CAMALIG TOURISM PROFILE

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Camalig Historical Profile

Recent archeological findings within the municipality show that Camalig had been inhabited by

people with developed social attributes of cultural, religious, social, political and economic

relationship and organizations as early as the years 200 BC to 900 AD, the period referred to as the

early Iron Age in the Philippines.

According to Father Cayetano Sanchez, an OFM who made researches on Bicol History at the

Franciscan archives in Pastrana, Spain, in 1569, a Spanish Fleet led by Captain Luis Enriquez de

Guzman came to Bicol Region accidentally as they were scouting the neighboring island in search

for food supplies badly needed by Legazpi’s soldiers stationed in Panay. From Sorsogon, de

Guzman ventured northward inland and went as far as Camalig where they came upon a thriving

and prosperous agricultural settlement (rancheria) whose inhabitants kept their farm products in

little hut with grass roofs and without walls called KAMALIG, in local language, camarin in Spanish

plural for camarines. After a brief rest in Camalig, de Guzman and his men went back to Panay. So,

it is easy to deduce then, that Camalig got its name from these native huts used for storing harvests

or crops.

Getting Here…

It’s just a forty five (45) minute plane ride from Manila to Legazpi Airport and mere 25 minute drive

by Taxi, Van and Public Utility Jeepney to Camalig Poblacion.

Camalig Tourism Circuit Map

Tourist Attractions

Man-Made Attractions

COLONIAL Houses

St. John the Baptist Old Church

First constructed made of wood and light materials early in 1579 by Franciscan Missionaries in Binanua-an but destroyed during the 1814 Mayon Eruption. Reconstructed in 1842 made of solid blocks of volcanic rocks from Mount Mayon and completed in 1848. Made of purely volcanic stones, this massive stone church is a monument of the numerous people who labored for its construction. Camalig can boast of having one of the most massive, strongest and most beautiful churches in the region. This church served as look out for the American troops during World War II in searching for enemies. Having withstood over the different periods of the country – the Spanish, American and Japanese eras.

House of the Franciscan Mission and the

First infirmary in the Bicol Region Barangay 2, Camalig, Albay

World War II Tunnels

Subway passages constructed by the Japanese Imperial Army which served as both their secret passage to the different parts of Quituinan Hills and nearby places and refuge during American bombings. Quituinan Hills (Tinago, Ilawod (Sogong), Gotob, Mina, Sumlang, Gapo Areas)

Activity: Tunnel Hopping

Recreational Facilities Casa Alyssa Resort

Casa Alyssa Resort is a private resort owned by the Tanchuling family located just a stone’s throw from Camalig Church. This is a place where one can bring friends and family for swimming and leisure. Barangay 3, Camalig, Albay

Natural Attractions

Hoyop-hoyopan Cave

Hoyop-hoyopan comes from Bikol word “hoyop” which means ‘to blow’ aptly describes the cool, soft, murmuring winds that blow thorough its labyrinthine passageways inside. Hoyop-Hoyopan is situated 15 km from Legazpi City and can be reached by land. Pottery, human bones, beadwork and artifacts believed to be 4,000 years old have been unearthed from these caves. Barangay Cotmon, Camalig, Albay Activity: Spelunking

Calabidongan Cave

It literally means “cave of the bats.” Explorers have to trek, cross over brooks and river before reaching the cave mouth. Then one must swim across a two-meter lagoon called

“lizard’s gate.” Then, come out into an overwhelming cathedral with streak of light pouring in from its ceiling. It requires heavy spelunking. It is located in Barangay Calabidongan, situated 2 km from Hoyop-Hoyopan Cave. Barangay Calabidongan, Camalig, Albay Activity: Spelunking

1978 Mayon Lava Wall

The lava deposit was formed during the 1978 Mayon Volcano eruption wherein most of the lava trenches where towards Camalig part. Tourists visits the site via ATV, hiking and trekking. Barangay Quirangay, Camalig, Albay Activities: ATV Ride, Trekking, Sight Seeing

Moraleda’s Cave

A cave with a hot-spring in its interior flowing to one of its cave outlets. Barangay Pariaan, Camalig, Albay Other Caves in Camalig: 1. Quitinday Cave 2. Solong Cave 3. Taloto Cave 4. Su-uman Cave - Cotmon Activity: Spelunking

