By Donna 
I’ve always been a hard worker. Maybe a little too hard. There was a time when my life was all about deadlines and deliverables, and I almost forgot what it meant to actually live. That’s when I decided to make a change. Working as a virtual assistant gives me the freedom to work from anywhere and design a life with better balance. Now, I am taking advantage of it and I’m exploring some new local places while doing what I love – and Legazpi City in the Philippines is my latest stop!
As a marketing VA, my days are filled with variety. I strategize marketing plans, write contents, plan SEO, manage social media and ads, write copies and even provide some technical assistance. It’s challenging and rewarding, and the best part is I can do it all while sipping coffee with a view of an active volcano!
Why I Choose Legazpi?
I picked Legazpi because I wanted to be somewhere beautiful and peaceful. Mayon Volcano is amazing, and I thought it would be a nice place to relax when I wasn’t working. It’s also important for me to have good internet and places to work, and Legazpi has that.
Legazpi seemed like a good place to experience something new and different while still being able to do my job. I’m trying to find a good balance between working and enjoying my life, and Legazpi seemed like the right place to do that. Legazpi has a busy life, there’s too many things going around, busy street, crowded places however it still gives you the option by offering also different spots where you can enjoy peaceful hours. You can enjoy both city and rural setting!
Good Internet and Signal
Legazpi truly shines when it comes to catering to the needs of digital nomads like me. One of the biggest anxieties of working remotely is finding reliable internet, and Legazpi puts those fears to rest. You can easily find many hotels, inn, cafe and co-working space in the area, I believe many remote workers also reside in Albay so you’ll always definitely find someone working in these places! You can generally count on the Wi-Fi to be fast enough for video calls, large file uploads, and all those other online tasks that keep us connected. This peace of mind is invaluable, allowing you to focus on your work without the constant worry of dropped connections or sluggish speeds.
And speaking of cafes and co-working spaces, Legazpi has a surprising number of them! Sometimes, working from your accommodation can get a bit monotonous. It’s great to have the option to head out, grab a coffee, and settle into a new environment for the day. Many cafes offer comfortable seating, power outlets, and of course, that essential Wi-Fi. Co-working spaces provide a more structured environment, often with dedicated desks, meeting rooms, and a sense of community with other remote workers. This variety keeps things fresh and helps to combat the isolation that can sometimes come with the digital nomad lifestyle.
While Legazpi excels in its digital infrastructure, its location within the Bicol region can pose a bit of a challenge. Getting there from other towns and cities, especially those further north like Partido or Naga, can involve lengthy bus rides or potentially expensive flights. The roads in Bicol can be winding and the journeys can be time-consuming, especially if you’re traveling during peak hours or encounter unexpected delays.
But here’s the thing: Legazpi is worth the effort. The journey itself can be an adventure, offering glimpses of rural life, volcanic landscapes, and charming towns along the way. And once you arrive in Legazpi, you’ll be greeted by the majestic Mayon Volcano, a vibrant city atmosphere, and a welcoming community. The combination of natural beauty, modern amenities, and a supportive environment for remote work makes Legazpi a standout destination, even if it takes a little extra time to get there.
Where to Stay?
Legazpi truly caters to every type of traveler and budget when it comes to finding a place to stay. If you’re a backpacker or simply watching your expenses, you’ll find a variety of hostels and guesthouses offering basic but comfortable accommodations at very reasonable rates. These places are often a great way to meet fellow travelers and get insider tips on exploring the city.
For those seeking a bit more comfort and convenience, there’s a wide range of mid-range hotels to choose from. These typically offer amenities like air conditioning, private bathrooms, and sometimes even a swimming pool or on-site restaurant. And if you’re looking to indulge in a bit of luxury, Legazpi also boasts some high-end hotels with stunning views, spa services, and top-notch amenities.
During my stay in Legazpi, I opted for Hotel St. Ellis (you can check them out at hotelstellis.com). It struck a great balance for me, offering comfortable and modern rooms without breaking the bank. The rooms were well-appointed with everything I needed for a pleasant stay, including a comfy bed, a good-sized bathroom, and a reliable Wi-Fi connection. The hotel’s location was also ideal, within easy walking distance of the city center, restaurants, and shops. I particularly appreciated their friendly staff who were always ready to assist with any questions or requests.
Overall, I found Hotel St. Ellis to be a great value for the price and would definitely recommend it to other digital nomads or travelers looking for a comfortable and convenient base in Legazpi. But whether you prioritize budget, luxury, or something in between, you’re sure to find the perfect place to stay in this welcoming city.
Exploring the City
My work starts at 11 PM Manila time, so I have plenty of time to explore Legazpi during the day.
Mall Rat: Legazpi has some surprisingly big malls! I spent an afternoon getting lost in SM Legazpi (and found my favorite bookstore, Booksale!). Ayala Mall is another great option with a wider selection of shops and restaurants. If you’re looking for bargains, check out Unitop.
Hittin’ the Hills: I also hiked up Lingñon Hill for panoramic views of the city and Mayon Volcano. (Warning: be prepared for a good leg workout!)
Bayside Bliss: In the evenings, I love strolling along Legazpi Boulevard. It’s a great place to watch the sunset and enjoy the cool breeze.
Finding My Footing
Legazpi has been the perfect place for me to find my work-life balance. It has everything I need as a digital nomad – good internet, comfortable accommodation, and plenty of things to see and do. But more importantly, it’s a place that inspires me to slow down, appreciate the beauty around me, and enjoy the journey.