Albay: Capture postcard-worthy photos of Mt. Mayon

Mavic Conde

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We list spots in Albay, Bicol where fun and a great view of the almost-perfect cone are constant.

THE BREATHTAKING MT. MAYON. One can never get tired of looking at it, admiring and appreciating its beauty. Photo from Eleazar Cuela

MANILA, Philippines – True, Mayon Volcano can be seen from any part of the Bicol region.

But of course, as a tourist, you want to have the best view of it, capture its almost perfectly-shaped cone without any obstruction, and have it as a perfect backdrop for your photo souvenir.

KURANGON ISLAND, TIWI, ALBAY. Photo from Taga Tiwi Albay

Below are the places you may consider if you are in Albay and want to see one of Bicol’s most photographed tourist spots, the Mayon Volcano. 

Embarcadero de Legazpi

THE EMBARCADERO DE LEGAZPI. Photo from Mavic Conde

It is a mall located in front of the port of Legazpi City. Here, you’ll see the vastness of the Albay gulf, with the volcano receding as a beautiful background. This place also attracts tourists for its line-up of “paluto” restaurants, offering the freshest sea foods and some of Bicol’s famous cuisines like laing and Bicol express. They have also added go-kart and zip line areas, making the mall the city’s premier lifestyle and adventure hub. 

Kapuntukan Hill and Legazpi Boulevard

Kapuntukan Hill (more commonly known as the “Sleeping Lion”) is located near the Legazpi port area. Actually, it is just within walking distance of the Embarcadero de Legazpi. If you want to view Mt. Mayon without worrying about the crowd, Kapuntukan Hill and Legazpi Boulevard are perfect for you. Make sure, though, that you bring your car, bicycle or rented vehicle if you want to explore the entire boulevard.

Ligñon (Linyon) Hill

ZIPLINE AT LIGNON HILL. Photo from Mavic Conde

If you fantasize seeing Mt. Mayon up close — literally — then hiking this hill is one thing you should do. It is 511 feet high and offers an elevated view of Mt. Mayon and a panoramic view of Albay. You can also try the zip line here, with Mayon Volcano as your emblematic background. The perfect time to visit this place is before sunrise or sunset. 

Cagsawa Ruins

These are remains of a church that was buried after the devastating eruption of Mt. Mayon in 1814. To get here, ride a jeepney from Rizal street bound for Guinabatan and ask the driver to drop you off at the ruins. Like in Lignon Hill, it is best to visit this place at dawn before the clouds roll in and obstruct the view of the volcano, or during a clear, sunny day.

Tiwi, Albay

MT. MAYON GEOTHERMAL PLANT. Photo from Taga Tiwi Albay

If you are looking to take pictures of Mayon that are not common, you may drive outside Legazpi City and head to neighboring municipalities like Malinao and Tiwi, Albay. Tiwi (where the geothermal plant is also located) offers a rather subdued view of Mayon.

THE FAMOUS DJC HALO-HALO with cheese. Photo from Mavic Conde

The famous DJC halo-halo and Snack Inn are also in Tiwi. The halo-halo that they serve is a simple concoction of sago, leche flan, milk, halayang ube, sweetened banana, gelatin and finely-shaved ice. What makes its taste distinct is the addition of grated cheese which “brings a very Filipino dimension to the whole experience.”

Because of this, I think it can be considered the Filipino version of the fruit salad where sweet meets salty.

STONEWARE FROM PUTSAN, TIWI. Photo from Mavic Conde

Tiwi is also home to terra cotta ceramics and sturdy plant and cooking pots. Putsan, a barangay in Tiwi, is rich in red clay which is used to make stoneware home decors. If you’re into stoneware potteries, this is the perfect place to do your souvenir shopping. – Rappler.com


(PH Travel is the home of wanderlusts constantly discovering the beauty of the Philippines through a shared love for recreation, food, sports, shopping, traveling, or the environment. This is where communities come together to share their stories and adventures — whether they’re into surfing, diving, yoga, mountaineering, hiking, rock-climbing, sailing, eating, cooking, responsible tourism. You name it, you can share it. Send us your stories, photos, and videos with subject heading PH TRAVEL to desk@rappler.com.)


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