Taal Volcano

Taal Volcano, in the Philippines, was originally a huge volcano, that towered 18,000 feet up into the sky. It has been called the smallest active volcano, because it seems small now, but many people don't realize that it is one of the largest volcanos in the world. It is located about 70-km south of Manila on an island inside a lake called Taal Lake.

Located about 75 minutes drive south of Manila, Tagaytay Ridge overlooks one of the rarest but lesser known sights in the world-Taal Volcano. What makes this rather srnall volcano special is the fact that it is located on an island within a very large lake. The lake itself is actually an enorrnous caldera, resulting from the collapse of a very large crater (aprox. 18000 ft high) after a violent eruption aeons ago. The northern side of the lake forms the high Tagaytay Ridge, from where the best views can be had and where cool breezes make an ideal rest stop for tours of the region.

The Picnic Grove offers facilities for lunch and refreshments, picnic tables for rent, and horseback-riding. There is a hotel here called Taal Vista Lodge, where more complete facilities and a casino can be enjoyed. For adventurous souls, trips across the crater lake and visits to Volcano Island are