The Magnificent Taal Lake

“What humbugs we are, who pretend to live for Beauty, and never see the Dawn” by Logan Pearsall Smith. In the world where we live in, our way of life has been made simpler and more convenient with the existence of the Internet and modern technology in general. But one great disadvantage that it brings to us is the undeniable fact that it gradually makes us lose physical interaction with nature and other people as well. I feel one needs to begin to look beyond the confines of our homes, workplaces, and cities that we adore for us to see the beauty that lies on the other side of the earth. Like this dangerous yet ecstatic vision in the province of Batangas, on the island of Luzon, Philippines known as Taal Lake.

A vista of Taal Lake, formely known as Bonbon Lake, can be enjoyed from many surrounding locations like, Mt. Maculot, Balete, San Nicolas, Batangas and a lot more. But the “Tagaytay-Taal Ridge” in Tagaytay City is the most preferred vantage point, both for foreign and local tourists alike, to enjoy a safer and a sweeping view of the lake.

Taal Lake is the deepest and the third largest lake in the Philippines and also famous for being the home where the world's smallest but most active volcanoes lie in its waters, called Taal Volcano. Making it to the list of lakes from all corners of the world possessing “all the right extremes” showcasing nature at its most spectacular, as the fourth most beautiful lake in the world.

Moreover, Taal Lake is the crater of a crater of an island. Near the center of Taal Lake is Volcano Island that has a small lake that holds a small island called the Vulcan Point. And if you need further explanation - Taal Lake is the world's largest lake on an island in a lake on an island that has its own small island within. Whew! Amazing right?

Furthermore, Taal Volcano will be equally worth mentioning being an integral part of Taal Lake. Taal Volcano has had 33 recorded eruptions since its first known outburst in 1572. Its most catastrophic eruption occurred in 1754 and 1911. Making the whole region surrounding Taal at considerable volcanic risk any time any day. That is why it has been declared as a permanent danger zone. And a joint effort from the Department of Tourism, PHIVOLCS and other local units have been closely monitoring Taal Volcano's activities to make sure significant development will be immediately relayed to the traveling public and “exploring fans” as well.

Yet despite Taal's obvious dangerous attributes, it has maintained its reputation as one of the Philippines major tourist attractions and photographed views. It surely have won the hearts of nature lovers, travelers and sightseers who came from far and near witness a uniquely intriguing natural wonder.