Begin your adventure with a convenient hotel pickup in Manila, then travel south to the refreshing highlands of Tagaytay.
Your first stop is the picturesque Tagaytay Picnic Grove, perched 665 meters above sea level. Take in sweeping panoramic views of Taal Volcano, dramatically set in the middle of Taal Lake. Your driver will gladly help you capture stunning photos with this iconic natural wonder in the background.

Discover the story behind the January 12, 2020 eruption, which began at 2:36 PM and sent ash clouds as far as Metro Manila, forcing over 150,000 residents to evacuate. As one of the most active volcanoes in the Philippines, Taal continues to be closely monitored due to its history of sudden and powerful eruptions.

Next, embark on a 2+ hour boat sightseeing tour around Taal Volcano. Although the island itself remains off-limits for safety reasons, you’ll cruise within 10 meters of its shores—close enough to witness sulfur dioxide (SO₂) rising from the main crater. Taal emits an average of 10,331 tonnes of SO₂ daily, with recent spikes up to 18,638 tonnes, underscoring its persistent volcanic activity.

Important: The island and crater remain closed to the public under government restrictions. Alert Level 1 is still in place, and stepping onto the island is strictly prohibited.

DISCLAIMER: Please disregard any reviews mentioning crater trekking. These tours were discontinued following the 2020 eruption.

After your boat tour, enjoy a relaxing lunch at a scenic ridge-side restaurant overlooking Taal Lake. Then, visit the midlands in a tranquil Korean temple, known for its peaceful ambiance and beautiful surroundings—a perfect way to end your day before heading back to your hotel in Manila.