles and miles of shoreline framed by the majestic Mayon in its rear. What a sight to behold!
But do you know that this city is much easier to visit than ever before? Both the increased number of flights from Manila and Cebu and the many bus lines that have Legazpi as one of its key destinations in South Luzon makes it very possible and affordable to enjoy the natural beauty of this city.
So some basic things:
Where to stay?
There are many hotels in town, many of which have just the perfect location for either a quick spin around popular local destinations or a long-term exploration of the Sorsogon-Albay-Catanduanes provinces.
One of the newest hotels in Legazpi – the Emerald Boutique Hotel. It might be small compared to some of its competitors but this hotel aims to go above and beyond their guest’s expectations. Book with them and experience the difference.
Legazpi sits right in the middle of the tourism frenzy so it does not matter what you are after, you will surely get it here. Aside from hotels there are also small bed and breakfast businesses and mid-sized Inns in the city. Hotel rooms can cost you P6000 and up if you are into luxury accommodations. But you can also have a decent place to sleep for as low as P500 a night, a must-have option for the more frugal traveler.
How about available tours?
There are many tour operators in town. If you are into guided tours there are several local companies that can cater to that need, some can even get you halfway to Mayon’s crater (if the ban is lifted anyway). Do you want more daring adventures? Perhaps an ATV ride all the way to the foot of Mayon, or zip-lining over the water at Embarcadero? That can be arranged too.
Riding the ATV to the foot of Mayon is loads of fun. You should try it!
How about navigating a hanging bridge on the side of Lignon Hill with Mayon as the background? You can even have a swim with butandings (whale shark) at Donsol. If you love the ocean then the vanishing island in Malilipot is the ideal kind of adventure for you. All these attractions and activities can be had easily with local tourism service operators.
How to get to Legazpi?
Talking about accessibility, Legazpi can be reached by air and land. Your options:
By Plane
There are many flights to Legazpi from Manila and vice versa. You will have no problem going in and out of the city by air. There is a 4:55 AM early flight from Manila to Legazpi. The same plane would fly passengers to Manila for its turnaround flight. There is also a daily flight from Cebu to Legazpi at 3:25PM. With Manila and Cebu welcoming flights from all over the world and the Philippines, flying to Legazpi is easy and thanks to budget airlines – affordable!
The flight schedules for Manila to Legazpi. This should make your flights plans easier!
By Bus
Travelling by Bus to Legazpi is more convenient than many people think. There are many bus companies that focus on the Bicol market, coming up with services that improve the travel experience of Bicolanos who frequent Manila. This consequently allows for the overall improvement of the by-land travel of tourists from Manila to Legazpi and vice-versa.
Cagsawa’s Royal Class Bus. This boasts very generous legroom with seats that recline almost completely allowing passengers to sleep through the Manila-Legazpi trip.
Two of the leading bus lines serving the Manila-Legazpi route are Cagsawa and Penafrancia. They have multiple trips all throughout the day. The most convenient of all are the night trips that depart from Manila at around 7:00 PM. These buses have a very spacious leg room with recliner seats and foot rests that will allow you to sleep thought the 12-hour trip to Legazpi. The same bus departs from Legazpi to Manila at around the same time. Bus fares differ from one bus lines to the next but with the quality of your trip at stake, go for the more expensive and convenient trip available.
When it seems like Emerald Boutique Hotel is done surprising people with its affordable rooms and beyond-expectations service, it is now announcing another exciting addition to its offering – opening the doors of its one of a kind events venue they call “The Garden”.
The Garden without its current transparent roof. This space was already so full of charm prior to its renovation. Its airy ambiance made this one of the most popular hangouts among hotel guests especially in the cool of the day.
The Garden was originally an outdoor space that allowed guests to enjoy the fresh air outside. However due to Bicol’s unpredictable weather, the management chose to install a roof over the outdoor space. However it was also important for the hotel to keep the outdoor charm of the area so the perfect compromise would be to install a transparent roof that will keep the water out but will let the natural light in. This also allows guests to have dinner under the stars, a pretty romantic place to enjoy a meal for two.
The Garden with its transparent Resin Roof Panels that allow natural light to flood the place without exposing guests to the elements. The Garden is fully air-conditioned.
The Garden can accommodate up to 60 people. It is fully air-conditioned and it comes with comfortable tables and chairs. But the deal clincher for this venue is its very reasonable rental costs.
The Garden has attractive food packages and there are also inclusions that will surely make your event not only memorable but cost-effective.
