Many remain trying to find a one-stop travel destination where they are able to get better nature, take advantage of the sun, soak in the water, perform some exercises, try extreme sports, or relax at the world-class hotel. Search no more; in your case need not go any farther than Camarines Sur to squeeze all the above-mentioned activities in a memorable vacation.
Camarines Sur, the biggest among the six provinces in Bicol Region, has cemented its put in place this list of top travel destinations inside the Philippines, due to the growing amount of people hooked to extreme aquatic adventures. The province had not been a part of most Philippine travel guides before the Camarines Sur Watersports Complex opened its doors for the public in May 2006. Since then, the six-hectare active park, which includes facilities for wakeboarding, wakeskating, kneeboarding, and waterskiing, has buoyed a nearby tourism industry.
Politically subdivided into 35 municipalities as well as cities, Camarines Sur is another haven for beach bummers. One of the famous natural attractions inside province is the beaches of Caramoan, a second-class municipality perfectly created for island hopping. Its fine pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters are ideal for kayaking, snorkeling, and diving. Other interesting activities popular for tourists are rock climbing, caving, camping, trekking, and mountain biking.
Camarines Sur, which is about eight to ten hours drive from Manila or 45 minutes by plane, is another magnet for Catholic faithfuls. The province is home to Our Lady of Peñafrancia in Naga City. Come September, religious enthusiasts flock towards the city for any religious festival wherein the image with the Nuestra Señora de Peñafrancia is paraded on a float. Old churches are also commonplace fare inside province. Some of them would be the Naga Metropolitan Cathedral, Quipayo Church, and Nabua Ladrillo Church.
Like any province inside archipelago, Camarines Sur boasts a unique share of colorful events and festivals. In San Jose town, local talents and young artists take center stage to the Harana Festival. The February 11-15 event aims to promote cultural awareness through singing and other types of arts. Other popular occasions in Camarines Sur include Iriga City’s Tinagba Festival, Bato’s Karanowan Festival, Minabalac’s Tumatarok Festival, and Nabua’s Boa-
Boahan Festival.
The province, which accounted for 55.2% of the1.3 million people who set foot on Bicol last year, has something to provide to hikers and sightseers. Two potentially active volcanoes- Mt. Isarog and Mt. Iriga – are the place to find exotic nature. Along the climb, don’t forget to look at Nabuntulan Falls and Malabsay Falls. Meanwhile, the recommended destinations for spelunkers are Kalupnitan Caves in Ilibmanan and Adiangao Cave in Presentacion.
Tourists consider various accommodations ranging from the simple for the luxurious. As a travel tip, place your reservations upfront to prevent any inconvenience. There are hotels and resorts offering affordable travel packages for the budget-conscious travelers. The crunchy pili nuts as well as the spicy Bicol Express are must-tries for first-time and repeat visitors.
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