Mayon

Mayon is an active stratovolcano with a nearly perfect cone in the province of Albay in the Philippines. It is in the Mayon Volcano Natural Park, one of the first national parks of the country.

Understand

At a height of 2,465 m (8,087 ft), Mayon Volcano (Bulkang Mayon), also known as Mount Mayon, is a prominent natural landmark of Bicol region and Albay province. Its foothill is located among the cities of Legazpi, Tabaco and Ligao, and the towns of Daraga, Guinobatan, Camalig, Bacacay, Santo Domingo, and Malilipot.

Mayon was a sacred site to the Bicolano people during the pre-colonial period because it was considered the home of the ancient cheif deity Gugurang. It is part of a belt of volcanoes that dot the Bicol peninsula.

Local legend states Mayon came out from the burial site of a beautiful lady named Daragang Magayon, which lends its name to the volcano and the town of Daraga.

The national park surrounding the volcano, Mayon Volcano Natural Park has been part of the Albay Biosphere Reserve, and is a candidate for the UNESCO World Heritage List.

History

Mayon erupting in 2018

Mayon is a very active volcano; it last erupted in 2018. Its first recorded eruption dates back to the 17th century.

Its deadliest eruption happened in 1814; it destroyed the town of Cagsawa, killed over 1,400, and released ash which is believed to have contributed to the "Year Without a Summer" in 1816, precipitated by the 1815 eruption of Mount Tambora in the Dutch East Indies (present Indonesia).

1999 to 2001 was marked by a spate of eruptive activity, with the 2000 and 2001 eruptions causing damage to villages and agricultural land. The 2006 eruption was destructive and the second deadliest for Mayon. The eruption happened when a passing typhoon, named Durian (or in the Philippines, "Reming"), brought rain that turned lava flows into lahar, killing over 1,300 people; the exact number of deaths is rather debatable due to many being buried under the mud. There are memorial crosses placed around barangays devastated by the mudflows.

Landscape

The volcano from a flight departing from Legazpi

Mayon's foothills are covered with rainforest and patches of dried-up lava, and gives way to barren landscape at the peak and crater.

Climate

See also: Legazpi#Climate

Mayon's climate is tropical, with no dry season, and it rains at any time. It is colder and windier at the barren peak.

The best time to visit is between February and March, which has more tolerable temperatures and less rainfall, but the peak season rather falls at the rainier months of June and July.

Get in

Mayon can be easily reached from the small city of Tabaco or at the capital Legazpi. The town of Camalig is the closest to the volcano.

Get around

There are two trails, all from the eastern side of the volcano. Both are difficult, and unless you are fit or have prior trekking experience, should not be attempted.

• Lidong Trail - The traditional climbing route to Mayon, it starts at barangay Lidong, a village at the border of Legazpi and Santo Domingo. The trailhead is near a golf course, and there are three campsites.
• New Lidong Trail - A newer trail, it is a gentler climb, and takes more than 2 hours. There are only two camps, and involves crossing a river.

See

Ligñon Hill Nature Park

• Ligñon Hill (LEENG-yawn), a peak with a nature park at its summit offering panoramic views of the city and Mayon Volcano, and adventure activities like ziplining.
• Mayon Green Lava, Mi-isi, Daraga. a perfect place to view Mayon Volcano with plenty of flowers abound
• Mayon Black Lava Wall, Mabinit, Legazpi. Lava rocks resulted during 2006 eruptions and features a helipad.
• Cagsawa Ruins, Busay, Daraga. See the church's belfry of the then town of Cagsawa washed out during the 1814 eruption.
• Mayon Skyline (formerly, Mayon Resthouse), Buang, Tabaco. A view deck with a cool atmosphere.
• Sumlang Lake, Sumlang, Camalig. A man-made lake with a close up view of the volcano.
• Camalig by-pass road, Sua, Camalig.
• AKO BICOL Road (Mount Mayon Circum), Bonga, Legazpi. A road encircling the foot of the volcano.

Do

• Watch Mount Mayon Volcano up close at Mayon Skyline located at Buang, Tabaco City.

Sleep

Camping

• Your Brother's Tribal Village

Stay safe

See Volcanoes#Stay safe and Philippines#Volcanoes.