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15 Remarkable Facts about Mayon Volcano

*Originally published by Cyndi K in August 2022 and Updated by Vanessa R in October 2023

Mayon Volcano,  also known as Mount Mayon, is an active stratovolcano in the province of Albay in Bicol Region, on the island of Luzon in the Philippines.

A stratovolcano is a conical volcano mountain built up by many layers of hardened lava and tephra. They are typically characterized by a steep profile with a summit crater and periodic intervals of explosive eruptions.

Mayon is a very popular tourist spot and it is renowned for its “perfect cone” because of its symmetric conical shape. In Philippine mythology, it is regarded as very sacred.

1. Declared a national park in 1938

Mayon Volcano with cloudy hat- Author; Patryk Reba-

The volcano mountain, together with its surrounding landscape, was declared a national park on July 20, 1938, making it the very first in the nation.

It was then later reclassified as a natural park and renamed the Mayon Volcano Natural Park in 2000.

2. It is currently nominated as a world heritage site

World Heritage Site Logo- Author; Richard Webb-

In 2016, Mayon Volcano was declared by UNESCO as the centrepiece of the Albay Biosphere Reserve. 

Currently, it is being nominated as a World Heritage Site. Given the fact that world heritage sites are typically designed by UNESCO for having cultural, historical, scientific and any other form of significance, this could be a great honour and achievement for Mayon Volcano.

3. Mayon Volcano is the most active volcano in the Philippines

Mayon Volcano- Author; AwOiSoAk KaOsIoWa-

Currently, the Mayon volcano is the most active volcano in the Philippines. Because of this, its activity is regularly monitored by the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) from its provincial headquarters on Ligñon Hill. Ligñon hill is located about 12 kilometres from the summit of the mountain.

Philippine institute of volcanology and seismology is simply an institution in Phillippines, that is dedicated to providing information on the activities of volcanoes, earthquakes, and tsunamis, as well as other specialized information and services.

Their main aim is to ensure primary protection of life and property and in support of economic, productivity, and sustainable development. It is one of the service agencies under the Department of Science and Technology. 

4. Mayon is the main landmark and highest point of Albay province and Bicol Region in the Philippines

Mayon Volcano- Image by matthewebriega2018 from

Albay province is a province found in the Bicol Region, which is basically an administrative region in the Philippines.

Mayon volcano is thus considered the main landmark and highest point of the province of Albay and the whole Bicol Region.

It rises 2,463 meters from the shores of the Albay Gulf, which is about 10 kilometres away.

5. Mayon volcano is shared by about eight cities and municipalities in the Philippines

Mayon Volcano- Author; AwOiSoAk KaOsIoWa-

Geographically speaking, the Mayon volcano is shared by the eight cities and municipalities of Legazpi, Daraga, Camalig, Guinobatan, Ligao, Tabaco, Malilipot, and Santo Domingo.

These municipalities are said to have divided the volcano’s cone like slices of a pie when you take a look at their political boundaries on a map.

6. Mayon is considered one of the world’s symmetric volcanic cones

Mayon Volcano upclose- Author; Erickson Banzuela Balderama-

A volcanic cone is a triangle-shaped hill formed as material from volcanic eruptions which pile up around the volcanic vent or open in Earth’s crust.

In the typical sense, most volcanic cones have one volcanic crater, or central depression, at the top. Thus finding one that is symmetrical, is very unique.

This is what makes Mayon volcanic stand out as one of the few volcanic mountains found in the world that takes such a shape.

In addition, it is a classic stratovolcano (a composite volcano) with a small central summit crater. It is thus regarded as one of the world’s most symmetric volcanic cones.

7. Mayon volcanic is part of the pacific ring of fire

Ring of Fire- Author; Alexander Gerst-

The Pacific ring of fire is a region around the rim of the Pacific Ocean where many volcanic eruptions and earthquakes occur.

This Ring of Fire is actually a horseshoe-shaped belt about 40,000 km long.

Thus like other volcanoes around the Pacific Ocean, Mayon is also a part of the Pacific Ring of Fire, on the southeast side of Luzon.

8. The soils around it have been found to contain anti-cancer properties

Undergrowth surviving among the rocky toe of the volcano- Author; P.A.V. Mahusay-

In August 2021, geological research found the soils from Mayon to be containing bacterial species that have antibiotic and anti-cancer properties.