With Emerald Bistro Cafe providing for the food in the new events venue, you can be sure you are not only getting a nice place to have your party, you are also dining with amazingly good food prepared by Emerald’s in-house Chef.
The food is provided by the Emerald Bistro Café. This means amazingly delicious menu options prepared by no other than Emerald’s in-house Chef.
There are also two VIP videoke rooms you can use (separate fees apply). These can add another fun element to your event. These rooms have direct access to The Garden so your guests can conveniently enjoy this added amenity.
Emerald’s VIP Videoke rooms are second to none. Rent these out too and make your event more special!
Interested to book at The Garden? Call/text Emerald Boutique Hotel at these numbers: (052) 201 – 0402 or +63 917 322 5232.
There is no denying that Albay is becoming one of the country’s most popular provinces for local and international tourism. With its new International Airport opening sometime in 2017 and the continuing promotion of the local government and the Department of Tourism, Albay is bound to receive more visitors in the coming years. But what is the Albay “craze” really all about? Read on and convince yourself that your next trip would be here.
That Mayon view
There is just something about Mayon that makes this heap of rock extra special. It is its perfect cone shape, its sheer size, and how it is laid upon the land that makes it unforgettable. Almost everywhere you are in Albay Mayon is there reminding you of its majesty and beauty.
Mt. Mayon in all its splendor. One good reason to come over to Albay. Photo credits PhilippineLifestyle.com
Even to locals Mayon never ceases to amaze them. They take pictures of it, post it online, and praise its hundred-and-one qualities. Only when you see it in person you will understand why many are dying to go to Albay.
When you are around town make sure to stay in a hotel that has a view of Mayon or at least near a place where you have a vantage point of the volcano. And yes, pray for clear skies.
There is somehting about Mayon that you never tire looking at it. Photo credits Tom Falcon
Amazing gastronomic offerings
Bicolandia is a foodie’s paradise and Albay inherits this quality to the brim. It is in this province where the famed Pinangat has its origins. Bicol express is also a staple food around here so even the small carenderias around town has this in their stalls.
The famed Pinangat. It’s flavorful, its local, and it is the perfect appetizer. Try it when in Albay! Credits to the owner of the photo.
It is also in Legazpi City, the capital city of the Province of Albay where the popular Sili Ice Cream came from thanks to the creativity of the 1st Colonial Grill, one of the most successful restaurants in the region.
The Sili Ice Cream of the 1st Colonial Grill. The original – a proudly Albayano creation. Credits to the owner of the photo.
The Albay food scene is very exciting to the delight of tourists. Ginataang Santol, Laing Pasta, Laing Pizza, and Volcano Fire Pizza are only some of the few gastronomic treats this place is known for. So if you feel like having new food experiences then this is the place to go.
The Volcanic Fire Pizza from the Lava Restobar. This is not just good food, it is also an interesting experience.
Picturesque churches
There are a lot of picturesque churches in Albay. Daraga Church and the Albay Church in Legazpi City have innate architectural beauty that will surely impress you. Then there is the Nuestra Señora De Salvacion Shrine in Tiwi, St. John the Baptist Church in Camalig, and the St. Peter and Paul Church in Polangui.
The Albay Church right at the center of Old Albay District. There are many hotels near this picturesque church, one of which is the Emerald Boutique Hotel. Credits to the owner of the photo.
All these churches you can visit in just a few hours as these places are not too far from each other. If you have a private car to drive around the better it is for your church hopping adventure. Just don’t forget to bring your camera with you.
The colorful Polangui Church in Albay. The contrast and the earth colors makes this church picture perfect. Credits to the owner of the photo.
Interesting people and culture
Albayanos are a friendly bunch and are really warm in accepting visitors to their province. Everybody here can communicate in Tagalog (Filipino) so it is not that hard to go around the city even if you do not speak the local dialect.
Albayanos are also very accommodating and hospitable so it is not unusual to be offered a seat in their dining table or have an engaging conversation with them.
Perhaps one of the most interesting things of the culture in this area is the myriad of derivatives of the Bicol language. Legaspeños’ Bicol would sound different from the dialect of people from Daraga even if the two territories are just a few kilometers away from each other. The language would have another “version” in Camalig or in the other side of Albay, like in Tabaco or Tiwi.
The Legazpi Boulevard. A great place to meet and talk with some locals. Come here early in the morning or late in the afternoon. Photo by Glen Thaddeus Isip
Nevertheless, the cultural mix and roots of Albayanos are both complex and interesting so learn as much as you can and strike some conversations with locals. You will be glad you did.
