Day 3 of my adventure here in Legazpi City, I decided to include a visit at Mayon Volcano National Park in my itinerary. I put this intentionally on the third day knowing that the ATV ride might be a muddy activity. At least right after the visit, I can go straight home to freshen up.
A day before my visit, I informed my hostel (JDL Hostel), that I would want to book an ATV ride with their partner – Mayon Skydrive. They were the one who contacted it and scheduled my trip. Luckily, JDL guests are given discounts if booking here at Mayon Skydrive! Yey!
Also Read: Overlooking Taal Volcano at Twin Lakes
Mayon Skydrive is just one of the many ATV Adventure Provider in Bicol, Albay, Philippines. I actually didn’t really know they were that many not until I went and visited the place. The providers line up starting outside the National park up until the end that I ended up being offered by the services even before reaching Mayon Skydrive’s office. Will give you some tips later at the end of the blog.
My schedule was supposedly at around 9 in the morning. But because, I was having the difficulty finding my way there, I arrived a bit late. Good thing, I was in Albay on a lean season, that on that day, I was the only guest they are expecting to arrive in the morning. Hence, I was really able to take my time doing the activity.
The Process at Mayon Skydrive
According to the message that I receive informing me for my upcoming schedule. I would need to look for their office to first register and attend a short orientation. First, I saw their small booth located across the street inside the National park which I thought was the right place. It was a surprise that it was closed but I still waited for a while until a text message from the point person arrived.
I was approached by a middle age lady asking me if I already booked an adventure provided. When I told her I booked with Mayon Skydrive, she then pointed me to the right direction. At the far end of the road turning right there was their huge signage.
Upon arrival, I then registered and went straight to the orientation area. The orientation only took around 10-15 minutes, then I was directed to gear up.
Mayon Skydrive Adventure Provider offers 8 different trail sites. These are the following:
- Skydrive Grassland Trail (2km-Php 400)
- Snake Trail (4km-Php 599)
- Forest Trail (5km – Php 699)
- Cagsawa Skydrive Trail (6km – Php 799)
- Skydrive Combo Trail (8km – Php 999)
- Green Lava Trail (15 km – Php1,500)
- Black Lava Trail (22km – Php 1850)
- 2018 Mayon Lava Trail (24km – Php 2,500)
All of these rides includes 150cc/200 cc ATV engine, Safety helmet, English speaking trail guide/photographer, Safety orientation, ATV Driving practice, and Insurance.
Prices varies depending on the length of the route and of course duration also is depedent on how fast you drive.
I personally picked the cheapest which is the Skydrive Grassland trail. My only goal in this trip was to have a really decent photo of the Mayon Volcano and I think the Skydrive Grassland Trail can already give me what I wanted. Also, I do not really have much time to do the longer route for I would need to be ready in the afternoon for my flight back to Manila.
The duration of the Skydrive Grassland Trail is 20 to 30 minutes. But because, I booked via JDL Hostel, I got a little advantage, I was told that I can take my time or even spend more than an hour in this route. A good thing for I think I would need time to take nice photograph of the place.
ATV Practice Driving
After gearing up, I went straight to the driving range where a cart was already parked. I was instructed on how to drive the ATV. If its your first time, do not worry, driving it would be easy-peasy. Also, you’ll be guided by their staff on how to properly used it.
After a few rounds, we started ascending to our route. A photographer was also riding at the back of the instructor. And because I was the only one in this session, it made me feel like I got a personal photographer in this trip.
Skydrive Grassland Trail
The whole trail was just 2km long back and forth and basically just going around the Cagsawa ruins. And with this kind of trail you could be able to pass already the river, which I think brings more excitement to the trail. I can say that I am a bit excited and nervous at the same time specially when passing the rocky part but I think I was able to do a great job passing all the hurdles in this trail.
What I really enjoy in this trail was the wide greenery field at the end of the trail overlooking the stunning Mayon Volcano. When we arrived there I took extra time to document some videos I could use for my vlog, so do not forget to check out my YouTube account at www.youtube.com/nognoginthecityvlogs.
Visiting the Cagsawa Ruins at Mayon Volcano National Park
At around 1130 pm I am already done with the trail, went back to the base and check out some of the photos taken by the official photographer.
After which, I walk a little and visited Cagsawa Ruins. As I remember, you would need to pay Php 20 for the entrance fee here. There is no time limit in the visit and you can even eat lunch and buy pasalubong inside.
I was a bit lucky that on my visit, there aren’t too much people taking photos of the site, hence I was able to get a moment at this very famous landmark.
Just a little trivia, Cagasawa Church was built back in the 16th century. It was first established in the town of Cagsawa in 1587 and was caught into fire in 1636. It was restored in 1724 but was damaged again on February 1, 1814, due to the Mayon Volcano eruption.
At around 2pm in the afternoon, I went back to the hostel, freshen up. Went out for a very late lunch, then finally head straight to the airport and waited till my flight back to Manila.
Traveling Tips:
- Remember to book your ATV ride before visiting the National Park. You do not want sellers to swarm you on your arrival. It would really be too annoying.
- Wear comfy outfit but remember to not wear light colored clothes or maybe just bring extra clothes so you can change right after.
- Bring your own water bottle and some snacks you could eat as well if you get hungry.
- Best time to visit here is in the morning at around 7 to 8am where the Mayon Volcano can clearly be seen.
- If you have a car, you can safely park it in front of the ATV site.
You can check out Mayon Skydrive at Cagsawa Ruins Park, Brgy. Busay Daraga, Albay. Contact: 09778400252 / 09193683936 | Email: mayonskydrive@gmail.com