Although more research is still been done, these properties have shown promise in their contribution to addressing cancerous diseases.

9. It has been reported that the Mayon is still an active volcanic site

Mayon Volcano Eruption in January 2018- Author; Darkimages08-

On the evening of February 4, 2020, the PHIVOLCS reported to the public that the crater of Mayon Volcano showed a crater glow, attributing to magma that was still slightly present underneath the surface of the volcano.

Even though this phenomenon alerted the officials and the public, the Mayon Volcano remained at an Alert Level 2 out of 5.

Alert Level 2 was however lowered to Alert Level 1 on July 17, 2020, and on July 30 2021, the alert level status was lifted to that of a volcano.

10. Since 1616, there have been more than 30 volcanic eruptions at Mayon volcanic

Mayon Volcano Eruption- Author; Darkimages08-

Popular with climbers and campers, the volcano is basically the centre of Mayon Volcano National Park. There are even large abaca plantations on its lower slopes.

Since 1616, there have been more than 30 eruptions recorded. An eruption in 1993 for instance, caused 79 deaths and the following eruptions in 2000, 2006, 2009, 2014, and 2018 forced tens of thousands of people in the nearby villages to evacuate.

In December 2006, rains from powerful Typhoon Durian caused mudslides and floods at the foot of the volcano, and this ended up killing more than 1,000 people.

Its biggest and most destructive eruption as recorded, was in 1814. The town of Cagsawa was practically buried and about1,200 people lost their lives.

11. The most catastrophic eruption occurred in 1814, killing over 1,200 people

, , via Wikimedia Commons

In 1814, a catastrophic eruption of Mayon Volcano caused the death of over 1,200 people. The incident has had a lasting impact on the local community and serves as a reminder of the immense destructive power of nature. This occurrence has highlighted the need for increased monitoring and preparedness measures in areas with active volcanoes to mitigate the impact of future natural disasters. Early warning systems and evacuation plans are vital in minimizing the loss of life and property.

12. The summit of Mayon often hosts a lava dome, which may grow during eruptions

Mayon Volcano is a site of ongoing geological activity and is known for its lava domes, a common feature of volcanic eruptions. These domes form when molten lava accumulates within the crater and gradually grows in size, but their dense and viscous lava can pose a significant danger to nearby populations. Experts monitor the development of these domes as it could be a sign of increased volcanic activity. It is important to always be vigilant and cautious when in volcanic terrain, especially around Mayon Volcano, one of the most active volcanoes in the Philippines.

13. Local folklore tells the story of Daragang Magayon, a beautiful lady associated with the volcano

, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Stories from the local community in the Philippines tell of a stunning woman named Daragang Magayon who is associated with the Mayon Volcano. She was the chief’s daughter and well-known for her amazing beauty. Her narrative is both heartbreaking and engrossing. Her terrible fate resulted from her falling in love with a warrior from a rival tribe. This legend illustrates the close relationship that exists between the people of Albay and the magnificent Mayon Volcano, demonstrating how myths and legends may serve as a window into a community’s rich cultural legacy.

14. The city of Legazpi, located nearby, is the primary gateway for tourists visiting Mayon

, , via Wikimedia Commons

Albay province in the Philippines boasts the city of Legazpi, a major entry point for tourists eager to witness the stunning beauty of Mayon Volcano. Legazpi is a well-developed city that offers visitors easy access to transportation and a warm, welcoming atmosphere with various lodging options.

Upon arrival in Legazpi, visitors are filled with excitement and anticipation as they take in the breathtaking backdrop of the magnificent Mayon Volcano. Legazpi is an excellent starting point for travellers due to its proximity to both the tranquil volcano and the bustling city, making it a great place to begin your journey.

15. The volcanic soil around Mayon is fertile, making the region one of the top agricultural producers in the Philippines

Mayon is surrounded by extremely fertile volcanic soil, which has made the area one of the Philippines’ main agricultural centres. Many items, including rice, vegetables, and fruits, may flourish in this rich soil since it is enhanced by nutrients and minerals from volcanic eruptions. The area’s agricultural prosperity is due in large part to the rich soil as well as the perseverance and hard work of the local farming people, who are essential to guaranteeing the Philippines’ abundant harvests.