Legazpi

Understand

History Legazpi's history trace back to prehistoric times, with Neolithic discoveries dated back to 500-100 BCE. Spanish explorers who first arrived also speak of an ancient pre-Hispanic civilization in the area, practicing rice farming, producing gold jewelry, and trading silk. Miguel López de Legazpi led the Spanish expedition that colonized the Philippines in the 1560s, after Ferdinand Magellan's expedition had "discovered" it in the 1520s. Legazpi himself did not visit this region, but one of his officers named the town after him. Before the Spaniards, it was the village of Sawangan, and the first Spanish structures were in a Roman Catholic mission, named Misión San Gregorio Magno de Sawangan. The mission was repeatedly ravaged by raids from pirates, mostly Muslims from Mindanao, during its first years, but the Spaniards kept rebuilding it; it officially became a town in 1616.

Climate

The climate is tropical, with plenty of rainfall throughout the year. For most days, there would be sunshine, with the daytime high between 29–32 °C (84–90 °F), and rainfall coming in the afternoon, with overcast skies caused by moisture moving inland from the Pacific Ocean. The rainiest months are from late October to January, while the hottest months are from April to early October. The peak season for tourism is practically from February to October, though the best time to visit is from February to March, when the temperatures are tolerable and there are few rainy days.

Orientation Legazpi is subdivided into 70 barangays, and the city has two districts, the Old Albay District, the downtown (poblacion) which is also an old town with a grand old cathedral, and the Port District, the waterfront area with busy malls and a picturesque waterfront boulevard. The former airport, Mayon Volcano, and Ligñon hill are north of the city proper. The new airport is 2 km (1.2 mi) away from downtown, at Daraga.

Getting there

By plane Bicol International Airport DRP IATA is 15 km (9.3 mi) away in the municipality of Daraga. It has flights from Manila. Tricycles will take 10-15 minutes to get to downtown, and the driver will quote ₱50 for a single-person trip. Walk straight out of the airport, across the parking lot, and out of the gate where the cars are exiting. Taxis are also available in the airport. To return to the airport, tricycles waiting at Peñaranda Park and F. Aquende Dr will charge ₱30. There is an air-conditioned van shuttle with service desk outside the arrival hall. There is a fixed fee of ₱150 per person to SM Legazpi (Feb 2024) or you can ask them to drop of you off direct to your hotel if it's near there. The vans leave when it's full. There will also be touts for tricycles as you exit but they quote ₱300-350 for 2 people (Nov 2024). Learn how the jeepney systems work when getting around the city, they are frequent and reliable.

By train 1 Legazpi Station, Peñaranda St, Legazpi Port District. (updated Feb 2025) Legazpi and area is served by PNR Bicol Commuter train 500, departing from Naga at 5AM and arriving at around 9AM in Legazpi. There are two further stations at Daraga town center and at Washington Drive north of Legazpi city proper, but only Daraga has a proper station with platform and shelter. There is no service from Manila since 2015.

By bus or van

2 Legazpi Grand Central Terminal, Landco Access Road (near SM City Legazpi and Ibalong Center). Open 24 hours. (updated Oct 2023) Legazpi has a good central bus station, which also serves jeepneys and vans from nearby towns. Several food stalls serve local food for departing and arriving passengers, there are signs for bays serving buses headed for a certain destination, e.g. to Manila, to Naga, and there is also a handicrafts store and a Savemore supermarket. Tickets are sold on booths, and you can also book in advance. Look for the name of the company the booth are selling tickets for. The following bus companies have trips from Manila:

Philtranco. Three daily buses leave Pasay every 6:30PM, 7PM, and 8PM. They also have buses going south as far as Davao and Cagayan de Oro via Tacloban and Butuan, which stop at Daraga. (updated Oct 2019) Amihan. Philtranco's sister bus line, with a similar schedule, but with departures from Cubao. (updated Oct 2019) Raymond Transportation. Has a daily trip from Cubao. (updated Oct 2019) RMB Express. (updated Oct 2019) Superlines. Three departures from Cubao every 6:30PM, 10:30PM, and 5:30AM. (updated Oct 2019) The journey from Manila to Legazpi via N

Getting around

Jeepneys are frequent. The largest sign on the windshield will be the jeepney's final destination, so you must ask the driver if they serve your intended destination. Tricycles are useful for short trips. You may share one with other passengers to the same destination. Hail one at the terminal or on the street. Grab is readily available throughout the town. It might be a good way to go to attractions that are slightly further out of town.

