Have you been to Albay and seen its splendid volcanoes? Mounts Mayon, Masaraga, and Malinao are three volcanoes that marked the beauty of Bicolano. These three mountains are known as the “Magayon Trio”.

For sure, none of us doesn’t know the famous Mayon Volcano. The mountain was once acclaimed as one of the “Seven Wonders of the World” with its nearly perfect cone shape. While Mount Masaraga is a forested, sharp-topped, adjacent and the closest to the perfect cone of Mayon Volcano. Another forested mountain is the Malinao, which is the highlight of this write-up.

Mount Malinao

With an elevation of 1,548 meters (5,079 ft), Mount Malinao is one of the three majestic volcanoes of Albay. On the summit of the volcano is a large crater with bare inner walls that is breached on the eastern side. On the lower flank this side of the predominantly andesitic volcano, is Luzon's largest solfataras and hot springs, some of which deposit silicious sinter. Naglagbong and Jigabo are two thermal wells located on the volcano.

Malinao is a forested mountain offering a view of the hinterlands of Bicol. Day hiking is very nice and it can be taken as a Mt. Mayon sidetrip or as a climb in itself for people visiting Bicol.

Why Malinao? Malinao means ‘clear’ and the mountain named that way because of the clarity of its water which is described in the appellation. Vera Falls is an example located at the slopes of the mountain. The falls itself is a beautiful destination.

Getting around the city of Albay

Buses and jeepney’s are generally the main mode of transportation in getting around Albay’s destinations. Pedicabs and tricycles are also available for short distance travels. Taxis and rent-a-cars are also available.