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South Luzon / Legazpi City / Mayon Volcano

The most spectacular site of South Luzon is the majestic Mayon Volcano. The name Mayon comes from the native word 'Maygayon', which in English means beautiful. The summit is 2462m (8,200ft) high, and scientists estimate that the volcano is more than 10,000 years old.

The volcano is still active, and eruptions are predicted at ten year intervals. The last eruption was in September, 1984, when an estimated 70,000 people had to be evacuated from the immediate area. Evidence of the volcano's activity is visible on clear days; a constant stream of white smoke is emitted from the crater.

The risk of a sudden, unexpected eruption has been somewhat mitigated by the estab-lishment of several scientific volcano observ-ing stations (PHILVOLC) in the vicinity. These stations constantly monitor the volcano's activity and notify the region of any unsafe conditions. One station is located in Santa Misericordia, on the east side of the volcano, and another on the Buang Trail next to the rest house, on the north side.

The volcano can be viewed from many different places in the immediate region. However, the more popular ground-level viewpoints are around Legazpi, in the vicinity of Daraga.

There are two alternatives for climbing Mayon Volcano, the Buang and the Buyuhan trail.

1. Buang Trail (7)

This trail is recommended for those who wish to enjoy a mid-level panoramic view from Mayon, without the expense and risk of a climbing adventure.
From Legazpi public market one takes a jeepney to Tabaco. An alternative route is through the town of Ligao, but the road conditions are not good. In Tabaco, one takes a jeepney to Barrio Buang and proceeds to the entrance of the Mount Mayon National Park. There is no public transportation beyond the park entrance. Visitors with no private transport must either hike or hire a jeepney for a special trip. The 8km (5mi) asphalt road is in good condi-tion and winds in a zigzag fashion to an elevation of about 800m (2,625ft). Along the road are scattered squatter settlements. At the end of the road are two buildings described below:

Mayon Vista Lodge (6)

(more commonly called simply 'rest house')
This lodge was built by the government in the 1970's. However, due to a lack of funds, it was closed down and looks very much abandoned now. In front of the lodge is a terraced picnic area from where a nice panoramic view of the sur-rounding area and nearby sea unfolds.

Mayon Observatory & Volcanology Museum (6) (PHILVOLC station)

A short walk up a cement staircase be-hind the lodge is the PHILVOLC station and museum. It has a live-in staff and is open 24 hours daily.

The small building houses a good display of photos and ex-hibits relating not only to Mount Mayon, but to volcanos in general. It's an inter-esting and informative place.

Climbers can continue up to the top from this point, but the path is seldom used. Those interested in the trip should ask the staff of the PHILVOLC station for advice.

2.Buyuhan Trail (3)

The Buyuhan Trail is a tenuous footpath but the most popular route for those inter-ested in climbing all the way to the crater. It can be a thrilling and even risky adven-ture, and all climbers are strongly advised to hire expert guides to accompany them. The costs, possible schedule, and some details of the trip are briefly summarized below. In-quiries for guides and general information on the climb should be made at the Tourism office in Legazpi.

The trip to the crater and back to Legazpi usually takes two days and one night, and costs 50 dollars for a minimum of two people. Each additional person generally pays 25 dollars. The 50 dollars pay for the services of the guide, camping equipment, and porter fees. Each climber is expected to bring his own food, sleeping bag, and ap-propriate clothing. Rain gear and warm clothing are recommended.

Day 1
6:30 one proceeds to Barrio Buyuhan, about 7km (4mi) northeast of Legazpi
7:00 at Barrio Buyuhan start of climb to Camp 1 (8km, 5mi)
10:00 lunch break at Camp 1 rest house 800m (2,625ft)
12:30 start of climb to Camp 2 (3km, 2mi)
16:30 arrival at Camp 2 1,463m (4,800ft); setting up tent for overnight stay

Day 2

5:00 start of climb to summit
10:00 arrival at summit 2462m (8,078ft)
12:00 begin of descent down
15:00 arrival at Camp 2
17:00 arrival at Camp 1
18:30 arrival at base in Barrio Buyuhan, return to Legazpi

The terrain changes from mountain vegeta-tion up to Camp 1, to hard ground up to about Camp 2, and loose ground (lava) up to the crater. The higher one goes the cooler the temperature and the stronger the winds.

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Among them are the ideas of a universal force to which one relates by means of one's religion, and from which one draws reassurance in a world that lacks in sense.