Known for its storied history, Queen Bicol is a top destination for families looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life for a while. Specifically, a trip to Naga City is a great opportunity to create fond memories and bond with loved ones. Visitors of all ages have a lot to do here, so it’s easy to find something every member of your family will enjoy.
Are you planning to spend some time in Naga City soon and want to experience as much of its rich culture and scenery as possible? If so, you should include the following activities in your vacation plan:
Tour the city and visit its many heritage sites
For families who like to learn about history, they will be delighted to learn that the city of Naga has many heritage attractions.Getting to these locations is also relatively easy, especially if your family lives in one of them Hotels in Naga city center.
Once you’ve settled into your hotel room, your family can visit the monuments and parks that honor the city’s rich heritage. A quiet afternoon can visit Rizal Square, followed by Quezon Square, which is located next to the former. Also worth a visit is the nearby Quince Martirez square, dedicated to the 15 Bicol martyrs.
If you walk along Luna Street behind Plaza Rizal, you and your family can also see Plaza Nuevo Cáceres, which was built to commemorate the anniversary of the city of Naga in 2010. This monument gives you a glimpse into how the city has grown over the years, from its pre-colonial roots to its more modern state today. Visiting these sites can not only give your kids a fun history lesson, but also provide a little exercise for the whole family.
Spend some quiet time at church
Is your child old enough to appreciate the role of architecture and places of worship in the local community? If so, consider taking them to the various churches and religious buildings in the city of Naga.
The first is the Minor Seminary of the Holy Rosary, a Spanish-era building that was the alma mater of many of Bicol’s famous patriots and heroes. Inside the seminary, there is a museum displaying various artifacts from the area as well as memorabilia from Bicolano Bishop Jorge Barlin.
As for the old churches, you can stop by the San Francisco Church on the Naga River.
Afterwards, you can visit the largest church in Bicol, the Naga Metropolitan Cathedral. On the other side of the river are the Peñafrancia Shrine and the Peñafrancia Basilica Minore, which each year host millions of devotees from all over the world.
Visit the city’s many natural attractions
Families who enjoy exploring the great outdoors have plenty to explore while in Naga City.
First up is Naga Eco Park, a lush 5-hectare site. It has a garden maze, a collection of exotic plants, a mini forest and lots of green space perfect for a picnic.
There’s more to see if your family heads to the Issarog Mountain Natural Park, about half an hour’s drive from the city. There are many waterfalls and rivers in this expanse – about 30 waterfalls and 16 rivers to be exact. It is also a great place for bird watching and hiking.
For a more laid-back experience, head to Panicuason Spa Resort. As the name suggests, this property features a hot spring surrounded by lush forests, perfect for those looking for a place to relax.
Arrange your visit to Naga City for one of the festivals
If your family enjoys learning about and experiencing other cultures, consider planning your trip to coincide with one of the many festivals celebrated in the city.
For example, the Feast of Our Lady of Penafrancia, dedicated to the patron saint of the Bicol region, is held every second Friday in September for 9 days. There is also the Kamundagan Festival, which lasts throughout December and focuses on the celebration of Advent. Finally, the Kinalas Festival will be held in June to mark the anniversary of Naga’s urbanization. It is named after a local type of noodle, kinalas, which is heated with spices such as chilli.
Whether you prefer to live near the city center, explore natural parks and ecological centers, or visit historic buildings, Naga City has something to offer you. That said, if you have enough time and your family is keen to do it, why not try everything on this list? This is a sure-fire way to make your Naga City holiday a book.
Some festivals in the philippines You might want to take a look.
