How To Commute To Legazpi City's Tourist Spots

During my first ever travel to Legazpi City, I meticulously study commuting and walking directions to some of the popular attractions and destinations in this vibrant city as well as the outlying town of Daraga where the picturesque Daraga church is located. The following are the attractions that given directions in this article:

Albay Park & Wildlife - what to see here Cagsawa Ruins - what to see here Daraga Church - what to see here Embarcadero de Legazpi - what to see here

Ligñon Hill Nature Park - what to see here Plaza Rizal - what to see here St Gregory The Great Cathedral - what to see here

Albay Park & Wildlife - what to see here
Cagsawa Ruins - what to see here
Daraga Church - what to see here
Embarcadero de Legazpi - what to see here
Ligñon Hill Nature Park - what to see here
Plaza Rizal - what to see here
St Gregory The Great Cathedral - what to see here

Albay Park & Wildlife - what to see here Cagsawa Ruins - what to see here Daraga Church - what to see here Embarcadero de Legazpi - what to see here

Ligñon Hill Nature Park - what to see here Plaza Rizal - what to see here St Gregory The Great Cathedral - what to see here

I thought that it would be more informative if I provide you with details on what to expect in each of these spots, what are the reasons that you might want to go to each of the attractions listed above. To know them, just click the link what to see here opposite a destination name. You will land in another location of this article. After reading the information there and seeing some pictures taken on a particular destination, just hit the button found below the last pic that says 'Back' which will return you back here.

In travelling to Legazpi City, I opted for land travel as it is cheaper. I took a Philtranco airbus, an express and with toilet on board. The beauty of airbus aside from its convenience and fast travel, compare to regular air-con buses, is - it departs Manila (Cubao or Pasay Terminals) only at night. Just push the button of your seat to recline it and go to sleep comfortably as the seats can be reclined widely because airbus is only 27 seater, it's so spacious. But not all seats are comfortable. Read my Tip #1 on choosing a seat for a more comfortable airbus travel. All valuable tips from yours truly are written below this article. Moving forward, once you're on a comfortable sleep, you won't notice time passes and before you know it, you will have arrived in Legazpi City. The 11 hour journey is shortened because of your good night sleep on your comfortable reclined airbus seat.

My directions start right as soon as you get off the bus in Legazpi City Central Bus Terminal. So, if it is your first time in going there, this guide would come in handy.

The first thing, you might want to do as soon as you set foot in Legazpi City is to have a breakfast, right? I have created a separate paralleled post entitled What & Where To Eat In Legazpi City, just click it to open on another tab.

From the bus that you have ridden, take the exit of the elongated terminal building located at the middle. Once you are outside of the bus terminal, Mount Mayon is clearly seen from afar if the sky is clear. To your right at the short distance is a big building with sign that reads Metro Legazpi. Head towards that building. As a budget traveler, you might skip trike ride and walk instead, as I did. Read Tip #2 at the bottom of this article.

Metro Department Store is actually a part of the big mall called Pacific Mall and also known as Gaisano Mall. It's a huge landmark building and as such it's the only building recognizable from Ligñon Hill, next to Embarcadero which is farther. Get inside the mall then exit to the opposite end which is the frontage. In front of the entrance/exit of the mall, across the street called Imperial St, is Dream Inn Cafe, a decent place to stay.

Now that we're talking about places where you can stay while in Legazpi City, I have created a separate post that discussed all types of places where you can stay - from a full service hotel to 3-star and down to the low budgeted ones. Just go to Where To Stay In Legazpi City.

Familiarization

The first spot that you must be familiar of in Legazpi City is the intersection of Rizal St and Quezon Ave where a roundabout or rotunda is located and this monument (photo above) is erected. You can get to any directions from there, by walk, jeepney and the free e-jeepney shuttle to and from Embarcadero. See map below and read the direction below it.

Direction to Rizal St and the rotunda: In front of Pacific Mall is Imperial St. Just walk along Imperial St toward east to get to Rizal Ave/Bicol 630. If you don't know 'east': East is the right of every map, that's why Rizal Ave/Bicol 630 is on the right of our map above. Landmarks that you will be passing by are: 101 Shopping Mall, Hong Dept Store and a Dunkin Donut is located at the right corner of Rizal St/Bicol 630 and Imperial St (as of this writing.) You will immediately see the rotunda monument once you get there, to your right. At the background of the rotunda monument is another huge mall called LCC.

How To Get To Embarcadero de Legazpi City

By Free E-Jeep Ride

The loading/unloading area for e-jeep free shuttle to Embarcadero is located at the Rizal St & Quezon Ave rotunda, specifically along Rizal St few meters away from Quezon Ave. There's no sign. Rizal St is one way on that area and the e-jeep shuttle turns left from Quezon Ave. All you need to do is to wait there and there's a BDO bank near the spot where the e-jeep drops and picks up passengers. For the schedule of e-jeepney, please refer to the photo above.

By Public Jeepney

First, walk towards rotunda monument, turn right onto Quezon Ave and walk further to the junction of Quezon Ave and Lapu-Lapu St, a Y-intersection where public jeepneys pass through. Your landmark there is Legazpi Tourist Inn, with its sign located at the corner. The jeepneys turn right from Lapu-Lapu St to Quezon Ave. Ride a jeepney with "Embarcadero" sign in its front and "Daraga Legazpi City" on both sides. If there's no Embarcadero sign, you must ask the driver if he will go straight there because some of them cut their trip by turning left onto Penaranda St. Refer to the map below and read additional information below it.

By Walking

Actually, you are already near to Embarcadero once you are in Lapu-Lapu Quezon Ave Y intersection. Embarcadero is located where Quezon Ave ends. All you need to do is walk further along Quezon Ave, just walk past Lapu-Lapu St until you see the arch or gate of Embarcadero. In the arch is also a sign that reads Legazpi Blvd because the road is continued as Legazpi Blvd and it is built along the elongated complex of Embarcadero.

Important: You're on mobile. Please pinch-out the map to zoom in. Drag the map by tapping a finger and move to any direction. Tap each red pin to reveal more information.

In the map you will see Imperial St where you walk from Pacific Mall. You turn left to Bicol 630 (Rizal St), the road in the map where you see a downward arrow which indicates that traffic is one way toward south. The unloading/loading waiting area for e-jeep is at the southwest corner of Bicol 630 (Rizal St) and Quezon Ave and remember that it's along Bicol 630 side near BDO. The e-jeepney shuttle will take the one way part of Bicol 630/Rizal St which is only down to Lapu-lapu St where the e-jeepney will make a sharp left to take the one way northward Lapu-Lapu St. The e-jeepney then turns right onto Quezon Ave on its way to Embarcadero. For public jeepneys, walk past e-jeep loading/unloading area, turn right onto Quezon Ave and walk southward along Quezon Ave until you get to Lapu-Lapu where jeepneys turn right onto Quezon Ave from Lapu-Lapu St. To get to Embarcadero on foot, just continue walking along Quezon Ave past Lapu-Lapu St until you see Embarcadero past Legazpi Blvd arch.

How To Get To Embarcadero de Legazpi From Any Point Of Rizal St?

