Mayon Volcano
Mayon, an active volcano rising 2,462 above sea level, has an almost symmetrical shape and is the most photographed volcano in the Philippines. Local legend has it that in ancient times, there lived a Magayon king (meaning “beautiful” in the local dialect) who had a beautiful princess niece. One day a young warrior broke into the princess’s chambers and convinced her to run away with him. The king chased after the fugitives, and they begged the gods for help. Suddenly, a landslide buried the furious king alive. Since then, he can not restrain his anger, which spews out from time to time in the form of gases, lava and ash.
General Information
Mayon’s first recorded eruption was in 1616, and since then the volcano has erupted more than 30 times. In 1814, the volcano buried the towns of Cagsawa, Camalig, and Budiao under the ash. After that, the volcano erupted in 1993, 2000, 2001 and 2006. Volcanologists monitor Mayon and close the park at the slightest danger. At other times, it is possible to climb this beautiful volcano. If you want to conquer the volcano, you will need 2-3 days, a guide, a tent and possibly a porter. The cost of the tour starts from 5500 pesos. Climbing on your own is not recommended. One of the companies organizing the climb is Bicol Adventure (www.bicoladventure.com).
.Useful information
Location: in the south of Luzon Island, on the Bicol Peninsula.
.How to get there: from Manila by plane or bus (Araneta center, Cubao or Pasay terminals, travel time about 9 hours) to Legazpi, then bus or jeepney to Tabaco. Then check-in with the Philippine Volcano Authority, after which you can start climbing. On the way back, don’t forget to check in with the volcano service again. The second trek, up to Buyuhan, can be broken down into several stages. The trek to Camp 1 will take only 3-5 hours and is suitable for any traveler. The duration of the climb to the summit is up to 2-3 days with an overnight stay in a tent.
.Best time to visit: you can admire the volcano all year round, the best time to climb is from March to May. During the rainy season (November to February), climbing the volcano may not be allowed.
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Accommodation: to take good photos of the volcano, it is enough to stay in the center of Legazpi, where there are many two or three star hotels (the best is Villa Angelina). Good pictures are taken at sunset from Capuntacan Hill (south of town). In case of climbing you will have to spend the night in tents on the route.
