Bicol Region Map,

Philippines

The Bicol Region or Region V (also known as Bicolandia) is one of the 17 regions of the Philippines. Bicol (also spelled Bikol) is composed of four provinces in the Bicol Peninsula, the southeastern end of Luzon island, and two island-provinces adjacent to the peninsula. Its regional center is Legazpi City in Albay province.

Geography

 
The Bicol Region is located in the southernmost tip of Luzon Island, the largest island in the Philippine archipelago. The total land area of the region is 18,054.3 km2 (6,970.8 sq mi), which or 5.9% of the total land area of the country. Around 69.3% of the total land area is alienable and disposable while the remaining 30.7% is public forest areas.
 
The region is bounded by Lamon Bay to the north, Pacific Ocean to the east, and Sibuyan Sea and Ragay Gulf to the west. The northernmost province, Camarines Norte, is bordered to the north by the province of Quezon, thereby connecting the region to the rest of Luzon.

Geology

 
Bicol Region is volcanic in origin and part of the Pacific Ring of Fire. Known as the Bicol Volcanic Arc or Chain, the volcanoes are the results of the Philippine Sea Plate subducting under the Philippine Mobile Belt, along the Philippine Trench. Volcanism is evident by the number of hot springs, crater lakes, and volcanoes that dot the region starting from Mount Labo in Camarines Norte to the Gate Mountains in Matnog, Sorsogon. Mayon Volcano is the most prominent of the volcanoes in the region, famous for its almost perfect conical shape and for being the most active in the Philippines. Its eruptions have repeatedly inflicted disasters on the region, but during lulls in activity, it is a particularly beautiful mountain. The southernmost tip of the peninsula is dominated by Bulusan Volcano, the other active volcano in the region. Tiwi in Albay and the Bacon-Manito area between Sorsogon and Albay are the sites of two major geothermal fields that contribute substantially to the Luzon Power Grid.

Language
 
Further information: Bikol language
 
The people of the Bicol region, called Bicolanos, speak any of the several languages of the Bikol sociolinguistic language, also called Bikolano, an Austronesian language closely related to other Central Philippine languages such as Cebuano and Tagalog. Bicol languages include the Inland Bikol of Bikol-Rinconada (Rinconada area), Bikol-Cam. Sur (Buhi, Cam. Sur; Libon, Oas, Daraga, Albay and Donsol, Sorsogon), Bikol-Pandan (Northern Catanduanes). Standard Bikol is based from the coastal Bikol language of the dialect of Naga City and is understood widely throughout the region even though they cannot speak it fluently.
 
Bikol is the dominant language of the region. The Filipino language (Tagalog) is also spoken in northern parts of Camarines Norte as well as in the municipality of Del Gallego, Camarines Sur. Two Visayan languages, Sorsoganon and Masbateno or Minasbate, are spoken in Masbate and Sorsogon; they are collectively referred to as Bisakol.

Tourism
 
Whale shark spotting in Donsol, Sorsogon
The region has recently seen a revival in its tourism industry, due to the popularity of Mayon Volcano, the new CamSur Water Sports Complex, whale shark spotting, among others, which consequently increased the number of upscale resorts in the region.
 
Owing to its location, Region V offers plenty of choices for visitors - beautiful natural features like beaches, mountains and waterfalls with lush vegetation; activities could include scuba diving to wrecked galleons, spelunking, mountaineering; or visits to man-made attractions like church architecture from the Spanish Colonial Period; etc.
 
The municipality of Daet and Catanduanes province have long been destinations for surfers. The opening of the Southern Luzon International Airport in Legazpi City, which is under construction, is hoped to further boost tourism in the region.

Bicol, at the southeast of Luzon island, is one of the coolest destinations in the Philippines, either for long vacations or weekend trips. Here's ten must-see places and must-try activities in the region:

 
1. Mt. Mayon Skyline Adventure - It nestles on the eastern slopes of Mt. Mayon at an altitude of 2,700 feet. It is known as "heaven on earth" because of the clouds and pleasant climate. From this height, visitors can see a stunning view of the Pacific Ocean and the different towns, lakes, villages, fields and other mountains.
 
2. Mt. Mayon Assault Trek - Get a panoramic view of Bicol from majestic Mt. Mayon, Bicol's fiery maiden. Also, see proof of the Mayon volcano's destructive fury at the Casagawa ruins. This is truly a humbling experience.
 
3. Pototan Cave - A spelunking adventure site about 10 feet above the beach line. Inside, an underground river flows into the chambers and passageways. Marvel at the stalactites and stalagmites of various shapes and sizes.
 
4. Whale shark interaction in Donsol - One of the most popular tourist attractions in Bicol, dubbed by tourists as the "whale shark capital of the world." Swimming and interacting with the gentle giants of the sea called "butanding" is the thrill of a lifetime.
 
5. Firefly adventure in Donsol River - Firefly watching in the evening is one activity you should not miss. See mangroves completely covered with fireflies illuminating the trees.
 
6. Explore the Citadel of Faith - Visit some magnificent churches in Bicol, from Sagnay to Tigaon. Marvel at ancient infrastructure and learn about each church's unique history.
 
7. Manta Ray Dive at Ticao Pass - Dive with the manta rays and experience the beauty of nature's undersea wonders.
 
8. Wakeboarding in Camarines Sur Water Sports Complex - Learn wakeboarding, skating, water skiing, and using the kneeboard. International wakeboarders and tourists come to this first-class water sports facility to experience the thrill of their lives.
 
9. Explore Sorsogon - Visit the Philippine Bee Farm, Sorsogon Dairy Farm, Rizal Beach, Lake Bulusan (tagged as "The Switzerland of the Orient"), Barcelona Church, and the Mateo Hot Spring.
 
10. Food Trip - Don't forget to taste the rich and spicy dishes of Bicol cooked with coconut milk and "siling labuyo" (chili pepper). Known for its Bicol Express and other spicy delicacies, the place puts the "hot" in "hotspot."