Bicol Region Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids Bicol Region Region V
Region
From top, then left to right: Mayon Volcano and Cagsawa Ruins; Legazpi Cathedral; Lake Bulusan; Porta Mariae; Ateneo de Naga University Church
Nicknames: Kabikulan Bicolandia
Location in the Philippines
Country	Philippines
Island group	Luzon
Regional center	Legazpi
Area
• Total	18,155.82 km² (7,010.00 sq mi)
Population (2015)
• Total	5,796,989
• Density	319.29095/km² (826.95976/sq mi)
Time zone	UTC+8 (PST)
ISO 3166 code	PH-05
Provinces	6 Albay Camarines Norte Camarines Sur Catanduanes Masbate Sorsogon
Cities	7 Iriga Legazpi Ligao Masbate City Naga Sorsogon City Tabaco
Municipalities	107
Barangays	3,471

The Bicol Region, also known as Region V, is a large area in the Philippines. It's located on the southeastern part of Luzon, which is the biggest island in the country. The main city and center of the region is Legazpi City.

Bicol is made up of six different provinces. Four of these provinces are on the main land, which is called the Bicol Peninsula. These are Albay, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, and Sorsogon. The other two provinces, Catanduanes and Masbate, are islands.

This region is famous for its beautiful natural spots. It has two active volcanoes, Mayon and Mount Bulusan. Mayon Volcano is especially known for its nearly perfect cone shape.

Exploring the Bicol Region
Images for kids
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Exploring the Bicol Region

The Bicol Region is a fascinating place with a rich history and amazing natural sights. It's a popular spot for tourists who want to see volcanoes, beautiful beaches, and unique wildlife.

Provinces of Bicol

The Bicol Region has six provinces, each with its own special features.

Albay is home to the famous Mayon Volcano. Its capital is Legazpi City.
Camarines Norte is known for its gold mining history and beautiful beaches.
Camarines Sur is the largest province and has many natural attractions. Its city, Naga, is an important center.
Catanduanes is an island province often called the "Land of the Howling Winds" because it faces the Pacific Ocean.
Masbate is another island province, known for its cattle ranches and rodeo festivals.
Sorsogon is at the southernmost tip of the Bicol Peninsula. It's famous for its whale shark encounters.

Famous Volcanoes and Natural Wonders

Bicol is a land of volcanoes and stunning landscapes.

Mayon Volcano: The Perfect Cone

A view of Legazpi City with the majestic Mt. Mayon in the background.

Mayon Volcano is one of the most active volcanoes in the Philippines. It's famous worldwide for its almost perfect cone shape. People often visit the Cagsawa Ruins in Albay, which are the remains of a church buried by an eruption of Mayon in 1814. It's a popular spot for photos with the volcano in the background.

Mount Bulusan and Lake Bulusan

Mount Bulusan is another active volcano located in Sorsogon. Near it is the beautiful Lake Bulusan, a clear green lake surrounded by lush forests. It's a great place for boating and enjoying nature.

Whale Sharks in Donsol

You can swim with gentle whale sharks in Donsol, Sorsogon.

One of the most exciting things to do in Bicol is to visit Donsol, Sorsogon. Here, you can swim with whale sharks, locally known as butanding. These are the biggest fish in the world, but they are gentle giants. It's an amazing experience to see them up close in their natural home.

Bicolano Culture and Food

The people of Bicol are called Bicolanos. They have their own language, called Bicolano, and a unique culture.

Spicy Bicolano Cuisine

Bicol Express, a famous spicy dish from the region.

Bicol is well-known for its spicy food! The most famous dish is Bicol Express. It's a creamy and spicy stew made with pork, coconut milk, chili peppers, and shrimp paste. If you like spicy food, you'll love Bicolano dishes! Many of their dishes use coconut milk and chili.

Important Landmarks in Cities

The cities in Bicol also have important places.

In Naga City, you can find the Porta Mariae, a grand arch built to honor the Virgin Mary.
Legazpi City has the Legazpi Cathedral, a beautiful church that stands out in the city.
The Ateneo de Naga University in Naga City.
The Ateneo de Naga University is also an important educational center in the region.