Tuesday, September 30, 2014

The Perfect Cone - @Mayon Volcano

Mayon was recently on Alert level 3. An active volcano in province of Albay was spewing lava and smoke. Seeing a possibility of a violent eruption, the 8 kms around Mayon was ordered to be evacuated.

But it's a sight to see the vast Mayon in the dark when it releases the pressure off the top of its cone. And a perrrrrfect cone! 

How could you miss this majestic volcano!! Mayon rarely erupts violently, mostly releases the lava and smoke every now and then.

I reached over the weekend, and they announced that it was already a little calm by then, so no fresh lava. I thought it would really just be a mountain then, for which I traveled 10 hours one way! But now that I was here, I went to the Lignon Hill. One of the best views you can get to Mayon.. :)


The view was so mesmerizing that I couldn't stop looking... I just could't. Surrounded by beautiful fields and meadows, and in the shape of a perfect cone, not an inch here or there. A beautiful crater, perfectly round, and the 5 am sun shining over it! THAT was the view of Mayon! 

Mayon in midst of morning clouds and sun

While on my way to Lignon view point, I saw Mayon from a distance, and kept watching till I took the bus at the terminal.

At the top of the cone, the texture of the mountain looks rough and black because it forces out lava and smoke every now and then. And it gives a rugged look to the mountain, making it even more handsome! That's probably the reason I couldn't get my eyes off Mayon!

 It's not really off the alert, but it's calm now. They let you take ATV rides, hike up with a guide. (Can find that while hiking to Lignon hill to reach the view point). But these activities were shut for safety of people. But I intend to return to Mayon for a hike.


Getting to Mount Mayon from Manila - you can board a bus from Cubao to Legazpi City or Daraga. These cities ae at the foot of the mount, just about 12 kms away from it. It mostly takes around 9-10 hours from manila to Legazpi. But if you take a bus in the morning, it could go upto 15 hours due to traffic. Stay at Backpackers Inn - easy access to viewpoint, transport and cheap.

Other places to see - Check out Hoyop-Hoyopan caves, Cagsawa ruins.

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