12 Best Things To Do In Naga, PH

things to do in naga philippines
Kaye
Kaye 
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Should the time come where you need to do some soul searching or just have some R&R by yourself, then going to Naga City, Camarines Sur is a good idea. Naga is the third Spanish Royal City after Iloilo and Manila and is a key city in the Bicol Region of the Philippines. It is where all the good stuff is found, too – business establishments, centers for art and culture, medical institution, premium education, and a growing economy. Because of this, there is surely something for everyone. There are also staycation spots for anyone who just wants to relax. So, to Naga’s visitors, a word of encouragement – if it feels right, then jump right in and do it!

Book the top Airbnbs and read on to find out about the best things to do in Naga, PH.

1. Have some R&R at the Caramoan Getaway

Caramoan
Source: Photo by Flickr user Allan Ascaño used under CC BY 2.0

Do you need the sun to warm up your oh-so dull skin from being stuck in the office all the time? Caramoan is simply the best place to get some sun. Experience the summer breeze all year round and get a tan on its beautiful seashore. You can also go snorkeling and island hopping from one beach to another, too. The best Instagrammable places to go sight-seeing are the Manlawi Sandbar, Guinahoan Island, Lahus Island, and Matukad Island where you can spot what the locals call the “enchanted” milkfish. Out here, it is a rule to relax and unwind. It is also a good idea to get some perspective and write your heart out on the beach until you feel that life makes sense.

To get to Caramoan, you can take either take the 8-hour bus ride from Manila to Naga or take the one hour plane ride. Once in Naga City, take a van to Sabang port where you can rent a boat to go experience the Caramoan Getaway.

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2. Visit Mt. Isarog National Park

Mt. Isarog National Park, Camarines Sur
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user MarvinBikolano used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Trek your worries away and at the end of a journey, you’ll feel lighter (both literally and figuratively, that is). Mount Isarog is actually a potentially active volcano. Its highest point is about 6,600 feet (2,011 m). Historically it is a spot where the troops of the Philippine Army and Bicolano guerillas hid at the time the Japanese conquered the country. Today, it is a national park, home to natural waterfalls, springs, and nature. The best time to visit this Naga tourist spot is between January to April. By this time, the mountain’s forest is cold and refreshing even if it is hot elsewhere.

One must-see is the Magragobrob Waterfalls located inside Mt. Isarog’s crater. It is 131 ft (40 meters) high that flows until the Rangas River. If you feel you need a spa treatment, then it is pretty cool to know that the Hiwacloy Sulfur Springs is also located here. To enjoy this all-natural spa treatment, you can the 45-minute flight from Manila to Pili Airport. After that drive to Naga City.

Mt. Isarog National Park

Address: Brgy. Panicuason, Naga City

Website: Mt. Isarog National Park

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3. Be enchanted by deer sightings in the Ocampo Deer Breeding Farm

Deer Farm at Camarines Sur 3
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Maffeth.opiana used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Whoever makes their way to Mt. Isarog in Ocampo is in for a treat. Who knows? Maybe, just maybe, you will get to meet one of Santa’s most favorite creatures – the deer. The Ocampo Deer Breeding Farm is truly a place to behold. Since 1996, the 12.3 acre (5 hectare) lot has been a home to the Australian species. If you take stroll on the foothills of the mountain, be ready to be in awe of the gentle deer.

The deer farm is located ni Brgy. Sta. Cruz, Ocampo, Camarines Sur. Taking the mini bus from Naga City to Sn Jose, Go, Tigaon, or Sagnay. Just ask the bus driver.

Ocampo Deer Breeding Farm

Address: Santa Cruz,Ocampo Cam.Sur, 4419

Facebook: Pacific Santas

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4. Go on a pilgrimage journey at the Penafrancia Museum and Shrine

WTNaga HIJAB A26j
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Ritche Asagra used under CC BY-SA 3.0

As the word “soul searching” is mentioned, the Penefrancia Museum is a must on any devotee’s list. Every item here was carefully curated to reflect the Catholic faith. A number of these items include the crowns, the Aureol and Mantos of Ina, as well as some devotional writings. The two-storey building houses the museum. Just a few meters away is the Penefrancia Shrine. The Shrine is a Roman Catholic church that is one of East Asia’s greatest sites for Christian pilgrimages. This is because of its symbolic holy image, the Divino Rostro.

