Why the
Taal Volcano
complex is special

It is unique in this world because of the positions of its 5 components: Taal Volcano, Taal Lake, Volcano Island, Crater Lake, and Vulcan Point.

To illustrate their bizarre relationships, view my animated diagram:

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Taal Volcano
tips & insights

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Near Manila

Taal is a popular day trip from Manila. It’s only 50 kilometers (30 miles) away. Taal is also popular as a summer vacation retreat. The climate is cooler than in Manila.

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Climbing

A must for adventure travelers is climbing Volcano Island. You take a half-hour ride in a small boat to the island, then hike (30 to 45 minutes) or horseback (20 to 25 minutes) up to the ridge for a breathtaking view of Crater Lake.

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When to come, what to wear

During summer, the sun beats down relentlessly – and there are no shade trees on the trail to the summit. So plan an early morning start – and wear sun screen and a broad-rimmed hat.

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If you are not bent on
climbing Volcano Island

Visit the town of Tagaytay located on the ridge of Taal Volcano. It has outstanding panoramic views of Taal Lake and Volcano Island.

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Tubbataha Reef

Why the
Tubbataha Reef
is special

The Tubbataha (too-bah-tah-hah’) Reef in the remote center of the Sulu Sea is one of the world’s finest dive locations. It has a rich and dense marine life – with several hundred species of both coral and fishes.

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Tubbataha Reef
tips & insights

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Diver's paradise

Tubbataha Reef is noted among divers for its abundance of vivid corals, expansive sea ferns, colorful crustaceans, magnificent turtles, chromatic small fishes, and striking large fishes. The last includes sharks, whale sharks, mantas, tuna, and barracudas. And the soaring, perpendicular underwater walls are legendary.

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Limited access

Tubbataha Reef is normally accessible only three months a year, from about mid-March to mid-June. Sea conditions are too rough for the remaining 9-month span.

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Best months

For the best underwater visibility and the calmest seas, go in April or May.

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Getting there

You can reach Tubbataha Reef only by boat. It lies 180 kilometers (110 miles) southeast of Puerto Princesa, the capital of Palawan. The voyage lasts about 10 hours each way.

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Pamalican Island

Why
Pamalican Island
is special

Pamalican is an alluring small island. It has tropical foliage and is studded with coconut trees. It's fringed with powdery white-sand beaches, and is rimmed with crystal-clear seawaters flanked by coral reefs.

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Pamalican Island
tips & insights

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Amanpulo Resort

Pamalican Island is the home of the Amanpulo Resort, one of the world's most secluded luxury resorts for unwinding and rejuvenating. Amanpulo means "peaceful island" and that it is.

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Accommodations

The entire island is privately owned and is for the exclusive use of the fewer than 100 Amanpulo Resort guests. Amanpulo has several dozen posh casitas (cottages) plus some equally stylish hillside, treetop and villa accommodations.

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Small island

I walked leisurely around Pamalican Island on the beach in under 2 hours.

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Getting there

This luxury retreat lies southwest of Manila. It is slightly over one hour away by scheduled 19-passenger charter air service. This is the only means of transportation in and out for guests, which adds to the isolation appeal.

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