Natural Crafts Philippines

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.

The one and only, the underground river of Puerto Princesa! Listed since 1999 as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and designated as one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature since 2012. It is one of the most spectacular caves in the world, which you can explore by canoe. An out of the ordinary experience guaranteed! After being dropped off by the boat at the entrance, you will be given a life jacket and a helmet. A guide takes the visitors on a small boat. The trip on the river lasts 45 minutes. Armed with a flashlight, the driver paddles around in the back of the small boat and jokes about the shapes of the stalagmites and stalactites. Visits to the cave take place between 8am and 4pm. When it rains, the water becomes murky, even muddy, and the visit is less pleasant. Therefore, if you can, you should choose a day with dry weather. For those who are passionate about the river, it is recommended to ask for an in-depth visit of the river beforehand.

Practical. If you don't want to go through an agency that takes care of the excursion from A to Z from Puerto Princesa, it is possible to go to the underground river alone. In this case, it is necessary to buy a permit, if possible a day earlier, at the Underground River Booking Office in Puerto Princesa (250 PHP). Once at the Sabang pier, you take a boat to the river (15 minutes). The more adventurous can also reach the entrance on foot via the Jungle Trail (5 km, 2 hours).

It is one of the largest and most popular caves in Sagada and requires about 2.5 hours of visit to explore all the chambers, each more impressive than the other. On the way there, you can also enjoy a beautiful view of the Kapay-aw rice terraces and see the hanging coffins in the rock walls. Be careful: the water in the cave can sometimes be quite high (at shoulder height). Take your precautions.

The Loboc River is one of the jewels of the island of Bohol. Surrounded by dense, lush tropical vegetation, it has been dubbed the Amazon of the Philippines. It crosses the island for almost 60 km before joining the ocean at the mouth of Loay in the north. Depending on the weather, its peaceful waters are sometimes a luminous emerald blue, sometimes green with hints of jade. Always magnificent. Along its shores, a number of ecolodges have sprung up, remaining fairly discreet and in harmony with their surroundings, to welcome travellers in search of tranquillity. Most of them offer the same activities, i.e. an evening ride on a banca to watch the fireflies, massages, Filipino cooking lessons (sometimes) and stand-up paddle trips on the river (500 PHP). This is the nicest way to discover the river, going at your own pace, with no engine noise, alone with a guide who tells stories, it's slow and you take your time to soak up the scenery, a great experience! If you prefer to sit back, you can kayak up the river (400 PHP). Finally, you can embark on a 1-hour boat cruise along the Loboc River, accompanied by a Filipino buffet lunch. On some boats, you'll be treated to more or less authentic music and dance (tips welcome: 20-50 PHP). It's a tourist experience that's sure to please. In any case, the Loboc River is one of Bohol's natural wonders.

Located not far from Mambajao, the volcano or Mount Hibok-Hibok is the only one of Camiguin's seven active volcanoes. However, the volcano last erupted in 1951, causing extensive damage to the town. In the aftermath of this catastrophe, which killed almost 500 people and caused major losses to animals and plants, a national observatory called Philvolcs (Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology) was set up 400 metres up on the mountainside to monitor and analyze the volcano's activity. This observatory is well worth a visit before reaching the foot of the volcano, if you wish to learn more about volcanoes and earthquakes. It is also advisable to consult the observatory before considering climbing the volcano, accompanied by a local guide (your hotel or tourist office will undoubtedly be able to direct you to one). At 1,300 metres high, it takes around eight hours to walk up and back down. It's a real challenge for climbers, but after this effort, which starts gently on the prepared paths, you'll be sure to appreciate the magnificent view over the sea and forest, and further afield to the islands of Bohol, Siquijor, Cebu and Negros. Hibok-Hibok has four craters, some of which have become small lakes. All the more beautiful for the view. A unique hike in an exceptional environment.

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!

Besides its caves and mummies, Kabayan is also known for being surrounded by four lakes in the middle of pine and oak forests and at the foot of the famous Mount Pulog: Lake Tabeyo, Lake Incolos, Lake Bulalakaw and Lake Datep-Ngapos. Like the village, these lakes are surrounded by mysterious legends that a guide will gladly tell you about. It is possible to make hikes accessible to beginners and from the campsite. In the evening, the starry sky is magnificent.

