Lost No More at Ligao City's Kawa-Kawa Hill and Natural Park

We thought Albay was only all about Mayon Volcano. Turns out, there was so much more to see.
First, there was Hoyop-Hoyopan Cave that kept us occupied for half a day with its amusing history. Our next destination the following day was a breath of fresh air, figuratively and literally, since we got to travel away from the city center.

When I first learned that we were going to Ligao City, I thought we might get lost, (I know, such a bad pun) but commuting to different tourist sites around Albay was quite easy, all places that we went to were easily accessible by jeep and/or by tricycle, and Kawa Kawa Hill was not an exception. Just two kilometers away from Legazpi, it only required one jeepney ride. From the highway, we were told that we can either walk or take the tricycle. Guess what we did.

Kawa-Kawa Hill is owned by Albay Representative Fernando Gonzalez who turned the 25-hectare area into a natural park aiming to boost it as one of Albay’s top tourist destinations. Located at the quiet barangay of Tuburan, Ligao City, this unique hill that resembles a crater was called as Kawa Kawa because it also looks like a cauldron or a kawa as we say it in the local language.

We forgot to bring water before coming here so it’s a good thing that there are some stores selling refreshments and snacks, I did expect it to be a little overpriced though. There is also a restaurant called La Terraza where we were able to grab a quick lunch and some desserts, a fruit shake and their own version of halo-halo with a magical ingredient, lambanog!

If you’re looking for things to do for free while in Bicol, Kawa-Kawa Hill and Natural Park is something that you can add to your itinerary. The place is also frequented by religious devotees and most of them make it a habit to visit here every Holy Week. En route to the hill’s summit are meticulously crafted statues depicting the 14 Stations of the Cross.

The climb uphill took us about 30 minutes with the sun shining its brightest and our muscles aching from hours of walking and sightseeing, on the other hand, we were rewarded with a glorious bird’s eye view of Ligao City and its neighboring towns. You could even see Mayon Volcano but unlike us, it was crowded with clouds then. Kawa-Kawa Hill might even be a volcano in disguise if not for the lack of lava. Such a unique place!

There were also other recreational activities available such as renting ATVs and horseback riding. We were told they also planted sunflower but since it was not the right season when we arrived at Bicol, we couldn’t see them in their perfect bloom. However, the view was enough to satisfy our weary souls. The rim is filled with small cottages perfect for snoozing! Even though it was the peak of noon, we were blessed with cool summer breeze, I would have dozed off if not for the friendly staff of the park who chatted with me. This was the perfect conclusion to summer that I was looking for.

On our way back to Legazpi, we also managed to stop by the town of Guinobatan to have a glimpse at its old colonial inspired structures.

Even though I did not really come to Kawa-Kawa Hill to see the statues of the Stations of the Cross, it was the perfect place to meditate and get in touch with God. Seeing a view like this is enough to make me appreciative of the blessings I receive especially that I am able to travel and see gorgeous places like this.

Now here’s a mango shake for you! Thanks for reading :)

How to reach Kawa-Kawa Hill:

Jeeps bound for Ligao/Oas/Polangui would pass by the same highway, just tell the driver to drop you off at Kawa-Kawa Hill as there is no signage available. It will take you half an hour from Legazpi City. From there, take a tricycle or walk to the foot of Kawa-Kawa Hill.