Albay Province in the Philippines is stressing that it remains open and safe for visitors even as Mayon Volcano’s alert level has been raised, with local and national authorities urging travelers to observe tightened safety rules around the country’s most famous cone-shaped peak.

Recent volcanic unrest has triggered evacuations in high-risk communities and a ban on all activities inside the permanent danger zone, but key urban centers, beaches, heritage towns and most tourism services in Albay continue to operate under enhanced preparedness measures.

More News

Volcanic Unrest Increases, But Risks Remain Localized

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology has kept Mayon Volcano under an elevated alert after a sharp rise in rockfall events, lava dome growth and pyroclastic density currents on its upper slopes since the start of 2026.

On January 1, the agency raised Mayon from Alert Level 1 to 2 due to more frequent rockfalls and signs of shallow magmatic activity, and then elevated it again to Alert Level 3 as lava extrusion and summit dome instability accelerated in the following days.

This alert level indicates heightened unrest with a greater likelihood of hazardous eruptions in the near term, but it does not automatically translate into province-wide danger.

Monitoring data show that the most serious threats are concentrated close to the summit and along gullies where volcanic debris tends to flow.

Pyroclastic density currents, rockfalls and ash emissions have so far remained within a few kilometers of the crater, largely inside the six-kilometer permanent danger zone that has long been off-limits.

While thousands of residents within and just beyond this restricted belt have been evacuated as a precaution, provincial officials emphasize that major population centers like Legazpi City and the Bicol International Airport remain outside the immediate high-risk radius.

Experts note that Mayon’s steep, almost symmetrical cone helps channel unstable material down specific ravines, which allows hazard mappers to delineate relatively predictable danger corridors.

These scientific assessments underpin the zoning rules that separate no-go areas from zones where everyday life and tourism can continue, provided people follow advisories and stay alert for changes in activity.

Government Reassures Travelers as Tourism Adjusts Operations

In public statements this week, Albay’s provincial government and the Department of Tourism reiterated that visitors are still welcome in the province, as long as they respect the restrictions around Mayon and plan their movements around official bulletins.

Authorities stress that hotels, restaurants, transport services and most tourist attractions sit comfortably outside the permanent danger zone and remain open, including coastal resorts and heritage districts that are many kilometers from the volcano’s slopes.

Tourism officials have urged local operators to brief guests clearly on current alert levels, restricted areas and emergency procedures.

Many establishments in Legazpi and nearby towns now display updated hazard maps and advisories at reception desks, while tour desks coordinate daily with local disaster risk reduction councils before confirming excursions.

Travelers are encouraged to register with their accommodation providers and keep mobile contact details up to date so they can be reached quickly if weather or volcanic conditions require changes to itineraries.

At the national level, the Philippine tourism portfolio has highlighted Albay’s long experience in managing volcanic risks without shutting down the province’s visitor economy.

Mayon is one of the country’s most monitored volcanoes, with real-time sensors, satellite data and visual cameras feeding into daily bulletins.

Officials say this extensive surveillance network enables them to tighten or relax local restrictions swiftly, giving tourism businesses and travelers a higher degree of predictability even during periods of unrest.

Danger Zone Strictly Off-Limits as Evacuations Expand

The clearest change for travelers is the strict enforcement of a ban on human activity inside the six-kilometer permanent danger zone around Mayon’s crater.

Provincial authorities have ordered a halt to trekking, ATV rides, mountaineering and all sightseeing stops that encroach into the red zone.

Popular vantage points and parks located right on the upper slopes, including areas formerly used for sunrise viewing and trailheads, have been temporarily closed while the alert level stays elevated.

Evacuation operations have focused on residents living or farming inside the permanent danger zone and in communities most exposed to rockfalls and pyroclastic flows.

Disaster officials report that several thousand people have already been moved to temporary shelters in safer lowland barangays, with additional families relocating voluntarily from areas just beyond the restricted belt.

Health facilities across Albay are on heightened alert, and medical teams in evacuation centers are monitoring respiratory health as a precaution against possible ash exposure.

These measures, authorities emphasize, are designed precisely to keep Albay safe for everyone else by removing people from the areas where scientific models indicate the greatest impact.

For visitors, the evacuations and closures may be visible in the form of convoys of trucks, school buildings converted into shelters and the absence of tours that previously ventured closer to the cone.

Officials say tourists should treat these as signs of a proactive risk management system, not of province-wide danger.

Air Travel, Roads and Everyday Tourism Services Largely Uninterrupted

While some low-level eruptions and gas emissions have prompted temporary flight advisories over Mayon’s immediate airspace in recent weeks, wider aviation operations in the Bicol region continue.

The Civil Aviation Authority has issued notices warning pilots to avoid routes directly above or near the volcano’s summit, but scheduled commercial flights using Bicol International Airport have so far faced only short-lived adjustments.

Travelers are advised to monitor messages from airlines and be prepared for possible minor schedule changes if ash plumes intensify.

On the ground, the province’s main highways and access roads are open, including routes linking Legazpi City with coastal towns, neighboring provinces and Manila-bound buses.

Authorities have kept key tourism corridors clear but have restricted entry into certain feeder roads that climb towards the volcano or lead into evacuated villages.

Checkpoints staffed by police and local officials have been put in place to turn back unauthorized vehicles attempting to enter the danger zone, including private cars and unlicensed tourist vans.

Within cities and towns, daily tourism activity carries on: travelers continue to check into hotels along Legazpi’s boulevard, patronize seafood restaurants, visit local churches and purchase handicrafts.

Power, water and telecommunications services remain stable across the province. Tourists may notice an increased presence of uniformed personnel and emergency vehicles, as well as more frequent public announcements over community radio and loudspeaker systems.

