The Philippines - The Rough Guide to Southeast Asia on a Budget - page 625

Marti's Bar T 0921 723 3006, E martis_bar_sabang
[e-mail]. A lively bar with armchairs, a book
exchange and plenty of thirst-quenching deals such as
Tequila Tuesdays, Whisky Wednesdays and Thirsty
Thursdays. Happy hour 4-7pm. There are three cheap but
noisy backpacker rooms upstairs (P600). Daily 4pm-2am.
Relax Friendly family-run place offering great chicken
curries and adobo (P200); the white fish tanigue steak
(P250) is pretty popular, too. Daily 6am-3.30am.
★

Internet Try the Hangout Bar at Muelle Pier (daily
8am-11pm; P25/hr), or Dhegz on Concepcion Street. In
Sabang there are a few places on the main street. Many
hotels and resorts have wi-fi.

Southeast Luzon
he region south of Batangas and Quezon
(Region V) is commonly known as South
Luzon or Bicol , home of the Philippines'
fieriest cuisine, whose staple is the creamy,
delicious Bicol Express . From Batangas City
the National Highway meanders through
the provinces of Camarines Norte,
Camarines Sur, Albay and Sorsogon. he
main towns of Daet , Naga and Legaspi are
typically provincial, with their jumbled
tra c, concrete malls and occasional
Spanish-era relics - Legaspi, as the
jumping-off point for the active volcano
Mount Mayon , is the only one we cover.
Continuing further south, you reach the
coastal village of Donsol , which has grown
famous for the concentration of plankton-
eating whale sharks that congregate here.
he opportunity to swim with these gentle
giants is the single biggest draw for visitors
to this area of the country, though there
are also some wonderfully untouched
beaches around Sorsogon . From Matnog
at the very tip of Luzon, you can take a
ferry across the Bernardino Strait to Samar,
the gateway to the Visayas.

Tamarind On the seafront at the western end of
the beach. Offering tropical charm, ocean views and
tasty Thai and international dishes, Tamarind is one of
Sabang's most popular restaurants. Highlights include
spicy Thai salads, tom kha gai , spare ribs marinated in
honey and Filipino beef steak (mains from P300). Daily
8am-11pm.
Tina's Restaurant Pleasant little restaurant with
chequered tablecloths, bamboo chairs and nice sea views.
It serves a range of international dishes at reasonable
prices. (P150-300). Daily 7.30am-10.30pm.

PUERTO GALERA
Sharkeez Pizza By Muelle Pier. Internet access and
adequate Western food such as pizzas (P310), pastas
(P235) and pie and chips (P250). Daily 8am-10pm.

8

SMALL LA LAGUNA
The Point Eastern end of the beach. The wonderful
views of Small La Laguna and Sabang make this the best
spot for a sundowner. Cocktails start at P120. Daily
10am-midnight.

WHITE BEACH
Ciao Italia Western end of the beach. This pricey Italian
perched on the side of the cliff is well worth the splurge.
There are home-made pastas (P320) and plenty of mains,
from pork escalope to grilled prawns. Wonderful views,
too. Try the spaghetti del pirata (P380). Daily 8am-11pm.
Coco Aroma Next to Summer Connection T 0919 4728
882. Laidback hipster dive with live reggae, rock and
blues bands on Fri & Sat evenings; good food (P170-470)
and plenty of choice for vegetarians. Happy hour 5-9pm.
Daily 6am-2am.
★

LEGASPI
he port city of LEGASPI (often spelt
Legazpi), two hours south of Naga and
ten hours from Manila, is the place to
base yourself if you fancy climbing
Mount Mayon (2463m). Legaspi is a fairly
charmless provincial town with one main
thoroughfare, Peñaranda Street, which
connects the port area (Legaspi city
proper) with the district of Albay, where
most of the hotels and restaurants are.
One sight worth seeing is the nearby
Cagsawa Ruins (daily 8am-6pm; P10),
the chilling remains of a church that was
buried in the devastating eruption of
Mayon in 1814. he best time to visit is
at dawn before the vendors stake their

Pacific Divers Great friendly spot for hearty,
reasonably priced mains (P200), as well as sandwiches and
pancakes. The welcoming seating area on the beach is
perfect for a sundowner or a chilled beer in the evenings.
Free wi-fi. Daily 8am-midnight.

DIRECTORY
Banks and exchange In Sabang there's a Western Union
and an Allied Savings bank with ATM near the Muelle Pier
turn-off. John and Jayne's at Muelle Pier changes cash and
travellers' cheques, and offers long-distance phone calls.