Things to see and do Southern Luzon

Taal volcano is a volcanic complex composed of a vast caldera of 15 km by 20 km, occupied by Taal Lake. Taal Lake is the^3rd largest body of water in the country (235 ^km2). It is in the center of the lake, on the island-volcano or Taal volcano, that historical eruptions have been recorded. Vulcano Island consists of a cone whose summit crater is also filled by a lake. It is considered the smallest active volcano in the world. Indeed, the most powerful eruptions are capable of generating devastating tsunamis (1 330 victims in 1911). The eruption of 1965 devastated 60 ^km2 and killed a hundred people. An eruptive activity in 1976 and 1977 with fumaroles and projections generated the evacuation of the populations. Between 2020 and 2022, the volcano erupted again, with strong seismic activity, forcing thousands of people to evacuate and the Manila airport to suspend flights.

In 2023, it reopened to the public and is still an important tourist attraction. The walk can be done in one day when conditions permit. On the crater, a one-hour climb leads to the top where you can admire the inner lake and its fumaroles. It is also possible to go for a horse ride (about 500 PHP).

How to get there. From Tagaytay, take a Jeepney (60 PHP, every hour, 20 minutes) or a tricycle (300 PHP) to Talisay, a small village on the lake. From Talisay, take a banca to get to the crater.

Caramoan Islands National Park, nestled on the peninsula of the same name northeast of Naga. It is one of the wildest places in the Philippines. Its limestone cliffs that plunge into the sea, its wild vegetation, its white sandy beaches and turquoise waters have an air of El Nido and Coron in northern Palawan. In short: sublime. Caramoan, if the name rings a bell, it is perhaps because the filming of Koh Lanta was held there in 2008 and more recently returned in 2023 for the ^24th edition of the cult show. In between, many versions of the North American Survivor have also taken place here. And Caramoan has become a bit of a reality TV 'paradise'. However, there are still great opportunities for adventurers, especially around Caramoan and Paniman. The most beautiful islands are : Lahuy, Matukad, Pitogo, Sabitang Laya, Minalahos, Lahus, Hunongan, Gota, Cotivas and Tinago.

Activities. There is something for everyone, from the traditional island hopping to explore the islands by boat, to diving and the many caves and beaches to explore.

Getting there. Recently, Caramoan National Park has been reached directly by land. From Naga: direct bus (5h, 260 PHP) or van to Sabang Port (1h30, 150 PHP) then boat to Guijalo Port (2h, departures from 6am to 11am, 120 PHP). Then tricycle to Caramoan (30 minutes, 120 PHP).

There's no need to go through an agency to organize your whale shark interaction outing: just go to the tourist office, register, complete a 6-person boat (or share the price), pay theenvironmental fee and snorkeling equipment rental and then set off on your adventure. Before heading out to sea, the friendly staff will show you a promotional video that also includes safety rules to ensure the animal's well-being, which is protected and preserved here.

Swimming with whale sharks of 20 meters long? If it wasn't already a dream, it should become one at the mere mention of this exceptional experience... Welcome to Donsol, one of the few spots in the world where you can interact with what is considered the biggest fish in the world (the whale is a mammal), in an incredible setting. Here, whale sharks(butanding in Tagalog) are not fed to be attracted like in Oslob, they live their life quietly in freedom, following the plankton. It is up to us to adapt to the animal and not the other way around (this is the principle of ecotourism and we love it!). The downside of this perfect picture? You have no guarantee that the whale sharks will show up the day you will be there. But let's say that this uncertainty is part of the experience, spices it up. However, you should know that the best period is from March to May, and that as early as December it is possible to see them. When it rains, for example, they stay in the background. So, it's up to you to decide. The trip to Donsol and the 3 hours in the boat are still a pleasant moment, sprinkled with adrenaline and the excitement of crossing the path of these big fish. And if you are one of the happy few who have the chance to swim with them, then the pleasure will be multiplied by ten. In summary: an experience recommended when you have time to spare as it easily takes 3-4 days and there is no certainty to see these magnificent marine animals!

Located one hour from Virac, Binurong viewpoint is in the baranguay of Guinsaanan. Once you get there, you still have to make a short and easy 20 minutes trek to reach the viewpoint. And there, you just have to enjoy the dazzling view which is offered to you, green pastures, steep cliffs, the agitated sea... The most courageous will get up early to come and contemplate the sunrise from here, you will not be disappointed. Finally, for the little information, in bicolano binurong means "healing".

Located about 15 kilometers from Legazpi, in Camalig, Solong Eco-Park opened to the public in 2017. The place is ideal for families or nature lovers and sportsmen (but it is also a very quiet and relaxing place). One comes here to discover the pleasures of caving in the Crystal Cave for example. And above all, you can go up to the top of Solong Hill to enjoy an incredible view of the Mayon volcano but especially of the Quitinday Hills, hunchbacked hills covered with greenery... like the famous Chocolate Hills of Bohol.

It is a replica of the house of Apolinario Mabini, one of the intellectual leaders of the Philippine Revolution of 1898. During the American occupation, this house became the intellectual headquarters of the First Philippine Republic. You can visit this replica made of bamboo and nipas, a typical middle class house during that period. In the adjacent museum, you will discover personal belongings and writings of Mabini.