See

Legazpi proper

Old Albay District (Poblacion)

1 Bicol Heritage Park, #1 EM's Barrio North Road (inside Camp Simeon A. Ola). Open 24 hours. Has a statue of General Simeon Ola. Site at the Camp Simeon Ola headquarters featuring monuments, including one of General Ola. (updated Oct 2023) 2 General Jose Ignacio Paua Statue, Lerma Street corner Emilio Jacinto Street, Barrio Bañadero. Open 24 hours. Paua is the only pure-blood Chinese who supported the Katipunan during the Philippine Revolution. Free. (updated Oct 2019) 3 Legazpi City Museum and Library (Albay Provincial Library and Information Center), Rizal Avenue (in Legazpi City Hall). Deals with the history of Legazpi. Well-maintained place with a high standard. The sculptures, paintings, historical photos and dioramas are especially interesting. (updated Oct 2023) 4 Liberty Bell, Rizal Avenue, Old Albay District (at Peñaranda Park). Open 24 hours. Housed on a concrete dome structure. This bronze bell was a gift from the Americans (the 158th Infantry Regimental Combat team of the US 6th Army) command led by Brig. General Hanford Macnider and Captain Hoomer Mcgee) in 1945 after the liberation of the city from the Japanese occupiers. A side note within is inscribed "Whenever oppression knocks at your door, feel free to ring this bell". Free. (updated Oct 2023) 5 Peñaranda Park, Rizal Avenue, Albay District. Open 24 hours. Has a statue of Jose Maria Peñaranda, the first governor of Albay. Around the park is Legazpi City Hall, Albay Capitol and St. Gregory the Great Cathedral. Free. (updated Oct 2019) Pinarik Viewdeck, Estanza Road, The Pinarik Viewdeck offers a truly breathtaking experience that captures the essence of natural beauty. Nestled amidst lush landscapes and towering trees, this vantage point provides an unparalleled panoramic view that leaves one speechless. The vast expanse of rolling hills and valleys is adorned with vibrant hues, creating an awe-inspiring canvas that changes with the light of the day. The serenity of the surroundings invites introspection, making it a perfect spot for those seeking solace in nature's embrace. The well-maintained facilities and thoughtful amenities enhance the overall experience. Whether you're an avid photographer, a nature enthusiast, or simply in search of tranquility, the Pinarik Viewdeck promises an unforgettable encounter with the wonders of the natural world. 6 St. Gregory the Great Cathedral (Legazpi Cathedral, Albay Cathedral), Bicol 640 Road, Old Albay District. The episcopal seat of the Diocese of Legazpi, it was first built by Spanish missiona

Do

1 A. Bichara Silverscreens and Entertainment Center, Magallanes corner T. Alonso Street. (updated Oct 2023) Black sand beaches: The city's coastline has lots of them, along the Albay Gulf, and are ideal for skimboarding. Whale shark watching: Whale sharks, locally known as butanding, occasionally visit the waters off the city's coast. Diving: There are 16 coral reefs off the coast of Legazpi and around the Albay Gulf ideal for scuba diving. 2 Karangahan Falls, Ticotico River, Banquerohan. Open 24 hours. Has a deep catch basin ideal for swimming. (updated Oct 2019) Ibalong Festival. This non-religious festival based on the Ibalong Epic is held in August. It celebrates the epic story Ibalong who was accompanied by three legendary heroes, namely Baltog, Handyong, and Bantong. People parade in the streets wearing masks and costumes to imitate the appearances of the heroes and the villains, portraying the classic battles that made their way into the history of Bicol. The Ibalong Festival aims to express warmth and goodwill to all people; visitors and tourists are encouraged to celebrate with the Bicolanos. (updated Jan 2026)

Buy

1 Embarcadero de Legazpi, Legazpi Boulevard, Port Area. 9AM–8PM. A marina-inspired waterfront lifestyle hub, commercial and entertainment center in the city's port area. It also hosts the first Duty Free Philippines store in Bicol. (updated Oct 2019) 2 Pacific Mall, F. Imperial St, Legazpi Port District (Landco Business Park). 10AM–9PM. Has a Metro Gaisano supermarket and a cinema. (updated Aug 2016) 3 Yashano Mall Legazpi, Terminal Road 1 Corner, F. Imperial Street. 9:30AM–8PM. They have fast food, resto, food kiosks, and cellphone accessories. (updated Aug 2016) 4 SM City Legazpi, Brgy 37 (Bitano) Capantawan. 9AM-8PM. A 140,000-m² mall, which also hosts the central bus station. (updated Oct 2023) 5 Ayala Malls Legazpi, Rizal Street, Corner Quezon Ave, Brgy. Capantawan. 10AM–7PM. (updated Oct 2023) 6 Legazpi City Public Market, F. Imperial Street. 3AM–10PM. (updated Oct 2023) 7 Robinsons Supermarket Albay, #738 Building, Rizal Street, Old Albay. 7AM–10PM. (updated Oct 2023) Unitop Legazpi, #Rizal St., corner Imperial & Marquez Sts., Old Albay District, Legazpi City (beside AMA College).

