Taal Volcano

OVERVIEW MAP NEED TO KNOW TIPS & HACKS GALLERY NEARBY

OVERVIEW

Taal Volcano in Taal Lake

Taal is one of the lowest volcanoes in the world with just 311 meters elevation. It is a caldera volcano near the middle of Taal Lake.

Even with its size, Taal is recognized as the second most active volcano in the Philippines with 38 recorded historical eruptions. Some of the eruptions were so violent, displacing thousands of residents in nearby towns and cities. Overall, more than 5,000 lives were lost caused by the volcano due to scalding, injuries, or suffocation.

Despite the devastation caused by the eruptions, Taal remains one of the scenic natural attractions in the Philippines therefore earning the nickname “a beautiful disaster”. Both the lake and the volcano are a popular backdrop when in Tagaytay City. Tourists can take a boat to the volcano or hike up to the crater.

Fast Facts

Attraction:

Taal Volcano

Type of Attraction:

Natural attractions | Volcano

Address:

Batangas, Philippines

Website:

www.taal.gov.ph

Phone:

(043) 706 3368

Hours:

Always open

Closed:

Taal Volcano was declared a Permanent Danger Zone by the Philippine Government. Access and activities in the area are currently prohibited.

Best Time to Visit:

April to May or December to February

Food & Drink:

YES

FREE WiFi:

Cost:

Cost per Person: $15+

Payment Type:

Cash

Fees:

P50 ($1.00 USD) – Red Lava entrance fee
P2,000 ($50 USD) – Boat rental
P600 ($12 USD) – Horse ride to and from crater
P500 ($10 USD) – Guide fee
P50 ($1 USD) – Taal Port landing fee
P100 ($2 USD) – Environmental fee
P1,500 – P10,000 ($30 USD – $200 USD) – Packaged tour

Notes:

There are two ways to reach the crater; by hiking or riding a horse. If you are hiking, it is best to leave early in the morning to avoid the extreme heat of the sun. The tourism office is open as early as 4:00 AM.

Food and drinks are expensive in the volcano so make sure to bring your own to save money.

Bring face masks as the road to the crater is dusty.

Use a hat and sunglasses and bring an umbrella and other gear to protect you from the sun.

MAP

This attraction is located on Luzon Island in Batangas Province.

NEED TO KNOW

How to Get to Taal Volcano

By Bus from Paranaque

Head to PITX (Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange). The terminal for Tagaytay buses is at Gate 2.
Board a bus bound for Tagaytay, Mendez, Nasugbu, or Olivarez. All these buses pass through Tagaytay.
Inform the conductor to drop you off in Tagaytay, particularly in Tagaytay Rotonda. Fare per person is between P100 to P130. Travel time is around two to three hours depending on the traffic condition.
From there, take a tricycle or jeepney to Talisay. Travel time is around 30 minutes.
Proceed to where the boats are docked. Cross the shore via boat. The roundtrip fare for the boat, good for six people, is about P2,000. The boat trip lasts for about 15 minutes.
To get to the crater, you can either hike or by horse ride. The horse ride costs P500 while the hiking fee is P100.

By Bus from Buendia

Go to DLTB Terminal near LRT Gil Puyat Station.
Take a bus with signs “Tagaytay” or “Olivares”. Alternatively, you can also take a bus bound for Nasugbu or Calatagan. These buses pass through Tagaytay.
Inform the conductor to drop you off in Tagaytay, particularly in Tagaytay Rotonda. Fare per person is between P100 to P130. Travel time is around two to three hours depending on the traffic condition.
From there, take a tricycle or jeepney to Talisay. Travel time is around 30 minutes.
Proceed to where the boats are docked. Cross the shore via boat. The roundtrip fare for the boat, good for six people, is about P2,000. The boat trip lasts for about 15 minutes.
To get to the crater, you can either hike or by horse ride. The horse ride costs P500 while the hiking fee is P100.

By Van

Head to the van terminal in between Kabayan Hotel and Metropoint Mall.
Take a bus bound for Calatagan.
Inform the driver to drop you off in Tagaytay, particularly in Tagaytay Rotonda. Travel time is around two hours depending on the traffic condition.
From there, take a tricycle or jeepney to Talisay. Travel time is around 30 minutes.
Proceed to where the boats are docked. Cross the shore via boat. The roundtrip fare for the boat, good for six people, is about P2,000. The boat trip lasts for about 15 minutes.
To get to the crater, you can either hike or by horse ride. The horse ride costs P600 while the hiking fee is P100.

Airport Closest to Taal Volcano

Ninoy Aquino International Airport (IATA: MLA) is the airport closest to Taal Volcano. It is located less than 100 kilometers away from Taal Volcano and two to three hours travel time depending on the road traffic condition.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit this attraction to avoid crowds is early in the morning usually before 8:00 AM.

Closures

This attraction was declared a Permanent Danger Zone by the Philippine Government. Access and activities in the area are currently prohibited.

Fees

Fees require payment in cash. Credit cards are not accepted at this attraction.

Food & Drink

Food and drinks from outside the attraction are allowed at this attraction.

Alcohol

Consuming alcohol is not allowed at this attraction.

Pets

Pets are not allowed at this attraction.

Smoking

Smoking is not allowed at this attraction.

Trash

Please dispose of your trash properly or take it with you. Don’t Trash the Philippines!

The Philippines are beautiful islands … let’s all ensure they remain this way.

TIPS & HACKS

The following are recommended items for this experience:

RECOMMENDED PRODUCTS

CamelPack

I always carry a Camelbak Hydration Pack with me when traveling. Not only does it allow me to pack all my daily gear and snacks, but it also has a 3-liter water bladder which holds enough water to get me through the entire day.

Bluetooth Speaker

Compact yet mighty, a bluetooth speaker setup is a breeze, and the sound quality it delivers for its size is nothing short of impressive. Beyond its audio prowess, it boasts exceptional durability, making it an ideal companion for outdoor adventures.

UV Shirt

UV Shirt is an essential when travelling in a tropical country. Providing reliable protection during long hours in the water, not only comfortable but also ensures a secure shield against the elements.

Snorkel Gear

For my island-hopping escapades, a snorkel gear set has become indispensable. Designed to enhance the joy of snorkeling and free diving, each piece ensures comfort and functionality. Together, they create an immersive and enjoyable underwater experience.

Adventure Camera

As a long-time enthusiast of GoPro cameras, I can attest to their user-friendly nature, excellent image stabilization, and impressive footage quality. Waterproof and rugged, the GoPro is my reliable companion for capturing adventures in any environment.

Aqua Shoes

When it comes to beach footwear, aqua shoes offer exceptional support, breathability, and overall comfort. Well-crafted and sturdy, it provides effective protection against rocky terrain, quick drying for added convenience, and easy maintenance. A must-have for any outdoor enthusiast.

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