Taal Volcano and Lake
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The world’s only freshwater sardine, the tawilis, is the most important endemic species of fish that can be found here.
Taal Volcano, situated amidst the freshwater Taal Lake, in the Batangas province, in the Luzon islands in the Philippines, which is about 50 kilometers south of Manila, Philippines capital city, is a complex active volcano. Hot fumes and ashes are often sighted coming out of the mouth of the volcano. The Taal Lake, covering an area of 243 sq. kms, partially covers the Taal Caldera, which has been formed by the powerful prehistoric eruptions of the volcano.
Highlights and Features
The western side of Luzon comes under the belt of active volcanoes, and Taal Volcano is one of them. In fact, it has the reputation of being the world’s smallest active volcano, taking only about 45 minutes to reach the island by a boat, and another 20 odd minutes to reach the summit of the volcano. The island formed due to the repeated volcanic eruptions has actually been named Volcano Islands and it almost an area of 23 sq. kilometers. Permanent settlements have, although, been prohibited by PHIVOLCS, or the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology, as the risks associated with eruptions are always persistent. Despite the warnings, poor families have made this island their home, and earn a living by farming crops in the rich and fertile volcanic soil. Fishing is also an important form of livelihood.
The lake itself is a host to various endemic species, since its connection with the sea recently. The world’s only freshwater sardine, the tawilis, is the most important endemic species of fish that can be found here.
How to get there
Tourists need to hire banca from Talisay, Batangas, to cross the Taal Lake in order to reach the Volcano Island. To reach Talisay, tourists can opt between the more common public transport modes, including buses and jeepneys, or hired personal vehicles. It’ll take almost an hour to reach Talisay and about 45 minutes to cross the lake.