TAAL VOLCANO: BEAUTIFUL UNIQUE, DEADLY

TAAL VOLCANO

Phreatic volcano explosion of Taal Volcano on January 12, 2020

Taal Volcano (2½ hours from Manila) has the unusual distinction of being the world's only volcano within a lake within a volcano within a lake within a volcano. The largest lake is inside a large volcanic caldera that was produced hundreds of thousands of years ago. Inside the lake is a smaller volcano and lake with a small island topped by a relatively new volcano. Taal Volcano has also been called the shortest volcano in the world. It is only 300 meters tall but don't let its small size deceive you. It has a deadly history. The worst of its numerous eruptions killed thousands of people was in 1754. But as devastating as this eruption was it also provided nutrients for the region's fertile soil which today is ideal for raising sugar cane, coffee and cattle.

The main lake at Taal is 30 kilometers across and is filled with dugout canoes, small boats, and motor-powered outriggers. Once part of an the ocean channel in Balayan Bay in the South China Sea, the lake was created during the 1754 eruption, when a huge lava flow surged into the sea and transformed the channel into a lake. As the water in the lake rose entire towns were submerged and the water became less and less salty. Today it is a fresh water lake, even though it contains salt water species, such as sardines and highly venomous sea snakes that have adapted to the fresh water. Up until 50 years ago, there were even freshwater sharks in the lake.

Taal Lake is the third largest lake in the Philippines. It is protected as part of the Taal Volcano Protected Landscape, but the ecosystem is threatened by overfishing, tourism and water extraction for irrigation, according to the World Lake Database. Taal is also the name of a pretty town on the shores of the lake. Sights include lovely Spanish-style stone houses, and the Basilica of St. Martin. Built in 1858 and once the largest church in Southeast Asia, the basilica is a little run down these days—the bell is covered by guano left by bats in the belfry—but still worth a visit. The Taal neighborhood of Balisong is famous for its switchblade-like "butterfly knives."

According to volcanodiscovery.com: Taal volcano with its lake-filled 15-x-20 kilometers wide Talisay (Taal) caldera is a beautiful caldera volcano, but also one of the most active and dangerous volcanoes of the Philippines. The Taal caldera is largely filled by Lake Taal, whose 267 square kilometer surface lies only three meters m above sea level. The maximum depth of the lake is 160 meters, and contains several eruptive centers submerged beneath the lake. [Source: volcanodiscovery.com ]

Lake Taal

Rev. Miguel Saderra Masó, S.J., assistant director of the Philippines Weather Bureau in 1911, wrote: “Taal Volcano rises out of a small island in Lake Bombon. The height of the crater walls varies between 150 and 304 meters (492 and 996 feet). 1) The volcano, properly speaking-that is, the communication between the surface and the earth's interior, or at least the channels of the recorded eruptions-is not confined to the actual crater, nor to the whole of the island called Pulo Volcan, but includes likewise a large part of the depression occupied by Lake Bombon. 2) All the eruptions, of which a record has been preserved, have had the same general character as the latest, all consisting in explosions which hurled the volcanic products to great distances. 3) There never issued any lava in the molten state, but always blown to dust and ashes by the pressure of gases or steam. [Source: The eruption of Taal volcano, January 30, 1911, by Rev. Miguel Saderra Masó, S.J., assistant director of the Philippines Weather Bureau, quod.lib.umich.edu =]

“The towns of Taal, Lipa, Sala, and Tanauan, mentioned in the ancient descriptions, were up to 1754 situated on the southern, eastern, and northern shores, respectively, of Lake Bombon, at distances from the crater only slightly exceeding 10 kilometers (6.2 miles). The destruction caused by the outbursts of 1716 and 1754 involved all the shores of Lake Bombon. Secondly, we must remember that throughout the region in question, there neither exist to-day, nor ever have existed in the past, any other stone buildings with tile roofs than the church, convento, municipal building, government house, and some other structure of a public character. Nearly all the other buildings were, and actually are, constructed of what are locally called "light materials;" viz, of bamboo thatched with nipa leaves or grass. Only the houses of the well-to-do families are usually of wood with roofs of nipa, cogon grass, or similar material. Iron roofing is only now being introduced. =

Websites and Sources on Volcanoes: USGS Volcanoes volcanoes.usgs.gov ; Volcano World volcano.oregonstate.edu ; Volcanoes.com volcanoes.com ; Wikipedia Volcano article Wikipedia , Smithsonian Global Volcanism Program volcano.si.edu operated by the Smithsonian has descriptions of volcanoes around the globe and a catalog of over 8,000 eruptions in the last 10,000 years.

