Kawa Kawa Hill in Ligao City, Albay’s next big thing in ecotourism

Many travellers had almost visited all  the places in their bucket list in Albay. But  there is this one place that is very close to my heart and I highly recommend to my fellow wanderers.

Ligao, often referred to as Ligao City, is a fourth class city in the province of Albay, Philippines, 500 kilometres (310 mi) south-east of Manila. According to the 2010 census, it has a population of 104,914 people. Most Ligaoenos, however, believe that the name Ligao was originally “Licau” which means to take the long way around or to turn away from the ordinary usual. (Source : wikipedia)

Ligao is doing well in its aspirations to be a top destination of choice to those seeing alternative travel destination in the Albay Province. True to its commitment, the city government does not cease in its task to enhance the city’s potential as a tourist hub. Kawa Kawa Hill, the hill withot a hilltop is the city’s testament to these endeavours. Kawa Kawa hill is a brainchild of the then City Mayor Fernando Gonzales. Once he visualized this once unknown hill to be a famous tourist spot in showcasing a nature park , a religious destination, and peaceful sanctuary in one. So,When in Albay,make it a must to visit this fast rising tourist hub situated in Tuburan Ligao Albay.

The journey to the hill is adorned by the statues portraying the station of the cross. Final station of which is located in the hilltop. Currently a new church is being built in this once unknown hill. My wife and I had the chance to listen to a group of nuns singing  while praying the angelus. What a lovely sight.

As we walked our way towards the top of this hill, we have seen lots of improvements that has been added on the place since my first visit. More trees had been planted, the way to the top is highly forested and you can hear chirping of birds and insects (kuliglig) while on our way. 

This place, though frequented by  visitors, locals and tourists, remains to be a sanctuary for those who would just love to spend a day in a park sans the heat,sans crowd,sans noise. Wither you just want to do sight seeing, or self reflection, this is the perfect place for you. The lush greenery complimented by its serene ambiance is an experience next to none.

Recreations such as ATV ride is available at the hilltop which cost Php 100 for 15 minutes.My wife  had a great time driving the atv though she has no driving experience. The ATV rides is the main attraction located in the cauldron shaped peak. For non fans of ATV you can just moor around the hill, take selfies on all the stations, or simply sit down in any of the park benches while enjoying the calm scenery .

Things to do in Kawa Kawa,

• try the atv ride
• visit the newly built church of the holy sacrament
• eat and dine at La teraza Restaurant 
• Take Selfies at the life size statues reflecting the stations of the Cross
• go jogging  or simply bring a tent and have a picnic with your loved ones.
• shop for souvenirs at the shops along the way to the park.

Reminders and Tips
This place is not a dump site so please take your rubbish as you go.

During lenten season, the place is a famous spot for Catholic pilgrims for its station of the cross.

Bring water along with you as you hike to the peak of the park to  make sure you are well hydrated in the course of your hike.

Picnic is allowed in the park but please clean as you go as we don’t want the place to be filled with garbage.

Enjoy the place for free, and give back by being a responsible guest of this magnificent place.

Bring Mosquito repellent with you. Some areas in the park has lots of mosquito which  could ruin the fun so be prepared.

How to Get To Kawa Kawa Hill:

From Manila 

Take a Legaspi Bound Bus,  Tell the buss driver to drop you off at the Seventh Day Adventist Chuch in Tuburan,Ligao City.From there, take a tricycle that will take you to the base point of kawa kawa hill, fare is at Php 10 per person

From Ligao City Proper

Take a tricycle that would take you to Tuburan,Ligao City and tell the driver to get you to Kawa Kawa Hill in tuburan. Fare is at Php 10 per person

From Legaspi City

Take a bus Bound to Naga, Tell the driver to drop you off at the Seventh day Adventist church in Tuburan, from there, take a tricycle that will take you to the base point of kawa kawa hill, fare is at Php 10 per person.

Thats it folks, enjoy your first hike to the park that promises a plentiful joy and a worthwhile soul searching experience.