Why the
Taal Volcano
complex is special

It is unique in this world because of the relative positions of its 5 components:

A small volcanic rock island is surrounded by a small lake which sits inside a small volcano crater which is surrounded by a large lake which sits inside a large volcano crater.

---

Taal Volcano
tips & insights

---

Near Manila

Taal is a popular day trip from Manila. It’s only 50 kilometers (30 miles) away. Taal is also popular as a summer vacation retreat. The climate is cooler than in Manila.

---

Climbing

A must for adventure travelers is climbing Volcano Island. You take a half-hour ride in a small boat to the island, then hike (30 to 45 minutes) or horseback (20 to 25 minutes) up to the ridge for a breathtaking view of Crater Lake.

---

When to come, what to wear

During summer, the sun beats down relentlessly – and there are no shade trees on the trail to the summit. So plan an early morning start – and wear sun screen and a broad-rimmed hat.

---

If you are not bent on
climbing Volcano Island

Visit the town of Tagaytay located on the ridge of Taal Volcano. It has outstanding panoramic views of Taal Lake and Volcano Island.

---

Learn more Taal Volano tips ...

    

---

  

---

Top 7 Philippine Wonders

Philippine wonder map
Philippine wonder photo gallery

Banaue Rice Terraces
Chocolate Hills
Mayon Volcano
Pamalican Island
Taal Volcano
Tubbataha Reef
Underground River
Honorable mentions

Batad & Bangaan terraces
Banaue Rice Terraces photo gallery
Banaue Festival photo gallery
Country facts & tidbits

Learn Filipino/Tagalog phrases
Philippine cuisine

World's Top 100 Wonders

World's Top 1000 Wonders

Site map

My credentials
About my website and criteria
Reader testimonials

---

Philippine Department of Tourism

WOW Philippines

---

Photo by JG Moore of the US Geological Survey

---

Explore my
candid country, region
and other travel guides
Click links for tips & insights