Beautiful beaches
If you are a beach person then Albay is a prime destination for you. It has a collection of white and black sand beaches, some are in uninhabited islands while others have resorts on them. This gives you a lot of options as far as beach fun is concerned.
The beautiful Pinamuntugan Beach. Who would not like to come here? Credits to the owner of the photo.
The good thing about these beaches is that they are not that far from urban centers like Sto. Domingo, Tabaco, and Legazpi City. You can stay for example in Legazpi and get to the nearest beach in 30 minutes.
Muladbucad Beach in Manito, Albay. The water is simply inviting! Credits to the owner of the photo.
If you want to have a more exclusive experience in a resort setting then you can check out Misibis Bay Resort and Casino in Bacacay. 45 minutes from your Legazpi Hotel and you are there sipping fresh lemonade or having fun with water sports.
Grandiose festivals
Albay is known for two grand festivals, some are month-long celebrations that put the city in a very festive mood. May 1-31 is the time for the Magayon Festival. In the heart of the city you can find stalls that sell local food, varied services like tattoo and body piercings, booths that sell popular Bicol pasalubong items and memorabilia plus there is a stage for nightly band entertainment.
The cultural parade for the Magayon Festival is one of the most popular activities in this month long celebration. Credits to the owner of the photo.
During the second week of October is the Ibalong Festival. This one is just a week-long celebration but its scale is as grand as the Magayon Festival. You can expect cultural parades and coordinated activities around the city. Prepare yourself for the throngs of crowd everywhere you go.
The Ibalong Parade is colorful and grand. This is one good reason to come and visit Albay. Credits to the owner of the photo.
Other festivals happening around the province is the Tabak Festival in Tabaco City celebrated on the last week of March. You also have the Sarung Banggi Festival in Sto. Domingo happening every May 18-25. The Coron Festival happens every year in Tiwi during the 3rd week of August.
The Magayon Festival is seen to be one of the grandest festivities in the country. Schedule your visit in Albay during Magayon. Just book your flight and accommodation early. Credits to the owner of the photo.
Other Festivals include Kadagatan Festival of Bacacay, Pagsuwak Festival of Guinobatan, Salingoy Festival of Bacacay, and Tinagbuan Festival of Ligao City just to name a few.
Book your flight in advance and reserve a room weeks before your trip during these festivities.
Legazpi City at night. Visit Albay and sleep with this view. Credits to the owner of the photo.
Is Albay worth visiting? You bet! So do your planning, research on what Albay has for you (this list is not at all complete as far the province’s offerings are concerned) and call up some friends to join you on your trip. Vacations are way better when you share it with someone.
So you are planning to visit Legaspi City. But then you ask yourself, where to go, what to do? Sure you can Google your way around town, eat here and there, do what other tourists do. But an authentic vacation can only be achieved when you experience a city like a local, like a true blood Legaspeño. How to do it? Even if you only have one day you can experience Legaspi fully with this itinerary.
Touchdown at Legaspi Airport. Mt. Mayon is peeking through the clouds. Get your cameras ready! Credits to the photo owner.
Let’s say you had the second flight in from Manila. You arrive in LGP at exactly 11:30am.
11:30 AM – Hotel check -in
By now if you are lucky enough to have clear skies you must be raping that camera button at the direction of Mt. Mayon. She is a sight to behold and you can already witness her majesty the moment you get out from your plane.
Check in to your hotel quickly and get your Legaspi adventure started! Choose a hotel that is near to everywhere for ease and convenience while in the city.
Locate your hotel’s shuttle service, leave your bags in your room, and get your Legaspi adventure started, but first…
12:00 Noon – Grab some lunch!
Fortunately food in Bicol is good, so good that you would not have a hard time finding a good place to eat while in the city. We recommend 1st Colonial Grill, a local restaurant that offers Bicol delicacies. What to eat here? Bicol Express is a must and make sure to compliment that with their Tinapa Rice. Laing (or Pinangat) is also a must-have in your table.
1st Colonial Grill’s pinangat rice, a must-try while in the city. Credits to the owner of this photo.
Done with your meal? Top it off with a dessert that made 1st Colonial Grill famous all over the country – the Sili Ice Cream!
The Sili Ice Cream made popular by 1st Colonial Grill. Credits to the owner of this photo.
1:00 PM – To Cagsawa Ruins!
