Taal Volcano and Lake in Manila - Philippines

There are several tourist spots in and around Manila but one that you will not want to miss out on will be an excursion to the Taal Volcano and Lake. With its scenic location, it can be a great place to spend the weekend.

To gain better appreciation of the Taal Volcano and Lake, you should have some idea of how the lake came about. According to scientists the lake was formed as a result of several eruptions that occurred over 500,000 years ago. Aside from the lake, the eruptions led to the creation of an island where Taal Volcano can be found. Aside from the volcano there are several craters and rugged features on the island.

A tour of the Taal Volcano and Lake will allow you to see the beauty of the island, as well as witness up close and personal the changes that the land has undergone owing to the numerous eruptions of Taal. Among the many activities you can do there include riding on horseback, where you can better appreciate the beauty and serenity of the environment.

If you are staying at a hotel, a tour of the Taal Volcano and Lake may get you additional privileges including trips to Philvocs, lunch, drinks and also boat trips around the area.

The Taal Volcano and Lake can be found in Batangas, sandwiched between San Nicolas and Talisay. From the capital city of Manila it is about 50 km away, or some 30 miles. There are several ways you can get there, but the easiest is to catch a bus going to Batangas and then get off at the jeepney terminal. Go on a jeepney bound for Talisay, which will take you to the wet market which is in close proximity to the lake.

From there you can hire a banca (a boat) where you can begin your tour of the Taal Volcano and Lake. The cost will be around 1,000 Php or 1,500 Php ($20 or more) per person. If you are billed at a hotel and they have a tour the cost will probably be different. At any rate, be sure that you bring an experienced guide with you so you can get to see the best places there.

The tour of the Taal Volcano and Lake is just another example of how varied and rich the nature sites are in the Philippines, and why tourists the world over just keep returning.