Quitinday Green Hills

Fondly called Green Hills, the conical formations look like mini-versions of Mayon Volcano, especially when viwed from a lofty vantage point. Barangay Quitinday, Camalig, Albay

Activities: Sight Seeing, Trekking

Quituinan Hills

About 60 years ago, a great battle took place in the mountain of Quituinan of this municipality. The mountain is a very strategic location within its pentacle protruding over its adjoining rolling hills giving one an opportunity to get a vivid sight on all directions of the expansive downhill plains. The Japanese had chosen Quituinan to be their observation point with an underground sanctuary by constructing many tunnels thereat during the stint of their rule in the country. An escalation of verdant contours that is a perfect hideout for those of a pastoral inclination. For the more sporty ones, tunnel hopping, ATVs and horseback riding are fun activities that would be hard to miss.

Mt. Mayon View

Camalig is the best vantage point from which to feast your eyes on the mighty Mayon. Barangay Sua-Quirangay-Anoling Areas Camalig, Albay

Burok-burokan Spring

Cool silent springs, perfect escapades for nature lovers good for swimming. Barangay Bariw, Camalig, Albay Other water structure in Camalig: 1. Quisaray Spring in Barangay Bariw 2. Danao Lake in Barangay Sumlang

Tingib Falls

Three-layered mini-falls that can be found within the complex of Japanese Tunnels in Sitio Sogong, Barangay Ilawod.

Sumlang Lake

Mt. Mayon’s Looking Glass. Fishing, rafting and kayaking by the serene waters of Sumlang Lake are especially engaging when the conical grandeur of Mt. Mayon provides an irresistible background. Barangay Sumlang, Camalig, Albay Activities: Raft Boating, Fishing, Sight Seeing

Food Delicacies Pinangat

Native dish made of ‘gabi’ (taro) leaves skillfully boiled to taste in hand crushed delectable ‘gata’ (coconut milk) flavored with ‘tanglad’ (lemon grass).

Marcasotes

Native Products Handicrafts

Native steamed cake cooked in handmade paper bags similar to that of the Italian ‘panettone’. The old technique of cooking using a huge clay pot (which serves as oven) lined with cut banana bark at the bottom to provide the steam for cooking gives the native delicacy its different taste and aroma which makes one crave for more.

Inulokan

Native dish made of small fresh water crabs (‘ulok’ in the local dialect) and coconut meat flavored with kalamansi juice, black pepper and ‘tanglad’ (lemon grass) to enhance the taste, wrapped in ‘gabi’ (taro) leaves and boiled in delectable hand crushed ‘gata’ (coconut milk).

Pilinut Candies

Camalig is also famous of home-made manufacturers of different varieties and flavors of pilinut candies.

Puto Lanson

Native steamed rice cakes in different colors cooked in small cups.

Locally produced native products from raw materials Abaca. Raw materials can be made as slippers, mats, bags, rags, ropes, etc.

Tsinelas

Made of abaca fibers, Camalig Tsinelas is the town’s secondary One Town One Product (OTOP). Tsinelas is one of the home-based livelihood activity in Barangay Ilawod

Coco-coir Products

Products produced locally from coco coir marketed locally, nationally and internationally. By: Juboken Enterprises

Other Products: Where to stay and dine: 1. Dairy Products from Albay Dairy Plant 2. Pure Suka or Coco-vinegar 3. Souvenir items from Sandblasters

4. Native Kakanin

1. Rayben’s Place Dormitory 2. KAPISTAHAN Lodge and Suites 3. Balay Samson

-0- 1. Rayben’s Place Resto Bar and Grill 2. Let’s Pinangat 3. Genevei’s Convenience Store 4. Dad’s Pinangat

The Pinangat Festival

Celebrated every month of June, the Pinangat festival coincides with the Camalig Town Fiesta in honor to the town’s patron saint, St. John the Baptist. The festivity is a colorful potpourri of memorable and thrilling activities for everyone especially to Camaligueños.

Contact Us: Contact Person: Municipal Tourism, Culture and the Arts Office Camalig Tourism and Pasalubong Center Brgy. 2, Camalig, Albay, Philippines Email/FB page:

camalig_tourism@yahoo.com

JED L. VILLANUEVA

Municipal Tourism & Cultural Officer