Rizal St is a long city street that runs from west to east. It connects Daraga to Legazpi City. If your point of origin, like your hotel is located along Rizal St, that is already two way, it means you might be in the far area. If that is the case, in going to Embarcadero, you must take a jeepney that plies the route of Daraga - Legazpi and there must be a sign that reads "Embarcadero" at the front of the jeepney. The jeepney makes a U-Turn after dropping off and picking passengers at Embarcadero and it heads back to its point of origin.

How To Get To Daraga Church?

From Embarcadero de Legazpi City

Go to the jeepney stop at the north entrance of the building. North entrance is the one nearer to Quezon Ave and the city proper. Take a jeepney with "Daraga Legazpi City" sign. Alight at Daraga Municipal Bldg. It's a long ride and the jeepney passes by Legazpi City Hall and Albay Capitol where Saint Gregory the Great is also located. You will know that you are in Daraga once you enter a busy town with lots of commerce going on after a journey of less buildings and houses. Once there you can ask the driver to drop you off at "Munisipyo" or the Daraga Municipal Hall. You will immediately see concrete stairs at the left side of the Municipal Bldg. The photo below shows Daraga Municipal Hall and the stair that goes up to Daraga Church. Use that stair. Once at the top, walk uphill and there is the majestic Daraga Church that made picturesque by the Mayon Volcano as its jow-dropping backdrop. To go back to Legazpi City later, use the same stair, cross Gen Luna, the road where you alighted before, enter the small alley opposite the stairs and go to the other road paralleled to General Luna. That street is Rizal St and it's one way towards Legazpi City. General Luna is also one way which served as the opposite lane of Rizal St. The jeepney from Legazpi turns right to another street from Rizal St and then turns left onto Gen Luna where Municipal Hall is located. Now take a jeepney to Legazpi City. Note: There's also a stair nearer to the church that goes down to the right side of Daraga Municipal Hall.

From Ligñon Hill and Albay Park & Wildlife

Outside the gate or entrance of either Ligñon Hill Nature Park or Albay Park & Wildlife, wait for a jeepney with "Loop 1" or Loop 2" sign on its front. Note: Don't cross the road. If you cross the road, you will be back to Legazpi City proper. Just wait at the side of the road where the nature park and wildlife are situated. After traversing areas of woods and trees, the jeepney will enter the town as indicated by commercial buildings and establishments. This time the jeepney takes Rizal St from Ligñon Hill. Ask driver to drop you off at Ninoy Aquino Park. At the right side of Ninoy Aquino Park is an alley or small road. Enter that road and walk up to the paralleled road which is Gen Luna where you will immediately see Daraga Municipal Hall and on its right side is the stairs that lead to Daraga Church. To get back to Legazpi City, go to the same spot where you alighted earlier and then ride another "Daraga Legazpi City" route jeepney.

From Imperial St cor Rizal St or Quezon Ave Rizal St Rotunda

Along the one way Rizal St cor Imperial St, wait for a jeepney with "Daraga Legazpi City" on its both sides and on its front. Read direction given at direction from Embarcadero to know where to get off the jeepney in Daraga.

From Pacific Mall

In front of the mall entrance where you exit, there is a terminal of jeepneys bound for Daraga. Ask the driver if he will pass by Daraga Municipal Hall. If he does, then follow the direction previously mentioned, above.

How To Get To Ligñon Hill Nature Park and Albay Park & Wildlife?

The jump off point to the top of Ligñon Hill Nature Park is next to the gate of Albay Park & Wildlife along the road called Binitayan Rd through which the jeepneys from city proper passes on its way to Daraga. To avoid confusion, this route is different from the one via Rizal St. The jeepney turns right from Legazpi-Daraga diversion Rd to Binitayan which is a Y intersection. You will first see the building of Legazpi City Jail with its sign seen from the distance, which is situated exactly after the jeepney turns right to Binitayan Rd from Daraga-Binitayan Diversion Rd. Remember that it is not a sharp turn. It is just a Y intersection as the diversion road leads to airport tower control tower. The sign of jeepney that you must ride is "Loop 1" or "Loop 2" which is attached to the windshield. The terminal or loading area is located along Peñaranda St near corner or before Rizal St (intersection). You must patiently wait for this jeepney as there might be none when you get there. The "Loop" jeepney will either go straight to Lignon Hill or it will transfer you to a waiting vacant jeepney on another terminal along the way. Read Tip #3 so that even without the driver's assistance you can alight at the exact location of either Albay Park & Wildlife or Ligñon Hill Nature Park.

How To Locate The Jeepney Bound For Ligñon Hill?

From Embarcadero de Legazpi

If you're riding e-jeepney, you will get off at Rizal St-Quezon Ave rotunda as I have mentioned already earlier in the post. The terminal of e-jeepney in Embarcadero is located at the opposite or south end of Embarcadero. From inside ground level, walk past Puregold and exit the building and wait for e-jeepney to arrive. Once you've gotten off the free shuttle in Rizal St, cross Quezon Ave and walk along the extension of Rizal St. Walk past Magallanes St, the road perpendicular only to the left side of Rizal St until you get to the crossing or intersection of Penaranda. Cross Penaranda to the other corner and wait for the Loop 1 or Loop 2 jeepney.

From any point along two way Rizal St and the one way Lapu-Lapu St

The jeepney that you would take might pass by Embarcadero de Legazpi to drop and pick passengers. Don't alight at Embarcadero. Stay on-board. If the jeepney you're in doesn't go to Embarcadero, it will turn left onto Penaranda St. If you're riding a jeepney that comes from Embarcadero, the jeepney will traverse Elizondo St and it will cross the intersection of Rizal St. You must get off the jeepney at Rizal St. Cross Elizondo and walk along Rizal St until you get to the next crossroad which is Penaranda St. Wait for the "Loop 1 or 2" jeepney along Penaranda St at the left corner side Rizal St. If you're riding a jeepney from any point of Rizal St, get off at exact location of the Loop jeepney terminal if the jeepney doesn't go to Embarcadero and turns left instead onto Penaranda St. The jeepneys that turns left onto Penaranda St pass by Loop terminal and cross Rizal St. See map below and read additional information below it for more detailed directions.

From Imperial Street

Let's say you will be coming from Pacific Mall and you walk down Imperial St toward Rizal St, or you have a fast snack in Dunkin' Donut located at Imperial St cor Rizal St, and you will be going to Ligñon Hill Nature Park for some adventure. Just walk along Rizal St toward the rotunda, cross Quezon Ave and walk further along Rizal St past road perpendicular to the left of Rizal St (Magallanes) and the next crossing is Penaranda St. Cross Penaranda St and wait for a "Loop 1" or "Loop 2" jeepney at the area where they pick up passengers. See map below and read additional information.

Important: You're using mobile. Please pinch the map so that it zoom out and you get to see the road to take to get to this jeepney terminal from your location. Drag the map by tapping your finger and move it.

In the map above, the loading area of "Loop 1 or 2" jeepney is situated along Penaranda at the southeast corner of Penaranda and Rizal St. Coming from Elizondo, you must walk westward along Rizal St. Coming from Quezon Ave if you have ridden e-jeepney shuttle from Embarcadero, you must walk eastward along Rizal St. All jeepneys that don't go to Embardacero turn left onto Penaranda. You must get off before the jeepney crosses Rizal St, then wait for "Loop" marked jeepney.

