Albay

I came to Albay province for one reason and one reason only: I wanted to see towering Mt Mayon, the most active volcano in the Philippines, with my own eyes. It did not disappoint...

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Even from the air, Mt Mayon dominates the view. The following two shots were taken from my plane window. The left side of the plane offers the best views.

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A couple pictures from the airport in Legaspi. I am still amazed that a fully functional civilian airport operates in the shadow of this looming giant.

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At 8,077 feet, Mt Mayon towers over the city, the billowing smoke a constant reminder that potential catastrophe is never far away.

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The eerie caves at Hoyop Hoyopan, named for the blowing winds that course through the cave complex from its four entrances.

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From Lignon Hill in the center of the city, fantastic views of Legaspi abound.

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Of course from the top of Lignon Hill, spectacular views of Mt Mayon can also be had.
I sat up there for hours just taking it all in, from the volcano itself to the lovely terraced rice fields at its base.

Click [here] to read my Albay journal!