Tabaco
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Tabaco is a port city in Albay, where the ferries to Catanduanes depart.
Understand
Tabaco's name is rather debatable. Some say it derives from Spanish tabaco ("tobacco"), but locals and the city government itself insist that the name came from Bikol tabak ko, referring to a bolo, a traditional knife that has been produced long before the Spaniards arrived.
Despite its city designation, Tabaco feels more like a typical provincial town, and it only gained cityhood in 2001 through a plebiscite. The downtown is typical of most Spanish-era towns, with a central Catholic parish church, plaza, and a traditional market. Life in Tabaco is quite relaxed over Legazpi to the south.
Despite its city designation, Tabaco feels more like a typical provincial town, and it only gained cityhood in 2001 through a plebiscite. The downtown is typical of most Spanish-era towns, with a central Catholic parish church, plaza, and a traditional market. Life in Tabaco is quite relaxed over Legazpi to the south.
Get in
Tabaco is from Manila, and from Legazpi.
Long-haul provincial buses arrive from Manila and there are some intra-provincial operators from the capital at Legazpi.
It takes about 12 hours or longer, including major stopovers, to Cubao or Pasay; from Alabang, about 11½ hours under the same conditions.
Ferries arrive from San Andres and Virac ports in Catanduanes. The ferry from San Andres is operated by MV Regina Calixta 2, 3, and 5, and takes 2½ hours. From Virac, it takes around 3½ hours on MV Eugenia, a regular ferry, and 1½ hour on MV Silangan, a fast ferry.
By plane
The nearest airport is in Legazpi (LGP).By bus
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Tabaco City Central Terminal
address: Tiwi-Tabaco RoadIt has a quite spartan layout, with two open bus shelters, and a lot for jeepneys headed for downtown Tabaco and nearby towns.
Long-haul provincial buses arrive from Manila and there are some intra-provincial operators from the capital at Legazpi.
From Manila
A. Bragais TransportDaily trips from Cubao and Pasay using non-air-conditioned buses
ALPS The BusOperates 2-2 seater air-conditioned "executive" buses from their Cubao base. Two trips depart from Cubao, with 2 return trips every 7:30AM (with stops at Calamba and Makati) and 5:45PM (with a stop at Calamba and Alabang).
PhiltrancoThree daily trips depart from Pasay.
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AmihanPhiltranco's sister bus line, with a daily trip to Tabaco from Cubao.
Raymond Transport
TAWTRANSCOOne daily trip departs from Starmall Alabang in Muntinlupa.
It takes about 12 hours or longer, including major stopovers, to Cubao or Pasay; from Alabang, about 11½ hours under the same conditions.
By jeepney
Jeepneys connect Tabaco with Legazpi, Tiwi, and Ligao.By boat
Tabaco has an international seaport, which is on the waterfront east of downtown.Ferries arrive from San Andres and Virac ports in Catanduanes. The ferry from San Andres is operated by MV Regina Calixta 2, 3, and 5, and takes 2½ hours. From Virac, it takes around 3½ hours on MV Eugenia, a regular ferry, and 1½ hour on MV Silangan, a fast ferry.
By train
Trains no longer run up to Tabaco. The nearest train station is at Legazpi, which is served by a once-daily local train from Naga. Overnight services from Manila are suspended indefinitely since 2013.Get around
Around the downtown, padyak (pedicabs) abound.
See
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Angela Manalang Gloria House
address: Quinale CabasanAn old two-storey house that was once the residence of Angela Manalang Gloria, a poetess who was born in Guagua, Pampanga in 1907 and died in Tabaco in 1995. -
Tabaco Church
address: Ziga AvenueCompleted 1750, it is one of the two heritage churches in Albay that are designated as National Cultural Treasures.
Eat
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Ishi Aya
address: Villaruel StreetSpecializes in Japanese cuisine, but they also serve Filipino, Malaysian and Indonesian cuisine and fusion dishes
Sleep
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MEACO Royal Hotel Tabaco
address: Ziga Avenue -
address: A.A. Berces StreetHas a rooftop pool and views of Mayon Volcano to the south.
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Gardenia Hotel
address: Riosa StreetThe rooftop has a garden on top, and views of Mayon Volcano as well, but you need to ask permission to access it. All rooms air-conditioned. Free breakfast.