5 Fun Places to Visit in Naga with Your Family

The City of Naga has many nicknames, which is a reflection of the many roles that it has and continues to play in the Bicol Region. Established in 1575 under the name Ciudad de Nueva Caceres by the then-Spanish Governor-General Francisco de Sande, Naga is also known as “The Queen City of Bicol,” “Pilgrim City,” and “The Heart of Bicol,” among other titles that are close to the heart of its inhabitants. 

If you’re planning to go to Naga City with your family to spend a long weekend, celebrate a holiday, or get together with relatives, you’ll have plenty of time to find out what endears the city to residents and tourists alike. Even if you’re traveling with kids in tow, you can still see popular tourist attractions–some of which have inspired Naga’s affectionate monikers–that appeal to people of all ages. Here are some of the places in Naga City that children and adults will have fun visiting. 

Basilica of Our Lady of Peñafrancia

Constructed between 1976 and 1981, the Peñafrancia Minor Basilica was given the title of Basilica Minore in 1985. This grand place of worship and the image of the Virgin Mary sculpted in 1710 that is enshrined in the structure earned Naga City the nickname “Pilgrim City.” The festival celebrating Our Lady of Peñafrancia is considered the biggest Marian event in Asia, attracting tens of thousands of pilgrims every year. While the basilica is located on the outskirts of Naga City, it’s quite easy for families staying in one of the hotels in Naga City center to visit the church and go on a pilgrimage themselves. Even if your children are still too young to understand the relevance of the place to your personal beliefs, they can still appreciate the beauty of this structure, especially its stained glass windows and colorful wall art. 

Panicuason Hot Spring Resort

If you and your family appreciate natural views and relaxing in bodies of water, then the Panicuason Hot Spring Resort is a destination that you should include in your itinerary. Found at the foot of Mt. Isarog, this resort has natural hot and cold springs where you can treat yourself and the kids can have a bit of guided fun after a long and tiring week.

Aside from its pools and springs, the resort also features facilities for various activities such as zip lining, wall climbing, and bike zip lining. If you or your kids enjoy a bit of nature adventure, this resort has plenty to offer if you’re planning to take a day trip to go swimming or even if you’re staying the night. Just be sure to bring insect repellent if you’re staying over since the resort is located in a forested area and insects tend to be in abundance once the sun has come down. 

Mt. Isarog National Park

Located aroundhalf an hour away from the heart of Naga City, Mt. Isarog National Park is an expansive area that has a lot to offer to nature lovers. If your kids enjoy nature excursions and exploring new places, then you can book a tour and see some of the breathtaking waterfalls in the area. The most famous ones are Malabsay Falls and Nabuntulan Falls, though you can also see the so-called Secret Falls if you’re willing to go the extra mile. Depending on how old your kids are and how interested they are in nature activities, you can trek to the summit of the mountain, go birdwatching, or bike to some of the spots in the nature park. Once you’re done, it’s a good idea to drop by Panicuason Hot Spring Resort or visit Hibiscus Camp Concocepto calm your body after a day of exploring.

Hibiscus Camp Concocep

If you’ve chosen to conquer the mountain with the fam and wish to spend more time in the so-called Little Baguio of Bicol, you can drop by Hibiscus Camp Concocep. This elevated spot offers a vantage point for appreciating the lush scenery and colorful flowers, depending on the season and weather conditions during your visit. There’s a pool at the resort that you can relax in if you feel like you can withstand the low temperature. But even if you’re not amenable to cold environments, you can still take great pictures during your stopover at the resort. 

Naga City Ecology Park

If you’re looking for a lush attraction with a more controlled environment close to your hotel, how about dropping by Naga City Ecology Park and going on a picnic with the kids? This 3-hectare park has gardens and playgrounds that will suit young kids and a hedge maze that you can solve and get out of as a family. When visiting, make sure to bring your own snacks and lots of water, and maybe a picnic mat or two so you have a space where you can rest after exploring each garden feature. 

Include these spots in your family’s itinerary and make sure that everyone will have a great time on your Naga City holiday. Choose accommodations that are close to your planned destinations as well so that you can minimize the travel time to and from your hotel and your chosen tourist spots in The Queen City of Bicol.