Albay is a province situated within the Bicol Region in the southeastern part of Luzon island. Located 340 km from Manila, it is famous for Mayon Volcano, an active stratovolcano with a nearly perfect cone. The name Albay came from "al Baybay", a combination of a Spanish preposition and the Bikol rootword meaning "by the shore" referring to the Sawangan area in present-day Legazpi's port district.  
 
Most of the land area of Albay is located on mainland Bicol Peninsula. Apart from the peninsula, Albay is also made up of four major islands - Batan, Cagraray, Rapu-Rapu, and San Miguel. Generally, the province is mountainous with patches of fertile plains and valleys. The climate in Albay is generally mild with no specific extreme season. As with the rest of the country, rainy season starts from July to January. Temperature is usually at its lowest in December and at its peak in June. However, some typhoons may occur as early as March. 
 
Dominating the Albay skyline, Mayon Volcano is the province's most popular destination (that is when it isn't erupting). The Cagsawa Ruins stands as a testament to the volcano's fiery nature when it buried the town in 1814, leaving the church belfry the only structure still visible above ground. The town of Tiwi is also popular for numerous hot springs and a geothermal power plant. Across the province, numerous beaches, caves and falls can be found. 
 
In keeping up with the fires of Mayon, the people of the province are known to be industrious and lovers of spices. Most popular among these dishes is the Bicol Express, a concoction of pork and chilies cooked in coconut milk and shrimp paste. Other popular products include abaca (Manila hemp) handicrafts and pili nuts. The province is also noted for celebrations such as the Coron Festival and Ibalong Festival. 
 
Without a doubt, Albay is a place of wonders designed to set your eyes and palate ablaze. 
 
 
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Long before the Spaniards arrived, Albay is already a thriving civilization as evidenced by archaeological finds dating back to 200,000 to 300,000 years ago. During those times, it was formerly called Ibat. 
 
Spanish colonizers and missionaries came and occupied Albay and its surrounding areas in 1573 in order to establish new settlements in the country and evangelize inhabitants. Back then, this swampy piece of earth was known as Sawangan which was later renamed to Albaybay, meaning “by the bay”. In 1846, the Spanish government issued a decree that separated Albay into four districts - Catanduanes, Iraya, Sorsogon, and Tabaco. Catanduanes and Sorsogon were established as independent provinces in 1894. 
 
During the American era, Albay was placed under a civil government in 1901. In March 10, 1917, Albay was formalized as an independent province. Japanese Imperial Forces reached the shores of Bicol in 1941 and seized all the provinces, including Albay and its capital Legazpi. The province was liberated in 1945 by the Americans and was reestablished as a province shortly after the World War II. 
 

The agriculture industry makes up most of Albay’s economy. The crops produced by the province’s agricultural sectors include coconut, rice, sugar, and abaca. Handicrafts made from abaca also contribute to the provincial economy. These handicrafts include Manila hemp, bags, mats, and slippers. Forestry also adds up to Albay’s income, along with manufacturing and tourism. 
 

 Air Transport 
By air, Legazpi City is 45 minutes away from Manila via the nation’s flag carrier, Philippine Airlines. 
 
Land Transport 
By land, aircon tourist bus companies ply the Manila-Legazpi route daily with an average travel time of nine hours. The average travel time by train is sixteen hours via the Philippine National Railway, the country’s sole rail transport service. 
 
Sea Transport 
Several shipping lines have regular trips to and from Catanduanes through the Tabaco Port. Travel time from Visayas and Mindanao pass through the port of Matnog in Sorsogon. 
 
GETTING AROUND 
Buses and jeepneys are generally the modes of transportation in getting around Albay’s destinations. Pedicabs and tricycles are also available for short distance travels. Taxis and rent-a-car services are also available. 
 
BY LAND: 
 
PHILTRANCO 
Tel. No. (052) 820-2794 
Regular Aircon: 8:00 AM Legazpi-Pasay/Cubao/6:00 PM 
Legazpi-Pasay/Cubao 
Fare: Php 778.00 
 
Gold Service: 8:30 AM Legazpi-Pasay/Cubao/7:00 PM 
Legazpi-Pasay/Cubao 
Fare: Php 1,040.00 
 
PEÑAFRANCIA TOURS 
Tel. No. (052) 820-0578 
Aircon: 7:00 AM Legazpi-Cubao/6:00 PM 
Legazpi-Cubao 
Fare: Php 580.00 
 
CAGSAWA TOURS 
Tel. No. (052) 820-6598 
Business Class: 6:00 PM Legazpi-Cubao/6:00 PM Daraga-Cubao/6:30 PM Legazpi-Cubao 
Fare: Php 550.00 
 
BY AIR: 
 
PHILIPPINE AIRLINES 
Legazpi-Manila 
Daily 
Departure: 9:00 AM/Arrival: 9:50 AM 
Manila-Legazpi 
Daily 
Departure: 7:30 AM/Arrival: 8:25 AM 
FARE: Php 2,753.00  
 
Air Transport 
Philippine Airlines provides regular transport to and from Legazpi City. Sea Air will soon be opening its Legazpi-Cebu and vice-versa route. The Legazpi Airport, equipped with modern facilities, accommodates medium range jet planes and light planes for commercial, military and cargo operations. 
 
Land Transport 
Aside from air-condition and regular buses plying Metro Manila to Southern Philippines (Mindanao and the Visayas area), more than eight (8) bus companies have regular Legazpi-Manila and vice-versa route. 
 
Sea Transport 
Legazpi Port is classified as a national sub-port of entry with an approach length and width of 329 meters and 12 meters respectively. Commercial vessles regularly dock to load and unload cargos. 
 
Rail Transport 
The Philippine National Railway provides a regular trip to and from Manila. 
 
HOW TO GET THERE 
(Distance from Manila: 530 kms.) 
 
By Air 
Travel time: 50 minutes 
Philippine Airlines (Daily) 
Manila-Legazpi ETD 7:30 am ETA 8:25 am 
Legazpi-Manila ETD 9:05 am ETA 9:55 am 
 
By Land 
Travel time 8-9 hours 
Aircon Buses (Daily) 
Cagsawa, Philtranco, AM, Isarog, Peñafrancia (Air Condition Buses), Goldline, Superlines and several others departing from Pasay and Cubao regularly ply the Manila-Legazpi-Manila route. 
 
By Sea 
Several shipping lines have regular trips from Catanduanes and from the Visayas to the island province of Masbate, then to the port of Pilar which is 40 minutes by land to Legazpi. 
 
Moving Around Legazpi and Nearby Areas 
 

Taxis, jeepneys, motorcycles, motorized tricycles, pedicabs, and private cars for hire.