photo by Tuper Misc (via Flickr)
In the province of Batangas, on the island of Luzon, lies one of the most unique and beautiful tourist destinations in the Philippines - Taal Lake. Inside Taal Lake lies an island called Volcano Island, and on that island is Taal Volcano, the world's smallest active volcano. In the center of the volcano lies another lake, called Crater Lake. And inside Crater Lake is another tiny island called Vulcan Point. If you were paying attention that means there is an island in a lake, on an island in a lake, on an island! Taal Lake and volcano are just one of four amazing stops you need to make when you visit Luzon.
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photo by Tuper Misc (via Flickr)
Vulcan Point is visible inside of Crater Lake, on Volcano Island, inside of Taal Lake, inside of Luzon Island The stars of the show
Obviously, taking in the sights of Taal Lake and Volcano Island must top your list of adventures. The geology and greenery from the volcanic eruptions have created a colorful and verdant landscape that is just waiting to be explored. Ironically, Taal Lake wasn't always a lake... it was once an inlet of Balayan bay, and became closed off due to volcanic activity. Some villages were lost to the rising waters of the lake when it closed off, and some of the ruins of those villages can still be seen under the water. Taal Volcano is a "Decade Volcano," one of sixteen, that is especially explosive and also located near a large population. The volcano has been mostly quiet since 1977, which was when the last major activity took place, but it is constantly monitored.
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photo by Raghunath Thirumalaisamy (via Flickr)
White-collared kingfisher The white-collared kingfisher
This blue beauty can be found throughout SE Asia, but can be seen often in the areas surrounding Taal Lake. Its color can vary from blue to greenish, but it's know for its white "collar" and large black bill. Its most distinctive characteristic is its loud, repetitive call, which has been described as "metallic" sounding. This species of Kingfisher eats small fish, but is also very fond of small crabs, and some are known to eat frogs, lizards, and even small birds.
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photo by John Ong (via Flickr)
Vista of Tagaytay Beautiful Tagaytay City
Located in the province of Cavite, Tagaytay City is a popular destination for tourists and natives alike. It offers cooler temperatures and a higher elevation than Manila, and its lush greenery and spectacular views of Taal Lake make it a prime location for exploring. It has two basic seasons: wet (May to October) and dry (November to April), and has an average daily temperature of a perfect 24°C (75°F). It's the ideal location to hike, picnic, bird watch, and take photographs of the famous lake and volcano.
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photo by NOAA Photo Library (via Flickr)
Giant trevally Adapting species
When the inlet closed off sometime in the 18th century, a particular breed of fish took the news rather well, and adapted to a rapidly changing aquatic environment. The giant trevally was common on the area and is known all over the world as a salt water fish – except in Taal Lake. The species in Taal lake, known locally as maliputo, has uniquely evolved, and rapidly, to the desalination of their home. And they are not alone. Taal Lake is also home to one of only two species of freshwater snakes, and home to the only freshwater sardines (the delicious tawilis) found on planet earth.
Explore the majesty and beauty of Taal Lake, Taal Volcano and the surrounding area on Uncharted Philippines' Taal Day Tour. Discover the magic of the Philippines for yourself.