Mayon Volcano Viewed from Ligñon Hill

Mayon volcano viewed from Ligñon Hill. Zip line is visible.

Ligñon Hill Promenade.

Ligñon Hill Nature Hill in Legaspi, Albay, Bicol is one of the prominent landmarks, apart from Mayon Volcano, that greet folks who fly into the city. At over 500 feet high, it's prominent enough to be seen from a landing airplane because the runway lies at the foot of the hill. As a tourist attraction, it's strangely not that well known, even to some Bicolanos. Mayon volcano and the Cagsawa ruins take center stage.

Nevertheless, in spite of the better known attractions in Legaspi, Ligñon Hill is really a good place to start your tour of Legaspi. It has an old World War 2 Japanese underground bunker, zip lines, and spectacular views of the countryside from the top which includes beautiful Mayon Volcano, Legaspi City, and Daraga. A restaurant and walkways at the top provide visitors a pleasant environment to soak in the sights. A pair of coin slot outdoor telescopes provide good entertainment to kids and adults alike.



For the more adventurous, tourists can go rappelling or rent a bike or an ATV to explore the lower landscapes of Mayon volcano. For those who are less into taking such sports, they can simply take pictures of the panoramic views. Mornings and nights give especially great sights!

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Boracay View from a Departing Plane

Barangay Yapak of Boracay Island from a plane departing from Caticlan.

It's hard to leave Boracay Island just when you're starting to have fun in the sun, sand, and shore! But when it's time to go, you just gotta go and the only final souvenirs you can get are the pictures of the island that you manage to catch as your plane departs. Shown here is a picture of Barangay Yapak of Boracay Island. It's where some of the more expensive resorts are located and you can see some of the condominiums and golf courses that go right down to where the white sand beaches are. See how the beaches are naturally partitioned in some areas? That should make the pockets created more private!

At the upper right side of the picture on top is part of Carabao Island, the larger neighboring land mass near Boracay that doesn't get as much media attention and hype. Here it is at the left in a picture that shows a complete view of the island. It appears more tree-covered unlike Boracay which has been developed into a mini cosmopolitan community. It was a fine day when these photos of Boracay and Carabao Islands were taken - one which came after consecutive days of dark clouds and rain.

What is Boracay in October like? Find out here!

Want to have fun on the beach in Boracay? Then take this canned beach ball along! Click here or on the image to order your own colorful Instant Beach Ball!

Punta de Fabian Resort in Baras, Rizal Has Great View of Laguna de Bay

Rizal is one big place. It's not exaclty a province separate from Metro Manila, since a big part of it is still well within the urban sprawl of the metropolis, but the fringes are pretty much rural. Lots of resorts are in Rizal and most of them are set either high in the hills or near Laguna Lake (Laguna de Bay). The lake itself is not fit for swimming because it is murky with lots of fish pens. However, the lake does provide a great view (top) and many tourists will find this a good alternative to Tagaytay where Taal lake is viewed.

Shown are portions of Punta de Fabian resort in Baras, Rizal which is a part of Tanay. It is small and is on top of a small and rocky hill. You will need a powerful engine to get to the top since there is a very steep but brief climb after you pass the guardhouse. There are two swimming pools (one small; another an infinity-type) and quaint cottages, most of which have great views. It's ideal for weekend trips with the family and corporate trainings, workshops, seminars, and team-building. The management is courteous and will go out of their way to help out clients with their needs.

The resort has facilities for indoor sports like darts, table tennis, and billiards in the game room. Conference rooms are convenient and spacious and are a short walk to the dining area where clients get treated to packaged European-style meals (below). There is also a videoke bar to release your hidden singing talents. When it rains, it pays to be careful when walking on tiled steps and the mud, both of which can get very slippery.

Giniling (Philippine picadillo) recipe

100 resorts in the PHILIPPINES: PLACES WITH A HEART

Mayon Volcano Greets Air Travelers to Legaspi City in Bicol

What could be a better greeting for air travelers to the Bicol region in the Philippines than being greeting upon landing in Legaspi City airport, by majestic Mayon Volcano? Yes, locals say the volcano shows it's whole beauty very rarely as it is often shrouded in clouds. Consider yourself lucky to get a glimpse of it's smoking crater as your airplane lands. The name Mayon comes from the local term for beautiful, maayon.

Sometimes, the pilot will fly close to the peak and will announce that you can take a peek out the windows (usually on the left) to get a really close look at the summit of Mayon Volcano. It's active, so you'll be treated to while smoke and gas coming out of its crater. You will also be able to see the blackish lava flow that has hardened coming down the slopes. During eruptions, the crater spews rolling balls of exploding lava and it can be a spectacular sight from the ground! Upon landing, you will be able to see Mayon on the right side, but it will be much farther away (top; left).

Please click on the images for a bigger picture!

1915 Photogravure Mayon Volcano Active Albay Luzon Philippines Landscape YTMM1 - Original Photogravure