Taal Volcano

The journey to Taal Volcano is as much a part of the adventure as the views. Boats set out from Talisay on the shores of Taal Lake, and once on the island, it’s about a 40-minute hike or horse ride to the rim of the crater, where you’ll have a spectacular view over the crater lake and island. A full-day Taal Volcano tour from Manila typically includes round-trip transport and lunch.

• There is an entrance fee to visit the volcano.

• Make sure to stick to the marked trails—Taal is an active volcano and there are geysers and steam vents dotted around the crater.

• Bring plenty of water, comfortable shoes, and sun protection as it can get hot on the island.

Boats to Taal Volcano run from Talisay, around 2.5 miles (4 kilometers) southeast of Tagaytay city or a 30-minute journey by tricycle or jeepney. With limited public transport from Manila, the easiest way to visit is as part of a guided tour.

Taal Volcano is accessible year-round, but the most popular time to visit is during the dry season from November to April. Temperatures are highest during March and April, so hikers might want to avoid this period.

There are a number of hiking trails around the volcano island, the most popular being the Spanish Trail, which climbs to the very top. From there, enjoy views from the rim of Main Crater Lake to Vulcan Point, the tiny island at the center of the lake. To escape the crowds and the heat, try the Kenney Trail; it’s shaded by trees for much of the way, though the views aren't quite as impressive as those on the Spanish Trail.

No, it is not currently possible to go to Taal Volcano. In 2023, the Philippine government declared this site a permanent danger zone; access to the volcano is currently prohibited. Access has been forbidden since the volcano started erupting in 2020 and has shown continued signs of seismic activity.

No, it is not currently safe to go to the Taal Volcano. The volcano started erupting in 2020 and has shown signs of continued seismic activity. As of 2023, the government declared this volcano a permanent danger zone, so it is not safe to visit the Taal Volcano.

No, it is not possible to swim in Taal Volcano. Recent volcanic eruptions have impacted Taal Lake, and the water has dried up. The volcano has been closed since it started erupting in 2020. As of 2023, the government declared the site a permanent danger zone and closed it to all visitors.

While it is not currently possible to visit the Taal Volcano, it is possible to see the views of the volcano from elsewhere. Check out views of the volcano from several vantage points, including the Sky Ranch amusement park, the Tagaytay Picnic Grove, and Museo Orlina, a contemporary art museum.

Yes, Taal Lake is no longer a feature of Taal Volcano. The recent eruptions, which began in 2020, resulted in fissures that changed the physical formation of this landmark. Satellite images have revealed that the main crater lake is now dried up. As of 2023, this landmark remains closed to visitors.

Yes, it is safe to visit Tagaytay. Some travelers, given the context of Taal Volcano remaining closed since it started erupting in 2020, wonder if it is safe to visit nearby Tagaytay. But government officials have deemed visiting Tagaytay safe; excellent views of the volcano can be found at Tagaytay Picnic Grove.