I’m not sure many airports can boast a better backdrop then the one in Legazpi, Philippines. Walking off my 6:30 a.m. flight from Manila to Legazpi, I looked left to see Mt. Mayon standing tall amongst a perfect blue sky with clouds circling its peak. It was such a gorgeous sight I put off retrieving my luggage for a bit to take some photos. No wonder the Bicolans, locals to the area, named it “magayon,” which means beautiful.

Visitors have a clear view of Mt. Mayon when departing their plane at Legazpi Airport in the Philippines. Photo by Bobbi Lee Hitchon

I finally made it inside the airport to find a small luggage belt and not much else. Since there was only one flight, I was quick with picking up my bag and heading out. On my way out of the airport an officer stopped me, as well as everyone else, to check if my luggage tag matched the tag on my ticket. I later found out this is a security measure a lot of Asian countries take.

Leaving Legazpi Airport I found the same sight as in my airports near resort beach towns – a crowd of drivers screaming out from behind a fence. It can be a bit stressful to take them all on, so this time I made prior arrangements to be picked up by Amor Farm Beach Resort, my accommodation in Donsol, Philippines. Amongst a sea of shouting drivers, it was relieving to see “Bobbi Lee” on a white sign.

Tricycle drivers wave me over at the airport. Photo by Bobbi Lee Hitchon

The car ride from Legazpi to Donsol is about one and a half hours. Legazpi is very small, but busy. Tiny cement block houses and stores as well as bamboo huts covered in Red Horse and Coca Cola ad posters line the streets. Jeepneys, tricycles, buses and bikes weave back and forth and in and out of oncoming traffic. It’s a fun ride if you’re with a bold driver.

But all that calamity dissipated as my van left the city. Palm trees became more plentiful and small houses spaced out amongst massive rice fields. Not long into the ride I smelled something roasting. It was a good burning smell that I later found out was burnt shrubbery, which locals do to help prevent mosquitoes.

My driver must have noticed me taking tons of photos cause he offered to stop at Daraga Albay Church, so I could take some of this local treasure. The 18th-century baroque church on top a hill looked as if it was slowly falling apart with a few windows smashed and chipped siding, but it’s still active and people were praying inside. The church was supposedly built by a “daraga,” which means single lady in local tongue. The size and details made it look quite dominating against a tropical backdrop.

Dargay Albay Church looks in ruins, but it's still in use and offers beautiful views of the city. Photo by Bobbi Lee Hitchon

The streets became busy again as we entered Donsol proper. Welcoming guests to the town’s biggest attraction, a paper mache whaleshark is displayed before entering the Donsol. Donsol proper has a similar setup to Legazpi, but much more low key and bit friendlier. Everyone smiles when you walk or drive by. Couples and families ride or bike together. For a major tourist town, it seems to have maintained its family-oriented, close-knit community.

The scenery quiets down again then sign after sign for various resorts pop up exclaiming, “Turn Here!” or “Left to so and so in 800 meters.” There’s an array of places to choose from and most cannot be found on the internet or in guidebooks. If you’re planning to do a lot of water-oriented activities, make sure to find a place close to the Donsol Tourist Center. During peak season, March-June, it may be a good idea to book ahead.

I had already arranged my accommodation with Amor Farm Beach Resort prior and as the van pulled into to this quiet and roomy resort right on the beach, I had a feeling I picked the right place.

The beach by Amor Beach Farm Resort at night. Photo by Bobbi Lee Hitchon

Thanks to Amor Farm Beach Resort for supporting my trip to Donsol. As always, all opinions are my own.

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