Our Lady of Penafrancia Museum

Address: Magsaysay Ave, Naga City 4400

Facebook: Our Lady of Penafrancia Museum

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5. Go wild at the Pinacuason Hot Spring Resort and Adventure Park

Hotspring Resort Entrance
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user MarvinBikolano used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Bliss is within reach at the Pinacuason Hot Spring Resort and Adventure Park. Families from all over come to enjoy picnics by the pools and other water activities. For those going solo, however, the bike zipline is the ultimate adventure to experience. You get to pedal the modified bike on a cable-wire that is suspended about 100-feet (30.5 m) from the ground. The thrill is real once on these bad boys. Another attraction is the Tarzan swing aside from the usual rappelling, wall climbing, fishing, or swimming.

Panicuason Hot Spring Resort and Nature Adventure Park

Address: Panicuason, Carolina, Naga, Philippines

Facebook: Panicuason Hot Spring Resort and Nature Adventure Park

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6. Feel refreshed at Malabsay Falls

Malabsay Falls, Panicuason, Naga City - panoramio
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Monette Nyem used under CC BY 3.0

Hidden at the foot of Mt. Isarog is Malabsay falls – one of Mother Earth’s best kept secret. To reach the falls, you would need to trek for about 15 minutes first. It is a pretty easy route and an enjoyable one at that because seeing nature up close is an experience that makes anyone forget they are trekking in the first place. So, if you want to be refreshed, visit Malabsay Falls. Take a jeepney ride from Naga to the terminal of Panicusan and walk straight to Mt. Isarog National Park’s entrance.

Malabsay Falls

Address: Zone 6, Brgy. Panicuason, Naga, Camarines Sur

Website: Malabsay Falls

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7. Discover History at the Plaza Rizal

Plaza Rizal
Source: Photo by Flickr user Gabriel-Fortunato... used under CC BY 2.0

If going on a cultural-heritage tour sounds interesting to you, then paying a visit to Plaza Rizal and then to the Metropolitan Cathedral is the best way to go. Plaza Rizal can be found at downtown Naga and has been put up in honor of the country’s National Hero, Dr. Jose Rizal. It is at this very spot where families enjoy picnics together. One interesting fact about this Naga City tourist spot is that it is where you can witness the best debaters engage in witty discourse. It is quite reflective of what the life of Dr. Rizal stands for, if you ask me. Just near it is the Metropolitan Cathedral.

Plaza Rizal

Address: 61 Elias Angeles, Naga, Camarines Sur

Tip from Trip101 local expert

Jamie

Jamie
Naga

If you love street food, this is definitely the place for you. It's dotted with carts selling a variety of street foods, including chicken skins, cheese sticks, kwek-kwek, balut, and various barbecued items, ranging from chicken to intestines, popularly known as isaw. You'll also find blind massage therapists here, from whom you can get a half-body massage at an affordable price.
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8. St. John the Evangelist Metropolitan Cathedral

The Facade of the Naga Metropolitan Cathedral
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user RommelVelasco used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Prominently known as a Latin Rite Roman Catholic Cathedral, St. John the Evangelist Metropolitan Cathedral (also known as Naga Metropolitan Cathedral) is found on Elias Angeles Street and has become of one of the best places to visit in Naga City. As a work of art, it is Romanesque in theme and actually follows a cruciform plan. Its grandeur is made unforgettable because of its galvanized iron sheets as roofing and its hailed with a cupola-topped rectangular dome above its crossing. The interior columns and ceilings are decorated by trompe-l'œil paintings. Stained glass windows also give that elegant touch. Although the cathedral has been hit by typhoons and earthquakes, it still stands strong.

St. John The Evangelist Metropolitan Cathedral (Naga Metropolitan Cathedral)

Address: Elias Angeles Street, Naga City

Tip from Trip101 local expert

Jamie

Jamie
Naga

St. John Cathedral is a beautiful church located in the city center of Naga City, just behind Porta Mariae. It is a popular wedding venue due to its Romanesque architecture, ornate ceiling, and long aisle. It is also a significant place of worship. After attending mass here, I often dine at one of the many nearby restaurants, like Biggs, a popular local eatery known for serving the best spaghetti in town.