How To Get To Cagsawa Ruins

"Polangui" is the sign of the jeepney that you must take in going to Cagsawa Ruins. You will see this word on both sides of the jeepney and on its front. The jeepney drops and picks passengers at Embarcadero jeepney stop. So, if you are in Embarcadero, just go to the jeepney stop and wait for this jeepney to arrive. You can also take Polangui bound jeepey along the entire stretch of Rizal St. In Daraga, you can ride one along the road to which all jeepneys from Legazpi City turn right from Rizal St because the other side or extension of Rizal St is one way toward Legazpi City. From Ligñon Hill Nature Park or Albay Park & Wildlife, take a "Loop 1" or "Loop 2" jeepney and once in Daraga, do not get off at the one way Rizal St. Once the Loop jeepney turns left onto the road back to Ligñon Hill Nature Park, get off the jeep and wait for Polangui bound jeepney. Just ask driver to drop you off at the unloading area nearer to Cagsawa Ruins. Once there, you can either take a trike or walk your way to Cagsawa Ruins. There are signs that point to Cagsawa Ruins.

How To Get To S t Gregory The Great Cathedral?

As I have already mentioned earlier, jeepneys with "Daraga-Legazpi" and vice versa route pass through the area at which St Gregory The Great church is located. Whether you're current location is Legazpi City (e.g., Embarcadero, Rizal St-Quezon Ave rotunda, Imperial cor Rizal St, etc) or Daraga, all you need to do is to ride a jeepney with "Daraga-Legazpi City" signs on its left and right body sides.

I have already mentioned earlier that you can take "Daraga-Legazpi" jeepney as your second ride from Ligñon Hill Nature Park and Albay Park & Wildlife. So, if you are in any of the two destinations, just follow directions mentioned earlier.

You will immediately see the church in front of you if the jeepney you're in comes from Legazpi City proper because the church is located where Rizal St turned right. Visually, the church is on the middle of the road as the jeepney approaches. If the jeepeny is from Daraga, it will pass through the left side of the church, then you should see the frontage of the church as the jeepney turns right and before the road turns left again right at the gate of the church. Besides, the area is full of local government institutions, i.e., Legazpi City Hall, Albay Capitol, plaza, etc. Please see map below.

How To Get To Plaza Rizal

Hope by now, you have the reasons in going there, since it's not much of a traveler's haven if not for the surrounding institutions, e.g., church, cinemas, and other establishments that I have mentioned when you click what to see here. Public jeepneys that turn left onto Peñaranda St from Quezon Ave after turning right from Lapu-lapu st pass by Plaza Rizal. If the jeepney comes from Embarcadero, it will take Elizondo St which is paralleled to Peñaranda St. Here's how to get to Plaza Rizal:

From Daraga and St Gregory The Great Cathedral as well as two-way Rizal St

Ride a jeepney with "Daraga-Legazpi City" sign. If the jeepney turns left onto Peñaranda, wait until it crosses Rizal St (first intersection). Look to your left and get off the jeepney as soon as you see the park. San Rafael Church is just opposite the park in Peñaranda St which is to your right. If the jeepney you're riding goes first to Embarcadero to drop off and pick up passengers there, wait until it makes U-turn back to city proper. It will take Elizondo and will cross intersecion of Rizal St (as you can see on the road sign). Get off the jeepney as it reaches the next road which is Aguinaldo St. Cross Elizondo and walk down Aguinaldo St until you get to the corner of Peñaranda St. San Rafael Church is to the right corner of Peñaranda and Aguinaldo. Opposite the church is Plaza Rizal.

From Ligñon Hill Nature Park and Albay Park & Wildlife

As I have already mentioned earlier, the sign of jeepney to take is either "Loop 1" or "Loop 2." It will take Peñaranda St in going back to Daraga via Binitayan Rd where Ligñon Hill and Albay Park are situated. You must cross Binitayan Rd, then wait for a jeepney headed back to Legazpi City. It will stop at Peñaranda St cor Rizal to pick up passengers. Just get off the jeepney at Rizal St, then cross Rizal St and walk along Peñaranda St until you see Plaza Rizal on your left and opposite the park is San Rafael Church.

From Imperial St and the rotunda of Rizal St and Quezon Ave intersection

This is for those coming from Embarcadero via free e-jeepney shuttle and those coming from Imperial St different spots like Pacific Mall, Metro Dept Store, Hong, 101 Shopping Mall or if your hotel is located there. After you get off the e-jeepney at its stop in Rizal St cor Quezon Ave, cross Quezon Ave and walk down Rizal St. From Imperial St cor Rizal St, just walk along Rizal St toward the rotunda monument and cross Quezon Ave to take Rizal St again. Now in Rizal St past Quezon Ave, walk further until you get to Magallanes St which is only perpendicular to Rizal St. Turn left onto Magallanes and walk until you get to Plaza Rizal which is to your right. You will immediately see SilverScreen Entertainment Center once you get there. See map below and read information below it for more vivid directional guide.

As you can see in this map, the green-colored rectangle is the Plaza Rizal, your destination. The one way road (symbolized by an downward arrow) that is perpendicular to Rizal St and between Quezon Ave and Peñaranda St is called Magallanes St. So, coming from Imperial and e-jeepney stop, you just cross Quezon Ave and turn left onto Magallanes to get to Plaza Rizal. Getting off the "Loop 1 or 2" jeepney, just cross Rizal St and walk northward along Peñaranda St. Aguinaldo St is the unmarked road paralleled to Rizal St and crosses Elizondo St. Getting off the jeepney from Embarcadero at Aguinaldo St, you will walk nearer to get to Rizal St. Other jeepneys pass by Plaza Rizal.


What To See In:

Albay Park & Wildlife

It's a ranch with a lagoon and some park features with your regular wildlife animals in captivity. It would attract kids but if you are a zoo lover with an eye for expanse steppe in a very tiny scale setting and a bit of forest on the side, you might like to check it out. There are these small huts where you can take a break especially if it's noon time when you get there and tired at that, not bad if you've got a pack of lunch. Entrance is Php 20 as of this writing. See the photo of its entrance that you get to see from the jeepney, on the right side of the Binitayan Road, after the jeep turns right from Daraga Legazpi Diversion Rd.

Cagsawa Ruins

Remember the classic postcard of Mayon Volcano with the belfry that stood on the right side? This is where they took the picturesque photography. Definitely a must-to-see. You can take a lot of angle of Mayon and the Cagsawa belfry plus a lot of other scenic areas. Read Tip #4. And if you want the souvenirs, lots of them are sold here.

Daraga Church

Another historical site with panoramic view worth photographing if you integrate Daraga Church and the Mayon Volcano in your frame in a very creative and artistic way. Take a lot of shots and surely you will get one jaw-dropping photograph of the world famous Mount Mayon. Not to mention a good souvenir of you if you are in few of those pics. While in there, don't forget to visit the church itself. A solemn prayer for a few minutes would definitely release that tiredness of your travel. And you know what, you would be tempted to stay a bit longer inside. When you get out, you'll feel energized.

