A less-beaten path: The lava rock trail of Mt. Mayon

MANILA, Philippines - It was almost déjà vu... Mordor, from Lord of the Rings, immediately came to mind as I looked around and trekked the ocean of lava rocks towards the base of Mount Mayon (which, in LOTR-speak, would now be the equivalent of Mt. Orodruin a.k.a. Mount Doom). Except I didn’t have a ring to destroy, only a challenging hike to conquer.

Such was the adrenalin-rush that I felt as soon as I started trekking Mt. Mayon’s ‘Lava Front’ – a new intermediate hiking trail that was only made open to the public less than six months ago. We were met by an ocean of sharp, dark igneous rock, literally hardened lava from Mayon’s eruption back in 2006. Up close, they seemed like layers of scattered rock, like an avalanche had settled from an invisible cliff.

Interestingly, getting through this adventure was like attending a hybrid class of Geology 101 and Physical Education. How to get there in the first place, you might ask? … By heading off to Bicol in a hardy, albeit comfortable SUV.For this trip, I recommend the Isuzu Alterra Urban Cruiser X.

Powered by its tried-and-tested 4JJ1-TC-iTEQ 3.0-liter diesel engine, the Alterra Urban Cruiser X is more than capable to provide the much-needed torque to get you quickly through Bicol’s changing landscpes. Yes, this workhorse is tops in utility, but it promises a comfy ride, thanks to the Alterra’s independent double-wishbone with torsion bar springs and stabilizer bar front suspension. Combined with Isuzu’s patented Flex Ride MOVE suspension in the rear, it is bound to keep all passengers happy throughout the hours-long drive.

But perhaps most delightful for long drives in the Urban Cruiser X is its top-notch entertainment system from Kenwood that features a DNX7380BT audio/video head unit with a built-in seven-inch wide touch panel monitor, an iPod direct connector, integrated Bluetooth connectivity, MPEG capability, and an SD card reader. New, black headrest-mounted high-definition LCD monitors are also available for viewing entertainment in the back. Cabin space is also more than enough to lug around your hiking packs and trailmix goodies (a la magic biscuits, LOTR style).

For the adventurous traveler seeking something different, I highly recommend a trip to Mayon’s Lava Front.