Established as a national park, Sohoton Cove is famous for its superb scenery of caves set in turquoise lagoons. It is three hours from General Luna. Its subterranean blue lagoons are home to a multitude of harmless fish and jellyfish, and the lush vegetation surrounding the caves will make you wish you'd never come. Jumping, kayaking, snorkeling... Impossible to get bored. The best time to come is between March and July, when the sea is calm and the winds are light. A must-see excursion from Siargao!

Located seven kilometers from Surigao, it takes around 15 minutes to reach Silop Cave, also known as Campamento Cave. The cave consists of four chambers, the central one of impressive size. There are twelve different entrances. Giant stalagmites and stalactites can be seen, as well as different species of bats. During the Second World War, the cave served as a garrison for Japanese soldiers. An interesting visit if you like caves.

Maca means "cave" and hambus means "to fall from the top of the river". This was the site of the Battle of Macahambus Hill. On June 4, 1900, a confrontation took place between the Kagayanon tribe and American soldiers. It is said to have been the first Filipino victory over the Americans during the Philippine uprising. Inside, there's a view of the Cagayan River, where the Spaniards once found gold. Outside the rainy season, the water level is quite low and you can take a dip in the pool.

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's a one and a half hour walk from the village to Suyo and it is appreciated for its mineral formations, stalagmites and stalactites. It is possible to drive to Suyo and walk 20 minutes to the cave. The Balangagan cave has been used as a burial place for the Igorot tribes, several coffins can still be seen near the entrance and others stuck in the stalagmites. Going through the rooms with a guide who tells you all the local legends associated with the place is an interesting experience but not recommended for claustrophobic people.

Trek in the thick virgin forest of Subic, escorted by instructors of the JEST. We learn to locate a source of drinking water and to set a belt using only forest resources. The length of the tour varies between one and four hours depending on the group.

A very beautiful site located 20 km north of Legazpi, in the municipality of Malilipot. The Busay waterfall is actually multiple, since there are no less than seven falls for a total of 243 meters. The biggest one is 91 meters long, and they flow in steps into small pools of water. On site, a parking lot and picnic areas, the place is very popular with locals on weekends. If the water is rather cold, it is still pleasant to swim there.

Port Barton is surrounded by several waterfalls, including Pamuayan. With a height of 8 meters, it flows into a basin where it is possible to swim (the water is quite cold). The access to the latter requires an hour and a half walk to the north of Port Barton (you can ask one of the villagers to be your guide); otherwise opt to go there by motorcycle or scooter in 20 minutes. A nice excursion in the middle of nature, where you won't meet many people. Remember to take a picnic.

These beautiful waterfalls are located about an hour's drive from Legazpi, in the town of Malinao, at the foot of Mount Malinao. The main waterfall, 25 meters high, is of great beauty, as are the mini waterfalls that flow from it. The water in the basin, about 2 meters deep, is quite refreshing but pleasant for a short swim. The place is still very peaceful although it is one of the most beautiful spots in the Albay area.

The 14-meter high Daranak waterfalls, surrounded by enchanting nature, are known for their beauty and regularly attract local film and commercial shoots. The place is also popular for picnics. A small bamboo bridge leads the visitor to other smaller waterfalls. Not far from there are the Batlag Falls, equally beautiful, but even more wild. The vegetation surrounding them is magnificent.

Just a thirty-minute drive from the town of Cagayan de Oro, Catanico Falls is one of the region's natural wonders. After spectacular rapids between boulders, the waters cascade powerfully into a natural pool surrounded by large boulders. Please note, however, that we strongly advise against swimming here due to the force of the water. Moreover, care should be taken when moving around there, as the rocks are always wet and therefore slippery due to the ambient humidity.

This 40 m-high waterfall is impressive, and the swim is invigorating. To get there, you'll have to climb three hundred and fifty steps (beware of slippery rocks, lush jungle and lack of signage)! Casaroro is the name of the first inhabitant of Valencia to discover these falls.

You can continue on to the Calamason waterfall, which means "to climb". Until recently, it could only be reached by climbing lianas and steep rocks. It's a popular spot for picnics. A simply sublime place!

This tree is one of the last of the giants that once populated Mindanao, and can be found in San Francisco's neighboring village of Alegria, fifteen minutes away. Toog Tree, whose scientific name is Petersianthus quadrialathus, stands 80 metres tall and is the largest and oldest (300 years) of its kind in the Philippines. It's a curious sight, standing alone and naked in the middle of the village. It is frequently the subject of debate between locals who want it cut down for their own safety, and associations who want to preserve it.