Perfect, beautiful, wonderful, amazing – these are the common words that will come out from one’s mouth when they see the perfect cone of Mayon volcano.
When I was a child, I can only see Mayon volcano together with the ruins of Cagsawa, her “photo-partner”, in postcards and textbooks. Indeed, it is amazing because of her symmetrical form which I have not seen in any of the mountains or volcanoes around the world.
I got the chance to see the beauty of Mayon volcano when we travelled to Albay province.
She is really beautiful! I fell in love with its natural beauty even though sometimes she is shy as she hides behind the clouds. But at the moment she goes out, you will be amazed by her flawlessness.
A two to three-day trip to Albay is the most recommended length of stay if you will visit the province of Albay because there are a lot of tourist spots in the province.
There are a lot of lodging in Albay that you can choose from but we stayed in Balay de la Rama Bed and Breakfast in the town of Daraga. The staff are nice and very accommodating. The place is also strategic as most of the tourist spots are quite close to Balay de la Rama.
A Do-It-Yourself (DIY) travel is suggested if you are staying in Daraga as the places of interest are a jeepney or tricycle away. These are the places that you can visit by commuting – Cagsawa ruins where you can try Mayon ATV ride by Mayon Skydrive, Daraga Old Church, Sumlang lake, Cagsawa National Museum, Embercadero de Legazpi, Ligñon Hill and many more.
And if you plan to visit the likes of Mayon Skyline, Hoyop-hoyopan cave, Quintinday Hill and Vera falls, it is recommended to rent a van or tour package for a day as these places are quite far and remote, and also for convenience and security sake.
These are the wonderful places of Albay.
Sumlang Lake
- Environmental Fee: Php 10.00 per head
- Location: Camalig, Albay
You will pass by narrow roads if go to Sumlang Lake. We recommend that you rent a tricycle to take you there. The place is nice to chill for a bit, especially if Mayon volcano is peeking at you.
Cagsawa Ruins
- Entrance Fee: Php 20.00 per head
- Location: Daraga, Albay
The famous Cagsawa ruins. We can see Cagsawa church together with Mayon volcano at the background in various textbooks and postcards. We were told that the church was burned and buried by Mayon volcano in 1814 but there was this article that disputes the old and famous story. I don’t mind which story is true, I just enjoy the lovely scenery.
Nuestra Señora de la Porteria Parish Church (Daraga Old Church)
- Location: Daraga, Albay
The church was built by the Franciscans in 1772. We were also lucky to witness the two lovely young couple tie a knot on the church.
Embercadero de Legazpi
- Location: Legazpi, Albay
One of the perfect places to stay, relax and unwind as there are restaurants here which give you the view of the port and the Mayon volcano.
Quintinday Hill
- Environmental Fee: Php 30.00 per head
- Location: Camalig, Albay
This is Albay’s version of chocolate hills of Bohol.
Vera Falls
- Environmental Fee: Php 10.00 per head
- Parking Fee: Php 55.00 per vehicle
- Location: Malinao, Albay
It is highly recommended to come to Vera falls on weekdays and in the afternoon to avoid the crowd. We were lucky to get a snapshot of the falls without a single visitor at that time. Yey!
Mayon Skyline
- Location: Tabaco, Albay
Mayon Skyline is approximately 2500 feet above sea level. This place is worth visiting as you will get a chance to get closer to the volcano. We will definitely come back to this place as we were not able to see Mayon as it was covered by thick clouds.
Hoyop-hoyopan Cave
- Entrance Fee: Php 600.00 for group of 6 people
- Location: Camalig, Albay
Hoyop-hoyopan cave used to be a hiding place of guerillas during the Japanese occupation. In 1972, it was opened to the public and it became a disco house during the Martial law era.
The cave was once under water. You will also see inside the cave anthropological traces of early ancestors dated 200 B.C. Interesting isn’t it?
Cagsawa National Museum
- Entrance Fee: Unknown
- Location: Cagsawa, Albay
It is yet to be opened to the public as the exhibits are still being transferred. We were informed that the museum will open by October 2019. This gives us another reason to visit Albay. *wink*
ATV at Mayon SkyDrive (Black Lava Trail + Zipline)
- Fee: Php 1800 per head by Mayon SkyDrive but it is worth the penny!
- Location: Cagsawa, Albay
This is one of the highlights of our trip. Everyone must try this if you visit Albay. Around the Cagsawa ruins area, you’ll find that there are many that offer ATV rides but Mayon SkyDrive gave us a wonderful experience!
Where and what to eat
Mayon’s various faces
Thank you!
Thank you Ryan from Balay de la Rama Bed and Breakfast who gave a smooth ride despite of heavy rains. Apologies, we missed to get some photos before we left Albay.
Also to Mr. Jomar from Mayon SkyDrive who guided us in our Black Lava Trail ATV ride (first photo, left) and kuya tour guide who gave us interesting stories about Mayon volcano eruption.
Last but not the least, Kuya William (second photo, right), our tour guide con photographer in Hoyop-hoyopan Cave who gave us sweet stories about the cave.
You guys made our visit very joyful and meaningful. Thank you!
Watch my vlog in YouTube
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Mayon is really amazing – truly a wonderful creation! We’ve been to 5 towns in Albay and travelled around Mayon, but its shape is always a perfect cone. The resilience of Bicolanos is also something to be proud of!
Albay is one of the best provinces so far. I wanna come back soon!