Embarcadero de Legazpi

Now this one is an amazing place for me. Maybe because I got here during holiday season and there are lots of things going on, lots of travelers from different parts of the country and the world. But no, the whole package is really great. First, as it names implies which means 'pier' or 'ferry' and its root words means 'to embark', the premier commercial and recreation center of Bicol Region is situated by the body of water called Albay Gulf. So, a lighthouse is not only integrated to the building design but also utilized as viewing deck and an adventure seekers magnet courtesy of "Edge-Walk" atop the lighthouse. Second, it is backdropped by a folkloric Kapuntukan Hill and surrounded by spots where you can take photographic images from any directions. One perfect spot is on the breakwater across the water which you can reach by getting out of the mall, walk along Legazpi Blvd towards Kapuntukan Hill, then go left towards the direction of the magnificent Mayon Volcano. The best time to be here is in the afternoon towards evening. You get to see the panoramic view of Embarcadero de Legazpi at dusk. Read Tip #5. Aside from Edge Walk, there's also a long zip-line and an outdoor wall-climbing. Dining is fabulous on the deck of Embarcadero fronting the sea especially at night. There's a hotel, albeit expensive for budget traveler, but a popular fast-food restaurant is located on the second level. Highly recommended for all types of travelers especially those into photography. Read my tip#?

Ligñon Hill

The ultimate destination for those who want to sweat vigorously before jumping in to lots of adventures this hill offers, namely, basic and advance zip-lines, rappelling, hanging bridge, Japanese tunnel, paintball, kapit2ko, etc. How? Brisk walk your way uphill from the entrance to the top. No need to run for heart pumping activity. With the very steep uphill zigzag road, a brisk walk will do. Once you reach the top, a more nearer Mt Mayon will greet you. Enough for one to utter, "What a sight!" upon seeing the majestic most perfect cone volcano in the world. Aside from adrenalin rushing activities mentioned, these are what await you: viewing decks, minigolf, open gallery, Lignon Hill Observatory, souvenir shops, restrooms and restaurants. For those driving, parking areas are available on top of the hill. Entrance fee as of this writing is Php 20.

Plaza Rizal

There's not much to see in the plaza itself. But it serves as your reference point because around it might interest you. For one, there's a church you might like to visit. San Rafael church is just opposite the park across Penaranda St. There's also an outlet of a Bicolandia popular restaurant called Graceland. You might like to taste their delectable foods. Above all, a classic-movies inspired mall housed in the tall building in the area would be worth checking out. Silver Screen Entertainment Center. One reason you would go there is the cheap internet cafe in one of the mezzanine floors. I've got one of my lunches on the third level bar style eatery with small tables and chairs just right outside a theater entrance. The place is cozy, the one I prefer rather than the crowded and noisy mall food courts and fast-food chains. Downside? Paid comfort rooms, they are clean alright.

St Gregory The Great Cathedral

Located at the area in which local government buildings are situated, meters away from the St Gregory The Great Cathedral are: Legazpi City Hall, Albay Provincial Capitol, Albay Astrodome and a big plaza called Penaranda Park.

Tips in Traveling to Legazpi City

1. On riding a Philtranco airbus, take a seat beside another seat if you're travelling alone. Seats that are side by side are on the left of the bus. They have enough room for your legs to stretch that makes for a very comfortable long travel. The single seats which are on the right side of the bus have very narrow clearances between them. As a result, you can not stretch your legs as much as like you do if you're sitting on the left row.

2. If you are a budget traveler, it would be into your advantage if you forego trike rides. Most of their routes are served by public jeepneys. Trike drivers charge Php 30 for a person riding alone. That's their minimum in the city.

3. The "Loop 1" or "Loop 2" jeepney will turn left onto the only one perpendicular road to Penaranda St which is "Bogtong" as what is written on the road sign at the corner. Bogtong is actually the Daraga-Legazpi Diversion Rd. You might transfer to another jeepney waiting along Bogtong after the one you're riding in has turn left. If not, then you'll go directly to your destination. Even without driver's assistance, you can get there by watching for Legazpi City Jail sign because that's the one visible and fronting the jeepney you're riding. Next to the jail complex is the gate of Albay Park & Wildlife with its big sign not visible upon approach because it faced the opposite side of the road. If you want to go to Lignon first then get off at the next road perpendicular to Binitayan. That's the jumping off point. Entrance is located as you climb the uphill road.

4. Timing is very important in going to any spots where Mayon Volcano can be photographed. Plan your travel and make sure that weather is on your side. If the volcano is covered with clouds, what you'll get is only the lower portion of it that will only look like some ordinary mountain.

5. Outside Embarcadero de Legazpi, try to explore other areas other than the breakwater and seawall. Of course, you can get good photos of Mayon with different angles and foreground from those areas. But if you walk further along Legazpi Blvd where you get to the back of Kapuntukan Hill, there are scores of scenic views especially farther south of Legazpi Blvd where you can take amazing shots of Mayon with the boulevard in the foreground. Meanwhile, a beach and a monument of I think the conquesador Miguel Lopez de Legazpi himself are behind Kapuntukan Hill. I highly recommend spots down there.

6. You can go to Naga City and other far flung areas around Legazpi City as well as nearby towns and barangays by taking a jeepney or the air-conditioned van like the ones here in Manila such as UV Express. Read my separate post that listed the destinations of jeepneys and Filcab/UV Express vans which serve the public at their terminals in LKY Metro Transport & Lifestyle Hub. Please go to Legazpi City's Jeepneys & UV Express Terminals.

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PNR Train Now Goes To Ligao Albay

A lot of commuters are headed to their respective home provinces these days for the Observance of Lent. One of major destinations during Easter Season is Bicol Region. That's why I did checked on the status of PNR Bicol Express Train service to give readers an update on whether there are new stations that had opened or train commuters still need to board the train down to Naga City and take another route to their final destination such as Albay.

PNR Bicol Express Train opens Ligao Station in Albay

Here are important things you should know on Philippine National Railways train service to Bicol:

• PNR has just opened Ligao City Station in Albay.
• You have two choices of trains to board bound for Ligao: Aircon and Ordinary. (No Sleeper Coaches)
• Fare of Aircon Train bound for Ligao costs Php 717 while Ordinary is Php 344.
• Aircon Train bound for Ligao is scheduled on M-W-F (Monday, Wednesday and Friday) while Ordinary Train is available on S-T-Th (Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday).
• Train bound for Ligao leaves PNR Tutuban Terminal at 8:30 pm and scheduled to arrive in Ligao Station at 7 am the following day.
• PNR Bicol Express Train (Reclining Aircon & Sleeper Coach) bound for Naga City leaves Tutuban at 6:30 pm daily and scheduled to arrive in Naga City at 4:30 am.
• Fare Rates of Bicol Express Train bound for Naga are as follow: Sleeper Coach - Php 665, Reclining Seat - Php 548.
• If you prefer an ordinary train in going to Naga City, take PNR Train bound for Ligao and alight once it stop in Naga Station.
  
