Tag Archives: Taal Lake

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Taal Lake and Volcano Island Tours

Taal Lake and Volcano Island

Situated on the Philippine island of Luzon, in the province of Batangas, Taal Lake is a haven of greenery and serenity, and is actually a crater lake that fills the caldera of a prehistoric volcano. After this caldera was formed around 500,000 years ago, the subsequent volcanic eruptions later created another volcanic island within Taal Lake itself, and was named Volcano Island. While Taal Volcano may be the smallest active volcano in the world, its unique location, being situated on an island that is within a lake that is on another island, makes it quite the geological wonder, attracting thousands of visitors each and every year.

Filipino Travel Center
The Filipino Travel Center offers private tours of Volcano Island, picking up guests from Metro Manila in a luxury minibus before making the two-hour journey to Tagaytay Ridge. Here, you will be able to enjoy spectacular panoramic views of Taal Lake, Taal Island and Mount Macolod, before heading down to the shores of the lake to hop on to a motorized outrigger. The 30-minute boat ride takes you to the Volcano Island village of Talisay, and, from here, you will begin your trek up towards the volcano’s rim. The hike itself lasts for about 45 minutes and is considered to be one of the easiest hikes in the Philippines, making it accessible to those of all abilities. After taking in your stunning views of Crater Lake and its surroundings, you will then head back to the mainland, stopping off at the Taal Yacht Club for a watersports session before being driven back to Metro Manila.

GetYourGuide
GetYourGuide is a company that offers an eight-hour adventure across Taal Lake and Volcano Island. Just like the tour mentioned above from the Filipino Travel Center, you will be driven from Manila to Tagaytay City, after which you will board a boat and be taken for a hike up the volcano. By the sulfuric lake, there are a number of rental companies where you can rent a kayak, banana boat or paraw, to see the caldera from a unique perspective. For those who want even more of an unforgettable experience, GetYourGuide also gives their guests the opportunity to enjoy a horseback ride among Taal’s basalt rocks, and you can even ride all the way up the trail to the top of the volcano if you so desire. In addition to seeing the lake and the volcano, this tour also includes a visit to the Caleruega Church, the Palace in the Sky park, which was built for president Marcos, and a mushroom burger factory that is located in Tagaytay City.

No matter which tour you opt for, you will still be able to witness the splendid views from Volcano Island, which are considered to be some of the most scenic in the Philippines. The natural surroundings here are filled with layers of complexity that have built up over thousands of years, and this is most definitely a trip worth taking if you are ever in Manila, or elsewhere in the Philippines.

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Daytrips from Manila

The Philippines is made up of over 7000 different islands, but with Manila being the capital of the country, this pulsating metropolis is usually where a large number of tourists begin their visit to the Philippines. Fortunately, for those who want to take in more of the country than what the capital can offer, there are several day trips from Manila that you can take, giving you the opportunity to deeper explore the country’s history, culture and natural beauty.

Tagaytay

Tagaytay
With its cool climate and vibrant food scene, the holiday town of Tagaytay, which lies south of Manila, has always been popular with both locals and tourists. The highest point of the Cavite province, Tagaytay enjoys spectacular views of the famous Taal Lake, as well as the Taal Volcano, which is the smallest active volcano in the world. This volcanic island is set in the middle of Taal Lake, and, in addition to being easy to access, only requires 45 minutes for a hike up to the crater, making this a popular activity here.

Zambales

Zambales
Easily accessed from Metro Manila, Zambales is a destination that is able to offer a little of just about everything. From its 107 miles of pure untainted beaches to pristine forest landscapes to communities that still practice traditional methods of living, this is a great spot to soak up some nature and culture. With 60% of the region covered in mountains, hiking is always a popular activity, especially with the prospect of being able to meet the local Aeta community. For those looking to get in some surfing, Crystal Beach is a must-visit spot, with gentle waves, perfect for a beginner, and soft pillows of sand to fall on.

Angono
Nicknamed the Art Capital of the Philippines, Angono is located just 30 kilometers from Manila. The area is jam-packed with a huge array of art galleries, and is also home to some of the oldest rock art in the country, dating all the way back to 3000 B.C. Once you have done a few gallery visits, take a stroll down Dona Aurora, also known as the Art Gallery on the Streets, where you will encounter even more local artwork.

Corregidor Island

Corregidor Island
Just a one-hour ferry ride from Manila lies Corregidor Island, a spot that any history buffs should definitely take the time to visit. From fort ruins to historic chapels to war memorials, a visit to Corregidor Island almost feels like taking a journey back through time. There are many day trip tours that you can sign up to, ensuring that you do not miss out on any of the most important sights, and giving you the opportunity to truly learn more about the country’s history.

The Philippines is a country that is so incredibly diverse, and while a visit to Manila always proves to be action-packed, these day trips offer a much different experience. From the colorful local art of Angono to the eerie history of Corregidor Island, these destinations enable you to see the country in a completely different light.