Provincial leaders say these visible signs of readiness should reassure, rather than alarm, visitors.

How Travelers Can Stay Safe While Enjoying Albay

Officials are urging both first-time and returning visitors to treat Mayon’s current restiveness as a call for heightened awareness rather than a reason to cancel trips entirely.

Travelers are asked to stay informed by checking daily bulletins from volcanology and disaster management agencies through hotels, tour operators or local news broadcasts.

Many accommodations now post quick reference guides explaining the current alert level and its practical implications for movement and activities.

Guidelines for visitors are straightforward: avoid the six-kilometer permanent danger zone and any additional restricted corridors identified by local authorities, do not attempt to cross police or barangay checkpoints, and refrain from organizing informal hikes or photo stops on unmarked trails or riverbeds leading towards the volcano.

Tourists are also advised to follow any instructions to temporarily move indoors in the event of light ashfall, use basic protective gear such as masks and goggles if needed, and keep a small emergency kit with water, snacks and essential medicines during day trips.

Travelers should book only with operators and guides who can clearly explain current restrictions and show that they have contingency routes and assembly points in case of sudden changes in volcanic conditions or heavy rainfall that could generate lahars.

Families visiting with children, older adults or people with respiratory conditions may wish to choose vantage points located farther from the cone, such as coastal promenades and city viewpoints, which still offer impressive panoramas of Mayon without approaching high-risk slopes.

Balancing Disaster Preparedness With a Resilient Tourism Economy

Albay’s response to Mayon’s latest unrest builds on decades of living with a volcano that is both an economic asset and a constant natural threat.

The province has experienced more than fifty recorded eruptions since the 17th century, many of them occurring alongside ongoing agricultural and tourism activity.

Local leaders say this history has forced them to professionalize disaster risk reduction while preserving livelihoods, particularly in communities that depend on tourism and farming.

Provincial authorities are working with the tourism sector to diversify experiences beyond high-risk zones. Coastal eco-tours, culinary circuits, heritage walks and visits to neighboring islands are being promoted more aggressively while trekking and ATV rides near Mayon are suspended.

This pivot aims to cushion small businesses from sudden downturns in bookings linked to sensational images of ash plumes and evacuations, which can overshadow the reality that most of Albay remains unaffected and safe.

The province’s strategy aligns with national efforts to position the Philippines as a destination that is both naturally dramatic and institutionally prepared.

Officials argue that robust evacuation drills, clear signage and regular public briefings should be seen as hallmarks of a responsible volcano destination rather than as deterrents.

For travelers who understand and accept these dynamics, Mayon’s current activity offers a rare chance to witness a living landscape in motion, from a respectful and safe distance.

FAQ

Q1. Is it still safe to travel to Albay Province right now?
Yes. According to provincial and national authorities, most of Albay, including Legazpi City, coastal areas, and major transport hubs, remains safe for visitors. The main restrictions apply only within and around the permanent danger zone close to Mayon’s crater.

Q2. Which areas are off-limits to tourists during Mayon’s unrest?
The six-kilometer permanent danger zone around Mayon Volcano is strictly off-limits, along with any additional zones designated by local authorities due to potential lava flows, rockfalls or pyroclastic currents. Trekking routes, ATV trails and viewing parks that fall within or very near this belt are temporarily closed.

Q3. Are flights to and from Bicol International Airport affected?
Commercial flights continue to operate, though aviation authorities have issued advisories for pilots to avoid flying close to Mayon’s summit. Travelers should monitor airline messages in case of short-notice schedule adjustments if ash emissions increase.

Q4. Can I still see Mayon Volcano without entering risky areas?
Yes. Mayon is visible from many safe vantage points in Legazpi and surrounding towns, including coastal promenades, urban viewpoints and lowland parks located well outside the danger zone. Tour guides and hotels can recommend safe viewing spots based on the latest advisories.

Q5. What safety steps should I personally take as a visitor?
Stay updated on daily bulletins through your hotel or local news, follow all instructions from authorities, avoid restricted areas, and do not join unofficial hikes or tours that attempt to get closer to the cone. Keeping a basic go-bag and knowing your accommodation’s emergency procedures is also recommended.

Q6. How does the current alert level affect everyday life in Albay?
The elevated alert level primarily affects communities closest to Mayon and businesses that operate on its slopes. Evacuations, checkpoints and temporary closures are focused there. In cities and towns farther away, schools, shops, hotels and most attractions continue to function, with added preparedness measures.

Q7. Is volcanic ash a major concern for short-term visitors?
Light ashfall is possible if winds carry fine material towards populated areas, but it is usually localized and short-lived. Visitors are advised to follow local guidance, stay indoors during episodes of ashfall, and use masks or cloth coverings if they need to move outside.

Q8. Are guided tours operating under special rules now?
Yes. Licensed tour operators are required to obey updated hazard maps, suspend activities within restricted zones and coordinate daily with local disaster councils. Reputable operators will brief guests on current conditions and may adjust routes or timing at short notice to maintain safety.

Q9. Should I postpone my trip if I am traveling with young children or older relatives?
This is a personal decision, but authorities note that many areas of Albay remain low-risk and family friendly. If you are traveling with vulnerable companions, you may prefer itineraries that focus on coastal resorts, heritage towns and city-based activities that are far from the volcano’s upper slopes.

Q10. Where can I get reliable local updates once I am in Albay?
Upon arrival, rely on information from your hotel or homestay, city tourism offices, local government announcements and reputable local news broadcasts. These sources reflect the latest guidance from volcanology experts and disaster risk reduction agencies.