Located about 8 kms away from Legazpi City, Cagsawa ruins is a popular destination when in Albay.
When Mt. Mayon erupted in February 1, 1814, lahar and pyroclastic flows destroyed the Franciscan church , the Cagsawa church. Only the church belfry stands as a living testimony of the dangers of living near an active volcano.The ruins have become a national park and a museum was established to house collection of photos of various volcanic eruptions, geological and archeological exhibits.
As you enter the park, you have to pay an entrance fee Php10. This is the view which you will immediately see.
You can also get an unobstructed view of Mt. Mayon with rice field on the foreground as you walk past the belfry.
Inside the park , one can also find various stores selling local products for souvenir. Products ranging from abaca wallet, bags, pili nuts, t-shirts, hanging decor can be bought.
These native items and local delicacies are reasonably priced. One must bring home pili cake which is made from pure pili nut. It cost 3 pcs for Php100.
When we visited back in 2012, there was no bridge yet. But now , a new bridge has been constructed. Also, ATV adventure is now existing.
Visitor can rent ATV and can drive underneath the bridge and through shallow water paths and black soil.
Thanks to the effort of the local government, this place has been preserved, maintained and at the same time some developments have been made for a better experience.
How to get to Cagsawa Ruins:
From Legazpi City, take a
jeepney (preferably the ones going to the third district (Camalig,
Guinobatan, Ligao, Libon, Polangui, Oas). Tell the driver to drop you
off at the the road going to Cagsawa in
Barangay Busay, Daraga. Look for the large Cagsawa signage at the right
side of the road. Fare at the time of this post is Php8.00. One can either walk or ride a tricycle to get to the park. I suggest you get a tricycle going to the park and walk back to the main road to enjoy the scenery.
