Legazpi accommodation from AU$33

Adventurous souls will love the unique opportunity that Bicol offers: to swim with friendly whale sharks. This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity is worth the trip itself, yet Bicol offers so much more. If there's one thing Filipinos love to do, it's party. There's always a local fiesta or celebration to attend. In Bicol, the biggest events of the year include: Karanowan Fish-tival in February, where participants dance like sea creatures in fish costumes, the Rodeo Masbate in April, and the Kaogma Festival in May. A week-long event, the Kaogma Festival celebrates the province's foundation and heritage; the most popular part of the event is the Grand Parade. Even if you can't make it in time for these events, there's no reason why you can't enjoy your holiday lazing on the beach, nibbling on fresh seafood and tropical fruits, and drinking icy cold cocktails. Bicol is especially well-known for its spicy dishes cooked with fresh coconut milk.

If you'd like to do something a bit adventurous, but aren't quite up for swimming with the giants of the sea, you could always visit the Cam Sur Watersports Complex and try your hand at wakeboarding, kneeboarding or waterskiing. The complex isn't the only place for watersports though. Down by the beach, you can have a go at windsurfing or kitesurfing. For those who have always wanted to try spelunking (or those who are old hands at it), Pototan Cave has an adventure waiting for you. Another great attraction is the inactive volcano, Mt Mayon. You can climb to its 2,700m high summit and admire the incredible views of the ocean, mountains, lakes and forests. On the way to the top, you'll pass by the Casagawa Ruins – a township that long-ago melted away in the volcano's hot lava.

Getting around Bicol is affordable and fun, on jeepneys and tricycles (motorbike taxis). Metered taxis are much cheaper than taxis back home, so they are definitely an affordable transport option too. All you have to do is check out our cheap flights to Manila, then catch a domestic flight from Manila to Naga Airport. It's only a 45 minute trip, and then it's a half hour drive to Bicol. If you need to do some shopping while you're in Bicol, you can pick up most things at Pacific Mall. Legaspi is also only an hour away, and is home to LCC Mall, but if you really want to do some hardcore shopping, hit up the Mall of Asia, Greenbelt, Robinsons or Glorietta while you're in Manila.

The contestants of Survivor and The Amazing Race have already seen how amazing Bicol is. Now it's your turn. Book your Bicol accommodation and get ready to fall in love with the Philippines.