Nature is the best architect – true, indeed. When you visit the Philippines, you’ll find that some of the most beautiful and most popular sceneries are not man-made; they’re naturally formed.
Mayon Volcano is one of the best examples of this.
An active volcano with an almost perfect cone shape, Mayon is one of the most beautiful volcanoes in the world. It’s also the most active volcano in the Philippines, being a part of the so-called Pacific Ring of Fire. In the past four centuries, the said volcano has already erupted 47 times.
If you’re vacationing in the Philippines and you’re dropping by Albay, it’s hard to miss Mayon. As soon as you reach the province, you’ll see the volcano from afar in its commanding presence. And if you’re lucky enough to be traveling on a clear, sunny day, you can take pictures of the volcano – it makes for a perfect postcard photograph. But, if you really want to see it up close and in its full glory, it would be best that you visit Cagsawa Park or you climb and hike Ligñon Hill.
Cagsawa Park plays a remarkable part in the history of the Mayon Volcano. The said park was constructed out of the ruins of the most tragic Mayon eruption way back in 1814. The main attraction in the park is the bell tower, the only part of the Cagsawa Church that remains after Mayon claimed the rest of the church (and all the people who took refuge inside it) during that one fateful day in the year 1814.
When you get inside the park today, you’ll see the bell tower still standing tall, almost two centuries old now. Scattered inside the park are huge rocks spewed by Mt. Mayon during the 1814 eruption. Whereas they were deadly rolling monsters in the past, they serve today as attractive background in the park among tourists and visitors who are taking pictures.
Small cottages are also built around the park for visitors who are having picnics. But if you come early in the morning or late in the afternoon when the temperature is not so hot anymore, you won’t need these cottages as you can sit on the grass and enjoy the fresh air. And if you love orchids, you can buy a few from plant vendors inside the park. There are also stores selling souvenirs like T-shirts, bags, key chains, and other local crafts with a unique Cagsawa or Mayon print. And if you like to have a swim, there’s a swimming pool inside Cagsawa. Resorts also line the area going to the park, so you can enjoy a swim before or after you visit the park.
If you want some adventures, on the other hand, you can hike to Ligñon Hill and see Mayon from the top of the hill, which is converted into a viewing deck with bars and other amenities. Located in Tagas, Daraga, Albay, the Ligñon Hill Nature Park offers a whole lot of other fun adventures other than the climb and the sight. When you reach the top of the hill, you can see the entire Mayon Volcano (except on rainy or cloudy days), the Albay Gulf, the city of Legazpi , and the municipality of Daraga . And if you visit at night, seeing the city lights makes for an enjoyable experience.
There are also other fun activities offered in Ligñon Hill. You can try ziplining with Mayon Volcano in the background or take the super steep route to the top of the hill via the Kapit Tuko trail. Or if you want some historical experiences, you can visit and explore the 50-foot Japanese tunnel.
Right now, both the Cagsawa Park and Ligñon Hill Nature Park are continuously being improved to offer more fun to visitors who wish to see the Mayon Volcano up close. If you’re visiting during the summer, you may even catch the Magayon Festival that’s usually celebrated in the month of May. It’s a month-long celebration that includes a festive parade, art exhibits, fairs, local contests, bands, and night after night of fun at the Peñaranda Park in Albay.