Cagswa Ruins is a World Heritage Site so NEVER ever leave Legaspi City without visiting this place. This is where one of the most common photos of Mayon is taken (that church bell tower-framed photo of Mayon).
The Cagsawa Ruins. Nothing beats this iconic view. Credits to the owner of this photo.
There is plenty to do in Cagsawa Ruins. There is of course the picture taking, shopping around Cagsawa’s souvenir stalls, and just enjoying the awesomeness of the perfect cone volcano in its full splendor. It is important to note that the view here of Mayon is much nicer because it can be framed from its very base up to its crater.
3:00 PM – Coffee Break
The coffee culture is alive and well in Legaspi, thanks to the many coffee shops around town. One café is worth your visit – the 528 Ilawod. This coffee hangout is not only popular for its good coffee but also for its artsy, intimate ambiance.
The paintings of the wall makes 528 Ilawod very unique. Coffee here is very good too! Credits to owner of this photo.
The café also showcase the work of local artist Ann Cadiz in its wall murals. The painting on the walls adds personality to this place and one more reason why you should come and visit it.
This coffee place has a very artsy feel. You should try the food here too. credits to the owner of this photo.
Located in Daraga, this café is undeniably Legaspeño so do not miss it while you are in the city. By the way one corner of the café has a nice view of Mayon.
4:00 PM – Daraga Church
Daraga Church is a very scenic place, a must visit for all the guests of the city. It has an access road near the Daraga public market so getting to this place is easy. Perched on a hill, it has a sweeping view of Mayon. But aside from the nice view, another good reason to come here is the church, a Spanish-era structure that should make a nice background for a selfie.
The Daraga Church with its impressive architecture and its Mayon viewing deck on the far right. This 2 in 1 view combination makes this place a must-visit in Legaspi.
There is a viewing deck in the area so you can enjoy the Mayon view while enjoying the light breeze in this hilltop location. Pray for clear skies because selfies here are awesome with the famous volcano framing your shot.
5:00 PM – Lignon Hill
As the sun is going down you can head out to Lignon Hill, an unmistakable landmark that goes with the Mayon view from many vantage points around the city. This hill is also where PHIVOLCS have its observation outpost for Mayon, a testament of the encompassing view of Lignon over the volcano.
The road going up to the top of Lignon Hill. This is a tiring hike but the view on the top is worth it! Credits to the owner of this photo.
To better enjoy this next stop, get your walking shoes ready and hike up the hill, a whole kilometer of subtle climbing. What’s nice about this uphill walk is the view that you can have of Legaspi City as you progress to the top.
At the top of Lignon Hill. The park has a sweeping view of Mayon, Legaspi City, and the Bay of Legaspi. Credits to the owner of this photo.
The best part of the climb is when you reach the park on top of Lignon. You can bask in the view of Mayon and the whole city, even giving you a nice sweeping glimpse of the bay of Legaspi. Sunsets here are nice. Many locals come here just as the sun dips in the horizon.
The hanging bridge on Lignon. There is also a zip line here. Credits to the owner of this photo.
Aside from the nice view you can also enjoy the hanging bridge and the zip line that crosses thru the hill from one side to the other. Another unique experience while in the city.
7:00 PM – Dinner at Small Talk Café
When you are in Legaspi the best place to have some good, Bicol food is at Small Talk Café. This small restaurant in the middle of Old Albay District is a foodie’s paradise. The serving here is filling and the flavor is just top class.
Small Talk Cafe at the Old Albay District. This place is very well known for local delicacies. Credits to the owner of this photo.
What makes this café (it’s a restaurant actually) unique is its offerings that scream Bicol like the Pinangat Pizza and the Laing Pasta. Pasta here is generally good. Do come early for dinner especially in the weekends because this place is often packed with people.
Some of the celebrated food at Small Talk Cafe. Looks good? Believe us, those taste better. Credits to the owner of the photo.
8:00 PM – Night out
There is no denying that this city sleeps earlier than many urban centers in the country but the good news is, if you know where to go, well, problem solved!
You can choose to go to Lava Resto Bar inside the newly opened Ayala Malls Legaspi. This bar has a nice crowd, it has live music, and there is a wide selection of drinks. While you’re here try out the Lava Pizza while enjoying the young, urban vibe of the place.
The Lava Pizza available only at the Lava Restobar. This is a newly opened hangout but its growing popularity is testament that something good is going on in here. Credits to the owner of the photo.
If you want a more unique experience you can go to Retazo Diner along Rizal St. Acoustic music is very good here and the ambiance is quite nice and more intimate. Food is good and there is a decent selection of beers. No hard alcoholic drinks though but there’s wine and it is chilled just for you.