  If you have other questions, kindly go to previous posts on PNR Bicol Express Train and read comments from other readers below them, just click the URLs below:
  
  Bicol Express Train Fare Rate And Schedules
  Travel To Bicol From Tutuban to Naga Via Bicol Express
  To Manila From Naga On-Board Sleeper PNR Bicol Express
  
  
  
  

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Bicol Express Train Update

PNR Bicol Express Train trip to Albay has been symbolically laid out to the railway route map with the test run conducted on December 7 from PNR Tutuban Central Station that ended in Ligao City. Unfortunately, regular trip to Ligao will not happen until next year. There are quite a lot of issues that need to be fixed. Until then, Bicol Express Train only serves train commuters from Tutuban down to Naga City.

FLASH!!!
We have update dated April 1, 2012. PNR Train Now Goes To Ligao Albay. To read the update, click here. This post contains relevant information so I still suggest reading it. The April 1 update tackles today's departure and arrival schedules as well as fare rates.

Yesterday, I went to PNR Tutuban Central Station to gather valuable information for frequently asked questions from our readers.

Here are the important things you should know in going to Bicol Region via PNR Bicol Express Train for now:

• Bicol Express Train now serves passengers to Naga City daily.
• Time of departure in Tutuban is 6:30 pm.
• Estimated time of arrival in Naga City is 4:30 am.
• Fare Rate for Sleeper Coach is Php 665.00/head flat rate. Applies to all stations in between Naga City and Tutuban. No discount is given to senior citizens.
• Fare Rate for Reclining Aircon is Php 548.00/ head with 20% discount for senior citizens. Rate varies from station to station.
• Payment Accepted is cash only.
• You can make reservation one week before your trip.
• You must confirm your reservation by calling 319 0041 local 104 and 105.
• If you're taking Bicol Express Train from other stations or stopovers, payment is made inside the train through train conductors.
• There's no canteen/cafeteria on-board. So, make sure you have enough provisions.
• Expect no pillow and blanket on your sleeper coach.

Watch for upcoming updates on Bicol Express Train opening of Ligao and Legazpi City routes from Manila by regularly visiting this blog or subscribe via email.

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Hotels Near PNR Naga Station

In my 3-day stay in Naga City, started off on the early morning of July 2 and concluded on the dusk of July 4, I've made sure that I accomplished something for my readers.

You guys are now informed of the pros and cons of riding PNR Bicol Express Train. They're all discussed in the posts I published while I was there in the "Heart of Bicol Region" that is Naga City. For our new guests, you can read the article which documented my travel to Naga from Manila by PNR Bicol Express Train in the post "To Naga On-Board PNR Bicol Express Train" and another one that guides commuters and tourists how to get to Cagsawa Ruins from Naga City in the post "How To Commute To Cagsawa Ruins From Naga City".

Today, I will guide you to locations of five hotels which are near to PNR Naga City Station. This is handy for first timers in visiting Naga City, and for those who, like me, decide to get to Naga City on a whim. In my case it went like this "Oh! It's PNR Bicol Express first trip to Naga this Wednesday , I got to be on-board on the maiden trip!". The way it turned out, it's the second trip to Naga that I would be in. Looked like misinformation saved me from the inconveniences that besieged those who boarded the first trip. I've had been coordinating with the Information Desk officers of PNR Tutuban, in fact, I had their contact number. I called them up the day before the soft opening. I was told that it won't push through and to call them the following week. Then I happened to read an article in Manila Bulletin in the morning of June 29, 2011, the soft launch date, that the opening indeed would push through. And so, I headed to PNR Tutuban in the afternoon of July 1, 2011.

The hotels nearest to PNR Naga Station are the following: Naga Regent Hotel, Crown Hotel, Aristocrat Hotel, Starview Hotel and the hotel where I was billeted - Naga Land Hotel.

These hotels are situated along Elias Angeles Street or E. Angeles street, one of the main road in Centro, Naga City. On the morning of my last day in Naga, I went to PNR Naga to buy ticket. I wanted to make sure I got in sleeper coach. On the way to PNR I took a tricycle, which, in my own view, the one that hold the title of the "king of the road" in Naga City. Watch for my separate post on how to move around Naga City. I went back to my hotel on foot.

Backpackers, all you need to do is walk but if you want a ride then take one of the tricycle that are available just outside PNR. If you're taking tricycle ride, just instruct the driver to take you to Naga Regent Hotel. Pay him 20 pesos once you get off the motored vehicle. From Regent Hotel which is located exactly where Elias Angeles Street begins, walk along the road to get to the other hotels. Read the rest of this post for more details.

On foot, take the only road going out of the PNR Naga Station. Turn right onto he main road which is called Biak na Bato. Immediately, you will pass through a bridge. Then, you will see the big public market called Naga City People's Mall to your left, and the road name changes to General Luna.

A huge monument is in front of the market. Next to the sculpture is a road to the right of General Luna. This road is Caceres. Take this road until you get to the next main street to the left of Caceres which is the Elias Angeles Street, This is where E. Angeles starts. You won't miss the big building which bears the very big sign that read "Naga Regent Hotel", located at the other corner of Caceres and E. Angeles.

Now, Naga Regent Hotel is an upscale hotel. It's not a budget hotel. But it's your landmark. Walk along E. Angeles towards its another end. You'll get to see another big building next to Naga Regent Hotel. This second building is where the main Naga Regent Hotel is located. It's bigger than the annex located at the corner of E. Angeles. Next to Naga Regent is Aristocrat Hotel, I will not recommend the hotel simply because it's exorbitant considering its age. Walk on until you get to the big plaza to your left. This plaza is called Rizal Plaza.

Towards the end of the plaza to the right is the Crown Hotel, which is nice. I like the kindness of the staff, very accomodating. I almost checked in there. Rate is 2,200 pesos. But I decided to check out other hotels.

Next hotel is StarView Hotel, to the left of E. Angeles Street. It's a tall building. It's new, rate is 1,999 pesos. There's a Jollibee, the one where I had my first breakfast in Naga City, at the ground floor of the building next to StarView along the street that intersects E. Angeles.

Naga Land Hotel, like StarView Hotel, is to the left of E. Angeles Street, opposite the big building of E Mall, a fully owned Bicolano mall with Robinson's Supermarket inside. But before you get to Naga Land Hotel, you will pass by different restaurants and fast food. Among them is Bigg's Diner, the biggest fast food chain in Bicol, having a lot of branches in key locations. There's also a McDonald's. All these restaurants and fastfood chains are to the left of E. Angeles Street between StarView Hotel and Naga Land Hotel. To the right of E. Angeles and opposite these establishments is a mini plaza or park where a monument of 15 martyr Bicolanos is erected.

Walk further past the small plaza until you get to the big building of E-Mall, to your right. Opposite the mall is the Naga Land Hotel. E-Mall is owned by Naga Land Hotel as written on its facade.

The factor that made me decide to check into Naga Land Hotel is their being considerate. Check-in time should be at 1 pm, but they allowed me to check in right at that moment. It's around 9:40 am when I got there. There's some waiting, about 30 minutes, but they did allowed me to get into my room. I was lucky because, the room just got vacated. And I was told that it needed to be clean up first. A man next to me was told that there's no more vacancy and that he needed to wait up.

