Albay Tour : Magayon

  

Mayon Volcano, Albay, Bicol Region, Philippines

I'm pretty sure every Filipino of the right ages has heard of or seen the "perfect cone" shaped - Mayon Volcano in Albay, Bicol as this has been featured in almost all mass media forms and educational textbooks and brochures.  Many may have been privileged enough to climb it and see the entire Albay province and the nearby places from the top. And that is truly amazing to see places from the summit! I once told myself to climb it someday but after the 2006 eruption where hundreds of people were reported buried and burnt by the lava that came out from the volcano, I crossed out this volcano from my bucketlist.I had to 'cuz of a notion that volcanoes shouldn't be disrupted by anyone. I had poor understanding about tectonic activity before. Even so, I don't know if I would revisit my list and include it. Maybe, No. Not sure! Though I always wanted to at least reach its base and have my photo taken right on its foot.


When my boyfriend told me he wanted to see a volcano and swim on the crater, I had thought of planning a tour to Mt Mayon. Though there is no crater that he can swim in, I'm confident he would be attracted to Mt Mayon, like most tourists that visit Bicol region. There is something in it that fascinates people. I'm not sure if it's the so called "perfect - cone" because it is no longer perfect due to several eruptions. Or maybe it's just because the moment you see it, you would wonder how perfect the creator's hands had been for him to produce such natural beauty. I must admit, Mt Mayon still has my affection despite several times of seeing it. It's my first love volcano I must say.



The Preparation and Itinerary

I'd been seeing couple of friends posting photos on facebook that show an all-train vehicle or ATV that brings them to Mt Mayon base back and forth and that's a kind of cool thing to try but I was a little hesitant 'cuz I had not driven a motorbike. I still wanted to try it though. So I needed to plan it out!

In planning a tour, the first and foremost thing that I look at is the accommodation. I'd always rather have an epic-fail adventure than to spend an overnight on streets or pay costly hotel fees for urgent accommodation. Everyone will agree that wouldn't be practical to go to places where you don't know anybody yet you haven't booked a hotel ahead of time. So, I started checking online of the available and cheaper hotels in Legazpi City in Albay, and I feel lucky to come across with a local site that featured known hotels in the city. I emailed some of them and I got a quick response from Pinehurst Suites, a four-story condo-type hotel located in Old Albay, Legazpi City. After several exchanges of emails, I had a room reserved for two, and I still think I got a pretty much good deals from Pinehurst Suites. Aside from having it situated opposite to Mt Mayon which gives its guests a perfect spot to see the volcano from afar, it is also a customer-service driven hotel. The management knows business and tourism a lot. When I was about to close the transaction, the hotel reservation officer asked me of the reasons for visiting the city and that led to a proactive offer to arrange me with a guided tour with aircon-van that would pick me and my boyfriend up at the hotel. For me that was so great! That saved me from spending more hours on the internet trying to check for ATV tour! 

PineHurst Suites, JP Rizal St., Old Albay, Legazpi City
Contact Person: Rina Buenaventura 0917-838-1032

So, for this trip, we had a guided tour for Mt Mayon ATV for only 2000/head inclusive of van transfer from hotel to the ATV camp, tourism and registration fees, guide fees and rental fee of the vehicle (ATV). As I also wanted to bring my BF to Cagsawa, I booked the DALE tour as they call it. It's an abbreviation for Daraga-Legazpi Tour for only 1800/head inclusive of van transfer and registration fees. DALE tour covers visit to Lignon Hill, the historical Japanese Tunnel, Albay Wild Life, Cagsawa Ruins, Daraga Church, the Guadalupe Shrine, the boulevard and other landmarks and places in Legazpi City. All these tours were facilitated by Luis of Tourific Travel Services

Luis, the tour faci.

Here's a suggested itinerary and expenses. Although Legazpi City can be reached by land transportation, it's always best to travel by air in order to avoid a 12-hour bus ride especially when there are promo flight rates that you may avail of; if not, then buses in Araneta Center Cubao QC can always accommodate you. Bus rates range from 500 - 1200 depending on the type of bus facilities. 

