Albay, Fun and Adventure With Mayon Volcano

Mayon Volcano

It was 5:30 pm and we were on our way to Albay. My friends (that includes my brother) and I took a much better seat than the ordinary bus. It was a spur-of-the-moment trip and we were supposed to go north but diverted to south instead. The Mayon Volcano was all over the news, emitting smoke and lava. Media and tourists anticipate the eruption of the active volcano in the Bicol Region. The media hype was so exaggerated that when we got there, locals do their everyday life as if the emission of pyroclastic clouds of the volcano is just an ordinary day to day happening.

I came to see Albay way back in 2002. We were in a pilgrimage. We prayed in different churches all over the region. I thought that volcano was so perfect with its perfect angle. But today, I came to really feel the other side of the province. You can reach the capital, Legazpi City, less than an hour by plain from Manila, and 14 hours in a bus. We took the former. We traveled more than 14 hours due to heavy traffic and downpour in Metro Manila.

With a number of stops in our itinerary, this trip will really be fun.

MALILIPOT

We were invited by WOWtrippers.com to stay at Malilipot. We went on a resort at the foot of the hills where you can find the seven tier Busay Falls. The place is surrounded by mountains and hills where the name 'Malilipod' was obtained, meaning 'Protector'. These mountains protect the town from the destructive eruptions of Mayon Volcano a long time ago.

CERAMICS AT TIWI

We went to see a ceramic factory in Tiwi, Albay. We passed by Mt. Malinao, a dormant volcano in Tiwi but gives off strong steam that a geothermal power plant was built here where the nearby towns get their electricity.

FOOD

Your visit wouldn't be complete without trying the delicacies and food of Bicolandia. We had a taste of its famous halo-halo (cold treat with sweetend mung beans, macapuno strips, gulaman, palm fruit, nata de coco, yam, and leche flan with shaved ice and full cream milk) on our way to Vera Falls. You shouldn't miss and try Sili ice cream (chili tangy ice cream).

PINAMUNTUGAN ISLAND

This island boasts of fine sand and pristine blue water. It is located in Bacacay, Albay and a remote island. You might consider spending a day or night in seclusion where you can only here the sound of nature.

VERA FALLS

Located in Malinao, Albay, an hour and a half away from Legazpi City. It is a hidden paradise with its 25-meter drop of gushing water over a refreshing pool of water. It is situated in Barangay Bulan. A stair leading to this enchanting waterfalls and a small bridge made up of bamboo over the river completes the experience.

LIGÑON HILL

If you want to see the 360° view of Albay, Ligñon Hill is the place. Also know as PHILVOLCS Observatory, the view consists of Legazpi City, Daraga, Mayon Volcano, the airport runway, and the shoreline of Albay. A few OB vans and vehicles of different TV stations are there to stake out for any volcanic activities worth news reporting. The place has a restaurant, souvenir shops, and a few adventure activities such as airsoft, paintball, ziplining, hiking, and rapelling.

The gulf of Albay.

CAGSAWA ADVENTURE

Who would've miss out the tour to Cagsawa Ruins? The last time I went here was in 2002 with my brother, my mother, and her friends for a Visita Iglesia. The place is a perfect spot to reminisce the past. I remember our history textbook way back when I was young. Still, I can't believe I went to those places I have read in that book.

The adventure continues on Cagsawa trail with our individual all-terrain vehicles. We rode over rough road and wet soil and gravel to see the elegant view of Mayon Volacano. What a perfect cone!