Retazo Diner is a nice place for music and food lovers. Photo credits Zalrian Sayat.
If you are more of a party animal and you love dancing the night away with live bands or DJs then Bar 101 is the place for you. It is located inside Bichara Complex in the very heart of the city.
Bar 101 is Legaspi’s longest running bar. This is paradise to those who love loud music, lots of booze, and loads of fun. Credits to the owner of the photo.
We do hope you call it a night early because the first stop for the next day is best enjoyed when you go there before the sun is up.
The following day:
5:00 AM – Legaspi Boulevard
If you love to run in the morning then you will love Legaspi Boulevard – a 1.5 kilometer stretch of beach side development that is perfect for an early morning run. This place is teeming with people especially in the weekends. This is a favorite place of locals to unwind, enjoy the sunrise, and yes, enjoy some coconut water (coconut vendors are all over the place) with the early morning sea breeze.
Legaspi Boulevard is simply a beautiful place to unwind, enjoy the view and breath in some fresh air. Credits to the owner of the photo.
If you just want to walk around then that’s great too. This is also a great place to meet and talk with some locals. There are also some great places for a selfie including the “Legaspi” standee with a nice Mayon view in the background. You need to have a photo taken here!
The iconic picture perfect spot in the Boulevard. Credits to the owner of the photo.
Want to eat? There is an interesting local vendor that goes by the name of “Eat n’ Run”. His sandwiches are good and his personal branding is excellent with that charming bike trailer of his. This guy also serves native coffee, so yeah, enjoy! He frequents Legaspi Boulevard early morning.
Eat N’ Run is a local food cart business that has an interesting personal brand. It sells sandwiches and native coffee. Photo by Kim Iqs.
7:00 AM – Breakfast at Bigg’s Diner
Bigg’s Diner Tower Burger is popular here. Bigg’s Diner is a locally grown brand that offers good food all over Bicolandia. Credits to the owner of the photo.
You cannot leave Bicol without eating at Bigg’s Diner, one of Bicol’s most popular brands. This place is not really about fast food, but good food. They have amazing burgers and breakfast specials (the American Slam is not to be missed!). They have charming stores too.
This is one of Bigg’s Diner store interior. Bigg’s is known for its charming, vintage-feel outlets. Credits to the owner of the photo.
8:00 AM – Sumlang Lake
If your flight back to Manila is still in the afternoon then you can still visit one more tourist spot in Albay – the Sumlang Lake in Camalig. Camalig is just a 30-minute drive from Legaspi City so this would be a convenient quick stop for you.
Sumlang Lake and its one of a kind lakeside view of Mayon. This place is gaining the attention of local and international tourists so might as well visit it while in the city. Credits to the owner of the photo.
What to do in Sumlang Lake? You can ride the bamboo raft across the lake with Mayon Volcano in the background. It is picture perfect so never forget to bring your camera with you. If you want clear, superb images, do not just rely on your smart phone camera.
Kayaking is a newly added water sport activity at Sumlang Lake. Rowing with that view should be nice. Credits to the owner of the photo.
You can also do some kayaking in the lake or just sit around in the lakeside’s many unique seating, all have a majestic view of Mayon.
That picture perfect bamboo raft is a must-ride while in Sumlang Lake. Imagine the photos you can have while in that. Just make sure to get your angle right so that Mayon won’t lose its place in your selfie. Credits to the owner of the photo.
It is probably time to get ready for your flight home after the Sumlang Lake adventure.
Remember, a trip is best enjoyed when you throw yourself to the local lifestyle. Get out there, talk to people, learn about the culture, love the food, and do not be afraid to try new things.
There is just something special about Small Hotels or Inns in a quiet street, especially those that strive for the comfort of their guests. This is what boutique hotels are known for – small in size but big in offerings and personality.
Enter the Emerald Boutique Hotel in Legazpi City. It is intimate and charming with nicely furnished rooms. What it lacks in luxurious space, it makes up with its unique style, comfort, and service.
The Rooms
The rooms at Emerald Hotel Legazpi have thick, 5-star quality mattresses with anti-bacterial sheets. The toiletries of this small hotel are also beyond the expectations of many people, considering the published rates of its rooms. The toilet and bath are nice and it is complete with rainshower head showers.
Emerald Boutique Hotel’s Standard Room. The comfy mattress says it all. Quality accommodations is here for the price of a budget hotel.
