Ligao

Ligao is a young city (city status since 2001) in the foothills of Mayon Volcano, serving as a quiet agricultural counterpoint to busier Legazpi. It's one of three cities with jurisdiction over Mayon's slopes, offering access to Kawa-Kawa Hill and Malison Spring Resort with volcano views. The city makes a practical stopover on the Asian Highway 26 corridor between Naga and Legazpi, with notable local street food culture and woven fiber crafts.

Founded as a small settlement during the 16th century, Ligao was established as a barrio of Polangui in 1606, transferred to Oas in 1665, and became an independent municipality in 1666. Mayor Fernando V. Gonzalez championed cityhood efforts beginning January 2, 1997, culminating in President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo signing Republic Act 9008 on February 21, 2001, making Ligao the sixth city in the Bicol Region. The plebiscite ratifying city status took place March 24, 2001.

Philippine National Railways operates a limited commuter service between Sipocot, Naga, and Legazpi. Intercity trains from Manila have been suspended indefinitely since 2013. The city lies alongside Asian Highway 26 (N1), making bus travel viable from Naga to the north and Legazpi to the south.

The city center is navigable on foot. Local jeepneys and tricycles serve routes between the city proper and barangays including Tuburan where the provincial hospital is located. Kawa-Kawa Hill in California Village, Tuburan is about 2 km from downtown as the crow flies but requires a 30-minute drive.

The best time to visit is during the dry season from March to May. The wet season runs from June to November. Being in the Bicol Region, Ligao experiences typhoon activity during the wet season, which may affect travel on Asian Highway 26.

Ligao has limited accommodation options compared to Legazpi. Budget travelers typically find basic inns and pension houses in the city center. For Mayon Volcano views, Malison Spring Resort in Bonga offers accommodations with access to fishing and boating on Malison Lake.

Street food culture thrives in Ligao with several must-try local items. Near bus terminals, find pansit (noodles with hard-boiled eggs, chili, and vinegar) and goto (rice congee with ginger, chicken, and fish sauce). Pancit rinuguan (egg noodles in pork and blood stew) is a specialty at Deling and Boy del Valle's noodle shop—most locals know it. Sinapot features sliced saba bananas fried in coconut oil. Puto sa abab is a rice cake steamed in coconut shells with coconut jam. Carinderias (local eateries) serve linutong balaw (shrimp paste with pork in coconut milk) and pinangat (pork, coconut, and shrimp paste wrapped in taro leaves). Grilled pork belly and chops with soy-chili-vinegar dressing are sold at stands near the Catholic Church, often past midnight. Pili nut products include brittles, salted and roasted nuts, and mazapan de pili. Santan is coconut jam with pili nut slivers, served with toast or ice cream.

The local market and small shops offer comparable quality to Legazpi at sometimes lower prices. Woven fiber products are the standout: mats, bags, totes, and screens made from abaca, hemp, and banana fibers. Dried and smoked fish products are abundant from nearby coastal areas—note that international travelers should ensure these are packed and sealed if bringing through airports.

Ligao maintains a low crime rate of 0.9%. The city has two police substations. As always, remain alert and aware of your surroundings, particularly in crowded market areas and near bus terminals.

Ligao sits along Asian Highway 26 between Naga (north) and Legazpi (south). Northbound routes pass through Polangui, Oas, Iriga, and toward Sipocot. Southbound routes go through Guinobatan en route to Legazpi, the regional capital and main tourism hub. Tabaco is accessible via N636 highway to the east. Naga, the largest city in Bicol Region, is a major transit hub with better air connections.