Eat

Budget Albay Pili Nut.

Mid-range LCC Mall nearby Lapu-Lapu Street has several vendors that sells some Filipino menu, just like fried bangus with rice, fried chicken with silog.

1st Colonial Grill. A well known restaurant in the area that is famous for inventing the Sili ice-cream, a chili-infused ice-cream that is a core part of Bicol cuisine. There are three branches in Legazpi: SM Legazpi, Pacific Mall, and near the Bicol University College of Education. (updated Apr 2026) BIGG'S Diner. A famous fast food chain in the Bicol region serving various comfort Western and Filipino foods. (updated Apr 2026)

Splurge Find out in the cafes within Embarcadero and having dinner towards the sea.

1 Sol at Hotel Areca, ☏ +63 91-7537-9607. 10AM-midnight. A high-end restaurant that is part of Hotel Areca, serving both high quality local and international cuisine. Hotel guests have a 10% discount. (updated Apr 2026)

Drink & nightlife

1 Kapuntukan Resto Bar and Grille, Legazpi Port District. 2PM–10:30PM. (updated Oct 2023)

Sleep

Budget 1 Magayon Hotel, Peñaranda Street, ☏ +63 52-4807770, +63 9107881144 (Cell phone). Check-in: 2PM, check-out: noon. Fan single room with cable TV. Outside bathroom. From ₱1,700. (updated Oct 2023) 2 Catalinas Lodging House, 96 Peñaranda Street, ☏ +63 52 4807841. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: noon. Single fan rooms with shared bathrooms. Old but clean. From ₱250 ₱600. (updated Oct 2023) 3 Mayon Backpackers Hostel, 040 brgy 11 Maoyod (off rizal street), ☏ +63 52-4800365, +63 9055186076. Check-in: 1PM, check-out: noon. Fan dorm beds in a room with 4 beds per room. A/C dorm beds in a room with 6 beds. ₱1,200. (updated Oct 2023) 4 Anvil Bed & Breafast, Quezon Avenue, Orosite (btwn Quezon Aveune & alonzo strret.), ☏ +63 52-4808886, +63 9159585180, [email protected]. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: noon. Fan double room. No window. (updated Oct 2016) 5 Hotel Rex, Aguinaldo Street, Legazpi Port District, ☏ +63 52-4805489. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: noon. Single fan rooms. You must pay an additional ₱100 for cable TV. (updated Oct 2023) 6 RMJ Apartelle, #29 Camia Street, Barangay 25 (near Pacific mall), ☏ +63 52-4801145, +63 9175589100 (cell). Check-in: 2PM, check-out: noon. A/C double room with bathroom and cable TV. (updated Oct 2023) 7 Siville Inn, Vibal Street, ☏ +63 52-4812883. Check-in: 1PM, check-out: noon. Fan double rooms with bathroom. from ₱500. (updated Oct 2023) 8 MEACO Royal Hotel - Legazpi City, Tiwi Road, Legazpi Port District. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: noon. ₱1,350. (updated Oct 2023)

Mid-range 9 Hotel St. Ellis, Rizal Street, Legazpi Port District, ☏ +63 52 480 8088. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: noon. It is a 3-km drive from the airport. It offers rooms completely furnished with a 32-inch LCD television set with satellite cable TV connection, high-speed internet access, NDD/IDD telephone, in-room safe, and an electronic door lock system. Amenities include Essences Spa, Salon Mye, a fitness center, and a kiddie activity room. From ₱3,000. (updated Oct 2023) 10 Tyche Boutique Hotel, Gov. Forbes St. corner Rizal St., Baybay (directly across the Philippine National Bank branch, it is only a few minutes from the Legazpi Domestic Airport), ☏ +63 52 480-5555. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: noon. All rooms are equipped with air-conditioning, widescreen high-definition LCD TV with cable channels, complimentary wireless internet access, bathroom amenities and hair dryer. 24-hour room service, concierge, massage service (by arrangement), laundry service, 24-hour security, business center with Internet access for email, secretarial services, and fax. 11 Alicia

Go next

Gubat and Rizal Beach. There are several sleepy towns and nice beaches after Legazpi just like Sorsogon and Gubat. Take a jeepney to these directions. Normally they make a stop in Pilar Port on the way to Sorsogon and Gubat.