When you get that itch on your feet to go frolicking in the sand and dipping away the hot sting of the summer heat, the Bicol region is the perfect place for you as it offers not one or five but 17 perfect summer getaways to fill up a month’s travel.

Calaguas Island in Camarines Norte

Photo by Gay General

This place boasts of two main tourist must-haves in their vacation – long stretch of white sand of Mahabang Buhangin and pristine blue waters of the Pacific, both of which are ideal for relaxation. Since it is less frequented and less commercialized as opposed to more crowded beaches, the island is a perfect getaway for seclusion away from the busy hustle and bustle of city life.

Caramoan, Camarines Sur

Matukad Island/ Photo by Brian Flores

Lahos Island / Photo Brian Flores

Caramoan brings into reality every person’s imagined beach paradise – deep blue waters teeming with marine ecosystem perfect for snorkeling and swimming and backdropped by lush green mountains. What makes the place more perfect? Finding not one but 10 perfect destinations in the island where you can equally enjoy this kind of beauty while getting unique, once in a lifetime vacation experience.

Subic Beach in Matnog, Sorsogon

Photo by Melvin Baroga

This beach gives “hidden treasure” the best face. As you travel from the port of Matnog and nearing Subic Beach, its beautiful pinkish sand will leave you awestruck. And the best part is that as you marvel at the diverse and almost untouched coral formation perfectly visible above water you will realize that the beach has more than its aesthetic beauty to offer.

Misibis Bay Resort in Cagraray Island, Albay

Misibis Bay Resort

Most people usually frown at developed and luxurious resorts. But before your bias gets the better of you and miss one of the best Bicol experiences you will ever get, make sure to include Misibis Bay Resort which has been able to perfectly marry both resort sophistication and nature preservation.

Halea National Park in Ticao Island, Masbate

Photo by Alan Velasco

True to its being a national park, Halea is haven to various sea species with its rich ecosystem. Because of the protection it gets, the area has maintained its beauty drawing tourists from all over the globe to experience its wonders. It is so wonderful that the locals themselves could not get enough of this place.

Apuao Grande Island in Camarines Norte

Photo from www.ironwulf.net

Although the great part of the island is home to a fishing community, it used to house an old resort built in the 80’s but was devastated by a typhoon in 2006. Now, what it is left is an abandoned villa which could still be rented for overnight stays. The place offers a very simplistic but relaxing island getaway experience completed by the white sand beach, the clear water and, yes, pines.

Rizal Beach in Gubat, Sorsogon

Photo by Melvin Baroga

Another perfect surfing destination in the Bicol region is the Rizal Beach Gubat which is becoming a sensation for surfers in the country. The place is very humble but definitely very scenic and relaxing. It still has its province charm of backwardness that many city goers who are tired of the busy city life are craving for. If you are done with your surfing for the day, you can mingle with the community and enjoy life’s simple bliss.

Catandayagan Falls in Ticao Island, Masbate

Photo by Harly Limlingan Marcuap

Just west of the island of Ticao is Catandayagan Falls which gives you one of the weirdest but wonderful scenery that nature can offer. This falls is unlike most falls in the Philippines. Yes, its water still comes from the mountains. However, what made this special is because it directly spills its water to the sea. Indeed, something that you only see in the movies.

Palumbanes Island in Catanduanes

Palumbanes or Parompong for the locals used to be a hidden gem in the northern part of Catanduanes which has only been recently gaining prominence all thanks to its natural allure. However, even if it has become one of the most sought-after beaches in the country, it has been able to maintain its seclusion and serenity. If you wish to channel your love for the more rustic lifestyle, then this island is the best place to go to.

Twin Rock Beach in Catanduanes

Photo by Benjie Tabilog

If one wonder of nature is not enough, then the two humongous jaw dropping rock formation of the Twin Rock will surely leave you breathless. JUst offshore Barangay Igang, the place has become a reputed island destination for both surfers and divers.

Paguriran Island, Sorsogon

Photo by Melvin Baroga

The island is secluded yet accessible, making it a very ideal getaway overnight trips. In fact, the island could be easily accessed during low tide when the water is only knee-deep. However, it is advisable to always travel with a local and prepare when the water gets deep during high tide. Aside from the wonders that the island’s formation has to offer, what makes the island stand out is lagoon, frequented for its charm and rare scenery.

Tinigban Beach in Aroroy Masbate

Photo from http://tinigban.com/

There is only one word to describe this beach – stunning. The stretch of its white sand, natural rock formations and the abundance of its marine life are the very reasons why this beach should be included in your top-places-to-visit in Bicol. It is an ideal place for solitude and relaxation.

Puraran Beach in Baras Catanduanes

This is another frequented surfing destination in the Philippines. The waves are just simply majestic owing to its location. It basically lays bare in the sprawling waters of the Pacific Ocean. The winds are so strong in this area that the place has been tagged as the “Land of the Howling Wind”. Although the trip going to the island can be quite an adventure, the trouble is all worth it. The place is just perfect!

Maribina Falls in Bato, Catanduanes

Photo by Herald Presado

If you are planning for a Catanduanes trek, make sure to include Maribina Falls in your itinerary. This five-meter high falls is very accessible, thus most frequented. Many trekkers are drawn to its clean and cool water and the place is ideal for a short weekend getaway or group picnics. Although it can get crowded, the place has been able to maintain its cleanliness.

Donsol, Sorsogon

The island’s main tourist attraction, the Butanding whaleshark, has been reeling in tourists from all over the world especially that the island has been reported as the Whale Shark Capital of the World. You can enjoy these gargantuan but graceful creatures from afar or together in an unbelievable swimming experience. Make sure to heed proper protocol when appreciating the whaleshark in your next trip.

Bulusan Lake in Sorsogon

Photo by Hannah Katrina Fulleros

One of the many reasons why you should visit Bicol or Sorsogon is this lake which embodies that natural charm of magic and surrealism that most secluded lake getaways usually have. Situated inside Bulusan Volcano National Park, its water is greenish and home to many kinds of fresh fish species as well as birds and mammals that thrive around the lake.