Taal Lake: the Only Place with 'An Island Within a Lake, Within an Island Within a Lake, Within an Island'

Taal Volcano in 2013 from a plane: you can also see the island within a lake, within an island within a lake, within an island (Luzon of the Philippines)

Inside the small crater lake within Taal volcano is a tiny volcanic island that emits sulfur and steam. This island was immortalized by "Ripley's Believe It or Not" as the "amazing island in a lake on an island in a lake on an island." Steam and sulfur also rise from yellow furmoles on the slopes of Taal volcano and the cliffs on the interior of the crater.

Researchers think the crater of Taal formed after a series of eruptions between 140,000 and 5,380 B.C. The lake that fills the Taal volcano caldera is a bowl-shaped basin that opened when the top of Taal volcano blew off during one of the prehistoric eruptions. The water came from the sea, traveling via what is now the Pansipit River from modern-day Balayan Bay. The early eruptions also created an island that sits near the center of Taal Lake, called Volcano Island. [Source: Sascha Pare, Live Science, June 20, 2025]

Volcano Island is an island within a lake on an island in the sea. But Volcano Island also has a lake, known as Main Crater Lake, which contains its own island, called Vulcan Point. According to UNESCO, this unusual geology, shaped by early volcanic events and subsequent eruptions, is essentially "an island within a lake, within an island within a lake, within an island." The description refers to Vulcan Point, Main Crater Lake, Volcano Island, Taal Lake and Luzon, respectively.

Taal Lake was initially a marine lake, filled with salt water from the West Philippine Sea. That changed after a massive eruption at the Taal volcano in 1754, which dumped so much material into the Pansipit River that the lake was cut off from the sea, according to UNESCO. Taal Lake turned into a catchment area for rainwater and gradually transformed into a freshwater lake, according to the University of the Philippines.

According to Live Science: Species that were trapped in the lake after the 1754 eruption adapted to the freshwater conditions or evolved into new species, according to UNESCO. For example, Taal Lake is home to the only known freshwater sardine in the world (Sardinella tawilis) and gave rise to the Taal Lake snake (Hydrophis semperi), a venomous sea snake not found elsewhere on Earth. "The transition of Taal Lake from a saltwater to a freshwater environment — in a relatively recent occurrence in the scale of geological processes — fuels the continuous evolution of flora and fauna and presents opportunities for ongoing scientific discoveries," UNESCO states on its website.

Taal Eruptions

Researchers have documented 38 eruptions at Taal volcano over the past 450 years. The most recent eruption occurred in 2020 after 43 years of quiet, prompting evacuations of the surrounding towns and covering Volcano Island and neighboring areas in ash.

satellite imagery of the eruption of Taal Volcano on January 12, 2020

Taal is a Pelean-type active volcano. Peléan eruptions are a type of volcanic eruption. They can occur when viscous magma, typically of rhyolitic or andesitic type, is involved, and share some similarities with Vulcanian eruptions. The most important characteristics of a Peléan eruption is the presence of a glowing avalanche of hot volcanic ash, a pyroclastic flow. Formation of lava domes is another characteristical feature. Short flows of ash or creation of pumice cones may be observed as well. [Source: Wikipedia]

All historic eruptions took place from the five-kilometer- wide volcanic island in the northern-central part of the lake.The island is formed by overlapping stratovolcanoes, cinder cones and tuff rings (maars). Historic eruptions have seen the constant change and growth of the island. Taal has had some of the country's largest and deadliest eruptions: At least 6 eruptions during the recorded history of Taal since 1572 claimed fatalities, mostly from powerful pyroclastic flows, as well as tsunamis produced in the crater lake. Eruption list: 1977, 1976, 1970, 1969, 1968, 1967, 1966, 1965, 1911, 1904, 1903, 1885(?), 1878, 1874, 1873, 1842, 1825, 1808, 1790, 1754, 1749, 1731, 1729, 1716, 1715, 1709, 1707, 1645, 1641, 1635, 1634, 1609, 1591, 1572 [Source: volcanodiscovery.com /*]

Taal volcano is designated as one of the 16 Decade Volcanoes by International Association of Volcanology and Chemistry of the Earth’s Interior (IAVCEI). Located about 50 kilometers south of the capital, Manila, Taal is surrounded by populated areas. Taal has erupted violently several times (the last eruption was in 1977). The current death toll caused by its activities stands at about 6,000.

The first mention of Taal Volcano was made on the occasion of the establishment of the town of Taal by the Augustinians in 1572. Fr. Gaspar de San Agustin, relating the foundation of the town tells us, that in Lake Bombon, on whose southern shore the town was located, "there is a volcano of fire which is wont to spit forth many and very large rocks, which are glowing and destroy the crops of the natives."