The only setback of Naga Land Hotel is there's no wifi signal inside rooms. I needed to get down to the lobby to use their wifi. But the rate is reasonable. At 1,100 pesos with free breakfast, I give them a thumbs up. The room is great, I had 3 clean pillows, a thick blanket and complete set of utensils. Air-conditioning system is excellent, with hot and cold shower and a telephone. Breakfasst? I had Tapsilog twice because their tapa is so delicious. Except there's no free coffee.

There's a quite a lot of cheap hotels around the plaza that I've seen but never checked out. Rizal Plaza constitute the center of Naga City. You will not get lost as long as you're in the vicinity of the plaza.

In my upcoming posts, I will share to you where to eat, how to get to SM City Naga, why tricycle is the king of the road here, etc. Stay tuned.

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To Manila From Naga On-Board Sleeper PNR Bicol Express

In my article dated July 3, 2011, entitled "To Naga On-Board PNR Bicol Express Train" I've shared to you how I traveled from Tutuban to Naga for the very first time coincided with the second trip of the newly rehabilitated PNR Bicol Express Train to the cultural and religious capital of the Bicol Region.

Through that post, you've gotten to know the fact as far as the travel time of the famous locomotive train is concerned. The second voyage from Manila to Naga from which I was one of the passengers in Recliner Aircon, the newly refurbished locomotive train took more that 12 hours to reach Naga City Station. The trip was hampered by non-synchronization with other trains using the same track and a minor incident somewhere in Sta Rosa. For those who did't read it yet, kindly go to "To Naga On-Board PNR Bicol Express Train".

Now, I'm back in Manila. Guess what? The train left Naga City at 6:23 pm of July 4, 2011. It arrived in Tutuban Station at 7:10 am of July 5, 2011. Yes, this time Bicol Express Train traveled 13 hours from Naga Station to Tutuban Station. 12 hours and 47 minutes to be exact.

Slippery Rail syndrome apparently caused much of the delay according to some of the PNR officers on-board. This problem is known to have caused same problem in other countries years ago. And with the current situation and trend of the way PNR renders service, it will stay for quite a long time here in our country. So, don't believe it when they say in the press that Bicol Express Train reaches Naga from Manila in 10 hours. Take it from me as I've ridden their route from Manila to Naga and vice versa.

Okay, let's try to be more constructive here. PNR is doing their best to serve commuters. They haven't announced in media how their second trip to Bicol and the one to Manila from Bicol got along. Maybe, they'll do in the coming days. For the meantime, let's just make some adjustment on our itinerary in Naga City, if we're traveling by train, that is.

The only good thing that happened to me during my trip back to Manila on-board Bicol Express Train was that I got to sleep well. For some reason, the shaky movement of the coach induced sleep. The bed was comfortable, the curtains that served as my enclosure also protected me from the extreme cold of the air-conditioning system. One thing to remember if you're riding Bicol Express Train is to never forget to take your jacket. Especially if you choose Recliner Aircon coach. Believe me it's freezing cold in there. That's why I haven't enjoyed my trip from Manila to Naga, but I needed to do it (chose recliner) for me to keep awake so that I could record each time the train stopped.

The other plus factor of sleeper coach is the small tray table that you could use of to enjoy your meal. You know, I've eaten a lot during those trips. Eating on the train made rice and chicken more delectable for me. I've taken a lot of provisions on board the train.

Because I gave in to sleepiness, I was deeply asleep during the whole night, occasionally waking up to go to the men's room. I only woke up completely when it's already dawn.

And now, for your reference, here's how the train got along during the last part of the journey. The train stopped in Alabang Station at 5:43 am, it continued at 5:50 am. Momentarily, I heard a loud voice said "Next stop - Pasay Road". That meant the train would stop only in Pasay Road Station. As it is, we've stopped again in FTI at 6:06 am. The train moved again at 6:16 am. The train stopped at Pasay Road at 6:23 am, and after a long wait, it moved again at 6:37 am. I heard again a loud voice yelled "Next station - Espana". But before we got to Espana, the train needed to stop in Pandacan at 6:47 am, we left immediately at 6:48 am. The train, then, stopped in Espana Station at 6:54 am. At 7:01 am, the train went on. Last stop before Tutuban was Blumentritt Station where we stopped for one minute at 7:04 am. Finally, we arrived in Tutuban Station at 7:10 am.

That's how I got back to Manila from Naga City riding the Bicol Express Train. There's much more to tell about my trip to the "Heart of Bicol". Stay tuned.

Ops! I almost forgot. The "Sleeper Coach" of Bicol Express Train is smelly. I had to spray some perfume all over my "moving tent" to get rid of the nasty smell. Also, expect some mosquitoes flying around the train. Just drive them away. Other than that, Sleeper Coach is excellent for a well rested long distance travel.

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How To Commute To Cagsawa Ruins From Naga City

Cagsawa Ruins was the image that've always conjured up in my mind everytime Mayon Volcano was mentioned. For me, the mere sight of different images of the postcard-like scenery was something comparable to looking at an award winning landscape painting.

That's why yesterday I didn't waste time. After asking few Bicolanos for some information, I headed to the ultimate attraction of the Bicol Region.

In Naga City, there's only one place from which people ride buses bound for all the cities and towns of the entire Bicolandia. This place is popularly known as CBT, short for Central Bus Terminal. It's a very wide and organized transport depot for public buses. I will be talking about it on a separate post.

For those of you wondering how to get to Cagsawa Ruins from Naga City, just follow these directions.

One. Flag down a tricylce anywhere in Centro, Naga City. Centro is the word Bicolanos use to refer to the center of Naga where the plaza is located surrounded by hotels, restaurants, department stores, banks, big public market and different commercial establishments. Instruct the driver to take you to CBT.

CBT is along CBD II Road and next to SM City Naga. Once there, pay the driver 8 pesos and then go enter the CBT.

Two. Proceed to Lane 33 and wait for an airconditioned bus with "Legazpi" sign. Board the bus pay 110 pesos and ask the conductor to drop you off at Cagsawa Ruins.

Reminder: Don't ride any ordinary bus and never approach a conductor, barker or driver of those buses. You shouldn't experienced what I've been through. I commit mistakes so that you guys get the right directions. I was a little bit excited, so I've asked a conductor where to ride a bus bound for Cagsawa. He said their bus was passing by it. I took it. Paid 100. Only to be transfered to another bus in Iriga and then to another jeepney in Nabua and spent 4 hours of tiring travel from one town to another before finally got to my destination.

When I got back to the CBT, I talked to an officer clad in blue uniform what's the right bus to ride to avoid being transfered to different vehicles and to get the fastest trip to Cagsawa. And the old man told me to take the airconditioned bus from Manila that stopS over in the CBT heading for Legazpi. And they're usually park in lanes 29, 30, 31, 32, and 33. My trip back to Naga from Cagsawa on board an aircon bus was only two hours and twenty five minutes.

So, I'm sure going there with the right bus will also take the same length of time.

