Two words come to mind when I hear Naga City: ‘sili’ and ‘gata.’ It’s not a secret that almost every food served is spicy, laced with coconut milk, or both. The city is about 8,000 hectares so it’s relatively small compared to that of Cebu and Davao. Dubbed as the “pilgrimage city,” Naga is not just known for their mouth-watering food. The city is the heart of Bicol which is why there are thousands of tourists every year. From visiting historic churches to indulging on food trips, to exhilarating trips to the beaches, there are a number of activities that you can do in Naga City. A trip is definitely food for the mind, body, and soul that you don’t want to miss.
Image: Bong Bajo
Getting There:
By Bus: From the Cubao bus terminal, it’s an 8 to 9-hour ride. Ticket ranges from P500-1,000, depending whether it’s an air-conditioned bus or not.
By Plane: It’s the easiest way to go but a little pricey; travel time is 45 minutes to 1 hour and fare can be as low as P500 (exclusive of taxes) depending on promo fares from different airlines.
Where to Stay:
Save: Nagaland Hotel is strategically located in downtown Naga and is surrounded by business establishments that are of easy access. Rates start at P900/night.
Splurge: Avenue Plaza Hotel is a 4-star hotel and is just along Magsaysay Avenue where restaurants are just a few steps away. Rates start at P3,888/night. Visit their website at theavenueplazahotel.com
How to get around:
Walk: In Naga City, everything is just around the corner so walking is a good way of going to and fro.
Tricycle: At P8 (1st kilometer), the tricycle can take you anywhere and since it is bigger than the usual, a maximum of 8 people can fit!
Taxicle: Similar to the Tuk Tuks in Thailand, the government has just released 20 units. Fare is same with the tricycles in the city.
Cab: Charges the same in Metro Manila.
Image: Naga Smiles to the World
Where To Eat:
Image: Bigg's Diner
Bigg’s Diner: “You’ve never been to Bicol if you’ve never been to Bigg’s.” They have been in the business since the 80's and have become Naga City’s ultimate food buddy. Their Spaghetti, Crispy Chicken, Tenderloin Tips, Goto with egg and their signature Rock n Roll Iced Tea are just a few of the local’s favorites.
Image: Bigg's Diner
Image: Graceland Food Industries
Geewan: A budget-friendly restaurant that serves famous Bicolano dishes like Bicol Express and Pinangat. The Bicol Express is a stew of balao (salted baby shrimps), coconut milk, sliced chili and pork. The Pinangat on the other hand is a dish that is a mix of taro leaves, meat, coconut milk and chili wrapped in gabi leaves. These are best paired with your favorite inihaw or even with just warm rice.
Bicol Express
Image: Graceland Food Industries
Pinangat
Image: Graceland Food Industries
Bob Marlin Restaurant & Grill: Not to oversell this restaurant, but this has to be in one of your top priority lists when visiting Naga. They have quirky plates with famous people's autographs hanging on their walls. With its hearty menu, Bob Marlin has definitely proved itself to the market. Their ultimate bestseller is the 'OMG Crispy Pata' which has the distinction of being one of the best in the Philippines according to Sooo Pinoy and Uniliver Foodsolutions.
OMG Crispy Pata
Image: Bob Marlin Restaurant and Grill
Nonoy’s Kinalas: Kinalas is well known in Naga; Nonoy’s Kinalas serves beef kinalas which instantly separates them from all the other kinalas joints that offers pork. This is Naga's own version of mami – white noodles in hot soup with cow's brain (for the bold palate!) and topped with special sauce. Not a fan of something exotic? You can skip the brain and order Log-Log instead.
Kinalas
There are a lot of budding restaurants with new concepts in Naga City so it is not at all hard to look for somewhere to eat at. From the street food strip in downtown Naga to a fancy dining experience, you'll surely find something to suit your taste.
Visit Historical Churches:
Naga City is known for the Peñafrancia Festival which is celebrated every September. While you're at it, why not visit some of the famous churches? Be amazed and learn why Naga has become one of the biggest pilgrimage sites in the world.
Basilica Minore
Image: Bong Bajo
Peñafrancia Shrine
Image: Bong Bajo
Metropolitan Cathedral
Image: Bong Bajo
Porta Mariae in Metropolitan Cathedral
Image: Bong Bajo
Activities to Try:
Haciendas de Naga: If you’re a person who is in for the thrill, head on to Haciendas de Naga. Their zipline, go kart, and ATV are just a few adventures you can do while you’re there.
Image: Haciendas de Naga websiteCamarines Sur Water Complex (CWC): Are you a wakeboard enthusiast? A 30-minute drive from Naga City, CWC is known for wakeboarding but do not forget their ‘Bicolano Special pizza', a real must-try at their restaurant!
Image: Visit CamsurPanicuason Hotspring Resort: Do you want to just unwind and leave all your thoughts in the city? Panicuason Hotspring Resort is the perfect place. Different pools are filled with water from Mt. Isarog with different temperatures – hot and cold.
Image: Bong BajoMalabsay Falls: If you’re the kind who is one with nature, trek Mt. Isarog and splash around the cool water from the falls, jump at cliffs and have a picnic with your friends.
Image: Bong BajoBagolatao: Located at Minalabac, Camarines Sur, travel time is just 45 minutes to 1 hour from the city proper. In photos, the beach looks like it has white sand, but when you reach Bagolatao, instead of seeing sand, you’ll see white pebbles everywhere. Everything is picture-perfect; the crystal clear water and the view of the sunset are breathtaking.
Image: Visit CamsurIf you’re in for some more adventure, extend your stay for two to three days and visit some of the famous beaches in Bicol. These islands are just 3 to 4 hours away from Naga City and well, they’re worth the travel time. Caramoan has been famous for the white sand and virgin beaches that have been visited by many. It has been featured many times by travel magazines and also has been home to the U.S. reality show, Survivor.
Side Trips You Shouldn't Miss:
Image: Bong Bajo
Aguirangan Island, Camarines Sur
Image: Visit Camsur
Image: Nick Pahati
