Mayon Volcano, Indonesia

Even if you don’t climb it, you can’t miss its almost symmetrical cone of Mayon Volcano (2460m) standing imperiously above Legazpi. The elegantly smooth cone may look benign from a distance, but don’t be deceived. The most active volcano in the Philippines, Mayon has erupted more than forty times since 1616, the date of its first recorded eruption. The presence of Mayon results in strange weather conditions in and around Legazpi, with the volcano and the surrounding area often soaked in rain when the rest of the country is basking in unbroken sunshine.

Tips for climbing Mayon Volcano

This volcano, located in Southern Luzon, is a great experience for hikers and outdoor lovers. It's a great change from spending your days at the beaches.

Here are some tips if you want to climb Mayon.

Overview of the trek

Although the slopes look smooth, it takes at least two days to reach the highest point of the trail, working your way slowly through forest, grassland and deserts of boulders. The trek begins in the grassy foothills and then follows a lava-formed ravine created by previous eruptions.

At its most difficult point – and there are many – climbers will have to scramble up a 40-degree ascent.

Trekking routes and duration

Mount Mayan has two trails to the summit. The most popular is the Buyuhan Trail, a southwest approach that requires camping for two nights on the mountainside. The final accent requires climbers to be secured and roped before they summit.

The alternative approach is the Buana Trail from the northwest side. Jeepneys will drop climbers and guide at the Mayon Skyline Hotel. The route also takes 2-3 days and involves camping on the mountainside. Again, climbers are roped for the final scramble.

Mayon Volcano trekking difficulty

Mayon Volcano is a difficult climb with lava and loose volcanic cinder making it hard to summit in places. Do not attempt without a guide.

How to book the best Mayon Volcano trek

Whatever you do, don’t attempt the climb without a guide. Guides are mandatory and setting out without one would be foolhardy in the extreme.

Local guides at Lidong, Santo Domingo, can assist tourists, although it’s probably wise to arrange one in advance at the tourist offices in Legazpi, where you can also check to see whether conditions are suitable for an ascent.

Another good source of information is the Institute Of Volcanology And Seismology (Wphivolcs.dost.gov.ph), in Legazpi on Ligñon Hill.

How to get here

There are various approaches to Mayon, although the accredited and authorized jump-off point is at Lidong, Santo Domingo, where the Mayon Volcano National Park is located. It is easily reachable by jeepney, van and tricycle. Here's how to get to Mount Mayon.

By jeepney

Jeepneys connect Legazpi to Santo Domingo (hourly; 30min) from where there are services to Calayucay Beach (hourly; 30min). Jeepneys also connect Sogod Beach to Tabaco (every half an hour; 30min).

By van

From Legazpi there are vans to Bacacay (for Sogod Beach; hourly; 45min).

By tricycle

You can get a tricycle from Santo Domingo to Calayucay Beach (10min) or Sogod Beach (30min). A tricycle from Bacacay to Sogod Beach takes 10min.

Best time to climb Mayon Volcano

The traditional window of opportunity for an ascent of Mount Mayon is February to April, and even then you’ll have to be well prepared for cold nights at altitude and the possibility of showers.

At any other time of year, you could be hanging around for days waiting for a break in the weather.

Where to stay when climbing

There are a limited number of accommodation options in and around Santo Domingo. It is also possible to stay at the Mayon Skyline Hotel, near the beginning of the Buana Trail.

Calayucay Beach

Calayucay Beach has a run of resorts, of which the best is Coastal View Beach Resort. There are cheaper hotels here too like the Costa Palmera Resort which has a range of a/c economy rooms.

Cagaray

Resorts like Misibis Bay are a little more high-end - though hikers will make good use of the spa after any Mount Mayon ascent.

Tips for climbing Mayon Volcano

What to bring

You’ll have to bring all your food and drink with you from Legazpi. There are sources of water on the volcano, but you’ll need purifying tablets. Ensure you have good quality hiking boots, waterproof clothes, long sleeves, a cap and suncream.

Your guide should be able to either provide camping gear or confirm what you should bring or pack.

Safety tips

Your guide should already do this but check the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology for any warnings before you set off.

Above 1800m there’s the possibility of being affected by poisonous gases, and climbers are not allowed past 2000m even if there’s no imminent threat of eruption.

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Plan your trip to Mount Mayon with our guide to the Philippines.