Geography Lessons

Philippines one of the most active regions for volcanoes and earthquakes in the world. To see how volcanoes shape the environment, and better understand their raw and destructive power, We drove some 50km south of Laguna to Lake Taal and the Taal volcano. The lake itself is a vast crater, surrounded by more than 30 peaks. It has last erupted only couple of decades ago. The peak of the Taal volcano is in the middle of the lake, only accessible by funny looking filipino boats (nothing funny about the big engines or the way they are being driven!).

Once on the island, you first pay the government for your enjoyment, haggle down the ride to half of the original asking and jump on a tiny but hardy horse that takes you up some half a kilometre. An experience itself, but would suggest allowing the gravity work for you and hike down yourself.

The views are spectacular, and on the your return one can't but wonder about the force that lies beneath the surface still letting out a whiff of smoke and fumes in the crater.