Albay, Provincial administrative division in Bicol Region, Philippines.
Albay is a province in the southeastern part of Luzon island with Legazpi City as its capital. The administrative unit includes towns and cities spread between coastal areas and highland zones.
Before Spanish arrival in the late 16th century, the area was led by Chief Gat Ibal and known by different local names. Colonial administration then shaped the current province structure with new settlement centers along the coast.
The name comes from Ibalon, an old term for the region that still appears in local celebrations today. On market days you can find handwoven abaca cloth and dried fish rolls from the area, showing everyday craft traditions.
Public buses connect the towns with each other, and roads lead from the coast up to higher communities. The best way to orient yourself is through signboards at junctions and advice from locals at bus stops.
The coastal area became part of the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve network in 2016 because of the sea turtles that nest there. Visitors can see protection stations on some beaches where rangers monitor the nests.
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