The Actual Tour 

Mt Mayon from PineHurst balcony

It was already midnight when we arrived at the hotel. Right after we checked in, we went straight to bed and rest. Each of us were so tired. I knew it. My BF could never handle a long bus ride but since he said he wanted to try it, and so we did. 

When I woke up the next day, I knew we're going to have a good weather because when I looked at the window pane, I could see the outside and it was sunny. I guess we're lucky on that day because the forecast I heard was a rainy Thursday. I became more excited so I got ready and checked my cam battery if still full and set the settings. Wheeew! I couldn't wait to capture nice photos.


When my boyfriend and I were about to leave the room for a breakfast somewhere, the hotel staff knocked at the door and guess what we got? A free Jollibee breakfast! I wasn't expecting for a free breakfast so 2K a night is not bad at all.




After breakfast, we still had time to do some stuff before the proper tour at 9:00 AM. So we walked around the hotel and went up to the balcony. I didn't know at first that there was a balcony at the hotel where guests could see the volcano. There is no elevator in the hotel so we had to use the stairs. When I reached the balcony and turned my head straight, Mayon Volcano got me. It was so stunning under a clear, blue sky with no clouds that would cover the volcano's mouth or opening. ! My BF was so amazed and so I was. If I'd seen sulfur vent at Mt Apo, I would always love the view of a volcano that releases its own smoke from its mouth.

Mt Mayon as seen from Pinehurst Hotel

After seeing the volcano at the hotel, we were both thrilled to do the ATV. We both felt it would have been best to do it while the weather is still good. Sad to say we had it put in the last part of the tour and I couldn't tell if they would allow us to re-sched the DALE tour. And so we went down to check at the reception area but there was no staff at the counter. When we stepped out of the hotel, a van was already outside waiting for us. Luis, the tour faci, introduced himself and asked me if my name is Clue. They were early birds! So then the tour began! 


The Lignon Hill

Our first stop was Lignon Hill. According to Luis, this place  used to be a jogging area of the locals of Legazpi City but was developed into a tourist attraction. As of date, there are still people who jog up and down hill every morning, and to ensure safety of those people who come for exercise or physical fitness, the management closes the entrance gate for vehicles and opens it up at 8:00 or 9:00 AM. When vehicles are not allowed an entry, guests will have to trek up to the hill for 30 mins or less. It was 9:00AM when we reached the tourist spot so we didn't have to trek. 

Mt Mayon as seen from Lignon Hill

   
Atop of the hill one would see the Albay gulf and the airport's runway.

Runway

  

Local tourists talking about the volcano and the zipline

 Lignon Hill is now a common tourist spot in Legazpi after it was developed. Aside from the scenic view of Mt Mayon that it offers to the tourists, Lignon has also other recreational attractions such as crossing through the hanging bridge and zipline. For 250 php, one can have two (2) zipline rides but if you are aiming for long, challenging ziplines, this one isn't the best site for such adventure.


Luis mentioned about the building that was constructed on top of the hill. If I could still recall it correctly, it was intended to be an observatory or a dome something but due to lack of funds, it's now being leased to commercial tenants selling souvenir items. Prices are much higher than in other stores somewhere.

Other Photos:

The Japanese Tunnel

After spending about 30 minutes at the hill, Luis brought us to a tunnel that was built during the Japenese era in WWI. 

This tunnel is located at the hill side. The city government of Legazpi is maintaining it for history and cultural preservation and tourism as well. 

For an average Filipino body built, in order to get into the tunnel, one has to bend his or her body as it has a small opening and has to walk on a bending position for 2-3 meters from the entrance before he or she may be able to stand up and stretch. 

Ate Edna: our guide

inside the tunnel

An old type writer

It was a nice experience to spend several minutes of our time at the tunnel. It was cold inside so it could be a best place to cool down and relax but not when you are claustrophobic.









The ATV Tour to Mayon

We're supposed to have our ATV in the afternoon but Luis suggested to take it after our trip to Lignon Hill so we can take advantage of the good weather. He said Mayon Volcano is usually covered by clouds during afternoon. Thus, after the tunnel, the van took us to the ATV Mayon campsite for the extra-amazing ATV Tour. I will have a separate write-up for this as there are so many things to say! :)

The ATV Experience

Eat - All - You Can

It was already 1 o'clock in the afternoon when we completed a round of the ATV tour. Our guide was so kind and sensitive that he could sense his guests were already hungry. Hence, he brought me and my BF to Waway's eat - all - you can restaurant.

