With its postcard-perfect shape and storied past, Mount Mayon continues to be more than a geological wonder—it is a vital engine for local tourism and a sanctuary for those seeking rest and renewal.
Rising 2,463 meters above sea level and surrounded by lush farmland and coastal plains, Mayon Volcano’s symmetrical cone has long captivated both locals and international travelers. Whether seen from the city of Legazpi or the quieter towns of Daraga and Tabaco, the volcano is as much a cultural landmark as it is a natural marvel.
Declared a national park in 1938 and later reclassified as Mayon Volcano Natural Park, the site forms the centerpiece of the Albay Biosphere Reserve, recognized by UNESCO in 2016. Visitors are often drawn not just by the scenery, but by the immersive experiences that await in the surrounding municipalities.
From hiking and ATV adventures to heritage walks around the Cagsawa Ruins, tourism in Albay offers more than adrenaline—it provides moments of serenity. “There’s something grounding about waking up to the silhouette of Mayon,” said Anna Lopez, a Manila-based digital consultant who frequently visits Albay to unwind. “It resets your mind.”
Health experts agree that short breaks to green, scenic environments—like those around Mayon—can reduce anxiety and improve cognitive function. According to the Department of Tourism, the Bicol Region has become a top pick for domestic travelers prioritizing well-being post-pandemic.
Getting to Albay is straightforward. Daily flights connect Legazpi Airport to Metro Manila and Cebu, while long-distance buses and vans serve travelers from nearby provinces. Within Albay, transport is accessible via jeepneys, tricycles, and app-based ride services in major towns. The province has also streamlined travel requirements to encourage local tourism while ensuring safety.
For residents like Danilo Reyes, a tricycle driver in Camalig, the influx of tourists means steady income. “During peak months, I can earn double what I used to before tourism picked up,” he said in Filipino. Small vendors, local guides, and accommodation providers share similar stories. Many have built sustainable livelihoods by offering services that highlight Albay’s natural and cultural assets.
Sustainable tourism practices have also taken root. The Albay provincial government and local tourism offices promote environmental education among visitors, enforce proper waste disposal, and limit development near the volcano’s hazard zones. Community-based eco-tours and homestay programs emphasize responsible travel and ensure earnings go directly to host families.
“Mayon is beautiful, but she’s also powerful,” said Maria Celeste Ramos, an environmental officer with the Albay Public Safety and Emergency Management Office. “We’ve learned to respect her through science and tradition—and we ask visitors to do the same.”
While Mayon’s eruptions have shaped its history, it is its stillness that draws thousands every year. Whether standing quietly beneath a rising sun or glowing at dusk, the volcano offers more than just a backdrop—it offers perspective.
In a time where digital lives often blur boundaries, a weekend beneath the shadow of Mayon might be just what travelers need: not just to explore, but to exhale.
