The answer to “where can you get the best view of Mt. Mayon in Legazpi?” is debatable, considering how the volcano with the perfect cone shape can be seen wherever you are in Legazpi, and its neighboring towns. But you get a bonus if you head up to the Lignon Hill Nature Park. I’d say several bonuses, actually. Aside from Mt. Mayon, you’d get a panoramic 360-degree view of Legazpi City, the town of Daraga, and Albay Gulf in the distance. Oh, and you can also try out their zipline.
(Disclaimer: All photos are mine, unless otherwise indicated in the captions.)
Lignon Hill is, without a doubt, one of the most prominent landmarks in downtown Legazpi City, alongside the Boulevard and the Embarcadero. On our first evening at our accommodations, Andamar Citihomes, the owner-manager of the place, Sir Neil Andal, gave suggestions on what to do and where to go. We had a free morning the next day, so we rented a van that can hold all 14 of us (and it cost Php 2,500 for around 6 hours).
Lignon Hill was closest to our accommodations, so that was our first stop.
It was a five-minute drive from Andamar Citihomes to the top of the 156-meter high Lignon Hill. Apparently, this is a favorite haunt of joggers and fitness buffs, who frequent it very early in the morning. Those who prefer hiking can do so, since there is a trail, called “Kapit-Tuko Trail”, for that purpose.
There were 14 of us, and half aren’t really hikers, much less “walkers”, so riding up via the hired van was the way to go.
At the foot of the hill, an environmental fee of Php10.00 will be collected from each person visiting the place.
My first impression of the place, upon alighting from the van, was that it was like an upscale viewdeck, with well-manicured lawns, benches strategically situated as perfect vantage points for viewing… and a bit of a tourist trap. You see, there are stores selling souvenirs and what-nots, which we found to be more expensive than those at the Pasalubong Center in town. Apparently there’s also a restaurant, but we didn’t bother checking it out.
The view, however, was definitely worth checking out. And the photo-taking mania has begun.
There is this large text plate (I don’t know what it is really called, sorry) that proudly welcomes guests to “the best view of Mayon Volcano”. Standing right there, it’s hard to argue with that claim. Of course, one may be tempted to think differently when they are standing, say, at the Cagsawa Ruins. Or at the Legazpi Boulevard. But, at that moment, it was the best view.
And we were ever so thankful that, during our four-day stay in Legazpi, she has always shown herself fully.
Oh, you can also see the runway of the airport from here. If you’re the type to want to identify everything within view, then you’re welcome to do that.
Some of us had ulterior motives, however. We went to the main building and inquired about the zipline. 🙂 And it wasn’t difficult to persuade the others to try it. The funny thing is, all seven of us ladies, and only one guy, opted to try it (several were first-timers. I, as you may know already, am not. Just check out my ziplining adventures here, here and here.)
The other six, all guys, decided to just sit down in the shade and wait for us. XDD
The price for the Zipline is Php 250.00 per person, and that is for the Basic zipline. We would have gone for the Superman zipline, but the staff said it’s not available that time, because the necessary gear was not set up just yet. *shrugs* The Php250 already includes a free photo taken by the staff. If you want more, each printout will cost Php50.00, and all the photos you had printed out will be posted in their Facebook page.
The zipline is relatively shorter than the previous ones I’ve gone on. It’s only 320 meters, and it’s two-way. Meaning, you zip one way, then zip back down at the lower part of the hill, then do a short hike back up to the reception area.
So off we went.
It was so gratifying to see the others get all excited, even when they are nervous-slash-terrified about going on the zipline. But they’re such troupers, they just screamed out their nerves and had a blast zipping down.
I suppose the best part about going on this zipline is that you get to keep Mt. Mayon in your sights the whole time. Unless, of course, you are screaming and you closed your eyes, then you won’t be able to see it.
There goes Tita Claire, that orange speck. Yes, this is quite low, just 160 meters from the ground. But I’d say it’s great for beginners or first-timers.
Since Superman position was out, we only had two choices: seated, or upside down. Only two of us opted to do it upside down.
PHEW. HEADRUSH.
I also held my phone-on-a-selfie-stick, recording a video the whole time. The guy who assisted us allowed it, but at my own (phone’s) risk.
When you reach the other end, which is kinda like a thicket of trees, you will be strapped again to another, going the other way.
It was too short~~~~ XDD
It was still a very fun ride, though. And I thank these ladies (and guy) for trying it out and not making me beg, haha!
Also, thanks to the staff, especially the ones who assisted us. They were friendly, and made the whole process painless.
There are other activities in the Park, even some Paintball, if I’m not mistaken. But I think we were there too early for it. And we only had that morning free, really, and we had plans on going to Cagsawa Ruins next, so we skipped the others.
This is a good place to include in your itinerary if you’re visiting Albay. You don’t even have to try the zipline (although I wish you would, cuz it’s fuuuuuun~), because the view alone is very much worth it.
And you know what’ll make the visit more memorable? GO THERE WITH FAMILY OR FRIENDS. Or family AND friends, if you can make that happen.
For Lignon Hill Nature Park’s other activities and the corresponding rates, check them out here.
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