GUNUNG · Filipina

Mayon

Gunung Mayon

Information

Elevation: 2.462 m
Country: Filipina (PH)
Location / Range: Albay, Luzon
Mountain type: stratovolcano
Volcanic?: Yes — volcano
Coordinates: 13.2567, 123.6850
Difficulty: Very Difficult (access is often restricted by volcanic status)
Best Season: March–May (dry season); avoid November–January
Permits & Rules: A professional guide is required. Coordinate with the Legazpi City Tourism Office and PHIVOLCS-DOST before climbing. Climbing is PROHIBITED at Alert Level 2 and above (check phivolcs.dost.gov.ph before departure).
Hazards: The most active volcano in the Philippines. Risks: lava flows, PDC (pyroclastic density currents), volcanic bombs, lahar floods, volcanic ash. The PDZ (Permanent Danger Zone) within a 6 km radius is always dangerous. Frequently closed due to eruptions.

Description

Mayon (2,462 m) in Albay, Luzon is the Philippines' most active volcano and world-famous for its near-perfect symmetrical cone. Classic trails (Buyuhan and Baligang) take 2–3 days through grassland, lava gullies, and steep volcanic cinder slopes to the summit. All access is subject to PHIVOLCS alert levels — the mountain is frequently closed due to eruptions.

Gallery

Foto bersumber dari Wikimedia Commons — klik untuk memperbesar & lihat sumbernya.

Routes

Jalur Baligang (West Face / Sisi Barat)

Sangat sulit; melewati garis transisi vegetasi di 1.921 m dan tebing berbatu menuju puncak

3 hari pulang pergi

The west-face Baligang trail from Barangay Baligang, Albay is a quieter alternative to Buyuhan. Day 1 reaches Namontok Camp (~1,275 m, arriving ~16:00). Day 2 departs at 05:00 for the summit (~2,462 m) via a rocky 1,921 m shoulder and cliff section, reaching the top around 11:30. A noon turnaround deadline is strictly observed for safety. Day 3 is the descent.

Source

Jalur Buyuhan (Southwest / Barat Daya) — rute paling populer

Sangat sulit (Grade 7–8/9 skala Filipina); bagian puncak ~40° di atas cinder vulkanik lepas

2–3 hari pulang pergi (2 malam camp)

The southwest Buyuhan trail from Barangay Buyuhan/Bonga is the most frequently used route. Day 1 crosses grassland and forest to Camp 1 (~800 m). Day 2 ascends to Camp 2 (~1,800 m) through dry lava gullies. A pre-dawn summit push tackles steep volcanic cinder slopes — the final ~250 m requires rope use and rock scrambling. A licensed guide is mandatory. All access is conditional on PHIVOLCS alert level.

Source

New Lidong Trail (Jalur Lidong Baru)

Sangat sulit; jarak ~20 km, gain elevasi ~2.330 m

12–13 jam satu arah (atau 2 hari PP)

A relatively newer out-and-back trail from Barangay Lidong, Albay — approximately 20 km with 2,330 m of elevation gain. Compared to Buyuhan, this offers a different perspective on a different flank of the mountain. Recommended for experienced climbers only. Licensed guide required.

Source

Climbing Experiences

Mayon (2,462 m) in Albay, Luzon is one of the most active and iconic volcanoes in the Philippines, famous for its near-perfect symmetrical cone. The main climbing trails — Buyuhan (southwest), Baligang (west), and New Lidong — require 2–3 days through grasslands, dry lava gullies, and steep volcanic cinder slopes above 2,000 m. All access is strictly subject to PHIVOLCS alert levels, which frequently close the entire 6 km Permanent Danger Zone. Always verify PHIVOLCS status before planning a climb. The videos below document real climbing experiences across different trails.

References

The summary above is compiled from the following sources. Click to explore them yourself.