Top Ten Most Famous Volcanoes in the Philippines

Posted Aug 29, 2009 by nobertbermosa / comments 3 comments / Print / Font Size Decrease font size Increase font size

These volcanoes are famous tourist attractions in the Philippine archipelago.

The Philippines has 37 volcanoes, 22 of these are active. Other active volcanoes in the Philippines aside from the list below are; Babuyan Claro, Mt. Biliran, Bud Dajo, Cagua, Camiguin de Babuyanes, Didicas, Iraya, Mt. Iriga, Makaturing, Matutum, Musuan, Mt. Parker, Ragang, and Smith Volcano,. They are all part of the so-called “Pacific Ring of Fire.”

 

1.) Mayon Volcano

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This is the most picturesque of all the volcanoes in the Philippines - Mayon Volcano, an active stratovolcano in

the province of Albay. Mayon is the most active volcano in the country, having erupted over 47 times in the past

400 years. The first recorded eruption was in 1616. Mayon Volcano is the main landmark of Albay, Philippines.

This volcano is considered to be the world's most perfectly formed volcano for its symmetrical cone.

 

2.) Taal Volcano

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The gateway for most visitors is through Tagaytay City, from the ridge where a panoramic view of Volcano Island

can be seen.

Taal volcano, a 406 meter-high crater, is the world's smallest active volcano. It is described as “crater within an

island within a lake” because it stands as an island at Taal Lake. There have been 33 recorded eruptions of Taal

since 1572. What makes Taal Volcano more unique is the fact that the volcano itself has a lake of its own inside

its crater which is called the “Crater Lake.”

 

3.) Mount Pinatubo

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A giant reawaken after more than 400 years of deep slumber. The volcano's eruption in June 1991 produced the

second largest terrestrial eruption of the 20th century. With an elevation of 1,745m this volcano is located in

Zambales.

Mt. Pinatubo is a popular tourist destination in Central Luzon. A 2-3 hour trek then commences on a trail that

leads to its crater lake. Facilities include a view deck, cottages, and kayaks. Swimming in the lake is allowed

although it is restricted to the proximal banks.

 

4.) Mount Apo

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Mount Apo is a large stratovolcano on the island of Mindanao, Philippines. It is the highest mountain in the

country and overlooks Davao City. Its name means “master” or “grandfather.” Apo is flat topped, with three peaks,

and is capped by a 500 m wide volcanic crater containing a small crater lake. It is a source of geothermal energy.

 

Mount Apo is one of the most popular climbing destinations in the Philippines with an elevation of 2,954 m. In

1936, Mount Apo was declared a National Park. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The mountain is home

to over 270 bird species, with more than a hundred that are endemic. The Mt. Apo Natural Park includes 629

species under 148 families of vascular and non-vascular plants. Five hundred seventy two species belong to 124

families of ferns and angiosperms, while 57 species belong to 24 families of bryophytes or mosses.

5.) Mount Arayat

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Mt. Arayat is an inactive volcano in Pampanga, Philippines rising to a height of 1026 m above sea level. The

volcano is located in a flat agricultural region within the municipality of Arayat, Pampanga. Mt. Pinatubo is located

a further ten miles west.

 

It is considered a mystical mountain, and people are against a proposal to place radio antennas atop the peak.

Two trails lead to the two peaks of Mt. Arayat. Mt. Arayat National Park has a trail to Peak 1. This is the more

popular trail, taking around 3-4 hours to reach the peak. Peak 1 offers views of Central Luzon, including

Pampanga River, the mountains of Zambales and Bataan, and the mountains of the Sierra Madre Range. On the

other hand, Peak 2 can be accessed from Magalang, Pampanga.

 

6.) Mount Banahaw

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A dormant volcanic complex located on the boundary of Laguna and Quezon, Philippines. It is considered to be

sacred by the local residents because of its “holy water and or holy sites. It has a height of 2,158 m, above seal

level.

Mt. Banahaw is a traditional pilgrimage site for locals, being considered a "holy mountain". It is also popular

among mountain climbers being the closest >2000-meter mountain to Manila. Hiking activity peaks during Holy

Week of each year, with climbers numbering thousands. Points of interest include the Cave of God the Father

and the spring at Brgy. Kinabuhayan, said to have curative powers.

7. Mount Bulusan

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Mt. Bulusan or Bulusan Volcano is the southernmost volcano on Luzon Island in the Philippines. It is found in the

province of Sorsogon in Bicol 70 km southeast of Mayon Volcano. It has four craters and four hot springs; San

Benon Springs, Mapaso Springs, San Vicente Springs, Masacrot Springs.

 

Its adjacent volcanic edifices are Mt. Homahan, Mt. Binitacan, Mt. Batuan, Mt. Calungalan, Mt. Calaunan, Mt.

Tabon-Tabon, Mt. Juban, and Mt. Jormajan. It is one of the 22 active volcanoes in the Philippines and after

Mayon, Taal and Pinatubo is considered the 4th most active, having erupted 15 times since 1886.

 

8. Mount Hibok-Hibok

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Hibok-Hibok is an active volcano on Camiguin Island, Philippines. It has 6 hot springs; Ardent Spring, Tangob,

Bugong, Tagdo, Naasag and Kiyab, three crater lakes. It also has a volcanic mark, Taguines Lagoon. Its adjacent

volcanic edifices are Mt. Vulcan, Mt. Mambajao, Mt. Ginsiliban, and Mt.Uhay. There are also domes and cones at

Campana Hill, Minokol Hill, Tres Marias Hill, Mt. Carling, Mt. Tibane, and Piyakong Hill.

 

Hibok-Hibok erupted five times in modern history. The first recorded eruption occurred in 1827. This was followed

by similar activity in 1862. Mt. Hibok-Hibok is a popular hiking destination in Camiguin Island. The usual jump-off is

Ardent Hot Springs in Mambajao. Views from the summit include the nearby White Island.

 

9.) Kanlaon Volcano or Mount Kanlaon

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Mt. Kanlaon is a stratovolcano on Negros Island, Philippines. Kanlaon has an elevation of 2,435 meters and a

base diameter of 30 km. The summit of Kanlaon contains a broad elongated northern caldera with a crater lake.

Mt. Kanlaon is a very popular site for nature trippers due to its vast quantities of flora and fauna, and its

legendary history and myth.

 

The volcano has three hot springs on its slopes; Mambucal Hot Springs, Bucalan Hot Spring, Bungol Hot Spring.

Its adjacent volcanic edifices are Mt. Silay and Mt. Mandalagan. It is the most active volcano in central Philippines.

Kanlaon has erupted 25 times since 1886. It is a favorite spot for mountain climbers and is surrounded by the Mt.

Kanlaon National Park.

 

10.) Mount Makiling

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Mt. Makiling is located in the province of Laguna, Philippines. It is an inactive volcano, which rises to 1,090 m

above sea level. A campsite at the foot of Mount Makiling is being managed by the Boy Scout of the Philippines

and was the site of the 10th World Scout Jamboree in 1959. Mt. Makiling is also a popular hiking destination.

 

Come visit the beautiful Philippines and see more of its natural wonders.

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Comments

MidasFX
MidasFX said... on November 16th, 2009 at 11:26 PM

Very cool information, Will have to visit there for some good hiking adventures!

WayneThomas
WayneThomas said... on October 26th, 2009 at 9:42 PM

great photos, good report.

JoelEsteban
JoelEsteban said... on August 31st, 2009 at 10:11 PM

except for kanlaon, hibok-hibok & apo, have seen these volcanoes. and indeed they are famous and beautiful too.



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