Taal Volcano is in fact the most furious of the Philippines’ eleven active volcanoes. More than thirty spectacular eruptions have been recorded since 1572, some so devastating that rains of fire, mud, and smoke all but destroyed the region and its population. Yet, unlike Mount Mayon, Mount Apo, and other volcanoes whose majestic cones dominate the landscape around them, Taal is a mere 984 feet high, barely rising above shoreline of the lake.

Lake Taal itself actually fills what remains of the crater of another immense, now-extinct volcano. This prehistoric Taal Volcano may have been as high as 18,000 feet, and on its slopes lay the entire area of what is now Batangas Province, receiving its lush soil from the ashes, mud, and lava of centuries of volcanic eruption. At some point before recorded time the cone of this monster volcano collapsed, leaving a great depression in its wake. Sweet water rushed in to fill the void, forming a crater like seventeen miles long, twelve miles wide, and so deep that it has never been fathomed.

Only the tip of the original volcano remains above the waters. The lava and basaltic rock that poured forth over the centuries eventually created a twelve-square-mile island within Lake Taal itself. New fissures and craters appeared, and nestled within one of these is another lake, greenish yellow in color, with yet another small volcanic cone in its crater. Thus this island is in a lake on an island in a lake on yet another island.

If you want to see Taal Volcano and Taal Lake go to Tagaytay City. It is located in the Province of Cavite, approximately 56km south of Manila. Tagaytay is an hour and 15- minute drive from Manila. You can take the South Luzon Expressway or the Coastal Road. Through South Luzon Expressway, take Sta. Rosa exit going straight to Tagaytay City. Through the Coastal Road, take the Aguinaldo Highway and go straight to Tagaytay. There are also buses that ply to Tagaytay from Manila. Terminals are located at EDSA Cubao, Pasay City (Near MRT EDSA Taft Station), and in Manila.

Tagaytay City provides a spectacular view of Taal Volcano and Taal Lake. It also offers a cool climate especially during the months from December to February. Commercial establishments and hotels proliferates the City. Tagaytay is one of the tourist attractions of the Province of Cavite for local and foreign visitors.