Cagsawa Ruins: Timeless Mayon Volcano View in Albay

Kung may isang lugar sa Albay na hindi pwedeng palampasin, ito na ang Cagsawa Ruins. Isa ito sa pinaka-iconic na tourist spots in Bicol, at kilala sa postcard-perfect view ng Mayon Volcano na nakatayo sa likod ng lumang simbahan. Every visit feels like a trip back in time—parang binubulong ng bawat bato ang kwento ng nakaraan.

Ano ang Cagsawa Ruins?

Matatagpuan sa Brgy. Busay, Daraga, Albay, ang Cagsawa Ruins ay dating simbahan na itinayo ng mga Franciscan friars noong 1724. Noong 1814, pumutok ang Mayon Volcano at tinabunan ng lava at abo ang buong bayan ng Cagsawa, kabilang ang simbahan. Ang natirang bell tower ngayon ang nagsisilbing historical landmark at reminder ng lakas ng kalikasan.

Special ang Cagsawa Ruins dahil hindi lang ito basta tourist attraction—ito ay cultural at historical site. Kung ikukumpara sa ibang tourist spots in Bicol, dito mo makikita ang perfect framing ng Mayon Volcano sa harap ng iconic bell tower, isang tanawing kumakatawan sa buong Albay.

Mga Pwedeng Gawin sa Cagsawa Ruins

Hindi lang photo-op spot ang Cagsawa—maraming pwedeng gawin dito:

Picture Taking – Classic IG shot with the bell tower and Mayon Volcano sa likod.
ATV Adventure – Mag-rent ng ATV at mag-ride sa lava trail papalapit sa paanan ng Mayon.
Local Souvenir Shopping – Maraming stalls around the site na nagbebenta ng abaca crafts, pili nut delicacies, at local shirts.
Explore the Cagsawa National Museum Branch – Small gallery na may exhibits tungkol sa history ng Mayon eruptions.
Picnic and Relaxation – Malawak ang grounds, perfect para sa family bonding.

Paano Pumunta sa Cagsawa Ruins?

Kung gusto mong malaman how to go to Cagsawa Ruins, madali lang ito mula sa key towns in Albay:

From Legazpi City:
- Ride a jeepney or tricycle to Daraga (15–20 minutes, around ₱20–₱50).
From Daraga town proper:
- Tricycle ride to Brgy. Busay (5–10 minutes).
By Private Car:
- Just pin “Cagsawa Ruins” on Waze/Google Maps. May maluwag na parking area on-site.

Travel time: 15–30 minutes from Legazpi City, depending on traffic.

Entrance Fees and Hours

Budget-friendly at very accessible ang site:

Entrance Fee: ₱20 (adults), ₱10 (children)
ATV Rentals: ₱500–₱2,500 (depending on trail length)
Operating Hours: Daily, 6 AM – 6 PM

Where to Eat Near Cagsawa Ruins

Kung gusto mong kumain after your visit, marami ring options nearby:

1st Colonial Grill (Daraga, ~10 mins) – Famous for sili ice cream and Bicol specialties.
Bigg’s Diner (Daraga, ~10 mins) – Local diner with Bicolano-American comfort food.
Red Labuyo Restaurant (Legazpi, ~20 mins) – Authentic Bicol dishes with a view.

Where to Stay Near Cagsawa Ruins

Kung mag-o-overnight ka, eto ang ilang options:

The Oriental Legazpi (20 mins) – Hotel with panoramic Mayon views.
Lotus Blu Hotel (Legazpi, 15 mins) – Mid-range, modern comfort.
Mayon Lodging House (Daraga, 10 mins) – Budget-friendly option closer to the ruins.

Other Nearby Attractions

Pwede mong isama sa itinerary:

Daraga Church (10 mins) – Baroque-style church with a stunning Mayon backdrop.
Ligñon Hill Nature Park (20 mins) – Scenic view deck and zipline adventure.
Sumlang Lake (30 mins) – Bamboo rafts with Mayon reflection on the water.

Tara Na!

Kung gusto mong maranasan ang history at natural beauty ng Bicol in one spot, hindi ka dapat palampasin ng Cagsawa Ruins. Whether para sa adventure, learning, or simple sightseeing, siguradong sulit ang visit dito. Kaya tara na—plan your trip, take that classic Mayon photo, at i-share ang experience!