Three. While in the bus, watch for Camalig. The conductor announces each town and city the bus passes through. Camalig is the town before Daraga, and Daraga is where Cagsawa is situated. After the bus passed by Camalig, remind the conductor to drop you off at Cagsawa Ruins. Take note that you'll pass by these towns before you get to Cagsawa: Pili, Iriga, Nabua, Polangui, Ginubatan and then Camalig.

Four. After getting off the bus at the intersection of the road going to Cagsawa Ruins, take any available motored tricylce that ply the direction to the site of the tourist spot. Pay 20 pesos.

Five. Enjoy the view of the world's almost perfect cone volcano. Take different shots of the famous destination, buy souvenirs and try the authentic Bicol Express dish in one of eateries in the tourist spot.

To get back to Naga, take the tricylce back to where you got off the bus. Board an air-conditioned bus with "Naga City" sign in front. Once backed in the CBT, for sure you'll get in SM City Naga for some snacks in the food court. After that you can take any tricycle to get back to your hotel. You can always mention the word "centro" to the driver if you want to stroll the plaza.

Enjoy.

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To Naga On-Board PNR Bicol Express Train

After having read the news about what happened on the maiden trip of Bicol Express Train that literally didn't arrive in Naga City on time, the train was six hours late because of major glitch in its track somewhere in Sipocot, still nothing could have prevented me to take the second trip on Friday, July 1, 2011. Yes, I'm writing this post right here in the lobby of my chosen hotel in Naga City - the Naga Land Hotel.

I've documented my travel from the time I left Timog, Quezon City to the time I've checked in, with recordings of exact time the train arrived in and left each stopover . My purpose is to inform travelers who are thinking of riding Bicol Express Train of the actual travel time the new rehabilated train takes the Tutuban - Naga route.

For the latest update on Bicol Express Train, go to Bicol Express Train Update. Click here.

I took a cab to LRT-1 Roosevelt Station at around 3:30 pm and took a Baclaran bound train. I alighted at Bambang Station and took a motorized tricycle to PNR Tutuban Station. The tricycle only took 10 minutes to take me to PNR Tutuban.

After I bought a one way ticket to Naga, I had to wait more that one hour sitting in one of the benches of the old station. Then I heard the loud speaker announced the magic words. It's boarding time.

Finally, I was inside the fully refurbished train that I'd only seen in the news. The train left Tutuban Station exactly 6:15 pm and here's the rest of the account.

Contrary to my belief, the train did't stop at Blumentritt Station. It's first stop was in Espana Station at 6:24 pm. It moved again immediately at 6:27 pm. It stoped in Pandacan Station, 6:34 pm. After 11 minutes, it moved again at 6:45 pm. Third time it stopped was in Pasay Road at 6:56 pm where it left at 7:04 pm. FTI was the fourth station where the train stopped at 7:13 pm. It left at 7:16 pm. Then, after a 2 minute stop in the middle of the track, the train stopped in Alabang at 7:39 pm. It resumed the trip immediately at 7:41 pm.

For a while, the train continuously went on its shaky run. And just as I enjoyed the precarious ride, we heard a loud sound as if something hit us. The newly rehabilitated train stopped again in the dark somewhere in Sta. Rosa as I've seen SM Sta Rosa minutes ago. A handful of crew got off the train to check the train and then one told us that the train hit some construction iron that apparently protruded from on-going repair of some utility company. We've waited for 14 minutes and the train resumed its journey.

Next station where the train stopped was San Pablo as I was told. It stopped there 9:30 pm and at no time it moved again. At 10:31 pm, we stopped at Lucena, and after 6 minutes we're moving again.

Next, we stopped in Hondagua at 1:39 am, left immediately at 1:44 am. In Tagkawayan, Quezon, we arrived at 2:53 am and left exactly 3:00 am. And then our first stop in Camarines Sur was in Ragay at 4:00 am where after 3 minutes we headed again towards our destination.

The train slowed down a bit after a few kilometers and one of the Rail Police told us that area was where the train on its maiden trip stopped for 6 hours and waited while some hollow under the track was being covered with soil. I felt some uneasiness when I realized we're already in Sipocot. And then, soon enough, we stopped at Sipocot Station at 5:17 am. I was thankful that this time the train left Sipocot immediately without any glitch. The train spent only 2 minutes in Sipocot Station.

Our last stop before we got to our destination was Libmanan. This was where a long wait was overshadowed by the reality that it's already dawn and that I would get to Naga at daybreak. The train stopped in Libmanan at 5:41 am. It needed to wait for the late incoming train to pass before ours was given a green sign. A lot of passengers found time to even get off the train and buy coffee in some makeshift stores along the rail track. Finally, the train started to move forward again at 6:05 am.

The train arrived in Naga City Station exactly 6:40 am, finally.

And that's how I got to Naga City from Tutuban on July 2, 2011. PNR Bicol Express train traveled from Tutuban to Naga in more than 12 hours. I've experienced it first hand. My question now is - what happened to 10 hours? Hehe.

Anyways, I rode a tricycle outside the Naga Station. I asked the driver to take me to the nearest Jollibee. After I had my jolly breakfast meal, it's time for hotel hunting. Until I found myself in the front desk of Naga Land Hotel.

I'll update you on "what happens next in Bicolandia" on my next post. So stay tuned.

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Bicol Express Train Fare Rate And Schedules

Philippine National Railways or PNR has just released the Fare Rates of the commercial run of Bicol Night Express Train from Manila to Naga which is effective June 29, 2011. As part of their soft opening, PNR implemented 20 percent discount as initial offering to the train commuters. There are two types of accomodations - Family Sleeper and Reclining Aircon. Regular rate of Family Sleeper is 950.00, and its discounted rate is 760.00. Regular rate of Reclining Aircon is 548.00, with discounted rate of 438.00.

FLASH UPDATE!!!
For the latest update on Bicol Express Train dated April 1, 2012, go to PNR Train Now Goes To Ligao Albay. Click here.
For other relevant information that you need to know go to Bicol Express Train Update, click here.

Bicol Express Train's estimated travel time from Tutuban Station in Manila to Naga City is 10 hours. There are 16 stopovers where other passengers can ride the train. Below is the schedule of Bicol Express Train route from Tutuban to Naga City.

Stations	KM Distance	Time
Manila Tutuban	00.00	6:15 PM
Blumentritt	02.73	6:20 PM
Espana	03.82	6:23 PM
Pasay Road	13.25	6:43 PM
Alabang	28.09	7:08 PM
Binang	39.76	7:30 PM
Calamba	56.16	7:59 PM
San Pablo	88.77	8:49 PM
Lucena	133.04	9:46 PM
Agdangan	179.68	11:08 PM
Plaridel	199.73	11:39 PM
Gumaca	210.59	12:04 AM
Hondagua	237.28	12:46 AM
Tagkawayan	278.39	1:52 AM
Ragay	312.41	2:43 AM
Sipocot	340.50	332 AM
Libmanan	353.19	3:48 AM
Naga	377.57	4:15 AM

You can contact PNR at telephone number 3190041 local 101.

If you want to know how to commute to PNR Tutuban Station, go to Travel To Bicol From Tutuban to Naga Via Bicol Express.

