Taal Lake — Attraction in San Nicolas

Mother Earth is a great artist. Destruction of old art and creation of new art goes on. Seismicity, landslide, volcanism, tsunami, tornadoes, bushfire, floods, avalanches etc, are major tools used in destruction of old landscapes. The same tools reshape the destroyed patches with new creative art of new landscapes. All flora and fauna except humans live in harmony with nature. Humans can be more helpful to mother Earth to give a helping hand in her quest to make the natural landscape more beautiful. With less human interference the place becomes paradise like. New landscapes are being created by earth here on the Pacific "Ring of Fire" zone of seismic activity with periodic volcanic eruptions. On the canvas of blue sea the submarine volcanoes jet out slowly by series of eruptions. They coalesce to form a larger lsland. The crater collapse to form a large lake. There is eruption from the centre of the lake. There again a Island within island. What a beauty. Fearing volcanic eruption the landscape becomes more green by lesser human interferences. Now the whole art by mother Earth is enthralling. This is Taal lake and it's Taal Volcano in Philippines. Taal Volcano recently injected volumes of volcanic ash into air causing environmental concern. Nature never stops for anybody. Taal lake is with its blue torquoise waters, green hills is beautiful with a caution the place is volcano prone. Enjoy the Nature's Beauty With...

This is the only place we didn't like during our trip to Philippines. Everything there is too expensive, comparing to another islands. We understand that local people need to survive somehow and tourists are their main income , but what we've seen was too much. First you need to rent a boat to get to the foot of the volcano, then you can pay for the horse riding or go hiking to the top. The place is too crowded, when you go hiking, all the time you must watch out and give way to the horses carrying tourists on their backs. By the way, if you decide to pay for the horse riding, be ready that you'll not be able to ride by yourself - the guide will be sitting behind you and holding reins. When you get on the top the only thing you can do there is to take pictures or maybe have a drink. You can't get closer to the lake, perhaps of safety reasons. So in total it's boring. No doubt, the views are breathtaking but it's not worth efforts and...

It was a great experience visiting the smallest active volcano in the world. Trail is a little bit dirty with horse's poo so don't wear your favorite shoes. I didn't have much exercise so the hike is hard for me. Hiring a horse is also a good idea but make sure to hold tightly as there's almost nothing to hold on to nor a helmet. It was a good idea to go early so you have all the space to your photoshoot without the crowd and the hot sun. Make sure to bring your own water or beverage and don't assume that the drinks up there are free. Our foreigner...