Not long ago, I was struck by the allure of the majestic Mayon Volcano in Legazpi. Seizing the opportunity before the Philippines plunged into its scorching summer, I hopped on a flight to explore this city, often described as “half volcano, half sea.” The sight was nothing short of breathtaking!
Legazpi is nestled in the Bicol region of Albay Province, Philippines. You can easily reach it from Manila or Cebu, with flights landing at Bicol International Airport (DRP). Interestingly, I discovered that among domestic travel websites, only FeiZhu offered tickets for flights from Manila.
The internet is brimming with recommendations for the best spots to capture the stunning Mayon Volcano. Popular locations include the historic Cagsawa Ruins, the serene Sumlang Lake, and the picturesque Quidituan Hill. I plotted some of these must-visit sites on a map (Figure 2). While some are a bit out of town, renting a motorcycle or hiring a local car makes them easily accessible.
Feeling a bit lazy, I opted for the nearby Sawangan Park by the seaside. As soon as my drone soared into the sky, I was greeted with a panoramic view like the one in Figure 1, where the volcano, ocean, town, and lush jungle all came together in a single, stunning frame. With clear weather, it’s a photographer’s dream! The park also features sports fields and bustling night markets, where locals gather, adding a vibrant, authentic touch to the experience.
The volcano looms impressively close to the city, and with few tall buildings, it’s visible from almost every corner. There’s a wide range of accommodation options, from budget-friendly stays to luxury resorts. I chose Your Brothers House, a charming tribal wooden hut a bit outside the city. For more details on the pros and cons of this unique stay and tips for thrilling ATV mountain off-road adventures, stay tuned for my next post.
Transportation Tips:
For traveling between Manila and Bicol, you have three airline options: Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific, and Sky Pasada. Philippine Airlines offers a great value; if you book more than a week in advance, you can find tickets for around 400-550 yuan (including tax), and they even include 10KG of checked luggage.
