The provinces of Albay, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Sorsogon, Catanduanes, and Masbate offer sights and experiences that both adults and kids will enjoy.  

But just as important as your itinerary is your accommodations, which must cater to every member of your family. Here are our recommendations for family-friendly hotels in each Bicol province. 

Where to stay in Albay

Casa Simeon
Bacacay, Albay

Stay at the ancestral house of the Alparces and travel back in time. Photo by Playground Films courtesy of the Department of Tourism.

Families who bond over inspiring stories of the past and good food will find a home at Casa Simeon in Bacacay. It was built in 1920 by husband-and-wife Simeon and Beatrice Alparce.

This century-old bahay na bato was restored by their grandson Enrico Alparce Calleja into a specialty lodging. 

The old house remained habitable over the years and defied the ravages of war, typhoons, and volcanic eruptions. Its architectural design is fortified with concrete stones and first-class wood that’s meant to withstand time. 

They also have an in-house restaurant that serves Bicolano cuisines from the family’s heirloom recipes.

While you’re here, don’t forget to say hi to the casa’s resident dog, Bingo. He usually hangs out in the kitchen.

Misibis Bay Resort
Cagraray Island, Albay

Experience a luxury stay with your family at Misibis Bay Resort. Photo by Playground Films courtesy of the Department of Tourism.

This locally-owned resort has 113 rooms and 37 villas in their five-hectare land. It gives exclusive access to the golden sand beach of Cagraray Island and an unobstructed view of the Mayon Volcano, Mts. Masaraga, Malinao, Asog, and Isarog.

Among their amenities include a spa, restaurant, movie lounge, KTV rooms, fitness center, indoor and outdoor playgrounds, and two infinity pools. 

To ensure that every guest gets a personalized experience, Misibis Bay Resort coordinates with their visitors for special needs and requests prior to arrival. 

Families who stay at this sustainable hotel get a 5-star accommodation and, at the same time, support the Misibis community. 

The management sources their room and guest supplies, such as their buri bags and abaca slippers, from the locals. All of their staff are Bicolanos, too. 

 

Where to stay in Camarines Norte

Hotel Formosa
Daet, Camarines Norte

Those who are looking for a hotel close to Daet’s tourist destinations should stay at Hotel Formosa. This budget-friendly hotel is just a few kilometers away from the Bagasbas Beach, Jose Rizal’s First Monument, and Daet Heritage Center and Museum. 

Vinzons Port, the jump-off point for Calaguas tours, is just a 15-min drive from the hotel. It is close to city conveniences like a shopping mall, supermarket, restaurants, and a pharmacy. 

Mambulao Pacific Resort
Jose Panganiban, Camarines Norte

Rest easy at Mambulao Pacific Resort. Photo by Playground Films courtesy of the Department of Tourism.

This resort can accommodate up to six members of the family in their spacious rooms. Living up to its name, it presents an overlooking view of the Pacific Ocean.

They also serve Filipino and Asian dishes from their in-house restaurant, Baybay Kitchen. Their specialty is a seafood boil platter which has crabs, shrimps, sausages and corn. It’s available for sharing for two to three (Php1,599) and 5 to 6 (Php2,999) people. 

For families who plan to go to Calaguas Island, Mambulao Pacific Resort offers direct boat rides which reduces the 2-hour sea travel to 45 to 60 minutes. 

 

Where to stay in Camarines Sur

CamSur Watersports Complex (CWC)
Pili, Camarines Sur

Visit and stay at the first world-class watersports complex in Asia. Photo by Playground Films courtesy of the Department of Tourism.

Adventure-seeking families will have a blast at this waterpark and sports venue.

Established in 2006, CWC offers water activities including wakeboarding, knee boarding, water skiing, water skating, and kayaking for all ages. Just recently, they opened a golf course for enthusiasts. 

CWC is the first world-class watersports complex in the Philippines and in Asia. Their six-point cable ski system for wakeboarding is sought after by beginners and professionals. This is also where the first and only quad pool in the world can be found.

Visitors of the park may order continental and Bicolano cuisines from their on-site restaurant. Pizza laing, which makes uses of the popular vegetable-based viand, is their best-seller. 

They have different rooms: wood cabins, dwell homes, private villas, and cabanas. Each type can accommodate up to three adults only. Kids 10 years old and below are free of charge. You can bring your pets as well. 

Avenue Plaza Hotel
Naga, Camarines Sur

Enjoy a business and leisurely stay at the Avenue Plaza Hotel. Photo by Playground Films courtesy of the Department of Tourism.

This boutique hotel is for families who are tagging along for a business trip. The Avenue Plaza Hotel has business amenities and rooms that can accommodate longer stays. 

They have a two-level infinity pool, a kiddie pool, a gym, and an in-house sauna.  

Some of the nearby attractions are the Naga River, Peñafrancia Basilica Minore, Holy Rosary Museum, and Panicuason Natural Springs.

The hotel arranges half-day and whole day tour packages to Naga, Mt. Isarog, Mayon Volcano, and Caramoan Islands. A professional tour guide and a private van are included in all packages.

