Things To Do
in Malinao
Malinao is a quiet, agricultural town in Albay that sits near the foothills and offers wide views of verdant fields and distant volcano silhouettes. Life here moves at a laid-back pace, with welcoming locals and a strong sense of community around markets and small eateries. The surrounding landscapes—rivers, hills, and coconut groves—make it a convenient base for nature trips and cultural experiences in eastern Bicol.
Visitors can sample bold Bicolano flavors, explore simple rural trails, and unwind in a less-touristed corner of the region while staying close to Legazpi and Mayon’s iconic cone.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive at Bicol International Airport and transfer to Malinao by jeepney. Upon arrival, savor the aroma of freshly baked kakanin at the local bakery. Settle into your cozy homestay overlooking the town plaza.
Stroll through the historic church grounds and colorful market stalls, greeting friendly vendors as you explore. Sip a single-origin Bicol coffee at an open-air café, absorbing the laid-back pace of town life. Capture candid portraits of locals weaving buri baskets beside their homes.
As daylight fades, make your way to the Albay Gulf shoreline to watch fishermen haul in their nets. Dine at a family-run eatery serving spicy Bicol Express and sinantol, savoring each fiery bite. End the evening with live acoustic music under flickering lanterns in the town plaza.
Wake up with the sun and head to the Malinao hot springs for a pre-breakfast soak in naturally heated pools. Feel the mineral-rich waters ease your muscles as birds call overhead. Dry off and enjoy fresh fruit juice served on bamboo trays by the springside.
Continue your pampering with a traditional hilot massage using locally pressed coconut oil. Lounge beside the warm spring pools while sipping lemongrass tea. Browse a small roadside stall selling handmade herbal salves.
Return to town for grilled tilapia with tangy sawsawan sauce at a riverside carinderia. Watch fireflies blink to life above the slow-moving water. Drift to sleep listening to crickets and distant frog calls.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $5-10 |
| ☕Coffee or tea | $1-2 |
| 🛵Local transport (jeepney/jeepney-style ride) | $1-3 |
| 🏨Budget hotel room (1 night) | $15-30 |
| 🍚Dish at a mid-range restaurant | $7-15 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Quieter, less crowded than major cities
- Warm hospitality and authentic regional cuisine
- Beautiful rural landscapes and nearby viewpoints
- Affordability and easy access to nature
- Limited nightlife and fewer large-scale attractions
- Some areas rely on cash; slower service in smaller establishments
- Weather can be unpredictable and rain can affect plans
- Public transport options may require planning for longer journeys
- "Kamusta po?" - Hello, how are you?
- "Salamat po" - Thank you
- "Saan po ang palengke?" - Where is the market?
- "Magkano ito?" - How much is this?
- "Naiintindihan mo po ba ang Ingles?" - Do you understand English?
- "Pakiusap, tulungan po ninyo ako." - Please help me.
- "Walang anuman" - You're welcome
- "Pwede po bang kumuha ng larawan?" - May I take a photo?
- "Kilala mo ba ang lugar na ito?" - Do you know this place?
- "Magandang araw po" - Good day
Places to Visit in Malinao
Visit one of these nice places.
Open-country viewpoints and safe, designated spots to photograph Mayon’s cone shape on clear days, especially at sunrise or sunset.
Serene river meanders with reflections of surrounding hills; ideal for golden-hour photography and tranquil landscape shots.
Terraced fields on the hillsides around Malinao during planting or harvest seasons provide patterns and color for wide-angle shots.
The town’s central church area offers architectural lines and a sense of place for architectural and portrait photography.
Small cascades along nearby trails present intimate nature shots and cooling mist for macro or landscape photography.
Early-morning mists over coffee and cacao groves create moody, atmospheric photos with backdrops of rolling hills.
Food in Malinao
Malinao Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Spicy pork (or shrimp) simmered in coconut milk with chili peppers and a savory coconut base; commonly found in local eateries and carinderias.
Must-Try!
Taro leaves cooked in coconut milk with chili, sometimes with meat or shrimp; a staple side dish or main when paired with rice.
Coconut-milk-based taro leaves wrapped and stewed with fish or meat; flavorful and typically served with steamed rice.
Shredded fish in coconut milk with malunggay or leafy greens; a comforting coastal specialty often served with rice.
Roasted or candied Pili nuts harvested from local trees; a popular snack and a nice takeaway for travelers.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Local market where you can catch daily produce, fresh seafood, grilled skewers, fried snacks, and fruit stalls; great for a quick, affordable meal.
Open-air stalls along the town center offering grilled fish, banana cue, sweet potato chips, and other inexpensive bites—perfect for a casual afternoon bite.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet locals with a polite “po” and “opo” when speaking to elders. A warm handshake or casual bow is common in informal settings.
Ask permission before taking photos of people or private spaces; always respect local customs at religious sites.
Dress modestly when visiting churches or religious sites; avoid overly revealing clothing in rural areas.
If offered food, accepting and thanking the host is appreciated; it’s polite to taste a little and compliment the meal.
Safety
Tipping in Malinao
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. Round up bills or leave 5–10% for good service at restaurants; small tips for drivers or guides are common but not expected.
Cash is widely accepted in town. Some larger eateries may take debit/credit cards, but carry PHP for most transactions and tips. ATMs are more common in larger towns and Legazpi.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Dry season (roughly March–May) brings hot, sunny days with clear skies ideal for outdoor hikes and photography, but stay hydrated and protect yourself from the sun.
Rainy season (roughly June–October) brings frequent showers and occasional heavy downpours; trails can be slippery, and safety around rivers is essential after rains.
Cooler, milder days can occur during December–February with comfortable temperatures; great for walking tours but bring light layers for evenings.
Malinao at Night
Hiking in Malinao
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Short hill hikes offering scenic backdrops of Mayon and surrounding fields; suitable for sunrise or sunset photography.
Rugged trails leading to hidden waterfalls, ideal for a day hike with a picnic and nature observation.
Gentle trails through coffee and cacao groves with misty mornings and occasional wildlife spotting.
Airports
How to reach Malinao by plane.
Primary gateway to eastern Bicol; connects to Manila and other major hubs. From Legazpi, you can drive or take a regional bus or van to Malinao.
Regional airport serving the southern Bicol area; broader flight options are available seasonally or via connecting routes, usually requiring a drive to Legazpi or Manila for long-haul connections.
Main international gateway to the Philippines; the typical starting point for longer international or domestic connections to Legazpi or Naga before continuing by land.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority of residents engage in agriculture, fishing, and small-scale trades, contributing to a strong local economy and culture.
Extended-family networks and respect for elders are common, with community-centered activities and gatherings a regular part of life.
Some residents travel to Legazpi or other towns for work or education, bringing a mix of traditional and modern influences to the town.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport nationwide and widely played in schools, barangays, and local courts across Malinao.
Common in community centers and homes as a casual, social sport among residents.
Traditional Filipino martial arts practiced in schools and local events.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Malinao.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Bicol cuisine can be meat-heavy, but you can navigate by choosing Laing (vegan-friendly when made with only coconut milk and greens), Pinangat, and vegetable-based curries. Ask for dishes prepared with no shrimp paste or fish sauce, and request extra vegetables or tofu as protein substitutes.