Mt. Kanlaon Travel Advisory: What Tourists Need to Know

Volcanic activity has paused tourism near Mt. Kanlaon—here’s what’s happening and how it affects your plans

Planning a trip to Negros soon? If Mt. Kanlaon was on your itinerary, here’s a quick travel update you shouldn’t skip. The Department of Tourism (DOT) has officially advised travellers to postpone visits to areas near Mt. Kanlaon due to recent volcanic activity.

While this isn’t a full-blown eruption, Kanlaon has been showing signs of unrest, which is why safety measures are now in place for locals and tourists alike.

Also read: Kanlaon Volcano Eruption: What Travellers Need to Know

What’s Happening at Mt. Kanlaon?

Image credit: Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS-DOST) | official FB page

Mt. Kanlaon, one of the most active volcanoes in the Philippines, had a recent volcanic flare-up that led to ashfall across several areas in Negros Occidental, particularly in:

La Carlota City

La Castellana

Bago City

Some ashfall even reached parts of Guimaras, Iloilo, and Antique.

As a result, all tourism activities around the volcano have been temporarily suspended. That includes trekking, eco-tours, and other nature activities in and around Mt. Kanlaon Natural Park.

Is It Safe to Travel to Negros Now?

Image credit: Canlaon City | official FB page

According to the DOT, the good news is that:

No injuries have been reported

No tourists are stranded

Tourism establishments remain safe and undamaged

Still, authorities are playing it safe. The DOT is closely coordinating with regional offices in Central and Western Visayas to monitor the situation and provide updates. So if you’re headed to Negros, it’s best to avoid any areas near the volcano until further notice.

What Should You Do if You Have Plans?

Image credit: Canlaon City | official FB page

If you’ve already booked your trip, don’t panic—here are a few helpful steps to take:

Check with your hotel or tour provider

Most accommodations and tour operators understand situations like this. They might allow you to rebook, refund, or adjust your itinerary.

Stay updated through official sources

Follow announcements from the DOT, PHIVOLCS (Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology), and LGUs in Negros Occidental.

Explore alternative destinations

Negros has a lot more to offer beyond Mt. Kanlaon! You can still check out places like Bacolod City, Sipalay’s white-sand beaches, or the food scene in Silay.

Also read: 6 Stunning Crater Lakes in the Philippines You Must See

Why This Matters for Travellers

Image credit: Canlaon City | official FB page

Even if you’re not planning to climb Mt. Kanlaon, it’s important to be aware of natural alerts in any region you’re visiting. Volcanic activity can affect not just hiking routes, but air quality, road conditions, and transport.

Taking a pause doesn’t mean cancelling the fun altogether—it just means travelling smarter.

TL;DR: Kanlaon’s off-limits for now. If you’re planning to visit Negros, check the latest advisories and adjust your plans accordingly. There are plenty of other adventures waiting in the Philippines—Kanlaon will still be there when it’s ready to welcome you back.