Tagaytay: Taal Lake and Volcano

Tagaytay is located south of Manila just about 2 to 3 hours drive. This city is famous not only for Taal Lake and Volcano but also for sweet tropical fruits. Taal volcano is one of the smallest volcanoes in the world. However, this volcano is different because it sits in a lake and there is also a small body of water in the crater which looks like a small lake too. Further, everyone seems to appreciate the view and beauty of Taal because the city of Tagaytay is located just above it which is like a huge viewing deck. I've visited this city many years ago and I am very excited to see it once again. First stop was Taal Vista Hotel. This hotel is famous not only for its accommodations but also for its viewing deck. Although we do not intend to check-in, they allow non-hotel guests to get inside the viewing deck as long as you pay their parking fee. I've noticed some major changes in the hotel amenities and it is now more spacious and guest friendly. The view of Taal lake and volcano from this hotel deck is breathtaking. This is one of the best spots for a painter if he wishes to paint the spectacular scenery of Taal. We took snapshots and souvenir photos here. Then we just enjoy and appreciate the view. We then went to the Park in the Sky. This park on the other side of the city was once very famous because it was built by Imelda Marcos to entertain her guests. It has a very nice view of the lake and volcano as well although it is more elevated. Just under the mountain park, I noticed that there are new subdivisions and villages built sorrounded with lots of trees. There are also several souvenir shops. It is noticeable though that the park is less maintained and needs more work.

For lunch, we drove back to the touristy area where lots of restaurants, cafes, and bars are located. We found a nice japanese restaurant with a nice view of Taal. After the meal, we all agreed we went to the right place. We had good food and great view. Just a few steps away is Starbucks where we had our coffee.

We had wanted to cross the lake and go to the volcano. However, we were told we need more
time to do that. Instead, we drove down to the lake side town of Talisay, a 45 minute drive from Tagaytay to see the lake up close. As we got closer to the lake side, lots of people met our car showing their rates for a boat ride to the volcano. Although we have not visited the volcano itself, getting into the lake side and seeing the volcano closer was worth it.


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I love tagaytay! The weather is cold, the sceneries are the best, you'll feel very relax. Most Filipinos go to Tagaytay when they wanted to relieve stress after working and to bond with their families, because Tagaytay is very near in Manila and you can go there in the morning and leave on the afternoon. Very accessible. I just love looking at the lake and the volcano. It's so beautiful. Philippines is truly Asia's Pearl of the Orient!

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