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9. Take an “I-was-here” Instagram photo at Porta Mariae

Porta Mariae in Naga City
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Carlo Joseph Moskito used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Built to commemorate 300 years of devotion to Our Lady of Penafrancia, the 36-foot (11 m) tall arch is the perfect backdrop for a Naga City escapade. It looks like the Arc de Triomphe in France. Its width of 59 feet (18 m) supports the 10-foot (3 m) brass image of Our Lady of Penafrancia and its two angels. Just behind it is the Metropolitan Cathedral Parish making it one of the most beautiful pilgrimage destinations in the region. The arch is located on Barlin Street in Naga City.

Porta Mariae

Address: Iglesia Street, Naga City

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10. Eat crispy pata at Bob Marlin

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

#crispyPataKareKare

Posted by Bob Marlin Restaurant on Monday, August 17, 2020

In case you aren’t familiar with Filipino dishes, you should take a serious look at crispy pata! Crispy pata is deep fried pig trotters and is arguably one of the best fried foods in the country. As you know, Filipinos love their dipping sauces, and crispy pata is usually paired with a mixture of soy sauce and vinegar dip. Possibly with chopped onion and garlic, too! Bob Marlin serves one of the best crispy pata in the Philippines, so you should definitely give it a try!

Bob Marlin

Address: Magsaysay Ave, Naga, 4400 Camarines Sur

Website: Bob Marlin

Opening hours: 11am - 1am (daily)

Tip from Trip101 local expert

Jamie

Jamie
Naga

It's true, their crispy pata is truly to die for. It's incredibly crisp, juicy, and not overly fatty. However, in addition to the crispy pata, make sure to indulge in their sisig and other barbecue items. Furthermore, on select nights, they feature live bands for added entertainment.

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11. Spend a fun-filled day at Haciendas de Naga

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Posted by Haciendas de Naga on Wednesday, November 16, 2016

Feeling a little fancy? Try out the activities at Haciendas de Naga, a country club and golf course in uptown Naga. Some of the resort amenities that may be enjoyed by guests of all ages are the wave pool, zip line ride, wall climbing, and obstacle courses. If your little ones are traveling with you, join the Zoofari Adventure at Haciendas de Naga and you’ll keep them on their toes all-day long. The country club offers plenty of activities that’s going to push Naga on top of your bucket list!

Haciendas de Naga

Address: Km.10 Carolina, Uptown Naga City, Camarines Sur 4400

Website: Haciendas de Naga

Tip from Trip101 local expert

Jamie

Jamie
Naga

I visited this place in the summer of 2015 when it was still under construction and lacked many of the amenities available today. However, I thoroughly enjoyed their wave pool. If you plan to visit, it's essential to have your own transportation because otherwise, you'll need to use the shuttle service to move between different amenities. Additionally, please note that it's quite far from the city center and has limited transportation services.

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12. Get lost in the maze at Naga City Ecology Park

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

I bet not all Nagueños know of or have been to NAGA CITY ECOLOGY PARK, but this is a place that I promise you will...

Posted by Naga City Guide on Wednesday, July 1, 2015

One of the unique places you can visit in Naga is its own ecological park, Naga City Ecology Park. The park covers 3 hectares (7.41 acres) of land, which offers several activities and park amenities like playgrounds and gardens. This tourist spot welcomes all visitors, from solo travelers to big groups and families. The best thing about Naga City Ecology Park is the garden maze! If you’re up for some competition, challenge your group on who’s the fastest to complete the maze!

Naga City Ecology Park

Address: Zone 6, San Felipe, Naga City, Camarines Sur

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Naga City is a great place to relax and unwind

For any weary soul, Naga City is the most ideal place to visit. Not only is it a place for spiritual or personal reflection through its pilgrimage destinations, it is also the best choice to get away from the humdrum of a stressful life. We hope that you now know what to do in Naga. Be sure to include this on your bucket list of “Things To Do Before I Retire.”

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Frequently asked questions about things to do in Naga, PH


Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Kaye Leah, a writer and traveler, spends her days teaching Writing and Literature. In the interim moments, she engages in conversations with fascinating individuals over coffee or diligently...Read more

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