 

Where to stay in Sorsogon

Balay Buhay sa Uma Bee Farm
Bulusan, Sorsogon

Take some time off with the fam and enjoy the serenity at this sustainable bee farm. Photo by Playground Films courtesy of the Department of Tourism.

An agri-tourism farm site that promotes peace and relaxation, Balay Buhay means “House of Life.”

Families traveling with kids will enjoy the site’s bee farm and manmade batis. Their restaurant, which serves the childhood favorites of 70-year-old farm owner Luz Gamba is a must-visit in itself. Their menu consists of farm-to-table food made from 100 percent organic ingredients. 

The jewel of the farm are Bulusan’s native bees. They find habitat where narra trees, coconut trees, and cosmos flowers are planted and taken care of. 

Even their room accommodations are also designed to achieve true peace. Balay Buhay intentionally didn’t put internet and televisions inside so guests can focus in the quiet and commune with nature. 

This is also where the third best honey in the Philippines can be found.  

Recidencia del Hamor Beachfront
Casiguran, Sorsogon

Bask in the relaxing view of the ocean and Mt. Bulusan at this blue and white hotel. Photo by Playground Films courtesy of the Department of Tourism.

Situated at the foothills of Mt. Bulusan, this 19-hectare sanctuary provides a respite for those looking to unwind.

From their rooms, a panoramic view of the mountains and a virgin forest can be seen. From their infinity pool, a view of the vast sea awaits. 

Island hopping tours to nearby Sorsogon wonders including Subic Matnog, Tikling Island, Juag Lagoon Marine Sanctuary, and Calintaan Cave can also be arranged with the hotel. 

The resort is a two-hour ride from Legazpi airport. Private transfers can be arranged for family travelers. 

 

Where to stay in Catanduanes

Twin Rock Beach Resort
Virac, Catanduanes

Stay at the capital of the Happy Island and be near the province’s must-see wonders. Photo by Playground Films courtesy of the Department of Tourism.

This idyllic cove is known for being the biggest one-stop resort in Happy Island. It got its name from the twin rock that’s visibly seen from the resort’s shores. 

Its location is near Catanduanes’ must-visit destinations. Families who stay here enjoy hiking to Tres Karas de Hesus and watching the sunset from Mamangal beach. 

Other activities they offer include kayaking (Php150 per hour), beach volleyball (Php100 per hour), zipline (Php100 per way), and zipbike (Php100 per way). 

Aside from these, the resort is also the place to go for those who want to try scuba diving. They offer on-site gear rental and scuba diving lessons from Dave Tucker, head instructor of Catan Diver Services. 

Carangyan Beach Resort 
Pandan, Catanduanes

Experience a heartwarming stay at Carangyan Beach Resort. Photo by Playground Films courtesy of the Department of Tourism.

The place where Carangyan sits is where Dolly Lyle, owner of the beach resort, grew up as a kid. For a time, she moved to the United States with her husband Geoffrey. The couple went back to Catanduanes when they both retired. 

Carangyan Beach Resort is the retirement paradise they dreamed of having.

This private beach resort is built by a family for families. It’s designed by the Lyles with their sons, daughters, and grandchildren in mind. They placed the kid’s playground right next to the restaurant and the beach.

Kayaking (Php200 per 2 hours), tent camping (Php350), and picnic cottage rental (Php600) are also available here. 

 

Where to stay in Masbate

Ticao Island Dive Camp and Resort
San Jacinto, Masbate 

Live the island life and go scuba diving at Ticao Island Resort. Photo by Playground Films courtesy of the Department of Tourism.

The sight of lush coconut trees and their beachfront cabanas welcome visitors to this secluded island.

Among the tours they offer include firefly river tour (Php350 per person), fishing tour with the locals (Php600 per person), motorcycle tour (Php1,300 per person), North Ticao island tour (Php9,000 per boat), and South Ticao island tour (Php12,000 per boat).

The resort also offers scuba diving tours to the Manta Bowl and Halea Nature Park. These diving sites allow guests to swim with manta rays, whale sharks, and baby sharks. 

Ticao Island Resort has an on-site restaurant. Their homemade ice cream is a must-try. 

Ranchelle Hotel and Resort
Masbate City, Masbate 

This all-in-one accommodation houses their own restaurant, gym, KTV rooms, convenience store, and souvenir shop. They also have an infinity pool where kids can enjoy. 

It’s conveniently located near the airport (seven minutes) and the port (four minutes). The hotel offers transfers for free for overnight staying guests. 

Families staying here can roam around and explore the city on their own. It’s only one ride away from the city destinations including the Masbate Cathedral, Balay ni Bayot, Rodeo Leathercrafts, and Mangrovetum. 

Travel Safely! 

All tourist destinations in Region V have health and safety protocols in place to protect locals and visitors alike. Everyone is expected to comply by wearing face masks, regularly washing their hands, and practicing physical distancing.

To check out up-to-date information regarding local destinations that are open and the safety protocols and requirements needed for each location, you may visit http://www.philippines.travel/safetrip or download the Travel Philippines app at app.philippines.travel on the Google Playstore.

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