Beauty in Agriculture: Must-Visit Farms in Albay
The future of farm tourism gleams brighter than ever here in Albay. It is evident in the recent agricultural developments that proved not only financially fulfilling but also aesthetically appealing.
The vast improvements in the agricultural industry are all thanks to our hardworking farmers and agriculturists with the support of the local government. After all, cultivating barren lands into a tranquil farmland paradise is not an easy feat.
There may be no four seasons in the Philippines. But most flowers and crops grow in the summer and continue to flourish even during the rainy season.
Enjoy the captivating beauty of Mayon along beds of blossoming flowers in breath-taking sceneries with these must-visit farms in Albay.
Farmplate – Daraga, Albay
Looking for a place offering a complete farm experience? Look no further!
Located at Gabawan in Daraga sits the beautiful FarmPlate. You can take your family for a chill day out and picnics. Or you can hang out with your friends here at night and talk about life circled around a bonfire.
You can do a variety of things during the day like biking and flying a kite separate from the nightly activities like camping and drinking. However, there are parts of the farm that is still under continued construction for additional sights that will be open to being public soon.
If you enjoy walking around, you can feast your eyes on the ranch-like ambience with an excellent view of the Mayon Volcano. Heck, you can even go on a carabao ride around the farm for free!
Bichara’s Farm – Bagacay, Albay
Bichara’s Farm, owned by Albay Governor Al Francis Bichara is a massive land converted into a nature haven. A hidden paradise that can’t be accessed through public transportation. But you won’t get lost by asking friendly locals who can give directions (also with the help of google maps too).
However, like FarmPlate, some parts of the farm are still under further renovation. But you can enjoy activities like kayaking and biking more than just strolling or sightseeing.
El Miro De Shei Integrated Farm – Camalig, Albay
El Miro De Shei is flower heaven for all the ‘plantitas’ out there!
Are you looking for a place where you can relax and just admire pretty flowers all over the place? Lucky, this must be the place for you.
Perfect for strolling while revelling in the crisp fresh air, also rewarding another spectacular view of the volcano. And if you ask me, Mayon’s beauty will never get old.
Aguas Farm – Santo Domingo, Albay
I know what you’re thinking. Yes, the Mayon Volcano is still very present in the background. And being in Aguas’ Farm provides a closer look at the majestic volcano.
The farm earned its local popularity for having the whole place scream ‘instagrammable’ at your face. I mean all of the other farms are too, but there is a unique feel with the 360-degree view of the Mayon and the Albay Gulf. And if you can’t enough of this place, you can just stay the night and camp out.
If you are a big fan of watching sunsets, this is the perfect place for you.
Albay Farmers’ Bounty Village and Bee Farm
Just last year, the province of Albay has pioneered the Province-led Agriculture and Fisheries Extension System (PAFES) in the Bicol Region.
With this, the provincial government opened the Farmers’ Bounty Village to improve the lives and productivity of local farmers by giving them agricultural training. Moreover, this 15-hectare land houses agricultural centres, processing facilities, a farm school and laboratory areas.
The local government of Albay encourages local entrepreneurs amongst farmers and agriculturists to pursue agricultural business. That being said, this agricultural complex is open for visitors who are interested in learning about agriculture or just to relax and be surrounded by greens.
Albay Farmers’ Bounty Village is also home to the Bee Farm where they cultivate honey through stingless bees.
Truly a feast for the senses. Breathing some fresh air and basking in the warm sunlight, life couldn’t get any better than this.
If you needed a breather from your hectic city life, come visit in Albay.
"Leanne or LJ -- as what her friends would like to call her-- is a walking enigma. She loves reading books more than going out, but would if her family drags her out. The limelight was never her spot, and if you look hard enough, you'll find her in a corner enjoying her peace in the shadows of other people's light.