Albay: The Home of Mount Mayon

Many unique wonders of nature can be found in the land of the Philippine Islands. There’s the Chocolate Hills (located in bohol), hundreds of miniature hills at a piece of land; Taal volcano, a volcano located at the middle of the lake, there’s the Hundred Islands; a hundred miniature islands located at Pangasinan, and of course, there’s Mayon Volcano. One can’t get over how magnificent Mayon volcano is. It is one of a kind as it is the only volcano in the world to take the perfect shape of cone. This imposing volcano is the located at the province of Albay, around 16-hours away from Manila (north of Manila) by land, definitely a long way, but then, it’s worth the trip.

It is quite a long trip. You can follow what I did and simply hire a driver to take you during the night, so that you’ll be there already when dawn breaks.

Most of the people there speak English, which is definitely an advantage to most tourists. Albay mostly experiences rainy seasons throughout the year with the really rainy season occurring from December-January. You can buy handicrafts here at Albay as it is their chief source of income. It’s best to check the current wedding situation to make the most out of your visit.

In my opinion, Mayon Volcano is reason enough to visit the province of Albay, however, the province also has other sites to explore and other activities to explore.

Come and take a tour with me in province of Albay!

Cagsawa Church, or its ruins rather, is a reflection of the power that Mayon volcano is capable of billowing right from its very core. Similar to what happened to Mt. Pinatubo (also a world known volcano), it has done a lot of damage to the community surrounding it during the dreaded event of an explosion. During its silent years (which is most of the time), it serves as a tourist attraction, and a source of fertile land good for vegetation. Cagsawa Church as later turned into a park which displayed the ruins of the church which served as a hideaway for many people during Mayon volcano’s explosion.

Other historical relics that date back to the time of the colonization of the Philippines are also located here in the Albay. One of such relic is the Liberty Bell. The words “Whenever oppression nocks on the door, feel free to ring the bell” , as inscribed in it. This bell was put up by the American liberation forces. The Japanese also left their markings at the soils of Albay as well. The seven feet deep tunnel (now called The Japanese Tunnel) was used to store their weapons during World War II.

You can continue viewing historical relics and artworks at the Legazpi City Museum, Magayon Art Gallery, and The Philippine National Museum (being the biggest one).

Beach lovers have their place here in Albay as well. Misibis Island is just the place for people who want to relax, walking on a trail of white sand. It is a boat ride away from Albay (about 45-minutes away), which is like a hideaway with a hideaway (Albay).

It gets more adventurous at Calabidongan Caves which is takes the shape of grotto. This site really appeals to adventure seekers who want to rough it out a bit. Exploring the caves is quite a thrilling activity not to be forgotten! It doesn’t stop here as 347 animals await you at Albay Park and Wildlife. Boat rides and bike rides are some of the activities that you can do here.

Mountain bikers have it made in the province. Here in Albay is Sabluyon Route, a common route for mountain bikers. Lodging is available here as well at Mt. Mayon Rest House (but the road going here is quite steep).

Albay has its own set of festivals too. Of course there’s Magayon Festival which happens during month of May. Basically, it is celebrates what is known to be the “History of Mayon Volcano” , a story of two forsaken lovers the man taking the shape of Mayon Volcano in the end.

The Coron Festival, which happens at Tiwi every third week of August, is in Tribute to the Lady of Salvation. As a backgrounder, the Philippines is a Catholic nation, and got their heritage for celebration fiestas and festivals from the Spanish.

This is just a teaser of what’s in store for you at Albay, there are a lot more in store for you should be decide to visit the place. It’s different from any other province I’ve seen, and though lodging may not be 5-star (they are quite simple), the views and the thrills that you will experience in this province are at the top of the heap.

It is indeed more than just being a home of the powerful Mayon volcano. I travelled for 16 hours to see this place and I must say the trip was memorable. The place makes cut for a good visit that fit for adventure seekers. Just be sure to be in the known of Mayon’s condition before you visit, you wouldn’t want it to get too exciting….

Albay: The Home of Mount Mayon sources include Wikitravel and World66

A1 Permalink : Philippine Travel | top of page