Mayon Volcano: World’s Most Perfect Cone Volcano

Mayon Volcano, dubbed as the “World’s Most Perfect Cone Volcano,” is the famous landmark in Bicol province, particularly in Albay where you can have a majestic 360 view wherever you go.

Not only can you marvel at its beauty, but you can go trekking at its slopes. It towers at almost 2,500 meters above sea level, and is located at the center of 3 cities and 15 towns of Albay.

Mayon’s name was derived from the Bikol word “magayon,” which means beautiful. According to their legend, Magayon was a maiden of a great and renowned beauty. She fell in love with Panganoron, who enraged the spurned suitor Paratuga. The latter kidnapped Magayon’s father to force her to marry him. Magayon agreed to marry Paratuga to save her father. During the wedding ceremony, Panganoron arrived with his warriors and a great battle ensued. Magayon, Panganoron and Paratuga all perished in the battle. From where Magayon and Panganoron were buried arose the majestic Mayon Volcano.

Mayon is currently the most active volcano in the country, and was declared as a National Park and a Protected Landscape on July 1938. It has recorded 50 eruptions for the past 400 years, including the 1814 eruption destroying the Cagsawa, Budiao settlements, nearby cities, and killing over 1,200 people.