National park · Philippines
Mayon Volcano Natural Park
Enter Mayon Natural Park: pay the entry fee (≈ ₱100 – ₱200 per person, check), then choose Lidong or New Lidong trail; best months Feb–Jun; stay in Legazpi or Camalig.
- Source checked
- A source and a date are on record: we read it from an official or published page. Not yet confirmed on the ground.
- Field checked
- Someone checked it on the ground, with the date shown.
- Plan calculated
- Worked out by Voykit from its own data (times, distances, budgets). A calculation, not a measurement.
Unknown times stay unknown. How we verify
Map to the park
Add your hotel to get directions from it. · stays in this browser; shared with the pocket card.
Area
200 km² (77 sq mi)77 sq mi (200 km²)
approximate
Established
1990
Best months
Feb–May
UNESCO
None
Rules in force · 5Drug trafficking can carry the death penalty in Singapore…
- Southeast Asia ↗Drug trafficking can carry the death penalty in Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, Laos, Thailand, Brunei and Myanmar; never carry a bag or parcel for anyone.
- Southeast Asia ↗Carry a passport valid for at least six months from entry with two blank pages; airlines refuse boarding on less.
- Philippines ↗Complete the free eTravel registration on the official government site within 72 hours before arrival; ignore lookalike sites that charge.
- Philippines ↗Typhoon season runs roughly June to November: flights and boats are cancelled at short notice; buy flexible tickets and keep a spare day.
- Philippines ↗Carry pesos in small notes; many stalls, jeepneys and taxis are cash-only.
At a glance
- Country
- Philippines
- Area
- 200 km² (77 sq mi)77 sq mi (200 km²)
- Area roughly 200 km²; figures vary by source and boundary definition (check).
- Established
- 1990
- Best months
- Feb–May
- Permits
- For some areas
- Base
- Legazpi
Mayon Volcano Natural Park protects the iconic cone of Mayon, one of the Philippines’ most active stratovolcanoes. The park offers two challenging trails—Lidong and New Lidong—requiring permits and guides, and hosts diverse wildlife including deer, pigs, flying foxes and endemic birds. It lies on the eastern foothills of Legazpi, with nearby towns providing accommodation.
Decide
Why go, which months, and what lives here when
At a glance
Status
- Special national site · 1990One of the first Philippine national parks.
Size and age
200 km² (77 sq mi)77 sq mi (200 km²) · national park since 1990
Area roughly 200 km²; figures vary by source and boundary definition (check).
This page covers the park itself. Nearest base: Legazpi.
Why go
- Active stratovolcano with a classic cone, iconic landscape.
- Two official trails (Lidong and New Lidong) for experienced hikers.
- Rich biodiversity: mammals, birds, endemic frogs.
When to go
- JanGo
- FebBest
- MarBest
- AprBest
- MayBest
- JunGo
- JulCaution
- AugCaution
- SepCaution
- OctGo
- NovGo
- DecGo
- JanCooler, less rain.
- FebDry, clear views.
- MarDry, comfortable temps.
- AprDry, good visibility.
- MayDry, warm.
- JunStart of rains, still okay.
- JulRainy, trail slippery.
- AugRainy, possible closures.
- SepRainy, higher eruption risk.
- OctLess rain, cooler.
- NovCool, occasional rain.
- DecCool, dry.
Wildlife and nature calendar
| What | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Philippine brown deer, warty pig, golden‑crowned flying foxAll year | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Luzon bleeding‑heart, Philippine eagle‑owl, Philippine cockatooMar–Aug | no | no | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no | no |
| Endemic frogs (Luzon fanged, forest, etc.)May–Sep | no | no | no | no | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no |
Arrive & move
Getting in, how the park is divided, and where things are
Show 3 sectionsHideHow to get there, Zones and sectors, Sketch map
How to get there
From Legazpi City
Take a local jeepney or tricycle to the park gate (≈ 30 min).
30 min
Open the page →
From Tabaco City
Bus or van to the gate, then walk to trailhead.
45 min
From Manila (Ninoy Aquino Intl)
Fly to Legazpi (≈ 1.5 h), then ground transport to gate.
≈ 3 h total
Open the page →
Zones and sectors
| Zone | What is there | Access |
|---|---|---|
| Lidong Trailhead | Eastern side, near golf course; three campsites. | Open with trail permit. |
| New Lidong Trailhead | Gentler route, two camps, river crossing. | Open with trail permit. |
| Summit area | Barren crater rim, wind‑swept. | Restricted; only for authorized guides. |
Sketch map
Take the points offline
3 points as a GPX waypoint file, plus a plain-text list of coordinates. Save it while you have signal: maps apps show the points without a connection.
Coordinates from Wikidata; approximate trailhead locations.
See & do
Caves, trails and wildlife, with how hard each is and whether it needs booking
Show Top experiencesHide
Top experiences
Practical
Fees, permits, rules, where to sleep and what can go wrong
Show 8 sectionsHideEntry fees and permits, Park rules, Where to stay, Safety, Accessibility, Visiting lightly, Questions people ask, Related
Entry fees and permits
| Item | Range | Per | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Park entry | PHP 100–200 (≈ US$2–4) | person | Check latest fee at the gate. |
Ranges, not quotes: fees change without notice. Check with the park or your operator · checked Sep 2026.
Park entry permit or guide
Trail permit permit or guide
Park rules
- Climbing restriction
- Summit ascent is prohibited; only designated trails allowed.
- Guides
- Required for both Lidong and New Lidong trails.
- Camping
- Only in designated campsites on the trails.
- Fire
- Open fires not allowed; use portable stoves.
- Litter
- Carry out all waste.
Where to stay
Near the park
Legazpi City hotels
Range from budget inns to mid‑range hotels, 15 km (9.3 mi) from gate.Range from budget inns to mid‑range hotels, 9.3 mi (15 km) from gate.
Near the park
Camalig guesthouses
Simple rooms close to trailheads.
Safety
Volcanic activity high
Rain‑induced landslides medium
Heat and dehydration medium
How much daylight do you have?
Time out
Finding the local time zone…
Times are local to the spot (zone loading). The half-hour margin is our rule of thumb, not an official figure; light fades earlier in forest or under cloud. Carry a headlamp on any route that could run late.
Accessibility
- Trailheads reachable by car; short walks to parking.
- Trails steep and rough; not suitable for limited mobility.
Visiting lightly
- Stay on marked trails to protect fragile vegetation.
- Use refillable water bottles; limit plastic waste.
- Support local guides and community‑run guesthouses.
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to enter Mayon?
The park charges a small entry fee (≈ ₱100 – ₱200 per person); confirm the exact amount at the gate.
What are the best hikes in Mayon?
Lidong Trail (traditional, steep, 3 camps) and New Lidong Trail (gentler, river crossing, 2 camps) – both require a permit and guide.
When is the best time to visit Mayon?
February to June offers drier weather and clearer views; avoid the heavy rains of July‑August.
Can I reach the summit?
Summit access is prohibited for safety; only authorized research teams may climb.
What accommodation is nearby?
Legazpi City offers hotels; Camalig has guesthouses close to trailheads.
Deep dive
Every source; fees and rules change, so check before you go