NAGA CITY ECOLOGY PARK

A five-hectare sprawl of tropical greenery, the park showcases various exotic plants, palms, an eco-walk maze, topiary garden, an orchid and mini-forest. Walkways, lawns, and pavilions provides for family picnics, stroll, and undisturbed appreciation of nature’s beauty.

PANICUASON HOT SPRINGS RESORT

This is one of Bicol’s secret hideaways.  Located at the bottom of a forest river ravine accessible via a private road, this resort is smack at the center of the teeming rain forest of Mt. Isarog.  Only 30 minutes away from downtown Naga, the resort is a sight to behold, a virtual jungle paradise of ancient trees and giant ferns minus the wild animals. The resort is composed of several natural pools with temperatures ranging from a cold 20 degrees Celsius to a steaming 39 degrees Celsius. Frequented by local and international visitors, it has also been featured on national TV shows. A day or two at the hot springs resort will surely uplift one’s spirit and soothe aching and weary muscles with hot spring water that emanates from the earth’s bowels.

MT. ISAROG NATURAL PARK

The highest forested peak in Southern Luzon rising at 1,966 meters above sea level, this dormant volcano serves as open sanctuary to many plants, birds and animals that are known to reside in Luzon.  Its 16 major rivers and 30-something waterfalls provide potable water to 15 towns and cities of Camarines Sur.  The travelers’ guide “The Lonely Planet” lists it as an interesting destination for trekkers and nature lovers. Declared as a national park by President Manuel Quezon in 1937, Mt. Isarog has been the subject of many researches because of its high concentration of endemic flora and fauna.

MALABSAY FALLS

Nestled on the shoulders of Mt. Isarog, this body of water is one of the wonders of Mt. Isarog National Park.  It is 40 feet high with crystal clear cold water cascading down a pond where hikers and mountaineers relax or take a break for a swim. The falls is located just within the boundaries of the Mt. Isarog Natural Park, and is a popular destination for excursions.

NABONTOLAN FALLS

Resting within the protected area of Mt. Isarog National Park and accessible through the Naga City trail, this waterfall offers a breathtaking refuge from the busy city life and allows one to commune with nature.  The rough trail going into the falls makes it quite an adventure getting in.

PLAZA DE NUEVA CACERES

This newly-built monument and plaza was for the celebration of the 62th founding anniversary of the City of Naga in 2010.  Plaza de Nueva Caceres commerates the history of Naga City (formerly called Ciudad de Nueva Caceres) starting from its  pre-colonial roots up to the Spanish rule when it became one of the four oldest cities and seats of powers of the Spaniards.  The monument’s inviting surroundings and relaxing plaza, meanwhile, shows how Naga flourishes and becomes one of the modern cities in the country and in the Philippines.

PLAZA RIZAL

This monument-cum-park ideally located at downtown Naga was built in honor of the national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal. This is known locally as the center for public debates and discussions, family picnic gatherings and public recreation and relaxation spot.

PLAZA QUEZON

Named in honor of the great President of the Philippines Manuel L. Quezon, this plaza which is adjacent to the famous Plaza Rizal in downtown Naga, is where parades of all types are held and reviewed by prominent guests and officials of the city.   It is also a favorite site for concerts of popular bands and other performers in the country, including 6 Cycle Mind, Siakol, Parokya ni Edgar, Moonstar 88, Blackjack, and others.

PLAZA BARLIN

Located at Barlin and Arana Streets fronting the Naga Metropolitan Cathedral, the plaza and the monument was constructed in honor of Msgr. Jorge Barlin, the first Filipino and Bicolano Bishop of the Roman Catholic Church in the Philippines.  Barlin, a native of Baao, Camarines Sur, is also one of the fifteen martyrs who bravely stand for and died for the sake of the Filipinos.

UNIVERSIDAD DE STA. ISABEL

Formerly called Colegio de Sta. Isabel, this Catholic Vincentian university is owned and run by the Daughters of Charity in Naga City, Philippines. It was established by the first five Daughters of Charity that arrived in the Philippines in January 1868 with Bishop of Caceres, Most Rev. Francisco Gainza, O.P., the founder of the Colegio through the royal order of Queen Isabella II of Spain. The school, which was the first normal school for women in the Philippines and Southeast Asia, was inaugurated on April 12, 1869. It achieved its university status in 2001.

ATENEO DE NAGA UNIVERSITY

Established in 1940, the university is the only Jesuit institution in Southern Luzon. During World War II, the school was converted into a prison camp by the Japanese Imperial Forces. In 1979, the College and the High School departments were the first in Camarines Sur to be accredited by the Philippine Accrediting Association of Schools, Colleges, and Universities (PAASCU). On February 20, 1999, the Commission on Higher Education conferred the Ateneo de Naga its university status.

RAUL S. ROCO LIBRARY

Named after the beloved Bicolano statesman, this learning facility is home to over 30,000 book titles alongside its being a hub with online access to other libraries in the country. It also houses the memorabilia of the late Senator Raul S. Roco and the Naga City Hall of Fame, where the various plaques and trophies representing international, national, and local awards received by the city government are displayed. It also houses education and culture-related government offices agencies like the Arts, Culture and Tourism Office, Publication Office, School Board, Naga City Governance Institute, i-Governance Office, and the Center for the Blind.

BICOL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY CENTRUM

The only LGU-operated science and technology one-stop educational attraction in the Bicol Region. It is a popular landmark visited every month by thousands of students, children and their parents on educational field trips. Visitors come from different municipalities and provinces and schools and colleges in the Bicol Region and beyond. The facility features a computer gallery, a mini-science library and Sci-Art Cubbyhole for toddlers and preschoolers, complementing interactive exhibits that enhance learning and interest in sciences.

METRO NAGA SPORTS COMPLEX

This sports facility sprawling in the middle of vast greenery of Barangay Pacol, has Olympic-sized swimming pools, tennis courts, and a track oval shrouded by early morning mountain mist. It has hosted a number of local and national sports competitions including the yearly Palarong Pambansa.

NAGA CITY PEOPLE’S MALL

The largest public structure in Asia when it was constructed in the 1970’s, the Naga City People’s Mall (NCPM) houses thousands of stalls offering products ranging from fresh fish to souvenir items. It’s total floor area of 30,000 square meters, spread over three levels, is frequented by local shoppers. Local products and souvenir items are sold at competitive prices.