5 Breathtaking Volcanoes to Visit in The Philippines

Owing to its proximity to the iconic ‘’Ring of Fire’’, the Philippines remains a hotspot for tourism including volcano tourism. Volcanic eruptions and earthquakes have shaken the locals for years, but that has not stopped the influx of both domestic and foreign visitors. Although volcanic explosions are terrifying, the Philippines' volcanoes are gorgeous, with incredible scenery and features. In fact, several inactive volcanoes have been transformed into tourist destinations with a wide range of activities. If you want to see these stunning volcanoes, keep reading because we will reveal to you five of the most breathtaking volcanoes in the Philippines!

Mount Mayon

First on the list is the Mayon Volcano, named after a fabled fairy. The volcano is located 2,463 meters (8,081 feet) above sea level on the southern part of the main island of Luzon, in the province of Albay. It is one of the most attractive and photographed volcanoes thanks to its symmetrical and spectacular conical shape. This iconic stratovolcano, which has been nominated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the province's symbol and has inspired a plethora of artworks and stories. But do not be fooled by its peaceful appearance because it is also a highly active volcano.

If you think Mayon Volcano is only for viewing, you are wrong. The natural park offers a wide range of ecotourism opportunities, including an ecological trip to see the beauties of Albay. You can also go and trek along to get a closer look at the volcano. Additionally, the adrenaline-pumping ATV ride from Cagsawa Ruins to Mayon's shoulder is a great and thrilling way to see to discover the hillsides, ruins, rice fields, rivers, and mud roads strewn with hundreds of volcanic pebbles. 

Taal Volcano

The Taal Volcano is the country's second most active volcano. Located near Talisay, Batangas, this volcano is one of the world's smallest, standing at 311 meters (1,020 feet) tall and features 47 overlapping cones and craters in total. The volcanic island in the center of the broader Taal Lake was the site of several of its past eruptions with the most recent eruption occurred in January of last year. By then, many neighboring provinces and cities other than Batangas were affected by the ashfall including Rizal and Metro Manila. 

Nevertheless, there are plenty of exciting things to do nowadays. One of the activities available is crossing around the island by boat. Aside from that, you can go on a hike up to the crater, which takes at least 40 minutes. Before reaching the summit, you will pass by volcanic steam vents that generate a sulphurous odor, which may be unfamiliar to some. Finally, take a horseback ride up the crater, which will take around 20 minutes. As soon as you arrived, you could see the boulders erupting in steam.

Mount Makiling

Mount Makiling, another magnificent volcano in the Philippines, is rich in legend and treasured by many. Located in Los Baños, one of the many municipalities in Laguna, Mount Makiling is famous for its shape, which resembles a woman lying on her back. The pre-colonial Filipinos also believed Maria Makiling, an "anito," guarded and protected the mountain. Despite all the tales surrounding it, the volcano has no known record of its previous eruption. As a result, it is considered a dormant volcano. Mount Makiling is only 1,090 meters (3,580 feet) above sea level, and it can be climbed in a single day. 

But do not overlook the volcano’s trails; they will make your hike tough. Expect to encounter untamed rainforests, uneven terrain, and incredible species you have never seen before along the journey. There is the Makiling Botanic Gardens as well that offers visitors the opportunity to see a variety of native and exotic plants. The good thing is that the garden is accessible by any mode of transportation. If you ride a motorbike, remember to wear a proper helmet for your own safety. Luckily, finding a nice helmet in the Philippines are a breeze with numerous brands to choose from like Airoh, Shark, or AGV.

Mount Pinatubo

Mount Pinatubo, Zambales, is well-known among locals for its 1991 eruptions, which destroyed thousands of homes and caused billions of dollars in crop damage. Fortunately, it has since grown into a popular tourist site, drawing thousands of people each year. Mount Pinatubo is a remarkable sight, with its gray-brown crater and blue-green lake. Mount Pinatubo is a remarkable sight, with its gray-brown crater and blue-green lake. Standing at 1,486 meters (4,875 feet) above sea level, the mountain now rests calmly in the distance. Despite its past, it is one of the Philippines' most visited volcanoes and visitors can rest assured that everything is in order because all trips are closely monitored. 

The only way to get closer to the mountain is to take an hour-long ride in a 4x4 jeepney. It takes a long time, but it is very enjoyable. Due to the presence of harmful substances in the lake, all sorts of water activities are not recommended. But still, there is much more to explore around Mount Pinatubo. You may unwind with a volcanic ash massage at the Pinatubo Spa or ride your motorcycle, complete with a full-face helmet from Zebra or Bell to the Capas Shrine and Tarlac Museum for a taste of culture and history.

Mount Apo

The final volcano you should visit in the Philippines is the beautiful Mount Apo in the island of Mindanao. Commonly known as the ‘’Grandfather of all Philippine Mountains’’, it is the highest mountain in the Philippine archipelago, standing at 2,954 meters (9,692 feet). Mount Apo has drawn innumerable outdoor enthusiasts from all over the world for years. It is a popular trekking destination, but the climb is not easy. You will need a good hiking guide to navigate all the challenging trails. 

The hike up Mount Apo and down takes three to four days, so planning is essential. You should also be aware of the limits and regulations in place because Mount Apo is a protected landmark in the country. If you do not want to hike, you can visit Mount Apo National Park, which is home to the endangered Philippine eagle and features Malasita Falls, Sibulao Lake, and the Kisinte Hot Springs. Never miss a chance to visit this peaceful yet active volcano because learning about its intriguing history will provide you with lifelong memories.

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