Tabaco

Understand

Tabaco's name is rather debatable. Some say it derives from Spanish tabaco ("tobacco"), but locals and the city government itself insist that the name came from Bikol tabak ko (my bolo), referring to a bolo, a traditional knife that has been produced long before the Spaniards arrived. Its Central Business District is vibrant, busy and chaotic. It gained cityhood in 2001 through a plebiscite. The downtown is typical of most Spanish-era towns, with a central Catholic parish church, plaza, and a traditional market. Life in Tabaco is quite relaxed over Legazpi to the south.

Getting there

By car Tabaco is 487 km (303 mi) from Manila, and 27 km (17 mi) from Legazpi. It is also connected to the city of Ligao via Sabloyon Road.

By plane The nearest airport is in Daraga (DRP IATA).

By bus 1 Tabaco City Central Terminal, Tiwi-Tabaco Road. It has a quite spartan layout, with two open bus shelters, and a lot for jeepneys headed for downtown Tabaco and nearby towns. (updated Aug 2019) Long-haul provincial buses arrive from Manila and there are some intra-provincial operators from the capital at Legazpi.

From Manila A. Bragais Transport. Daily trips from Cubao and Pasay using non-air-conditioned buses (updated Aug 2019) ALPS The Bus. Operates 2-2 seater air-conditioned "executive" buses from their Cubao base. Two trips depart from Cubao, with 2 return trips every 7:30AM (with stops at Calamba and Makati) and 5:45PM (with a stop at Calamba and Alabang). (updated Aug 2019) Philtranco. Three daily trips depart from Pasay. (updated Aug 2019) Amihan. Philtranco's sister bus line, with a daily trip to Tabaco from Cubao. (updated Aug 2019) Raymond Transport. (updated Aug 2019) TAWTRANSCO (Tabaco Women's Transport Service Cooperative). One daily trip departs from Starmall Alabang in Muntinlupa. (updated Aug 2019) It takes about 12 hours or longer, including major stopovers, to Cubao or Pasay; from Alabang, about 11½ hours under the same conditions.

By jeepney Jeepneys connect Tabaco with Legazpi, Bacacay, Tiwi, and Ligao.

By boat Tabaco has an international seaport, which is on the waterfront east of downtown. Ferries arrive from San Andres and Virac ports in Catanduanes. The ferry from San Andres is operated by MV Regina Calixta 2, 3, and 5, and takes 2½ hours. From Virac, it takes around 3½ hours on MV Eugenia, a regular ferry, and 1½ hour on MV Silangan, a fast ferry.

By train Trains no longer run up to Tabaco. The nearest train station is at Legazpi, which is served by a once-daily local train from Naga. Overnight services from Manila a

Getting around

Around downtown, padyak (pedicabs) abound. Boats are available heading to San Miguel Island, administratively part of the city.

See

1 Angela Manalang Gloria House (Smith; Bell and Company House), Quinale Cabasan. An old two-storey house that was once the residence of Angela Manalang Gloria, a poetess who was born in Guagua, Pampanga in 1907 and died in Tabaco in 1995. (updated Aug 2019) 2 Tabaco Church (San Juan Bautista Parish Church; St. John the Baptist Parish Church), Ziga Avenue. Completed 1750, it is one of the two heritage churches in Albay that are designated as National Cultural Treasures. (updated Aug 2019) Mayon Skyline Buang, Tabaco featuring a planetarium Balay Saudan 913 Riosa Street, Quinale-Cabasan. Bonto Boulevard

Do

Watch Mount Mayon Volcano up close at Mayon Skyline located at Buang, Tabaco City. Visit BeauYon Mayon Vulkanik Garden Park to connect with nature. Located just beside Mayon Skyline Tabak Festival - an annual festival showcasing the local industry of blacksmithing and making of various cutlery held every month of June.

Eat

1 Ishi Aya, Ziga Avenue, Barangay San Carlos. 8AM-6PM. Specializes in Japanese cuisine, but they also serve Filipino, Malaysian and Indonesian cuisine and fusion dishes. (updated Jan 2026)

Sleep

1 MEACO Royal Hotel Tabaco, Ziga Avenue (Near Novo and LCC Market Plus). From ₱1000. (updated Aug 2019) 2 Hotel Fina, A.A. Berces Street (Near LCC Mall Tabaco). Has a rooftop pool and views of Mayon Volcano to the south. From ₱2480. (updated Aug 2019) 3 Gardenia Hotel, Riosa Street (A few meters from Tabaco City Mall). The rooftop has a garden on top, and views of Mayon Volcano as well, but you need to ask permission to access it. All rooms air-conditioned. Free breakfast. From ₱1200. (updated Aug 2019) 4 JSpazio Apartelle, Tabaco-Legazpi National Road (Next to the Tabaco City Social Security building). Rooms come with 2 floors, and there is a cafe on the 3rd floor of the building. From ₱2700. (updated Sep 2022)

Go next

Bacacay - a jeepney ride away from Tabaco. Legazpi - the vibrant capital city of Albay.