Tabaco and Tiwi
TABACO
Tabaco is the fourth largest town in Bicol. It is a coastal town located approximately 26km (16mi) northwest of Legazpi. Tourists going to the Mayon Volcano via the Buang Trail or heading further north to Tiwi pass the place. Those wishing to visit nearby San Miguel island can take a boat from the pier. An example of the damage brought by Typhoon Sisang are gapping holes in the city's large cement pier. Another casualty of the storm was the once popular Tabaco resort called 'Roca Monte' which has closed down due to damage.
Tabaco's main product appears to be abaca. Abaca is a stalk plant which looks very similar to the banana tree. The coarse blonde fibers are extracted and dried in the sun. The finished raw material is used to make ropes, woven products and hand-icrafts. The visitor will often see abaca dried and being transported around in the area.
Jeepneys and mini-buses between Tabaco and Legazpi usually only operate between 5:00 and 17:00.
Accommodation
Ziga Arcade Hotel (10) - Berces St/Ziga Ave Tel 214; rm 88-220; rest
Tony's Hotel (4) - Riosa St
rm 50-150; simple; near public market
Guilermo's Pension House (11) - San Antonio
on main road leading to Mayon Volcano
Roca Monte Resort (12) - closed indefinitely due to damage by typhoon Sisang
Transportation
Buses to Naga and Manila do not go north through Tiwi, but south through Legazpi, even though this is the longer route. The northern route past Tiwi is shorter, but the road is too rough.
Philtranco Bus Terminal (7) - beside market
daily 9 buses to Manila, btw 7:00 to 17:00
Jeepney Terminal (5) - behind the market
to Tiwi, Buang, Legazpi
Ferry to Catanduanes (1) - daily ferry link between Tabaco and Virac, the capital of Catanduanes island
TIWI
The road from Tabaco to Tiwi, about 30 min by jeepney, offers a nice rural vista of a deep blue sea behind extensive rice paddies. Tiwi is a small quiet town which used to be known for its hot springs and pottery. It has a supply of red clay which provides the raw material for the local pottery industry. However, the town has be-come dominated by the presence of an im-portant geothermal energy plant. The steam from the natural hot springs has been har-nessed and developed through some of the latest methods in modern technology, as a major electric source. Its geothermal field of over 100 wells supplies power to the Luzon grid. However, the plant has somewhat diminished the original natural attractions of the area.
Lake Naglagbong boils and fumes while at Banyo there are cool swimming pools and a few hot spring resorts operate where honeymooners from Legazpi frequently seek privacy and solitude but they are small and simple. One can take a tricycle to them from the Tiwi market.
At barangay Cale, on the other hand, atop a geothermal field the residents complain of the pollution and feel that they sit at the mouth of hell.
Hot Spring Resorts
Manantial de Tiwi Resort & Youth Hostel
in Banyo Tiwi; rm 90-200
rest, swpl (entr P 7); simple, basic
Tiwi Hot Springs Resort - in Banyo Tiwi
rm 150-190; 17 rms
swpl (entr P 7); simple, basic
More on South Luzon:
This page: http://www.cockatoo.com/english/philippines/philippines_islands_south_luzon10.htm
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