Embarcadero

It’s the second time we’ve been here in Legazpi City, Albay and a lot of changes have happened already and one of these is Embarcadero de Legazpi. The first time we’ve been here was back in 2008 and the only place that tourists would like to visit is theCagsawa Ruins to get a nice view of Mayon Volcano.

Embarcadero de Legazpi is the latest and only mall (just opened last year) that caters not only to visitors but also to locals alike. It’s a mid to high-end mall with restos, bars, boutiques and loads of activities for the family. There’s still plenty of vacant spaces as of today but expect it to be fully occupied by the end of the year.

Getting there

Most of the jeeps plying Rizal St. can pass by Embarcadero de Legazpi. For us, we took  Embarcadero’s e-Jeep which is a clean electronically powered coaster/golf cart. We stayed at Hotel St. Ellis and the e-Jeep can be requested from the hotel concierge. It’s also available to the public for free with different drop-off points within the city so if you can chance upon one, do take it.

Not your typical mall

I would compare Embarcadero to Eastwood Mall in Manila or Ayala Mall in Cebu with walkways on the outside while checking out the shops, but here you can enjoy the breeze from the Albay Gulf.

There are also restaurants outside the mall area where they are serving fresh catches of the day. Like the “dampa” seafood restos by the bay of SM Mall of Asia complete with the breeze and the live band.

The only thing the mall is really missing is a movie theater but they do have the nicest and newest bowling alley in Albay.

Now if you think it’s just your ordinary classy mall, think again because the whole family can do a lot of fun stuff here. We tried the different activities Embarcadero has to offer.

Segway

First time we tried the Segway and it was really easy to get the hang of. Just relax and riding the Segway would feel natural. It’s pretty safe but the excitement will dip if there are lots of people around.

  

I wish they would have expanded the area more where you can use the Segway. You can only bring it outside around the mall by the pier and inside. There are only 2 Segways available and the operator will be chasing after you in case you run into a problem. Hehehe.

Price: Php75 per 5 minutes

Zipline by Amazing Zip

Now you don’t have to go to Lignon Hill to zipline. There’s one in the city itself and it’s in Embarcadero. Climb the lighthouse and ride a zipline down to the other end at the breakwater.

  

It’s only 350-meter long but you would be traversing above water and get a breathtaking view of Mayon Volcano as well. If you can have someone stand by the go-kart area, they can take a photo of you with Mayon as your backdrop. It’s pretty safe for kids as well since it’s not a fast zip.

Price: Php150

Go-Kart

I think I’m addicted to karting after trying the one in Park Square, Makati so I was excited that Embarcadero also offers it.Their track is not as long as I wanted it to be but the go-karts are new, fast and responsive not unlike the recent kart we tried in Enchanted Kingdom.

  

They also dress you up with protective paddings for the arms and shins and also gloves for your hand instead of only the typical helmet.

Price (promo):

• Php70 – 2 laps
• Php160 – 5 laps
• Php300 – 10 laps
• Php450 – 15 laps
• Php550 – 20 laps
• Php35 – per extension lap

We were able to chat with Ms. Abe Cabria, Head of Marketing of Embarcadero, and she told me they have more plans for the place. They are currently cleaning up the waterfront so water activities like banana boats, paddle boats and the like could be introduced within the year. Street luge down Sleeping Lion mountain, jetski and wakeboarding activities in the other side of Embarcadero are also part of future plans. An IT park nearby is also in the works.

So if you’re ever going to spend a day or two in Legazpi City, be sure to check out Embarcadero de Legazpi. It’s a very nice addition to this progressing and developing city.