Naga City is a small city also known as the Heart of Bicol where your heart for water sports and Bicolano food will surely be satisfied. Located at the center of Bicol region, it is the best place to explore the history, the natural wonders, and the delicacies of the region.

Popularly known as the Queen City of Bicol, Naga City is both old and new. It has historical churches, monasteries and landmarks along with bustling commercial and business districts which serve as attraction and accommodation to its local residents and visitors.

How to Go

By plane

The fastest way to go to Naga is by plane. There are daily flights from Manila going to the Naga airport with an estimated travel time of one hour.

By boat or ferry

Traveling by ferry from Cebu is another way to get to Naga. From Cebu, the ferry will stop by Masbate, then port at Sorsogon, South of Bicol region. From there, ride a bus going to Naga.

By land transportation

An alternative and often cheaper way to travel to Naga is by bus. From Manila, there are daily trips that leaves as early as 4:30am and as late as 10:00pm going to Naga. The trip from Cubao or Pasay in Manila takes 8 to 9 hours, with stopovers for the bus to refuel and for the passengers to take meals or restroom breaks.

Getting Around

Traveling inside the city can be done in different ways. You can take a jeepney, pedicab (bicycle with sidecar) or a kalesa (horse-drawn carriage) to take you to your destination. Taking the tricycle is the most convenient, but maybe not comfortable, way to travel to any point of the city, for just the minimum fare per person. There are also taxi services which are mostly found near commercial areas and shopping malls.

Tourist Attractions

Mount Isarog National Park is a popular destination when touring Naga. Be prepared to trek uphill to get there and to swim at the Malabsay Falls located inside the park. Visit the city on a third Sunday of September and join the procession and other festivities done during the Peñafrancia Festival or the feast of Our Lady of Peñafrancia.

Tour around the museum inside Holy Rosary Minor Seminary, the Museo del Seminario Conciliar de Nueva Ceres, and learn about local church history.

Top Things to Do

Have an eco-adventure at Haciendas de Naga with their outdoor facilities for wall climbing and zip line riding. You can also pick your own pili nuts in their Pili Park. Try for yourself some watersports like wakeboarding, wakeskating and wake skiing at the Camsur Watersports Complex, CWC for short among the locals.

Take heritage tour among the old church structures including the Basilica Minore de Nuestra Señora de Peñafrancia, the Naga Metropolitan Cathedral and the San Francisco Bell Tower Ruins.

Where to Eat

For every meal of the day, there is a place for you to eat in Naga. In the morning, have abu, a dried fish dish, at Avenue Plaza Hotel’s buffet breakfast. At lunch, enjoy pancit and toasted siopao at Naga Garden Restaurant. For dinner, splurge a little for Bicolano cuisine by dining at Geewan for pinangat and Bicol express, or at Red Platter for laing and kare-kare.

Nightlife

Night entertainment in Naga starts as early as 7 o’clock with live rock band performances at Planet B and High Street located at the Old Central Business District, or at Residencia Barlin located at Barlin Street. Hang out at La Taverna for live performances of country folk music.

Nine Mugs, Podo Grill, or Go Diegz are the place for you if you would rather play billiards while having some drinks, and Centro Oasis or Disco Antonio if you would rather dance and party.

Where to Stay

Depending on your budget and preference for nearby places for other activities, there are many choices for you on your accommodation in Naga City. For a luxurious stay at the center of the city, check in at Villa Caceres Hotel or at Crown Hotel.

For budget friendly but excellent hotels, book a room at the Naga Land Hotel or the Sampaguita Tourist Inn Hotel. For a place near the shopping areas, stay at CBD Plaza Hotel near SM Naga, or at Naga Regent Hotel located downtown with the discounted shopping areas.

Travel Tips

• At the Camsur Watersports Complex (CWC), take the whole-day rate to be able to try all the watersports and avoid wasting time by falling in line for each activity.

• When planning a trip to Naga City, set it for at least three days, to really tour and enjoy the place.

• Learn a few Bicolano phrases to get by more easily, particularly when you are on your own do-it-yourself tour of the city.