Taal volcano is one of the most active volcanoes in the Philippines and has produced some of its most powerful historical eruptions. In contrast to Mayon volcano, Taal is not topographically prominent, but its historical eruptions have greatly changed the topography of Southwest Luzon.

The 15 x 20 km Talisay (Taal) caldera is largely filled by Lake Taal, whose 267 sq km surface lies only about 30m above sea level. The maximum depth of the lake is 160 m, and several eruptive centers lie submerged beneath the lake.

The 5-km-wide Volcano Island in north-central Lake Taal is the location of all historical eruptions. The island is a complex volcano composed of coalescing small strato-volcanoes, tuff rings, and scoria cones that have grown about 25% in area during historical time. Powerful pyroclastic flows and surges from historical eruptions of Taal have caused many fatalities.

Taal accessibility to Metro Manila makes it a convenient weekend destination. It is only about 60 kilometers south of Manila or the same distance when one is going to Northern Bulacan areas. The road to the scenic Taal is smooth. There are numerous exit points to reach it. One can take Southwoods Exit and pass the Carmona route or take the Sta. Rosa Exit.

From Tagaytay, there are two options: the Talisay route via Sta. Rosa Exit and the off-road route near the Tagaytay rotonda. The Talisay route offers about 6 kilometers of steep and winding concrete downhill road, while the off-road route near the Tagaytay rotonda offers a scenic view of Taal with a group of trees occasionally thatching the road. The off-road route is about 17 kilometers of gradual descent. The cliffs don't have a barrier, though, so the driver must take extra careful in controlling the vehicle especially when it's raining. Landslides occur often on the off-road route, too.

Taal Lake offers a feel of nature - an endless carpet of ripples with chunks of land placed in strategic areas to provide accent. The lake has several volcanoes that have erupted for several times.

Once the town of Talisay is reached, bangkeros will start to offer their services. From P1,000-1,500 boat ride fare to the tourist volcano, one can either trek to its crater or ride a horse.. The 20-minute boat ride from Talisay to the tourist volcano offers different angles of beauty as the sun highlights nature's gifts in the brightness it prefers. Each boat can load as much as 20 passengers. Tourists who belong to smaller groups can join others and form a bigger group and thus pay a smaller boat fare.

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