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Travel To Bicol From Tutuban to Naga Via Bicol Express

PNR Bicol Express, the newky rehabilitated train line of the long-stalled route to Naga City in Camarines Sur, had its soft launch on June 29, 2011 with its maiden trip left Tutuban Station at scheduled time of 6:30 pm. The maiden voyage constitutes promotional run from Tutuban in Manila to Naga City in Camarines Sur which is done to create awareness that the route is revived. Lucky passengers who took the initial trip enjoyed fare discount.

After the maiden trip, Bicol Express will take the 10-hour travel distance from Manila to Naga on every other day basis departing Tutuban Station at 6:30 pm. Click here for complete schedules, fare rates and stations between Manila and Naga.

To travel to Naga City by Bicol Express train, commuters need to get to PNR Tutuban Station where they shall take the train.

PNR Tutuban is in the vicinity where public commuting is constantly changing. Here's the newest guide on how to commute to Tutuban PNR Terminal nowadays.

BY TAXI

If the taxi you're riding takes C.M. Recto Avenue from areas of Cubao, San Juan, Santa Mesa, EDSA-Crossing, Pasig, Mandaluyong, etc., and the driver doesn't know what's the next turn to take, tell him to turn right onto Jose Abad Santos Avenue, a major intersection with pedestrian overpass. The taxi will cross two intersections along Jose Abad Santos Avenue. Then, the driver must change lane to the leftmost and then turn left on Mayhaligue Street, a one way road going to PNR Tutuban Station. Just stay on Mayhaligue until PNR Tutuban Station is visible to your right.

If the taxi takes Jose Abad Santos from anywhere in CAMANAVA, e.g. Monumento, Caloocan, Malabon, Navotas, Valenzuela, Letre, Bagong Barrio, Balintawak, etc., tell the driver to turn right onto Mayhaligue Street. Before Mayhaligue, you will cross the PNR Rail Track itself, then two main intersections of Tayuman and Bambang, respectively. After that, just watch for the road sign that read Mayhaligue Street to your right.

If you're riding a taxi from areas of Paranaque, Pasay, Ermita, Malate, Taft, San Andres, etc., and the taxi takes Jones Bridge where jeepneys bound for Divisoria pass through, tell the driver the best way to get there is via Reina Regente. The trick is to avoid the traffic in Tutuban Mall so make sure you don't pass in that area. Once you're taking Reina Regente, the taxi should cross Recto Avenue and take Jose Abad Santos, which is the opposite street of Reina Regente to the other side of Recto. Cross two more small intersections and then turn left on Mayhaligue Street. You can easily see the road sign and there's a traffic left turn signal to Mayhaligue from Abad Santos Avenue.

If you come from area of Espana, Dapitan, Quezon Avenue, Dimasalang, A. Bonifacio Avenue, Del Monte, Roosevelt, Munoz, Congressional, etc., your taxi can take Espana or the side road parallel to it which is Dapitan Street. If the taxi takes Espana, the driver must turn right onto P. Campa Street and then tell him to take Fugoso Street all the way and cross Rizal Avenue or Avenida. Left on T. Mapua and then turn right onto Recto all the way to Jose Abad Santos Avenue, the main intersection with pedestrian overpass. Turn right onto Jose Abad Santos, cross two intersections and then turn left on Mayhaligue Street where PNR Tutuban Station is located to the other end, right side. If the driver prefers Dapitan, then tell hime to cross Quezon Boulevard and take Fugoso and follow the rest of direction from Espana.

BY TRAIN

LRT 1 South & North Bound - Option One (Recommended). Get off the train at Bambang Station. Ride a tricycle at the corner of Bambang and Rizal Avenue. Tell the driver to take you to Tutuban PNR Station. Avoid the confusion, say it loudly - "PNR Tutuban Station". If the driver doesn't hear you, he'll take you to Tutuban Mall, and it's way way too far you would be greatly delayed. These tricycles drop off their passengers right at the entrance of the station. This route is the most convenient way to get to the station especially if you're carrying heavy luggage. Option Two. Get off the train at Jose Abad Santos Avenue. At the corner of Jose Abad Santos Avenue and Rizal Avenue, you can take either jeepney or taxi. If you don't carry heavy luggage then you can take the jeep bound for Divisoria and ask the driver to drop you off at Mayhaligue Street. Again, avoid the confusion, the sign of the jeepney that you must ride is "Divisoria Abad Santos". Don't ride a jeepney with "Recto" sign as it will take you to Recto in Quiapo area. From the corner of Jose Abad Santos and Mayhaligue Street, you can walk to PNR Tutuban Station. It's near, approximately 290 meters. This route is recommended if you're in budget. But if you're carrying large luggage, then take the taxi and instruct the driver to turn right onto Mayhaligue Street. This option is not convenient for those carrying heavy luggage because first you need to walk way too far, second, it's hard to take taxi in the area.

LRT 2 - Get off the train at Recto Station and then ride jeepney or taxi. Take jeepney bound for Divisoria, alight at Jose Abad Santos Avenue, ride another jeepney along Jose Abad Santos Avenue bound for Navotas or Monumento and ask the driver to drop you off at Mayhaligue Street. Cross Jose Abad Santos and walk along Mayhaligue until you get to Tutuban Station.

MRT 3 - Get off at Taft Station and then ride another train bound for Monumento/Roosevelt. Alight at either Bambang Station or Abad Santos Station, depending on your budget and luggage. Please read LRT 1 South & North Bound Two Options above. This direction is better than Doroteo Jose if you're taking LRT 1 because it is faster and you get to avoid the traffic along Recto Avenue particularly near Jose Abad Santos Avenue intersection.

BY JEEPNEY

The jeepneys that you can take that go directly to the vicinity of PNR Tutuban Station are the following: Jeep from Cubao, Marikina, Quiapo, Morayta, Caloocan, Monumento, Malabon, Navotas and Valenzuela. The sign of the jeepney must be "Divisoria". From Marikina, Quiapo, and Morayta, get off the jeep at the corner of Recto and Jose Abad Santo Avenue. You can either ride another jeep bound for Navotas and Caloocan along Jose Abad Santos or you can hire a pedicab or tricycle that moves around the area. From Caloocan, Malabon, Navotas or Valenzuela, just get off the jeep at the corner of Abad Santos and Mayhaligue Street.

It's not advisable to take jeepney with "Divisoria" sign from Baclaran, Pasay, Taft, Pedro Gil, Ermita, San Andres, Mabini, etc. This is because the jeepneys from these areas take Juan Luna Street. Traffic condition in area near Tutuban Mall along Recto Avenue is now at its worst and it spills over different streets that connect to Tutuban Mall from which PNR Tutuban Station is approximately 550 meters away. The best way is to take jeepney with "Monumento" sign and then get off the jeep at either Bambang where you ride tricycle to get to Tutuban Station or Abad Santos Avenue where you can ride a jeepney bound for Divisoria that passes by Mayhaligue Street from which you can walk your way to PNR Tutuban Station approximately less than 300 meters away.

Stay tuned for more updates on Bicol Express Train.

For PNR Bicol Express Fare Rates, Schedule, Stations & Stopovers, go to Bicol Express Train Fare Rate And Schedules


Route Map of PNR Tutuban Station

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