And if it is any consolation, the water that comes out from the faucets (showers too) is treated by the hotel’s own water purification system. Simply put, the water that you take a bath with is safe to drink, comparable to the bottled water you buy from the store.
This is Emerald’s Twin Deluxe Room. Two beds, generous floor space, elegantly furnished toilet and bath, with Cable TV and 24/7 Internet access.
The rooms are all equipped with cable TV and each floor has its own dedicated Internet line. In fact every part of the hotel has a decent WiFi signal, even the lobby, corridors, and outdoor spaces. Some of the third floor rooms have a Mayon view, while some rooms on the 2nd and 3rd floors have access to a veranda.
The Location
A 3-minute walk to any direction will get you to the very heart of Legazpi City. Restaurants abound and Jeepneys drive through Rizal St.. These can ferry you through almost all routes in the city.
Emerald Boutique hotel is located right in the heart of Legazpi City. It is just a 3-minute walk to the seat of power of the province of Albay and the local government of Legazpi. Restaurants are also near the hotel. If you fancy roaming around the city the hotel is just a few meters away from one of the of main streets of Legazpi (Rizal St.) where public utility jeepneys pass through driving people in and around the major routes in the city.
Swimming with Whale Sharks in Donsol Bay is a feasible adventure if you are staying at the Emerald Boutique Hotel. Photo by Q Phia via FlickrThe Cagsawa Ruins, a World Heritage Site, is one Jeepney ride from Emerald Hotel Legaspi. Photo by Ayan Villafuerte
Do you want to visit the famous Cagsawa Ruins? One jeepney ride from the hotel is all you need. Do you want to hike up to the top of Lignon Hill and witness the majestic beauty of Mayon? It is just another jeepney ride away from Emerald Hotel Legazpi. This is one of the most important features of the Hotel – its accessibility to the many tourist attractions in the city and beyond.
If you fancy visiting the Cagraray EcoPark then Legazpi City is a convenient jump off point. Photo by Sayson Ballesteros
Emerald is in Legazpi and the city is at the very heart of Albay Province making it a convenient jump-off point to many local attractions like the Vanishing Island in Malilipot, The Mayon Rest House in Tabaco, Vera Falls in Malinao, Kawa-Kawa Hill in Ligao, Danao Lake in Polangui, the Japanese Tunnels in Camalig, and the Cagraray EcoPark, even the Misibis Bay Resort and Casino.
The Vera Falls in Malinao. This is just a short drive away from Legazpi City. Photo credits to the owner
Everything is within reach of Emerald Boutique Hotel and this includes Donsol Bay where the whale sharks or Butanding show up during the summer months.
Dining and Entertainment
The Emerald Bistro Cafe. This is open all day to serve sumptuous meals to hotel guests. Coffee is also available here.
Emerald Boutique Hotel has its own Bistro-Café in the ground floor which serves the guests with the hotel’s complimentary breakfast. It is open from 6:00AM to 10:00PM. The restaurant also offers mouth-watering Bicol gastronomic treats. Gourmet coffee will also be available soon in the Café.
The Emerald Bistro Café opens up to an outdoor space, to “The Garden” which will soon have live acoustic entertainment on the weekends. With the parasols, the open skies, and the comfortable seating, this area will surely be a new favorite hangout area for guests and Legazpi locals.
The Garden, an outdoor space that connects the indoor dining area to the elements outside. You can dine here if you want to.
For those who love to sing their hearts out there is the Emerald KTV rooms. The sound proof rooms are fully equipped with high quality audio-visual equipment ready to provide music and vocals even for the most demanding and seasoned karaoke singers.
People are having so much fun in Emerald’s KTV rooms. This room is sound proof and equipped with top of the line audio visual equipment.
The Videoke rooms can be rented out exclusively for three hours for only Php2500. This rate includes a consumable food package that can fill up the appetite of up to 10 people. Not a bad deal at all.
The Ambiance
Emerald Boutique Hotel’s lobby. This intimate and welcoming space represents the very feel of this charming hotel.
Emerald Boutique Hotel offers intimate accommodation with 30 fully air-conditioned rooms. This gives the hotel a homey feel and with its friendly customer service this hotel delights and delivers. Even with the limitations of its size, the hotel has all the amenities that matter most even to a seasoned traveler.
The hotel’s front desk. That green lighting reflects the emerald standard pursued by this up and coming boutique hotel.
With room rates going for as low as Php1500 per night, the Emerald Boutique Hotel is bound to exceed all your expectations.
