Taal Volcano in the Philippines blends danger, beauty, and even golf!

Regarded as one of the globe’s most perilous active volcanoes, Taal has erupted 30 times since the 1500s, claiming over 5,000 lives. Located just 55 kilometers south of Manila, it remains a formidable force.

Nevertheless, throngs of laid-back tourists continue to hike its slopes every day.

Perhaps the fact that Taal is the world’s smallest active volcano – standing only 311 meters tall – gives it a less intimidating aura, despite its danger. Or maybe it’s the fact that, after a series of eruptions in the 1960s and 1970s, Taal has been dormant since 1977. Its location is equally incredible, leaving many in awe.

Taal Volcano is nestled on an island within a lake, which itself is located on another island. It's just a stone's throw from Tagaytay, a popular vacation spot for Manila locals.

Ready to embrace the adventure?

Once in Tagaytay, the journey begins with a boat ride across the stunning Taal Lake, taking you to the infamous Volcano Island.

I chose the largest boat available, hopped aboard, and set off with my young Filipino guide, Anna, leading the way from the office.

The rugged, uneven path to the volcano's edge may have been rough, but the experience was nothing short of magical.

At least for me. My horse, however, seemed less thrilled, growing more restless by the minute.

As other tourists leisurely passed me on their calm horses, mine halted and began making drawn-out sounds of distress.

“I’m sorry, but I think you’re too heavy for the horse,” Anna said apologetically.

At 197 cm tall and weighing 126 kg, I could only agree with her. After barely covering any ground in my brief five-minute ride, I decided to continue on foot. Interestingly, about half of the other visitors heading for the rim were also hiking.

The incline is fairly moderate, making the hike accessible even for those with low fitness levels. And if you do need a break, there are plenty of spots to pause and catch your breath. The higher you climb, the more breathtaking the views of the island and the shimmering waters of Taal Lake.

It's best to wear hiking boots or running shoes, as the dirt trail can be uneven and unstable. Hiring a guide is also highly recommended, even if you’re not riding a horse.

Anna was great company and shared fascinating details about Taal Volcano's deadly history, including the fact that it once erupted for over six months in 1754.

A volcanic Russian doll

As I neared the final stretch to the rim, I noticed a strong, chemical smell. It's hard not to feel uneasy when experts say that such acrid fumes or sulfuric odors can signal an impending eruption. But when I reached the rim, I found a couple relaxing on a bench, enjoying ice cream, while a young family laughed as they hit golf balls into the crater.

Clearly, there was no immediate danger.

The volcano is only off-limits to visitors on the rare occasion when the authorities raise the alert from “Alert Level 0” to “Alert Level 1,” which means while there's no immediate threat of eruption, the volcano is exhibiting unusual behavior.

These visitors were savoring what many consider the ultimate reward for scaling the volcano – breathtaking views of the crater, its lake, and the vast landscape beyond.

In the soft glow of the fading afternoon, certain areas of Crater Lake’s waters seemed to bubble gently, while other sections were tinged white by sulfur. Adventurous souls can trek along the rim on two distinct trails, each about a kilometer long, stretching in opposite directions.

Like the steep mountain path, these trails are rugged, so progress is slow. They're narrow and bordered by sharp drops, demanding caution. Steam rising from the earth along these paths serves as a constant reminder of the volcano’s potential danger.

The trails also provide a closer look at the small, volcanic Vulcan Point Island, which sits in the center of Crater Lake.

Taal is like a volcanic Russian doll. Tiny Vulcan Point Island rests inside Crater Lake, which is contained within Taal Volcano, which lies within Taal Lake. All of this exists within Taal Caldera, a colossal volcanic crater formed by an ancient, massive eruption.

This ancient tectonic activity gave birth to a series of volcanoes along the western edge of Luzon, the largest island in the Philippines, which is home to more than 7,000 islands.

Taal Volcano may be the deadliest of them all, but it has remained dormant for 40 years. Now is the perfect time to visit.

Getting there

Buses and minivans leave downtown Manila for Tagaytay at regular intervals throughout the day, with the journey taking between 90 minutes and two hours.

Once in Tagaytay, take a taxi to one of the small piers along Taal Lake, then bargain with an outrigger boat operator for the 5-kilometer crossing to Volcano Island. For more information, visit Taalvolcano.org.