A. The Philippines has a very hip hiking scene. Think young guys with long hair and wooden beads in footwear they've made themselves out of recycled tyre rubber.

There are some great hiking adventures to be had in Bicol, the zig-zagging peninsula that stretches southeast of Manila. The most hair-raising is the climb to the top of the infamous Mt Mayon. This dramatic, smoking volcano is one of the country's most photographed attractions. Legend has it that Mayon was an ancient king. His beautiful niece ran away with a young warrior and he never got over it – his anger is still bubbling beneath the surface, ready to erupt at any time. Mayon is still very much an active volcano. Its most recent eruption was in June 2001 when, according to locals, the lava flow miraculously formed the shape of the Virgin Mary. In the 1993 eruption there were 77 fatalities, but these days Philippine authorities keep a close eye on the old king and in quiet times it's possible to climb right up to the knife-edge for a once-in-a-lifetime view. The Department of Tourism (+6352-482 0712) in Legaspi can set you up with equipment and guides for the two-day climb...