The thought of traveling solo, though I've done it several times, still gives me the same feeling of anxiety but the eagerness and desire to conquer your worries always persists.
ATV by Majestic Volcano ATV Adventure Travel and Tours
I have been to Albay before in 2010 and I am coming back for two reason; to experience the Mayon ATV Adventure Ride and to capture the geometrically perfect cone of Mt Mayon which I failed to do so because of the cloudy weather and imminent raining.
Upon landing, Mt Mayon is still covered by clouds
Then, I gave up. He doesn't wanna show up.
Two days were gone and I still didn't see Mt Mayon in its full glory. What's good though, is the imminent raining that makes ATV adventure more fun, less sunlight, muddy and watery trails.
1/3 of the trail, you'll have this.
The best part of this trail is on the first 30 minutes of it. You'll have great photos and an adrenaline rush for this part. Make sure to get as many photos as you can because the rest of the trails are either paved or just flat land.
For sure, you're asking how I arranged this tour and why I chose MAJESTIC VOLCANO ATV ADVENTURE TRAVEL & TOURS by Kuya Idol (contacts posted below). Luckily, I have friends who visited Albay just a week from my scheduled trip, thus, I get them to arrange an ATV Tour for me (thanks to Shaw and Earl).
I don't drive, not even a motorcycle so I don't know how will it go. But, why not, ATVs are built to survive boulders and rough roads so it's okay to irresponsibly bump it. Note though that you still need to be careful, unless you have enough cash to pay for it if you return the ATV into pieces.
So far, I am enjoying the thrill and how it's easy to operate. You'll just have to control the speed and maneuver which direction you want to tread. I was given the option to choose the 150cc ATV one-seater but Kuya Idol upgraded me to a 350cc ATV two-seater for the same prize. Plus, they're bought recently that's perfect for a hardcore ATV experience.
You'll have this trail few minutes before reaching the lava wall
Sad thing though, in the middle of the trail, it started raining and I don't have a GoPro to capture the part of my ATV experience. I asked if there's a low pressure or a storm coming but my guide told me that the raining from time to time is just natural in Albay and the rest of Bicol if it's not yet summer.
You'll have a paved road in the middle of the trail and communities to pass by. That answers why you have to take as much photos at the start of it.
There's no need to wear rubber shoes for this activity, unless you're willing to soak it in water and mud. In my case, I had to buy another shoes because slippers didn't match my clothes flying home.
It took almost an hour to reach the lava wall and in that span, it rained 2 or 3 times. So, it's very important to take a plastic bag or dry bags to protect your gadgets and other valuables. An entrance/environmental fee will be collected, I guess t'was P50 only.
Insert Mt Mayon at the back. lol
There's a 5 minute trail that you need to walk and climb boulders which are lava formed after it flowed from an eruption last September 2013 and claimed 5 lives, mostly, European visitors. Now, there's a helipad on top of the lava wall for those who can afford to pay for the experience in circling this giant and its crater. Lunch or dinner can also be arranged here which I did not bother to ask for I know I cannot afford it... just for now.
I did not take any selfie for this since Mayon was a no-show that day. Guides suggest that summer is the perfect time to see Mt Mayon in its majestic and full glory. Other than that, you're already lucky enough if it gets uncovered for 30 seconds.
These stones used to be flaming red when they traveled from Mayon's crater down here. They traveled so slowly that it took 2 months for them to reach this far, giving the residence ample time to evacuate and leave the premises.
Total Expenses:
150cc ATV single-seater - P1,850
(got upgraded to 350cc ATV double-seater)
I was about to do the Legazpi City Tour but turn it down because of the weather. I may not be able to get photos and stay dry. At the same time, Cagsawa Ruins is just across where we started the ATV so it's already excluded for the places to visit and I stayed at Ellis Ecotel in Embarcadero de Lagazpi which is also a part of the itinerary.
Kuya Idol Contact #: 09239314183
Email: Idol_tourguide@yahoo.com.ph
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