There were about twenty different dishes, appetizers and desserts available at Waway's restaurant when we got there. At first I said no to more than one cup of rice but after the first round of my buffet lunch, I came back for another fried rice. That isn't good but it was just being me. I eat a lot :) especially when there is a fried shrimp or fish.



Bicolano's food is truly mouthwatering dishes and since it's an eat-all-you can, I got to taste all of the dishes except the famous bicol express. I simply don't like too much hot and spicy food. Nah, I just can't eat it.







Guadalupe Shrine

After lunch, we went to another tourist spot which is commonly visited by Roman Catholics especially during holy week - the Guadalupe Shrine. Built on a hill, this shrine has 14 stations of the cross placed along side.

Ring my Bell 

Mt Mayon as seen from the Shrine

The CAGSAWA Ruins

A visit to Albay or Legazpi won't be complete without spending some moments at the ruined church of Cagsawa.  

As told by history books, when Mt Mayon erupted several centuries ago, Cagsawa Church was buried along with hundreds of people who left their homes and stayed at the church for shelter. What's left is a bell tower that remained standing up to this time. 

The last time I came to see this ruined structure without a cam was in 2005 so in this visit, I wanted to make sure I have a nice camera with me and have my photo taken. 

There are some peeps in Cagsawa that offer camera tricks for no specific fee to pay. You just need to give them a reasonable tip of no particular amount and they're good with it. Aside from that, if you want to buy souvenir items, Cagsawa is the best place I guess as there are plenty of stalls around the park which sell out different products at affordable prices: from simple key chains to bags, knives and other accessories.




Daraga Church

The Church of Daraga is one of the old churches in Philippines. I thought it's being maintained by UNESCO just like other old churches in Vigan and Laoagi Ilocos but that isn't the case. When I got to see the old church, it has been renovated already but its facade is still being maintained by the municipality of Daraga. 

Daraga Church and the Volcano

Albay Wild Life

The Province of Albay also show cases its love to wild animals thru the wild life center. There may be no as plenty animals as seen in Davao City's wild life but I like it here more. I like how the zoo is set up. It's truly a park where you can sit and relax and ponder about things. 

The lake with boating service reminded me of the Burnham Park in Baguio City. For me it's one of the catchy feature in a park.

Lignon Hill as seen from Albay WIld Life

The City Tour

Legazpi City has been developed. Big establishments are built everywhere. Traffic jam is becoming visible but it was tolerable when we got there. Sooner it will be an issue I guess, just like in highly urbanized cities. Well, that's expected. 

The tour in the city was our last item in the itinerary. It was a very happy experience to see major parts of Albay especially Daraga and Legazpi City. 

It was past 6:00 in the evening when we reached the hotel. We took shower and got ready for dinner. Luis gave us some info where to dine in that's close to the hotel. While on the van, he mentioned about the sili ice cream craze in Legazpi. My BF wanted to try it so we went to 1st Colonial Grill for dinner. The restaurant is along Bicol State University so it's easy to find. I don't like too much spicy food or dessert  so the idea of having a sili ice cream didn't make such an appeal to me. However, my bf wanted me to try it so he gave me a tea spoon full of ice cream and oh my god! I could taste the pepper in it! It's truly a sili ice cream! I can tell by both its taste and smell. 

Every single moment of the tour was  a priceless adventure that's worth sharing with. I learned new things, understood the culture and values of the Bicolano and some portion of the history. When Luis brought us back to the hotel and said "I hope we were able to give you a terrific tour experience", I was about to say "Yes, you did! And I'm so thankful"! but I got sore throat so I couldn't say much. A visit to Albay was really a wonderful trip.











Special Thanks to: 


Pinehurst Hotel
1032 J.P. Rizal St.
Sagpon, Old Albay
Legazpi City

Contact Person: Rina Buenaventura
Reservations Officer
+63917.8381032


Luis of Tourific Travel Services
Tourifictravelservices.com