This house in Spanish colonial architecture was transformed into a museum. It was built in 1849 and is the birthplace of this national hero. It is from the window of this house that the Philippine flag was raised for the first time: it was on 12 June 1898, the day on which the independence of the Philippines was proclaimed. An underground passage was recently discovered at the back of the garden. It was intended as a rallying point for the revolutionary movement.

In the 1970s, these 22-meter waterfalls were very popular with the local population who came to swim and picnic at weekends with their families. Lack of preservation and pollution from upstream villages slowly led to the ruin of this natural gem. In 2000, they were classified as a protected area, were closed for a while, and then reopened to the public in 2015. It is now not recommended to swim there but they are still a very touristy place and have become a business park (not very authentic).

This cave is big, very dark obviously and some passages are quite narrow. There are alcoves in the walls in which are nested hundreds of bats, immense stalactites and stalagmites, it is fascinating to be able to explore such a place (on three floors all the same!) in such an isolated setting (there are rarely crowds of tourists here). We cross water sources on small bridges. All the more impressive when we know that this cave was formerly under the waters of the sea. Claustrophobes, abstain.

It is in the same building as the mayor's office in Trece Martires City.

Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage, also known as the Virgin of Antipolo is a wooden image of the Virgin Mary very famous in the Philippines. It is kept in the church of Antipolo, which every year sees thousands of pilgrims flock to admire the icon in summer. The story goes that this miraculous icon has traveled eight times between Manila and Acapulco and has saved many people by warning them of coming disasters.

The People's Park, which is the former Palace in the Sky of the Marcos family, overlooks Taal Lake and the view is magnificent. This palace was built during his reign, in the 1980s. And for his family, it requires all the necessary luxury: huge reception hall, swimming pool, massage room... This project is disapproved by the population which revolts in front of this display of wealth. In February 1986, during the uprising against the dictator, the army seized the palace and distributed the furniture to the inhabitants. Today, there are only abandoned remains.

This dormant volcano, 1,000 meters high, is home to more than 2,000 species of plants and is ideal for trekking (4-5 hours to reach one of the peaks). It is also sacred to the Filipinos because of the many mystical legends that surround it, starting with its name. It is here that Maria Makiling, the most famous diwata (fairy) of Philippine mythology, is said to live. Spirit of nature, she is invoked during natural disasters. And if a hiker disappears for example, it is said that it is her who, fallen in love, took him away...

Mount Iriga, also known as Mount Asog, is an active volcano (well, it has been sleeping since 1642!) of 1,200 meters in altitude. The flanks of the volcano Iriga are covered with a lush vegetation very dense. On its eastern side, Lake Buhi, whose formation is the result of the last eruption of the volcano, stands proudly. This small lake is known to shelter the tabius, endemic to the Philippines, it is the smallest food fish marketed in the world (3 millimeters!). It is used in the preparation of refined dishes.

This museum belongs to one of the most famous families of artists in the country: the Blanco family, whose mother, father and seven children all became great artists. In different styles, they mainly paint everyday life, rural life and landscapes. This private museum houses a large collection of 400 works. Very friendly, the staff will be happy to guide you and give you some explanations.

Nemiranda, born in 1949, is one of the great contemporary Filipino painters. His works focus on his country's culture and local legends. At the University of Santo Tomas in Manila, he was awarded first prize for painting in 1970 and took part in some fifty international exhibitions (in Italy, the United States, UNESCO and Galeries Lafayette during Cory Aquino's visit to France in 1989). He has also held several solo exhibitions. In 1975, he founded the Centre culturel d'Art visuel and multiplied his initiatives to promote and disseminate the teaching of painting. A fervent defender of the family and traditional values, he passes on his knowledge to his many children, who follow in their father's footsteps with brio. His work consists of wall sculptures on wood, depicting historical events. Realistic paintings, revealing his sharp, critical eye, depict traditional and religious Filipino life. Daily chores in the fields or at home are at the heart of his figurative work. The way of life of Mindanao's minorities is another of Nemiranda's favorite themes. Edsa Cathedral is decorated with his frescoes. Little by little, he has transformed his home into an art center, built entirely from natural materials. It's a school, a studio and a meeting place for artists. Works are for sale. There's also a café serving local dishes. The place is quiet and pleasant. A pleasant visit.

The memorial is located in the center of the island and is the highest point of the island. It was built in 1968 by the Americans as a tribute to the Filipino and American soldiers of the Second World War. Up there, there is also a small museum, a kind of reconstructed barracks that houses war memorabilia. It is a place full of history that will interest those who wish to learn more about the World War II period in the Philippines.

The Bubbles site is quite original. Here, one does not come to admire the corals or colored fishes but more to observe an interesting natural phenomenon, that of hot air bubbles coming out of the sandy ground. They come from the volcanic activity of the ground which is very hot in some places. The spot is also regularly visited by rays, groupers and turtles. Not far away, Secret Bay is one of Anilao's must-sees, and is home to rare and colorful creatures, fascinating to observe, even during night dives.

It is a well-known diving site of the marine reserve of Anilao. The particularity of this diving site is that a big cross (blessed by Pope John Paul II) was installed there in 1983 at the request of President Ramos, it is coiled between two big rocks, which can make think of a cathedral. Corals, gorgonians and fishes are numerous: for good reason, divers can practice fishfeeding there. The site is accessible to beginners and it is even possible to do night dives.