Getting to Legazpi City doesn’t take long. From Manila it’s only a 40 minutes flight and my plane took off when all passengers were present, which was ahead of schedule. The shuttle to town took actually longer than the flight. My guesthouse for the next three nights, Casa Roces, hid behind a tall gate and I needed to ring the bell to enter. It reminded me a bit of Rio de Janeiro, where every building hid behind huge walls except for the houses in the favela.
I kind of questioned my security, but that was unnecessary. Especially since my guesthouse featured a large statue of the Virgin Mary in the staircase. Legazpi seemed safe enough though wherever I walked, and I walked a lot. Maybe it was because the heavenly support.
Virgin Mary @Casa Roces
Legazpi City does not offer a lot to do except a small mall along the sea shore, where most of the shops were closed. The name Embarcado sounded grand for this kind of mall, but maybe some embarkations do happen at this port. According to a guide book there is also Kapuntukan (Sleeping lion) hill next to the mall. I didn’t see a way to get up there, other people apparently managed, but had some challenges as well.
the nicest part of the Embarcado Mall @Legazpi City
To get there I walked all the way from my guesthouse. Since it’s the easiest way to get one’s bearings in a new place, I though it was a good idea. It might not have been my best idea though. It was hot, plus there was basically no shade, and at most places along the road no sidewalk so to speak of.
walking through the town @Legazpi City
So why do I recommend Legazpi City nonetheless? First of all it’s the most authentic place I’ve been to in the Philippines. Totally unspoiled by tourists. Second of all, I learned to flag down a jeepney, which is the local bus. I never uncovered how the bus system worked, but basically you need to stand on the correct side of the road. There is a sign in the windshield, where the bus is going. Since that didn’t help me much (I knew none of the places), I just asked the driver. It was exhilarating to manage the local transport system on my own by the second day in Legazpi City.
jeepney aka public transport @Legazpi city
On my first day in Legazpi city, besides walking to Embarcado Mall, I also managed to get up to Lignon Hill, but used a tricycle. It’s about a 15-20 minutes ride and then a short walk to the park area.
has seen better times @Lignon Hill
All shops up on Lignon hill were closed as well. Not sure if it had anything to do with the time of the day (afternoon) or the month of travel (April). From here you have a great view on the city and Mayon volcano. Unfortunately its top was shrouded in clouds.
view over the city @Legazpi
Mayon volcano behind clouds @Lignon Hill
Instead of taking another tricycle I decided to stroll through the residential area back to my guesthouse. It was a bit depressing, and also a long walk, but at least I knew that I didn’t miss much by not taking this route again. Yours, Pollybert
no train coming any time soon @Legazpi city
residential area @Legazpi City
