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Aside from snorkelling and diving, here are other activities you can do whilst in the city:

 

River kayaking

If in search for an activity which satisfies the adrenaline rush to work out muscles and also the mind's desire to wander in a heavenly ambience, this tour stimulates both the needs of the body and mind.

For the white water enthusiasts, don't expect anything rough, hard, and rigid. The Donsol River is a relatively calm river and boasts its splendid scenery and the magnificent firefly display in the evenings.

For the athlete and athlete at heart, Donsol River's 100 kilometer stretch will be a challenge on its own. Now think of the muscle grunt if you do decide to kayak down and then back up the river.

For more details, please contact us.

 

Trekking Up the Majestic Mayon Volcano

Standing at 2,421 meters (approximately 8077 feet), Mayon Volcano is the most popular tourist attraction in the Bicol region. Mt Mayon gained popularity worldwide for being the most symmetrical volcano in the world. To add to its international limelight, Mayon is the most active volcano in the Philippines, having had erupted 47 times in the past 400 years! Mayon’s last major eruption was in 1993 and the last recorded major activity was in August 1996. Due to Mayon’s volatility, the volcano is continuously monitored by the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHILVOLCS).

What to expect:

  1. Guests have the option to spend a day or two trekking up Mt Mayon. For those that opt for the 2 day trip, the evening will be spent camping on the slopes of Mt Mayon (at the designated camping sites).
  2. Experience traversing on different kinds of terrain. The terrain diversity of Mayon Volcano includes forests, grasslands, rocks, sand, and boulders.
  3. For the less experienced mountaineers, a path has been paved out and there are several camps where one can sit and rest before proceeding.
  4. Great scenery. Being such a high point in the Bicol region, one can enjoy the view of the different towns and the surrounding ocean. As commented by most trekkers, the exhilaration brought by the scenery increases with your distance up the mountain.
  5. Climbing with ease. For those that believe the trek up will be challenging enough, guests have the option to hire a porter, to carry personal belongings, for the duration of their trek.
  6. We keep you safe.
    1. Prior to your trip, Donsol Eco Tour checks with the local authorities on the safety of climbing up Mt Mayon.
    2. On your trek up Mt Mayon, Donsol Eco Tour will be providing you with a local guide.
    3. Guests are not advised to climb up to the summit due to the poisonous fumes emitted by the volcano.

To enjoy the trek, it is highly suggested to pack light. The basic must brings are:

  1. Lots of water
  2. Food and snacks
  3. Sun Block Lotion (especially in the summer)
  4. Jacket or Wind Breaker (it can get chilly at higher altitudes)

Mt Mayon is definitely an exciting mountain to climb. For the adventurous and those ready for their next challenge, a trek up Mt Mayon is a must try! For more details, please contact us.

 

Joy Ride (City Tour)

Getting into a car and going on a road trip can be fun and exciting, especially if there is a list of hot sites to visit. Hop into one of Donsol Eco Tour’s vehicles and ask for a city tour! In four to six hours, the Donsol Eco Tour staff can bring you to:

The Mayon Volcano Rest House
Legend attempts to unravel the mystery of the origin of this magnificent chunk of earth – Mayon Volcano, the volcano known worldwide for its perfect cone shape.

As legend has it, there once lived a very beautiful native princess who had an uncle named Magayon. He was so possessive of his niece that no man dared to challenge his wrath by courting the favors of the young maiden. One day, however, a brave and virile warrior was tantalized by the princess that he threw away all cares. That same evening, the warrior clambered up through the window of the royal chamber and enticed the girl to elope with him.
With the fury of Magayon at their heels, the couple prayed to the gods for assistance. Suddenly from out of nowhere, a landslide buried the raging uncle alive. On that spot today, we see Mayon Volcano. Local folks claim that the volcano is Magayon's anger bursting in the form of volcanic eruptions.

From the Mayon Volcano Rest House enjoy the view of the remains of the furious Magayon. Mt Mayon is 2462 meters (approximately 8077 feet) above see level, and the Mayon Volcano Rest House can be found at the 2500 foot mark.  From this height, admire the majesty of Mayon Volcano, feel the coolness of the air as the clouds rest on your shoulders, and admire the panoramic view of the Pacific Ocean and the nearby towns.

Balubagon Boiling Cave
Due to the vast volcanic activity in Bicol, the Philippines was able to establish the country’s largest geothermal plant in Bicol. Although visitors are not encouraged to visit the geothermal plant, tourists can still experience the benefits of the volcanic activity at the Balubagon Boiling Cave. This geothermal-like formation releases steam pressure said to exceed that of the Tiwi Geothermal Plant. The late has an outlet near the seashore where one can enjoy warm water, steaming sand, and coral rocks that act like geysers. Tourist activity is limited and the visit of to the Balubagon Boiling Cave will depend on permits issued for the day.

Cagsawa Ruins
In 1814, Mayon Volcano erupted and sent lava flows cascading down its sides. The townspeople of Cagsawa fled to the church where they perished when it was engulfed in the fiery flows. Today, only the church tower remains as a memorial.

Tiwi Pottery Center
The town of Tiwi is known its pottery. Watch the locals make these export quality pots, and enjoy shopping for these great products at factory prices.

Abaca Handicraft Shops
The Abaca plant is indigenous to the Philippines whose warm, wet climate and volcanic soils are particularly suited to its cultivation. It is similar to banana in appearance except that the leaves are upright, pointed, narrower and more tapering. When Magellan and his companions arrived in Cebu in 1521, they noted that the natives were wearing clothes made from the fiber of the abaca plant, noting further that the weaving of the fiber was already widespread in the island.

The Bicol province is the world’s largest exporter of Abaca fiber, known worldwide as Manila hemp. This fiber is obtained from the Abaca plant and is considered as the strongest among natural fibers. The length of the fiber varies from three to nine feet or more, depending on the height of the plant and the age of the leafsheath. The color of the fiber ranges from ivory white to light and dark brown.

For more details, please contact us.