Among the world’s most awe-inspiring volcanoes, Mayon Volcano, is an active volcano in southeastern part of Luzon. It is hailed as the most perfect volcanic cone in the world because of the symmetry of its shape. It can be seen in all 8 cities and municipalities of Albay and any angle provides a stunning picture. This is probably the reason why even it actively spews lava during eruption, it still draws a lot of tourists to witness nature’s raw beauty.
When Mayon Volcano is active, make sure to stay informed before heading to Albay. Follow DOT-Albay, PHIVOLCS, social media, and news outlets to get real time updates on Mayon Volcano alert levels and reminders. Also, respect the restricted zones – authorities establish restricted zones for safety purposes. These zones are defined based on potential hazards eg pyroclastic flows, lava flows, and falling debris.
Here are the safe viewing sites posted by Department of Tourism-Bicol:
Legazpi City
- Legazpi Boulevard, 16.1 kms
- Sawangan Park, 14.7 kms
- Legazpi Highlands, 15.2 kms
- Kalayaan Park, 13.2 kms
- Our Lady of Salvation Giant Statue, 11.1km
Camalig
- Solong Eco Park, 16.03 kms
- Quituinan Hills, 9.76 kms
- Quitinday Green Hills, 18.7 kms
Daraga
- Cagsawa Ruins, 10.38 kms
- Farm Plate, 14.38 kms
- Daraga Church, 12.01 kms
- National Museum, 10.18 kms
Ligao City
- Mt. Masaraga Campsite, 9.84 kms
- Paayahayan sa Bulod, 10 kms
- Kawa-Kawa Hill/Bambusetum/Divine Mercy Monastery, 19.7 kms
- Hobbit Hill, 9.79 km
- Ilah Nature Park, 9.82 kms
Our recent trip to Mayon Volcano was one of those ‘biglaang lakad’ or spontaneous trip as I may say. Our supposedly 3Day-2Night in Calaguas Island was squeezed into 1 night since our parents (who are both seniors) did not enjoy the island that much this time. At first, we thought of either heading back home, spending a night in Paracale, or going to Legazpi to witness Mayon Volcano. I bet you know, which of the options won the major votes. So we drove from Daet to Legazpi for almost 5 hours and while on our way, we were looking for the best site to watch the Mayon Volcano.
Off all the safe viewing sites, we initially decided to watch Mayon at Our Lady of Salvation Giant Statue which is 11.1 km away. After identifying our preferred viewing site, we searched for the nearest accommodation – we had multiple options but we booked our overnight stay in Your Brother’s House Tribal Village in Legazpi.
Your Brother’s House Tribal Village is located in Barangay Pawa, Legazpi and is searchable in Google Maps and Waze. You may book a room via Agoda, Traveloka, and their Official Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/yourbrotherhouse/. You may also contact them at 09773744013.
We were all satisfied with the view of Mayon from our room that we didn’t feel the need of going to any other viewing sites anymore. Just look at the photos!
