Where is Mayon Volcano Located?

Lying at the eastern portion of the province and rising to around 2,462 m. above sea level, Mayon covers an entire area of 250 sq. km. With a base circumference of 62.8 km., it encompasses the seemingly sleepy towns of Camalig, Malilipot and Sto. Domingo.

Mayon Volcano has recorded a total of 45 eruptions since its first recorded eruption in 1616.  In her calm, Mayon is overwhelming and magnificent in its grandeur.  Unused by serious climbers for decades, the volcano’s northern trail exudes the fragrance of forest trees and diverse vegetation and has made a habitat to different unique species.  Farther in the forest, other attractions are the moderate to heavy moss-covered earth walls and soil.  A peculiar stretch of clearing can be seen as traces of a road bed constructed sometime in the 1930’s.

At Camp 2, one gets another perspective of the volcano’s slopes and a birds’ eye view of the trail one took.  A novice climber will be guided and taught climbing and survival techniques by trained guides mandatory to the climb, making one feel as if he is a seasoned climber.

One can choose a day hike leading to the forest area to experience variety of flora and fauna.  At 3,500 ft. above sea level is a viewing area that provides a fantastic panorama of the Albay Gulf, Mt. Malinao and the slopes of the volcano itself.  A one and half day climb completes the towering 8,075 feet Mayon Adventure.  At this level one sees the nine towns surrounding the volcano and the Albay Gulf on the east.

Where can I dive with the Whalesharks?

Considered the biggest fish in the world, a large pod of Whale Sharks (scientific name: Rhincodon typus), locally known as Butanding, converge annually just at the mouth of the long and winding Donsol River in the Municipality of Donsol. This phenomenon occurs starting October of each year, and peaks during the months of February, March, April and May. It is believed that these Whale Sharks, about 30 to 40 of them at any one time, converge off the Donsol waters to feed on plankton, krill and juvenile fish, which are the only food of these giant fishes. In spite of their awesome size, the Whale Sharks are gentle and harmless and allow humans to swim or interact with them. This phenomenon, found only in the waters off Sorsogon, particularly Donsol, has attracted hundreds of tourists around the world eager to interact with these gentle giants of the sea.