Taal caused one of the worst volcano disasters in history: its eruption in 1911 killed 1334 people and caused ash fall as far as Manila city. Due to its devastating potential, Taal was declared one of the "Decade Volcanoes" in the Decade Volcanoes program of the 1990s in order to incentive study and monitoring of the volcano. Taal is today one of the most closely monitored volcanoes in the region. An increase in seismic activity under Taal was recorded in November 2006, followed by an increase in hot water springs in the crater in April 2007. /*\

location of Taal volcano

In April 2011, some scientists believed there is a strong probability that the Taal Volcano, might erupt anytime. According to the Taal Volcano Bulletin issued on April 14, 2011: The seismic network around Taal Volcano (14.0000̊N, 120.9833̊E) recorded twelve (12) volcanic earthquakes during the past 24 hours. Two of these earthquakes were felt. The first event occurred at 4:32 A.M and was felt at Intensity II by residents in Barangay Calauit at the southeastern part of Taal Volcano Island with an audible rumbling sound. The second event occurred a few minutes later at 4:49 A.M., but felt only at Intensity I with faint rumbling sound in the same area. Water temperature at the Main Crater Lake slightly increased from 30.0̊C to 30.5̊C. Gas measurements conducted at Taal Main Crater Lake last January, February and March 2011 yielded carbon dioxide (CO2) emission values of 2,250 tonnes per day (t/d), 1,875 t/d and 4,670 t/d respectively. This large increase in C02 concentration indicates gas release from the magma at depth. Result of the ground deformation survey (precise leveling) conducted around the Volcano Island last 05-11 April 2011 showed that volcano edifice is slightly inflated as compared with the 02-09 February 2011 survey.

Alert Level 2 is hoisted over Taal Volcano with the interpretation that magma has been intruding towards the surface, as manifested by CO2 being released in the Main Crater Lake and increase in seismic activity. Hence, PHIVOLCS advises the public that the Main Crater, Daang Kastila Trail and Mt. Tabaro (1965 -1977 Eruption Site) are strictly off-limits because sudden hazardous steam-driven explosions may occur and high concentrations of toxic gases may accumulate. Breathing air with high concentration of gases can be lethal to human, animals and even cause damage to vegetation. In addition, it is reminded that entire Volcano Island is a Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ), and permanent settlement in the island is strictly not recommended. DOST-PHIVOLCS is closely monitoring Taal Volcano’s activity and any new significant development will be immediately relayed to all concerned.

Taal Volcano Eruption in 2020

In January 2020, Taal Volcano, located about 65 kilometers (40 miles) south of Manila, erupted after months of increasing unrest. On January 12, a powerful explosion sent a massive plume of ash, steam, and volcanic material into the atmosphere. Initial ash columns rose about half a mile high, but later explosions blasted ash and steam 10 to 15 kilometers (6 to 9 miles) into the sky. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) raised the alert level to 4 on a five-level scale, warning that a hazardous eruption was imminent and that a larger eruption remained possible. [Source: Jason Gutierrez, New York Times, January 12, 2020; Associated Press, January 13, 2020]

Taal Volcano Monitoring Network map

The eruption triggered widespread evacuations around Taal Lake. Approximately 6,000 residents living on Volcano Island were quickly transported to safety by boat, while tens of thousands more were ordered to leave communities surrounding the volcano. Authorities warned of the possibility of a volcanic tsunami, caused by volcanic activity displacing water within the lake. Earthquake swarms accompanied the eruption, with residents reporting strong tremors, rumbling sounds, and shaking ground. Rea Torres of Batangas recalled feeling as though "the whole floor moved," while other residents described ominous clouds, thunder-like noises, and lightning around the volcano.

As the eruption intensified, red-hot lava fountains emerged from the crater and flowed into the lake surrounding the volcano. Thick ash clouds spread more than 100 kilometers (62 miles) northward, reaching Metro Manila and forcing the temporary closure of the country's main international airport. More than 500 flights were canceled, disrupting travel across the region. Ashfall blanketed roads, homes, farms, and vehicles, reducing visibility and creating health hazards. Schools and government offices across much of Batangas, Cavite, and Metro Manila were closed to protect residents from airborne ash.

Thousands of evacuees crowded into temporary shelters as officials struggled to move people out of danger zones. Many residents were reluctant to leave because they feared losing their homes, livestock, and livelihoods. Batangas Mayor Wilson Maralit reported that some villagers attempted to return to rescue pigs, cattle, and other animals despite warnings that the volcano could erupt again at any time. PHIVOLCS emphasized that Volcano Island was a permanent danger zone and ordered the complete evacuation of communities within a 14-kilometer (9-mile) radius because of the threats posed by pyroclastic density currents, volcanic tsunamis, ashfall, and continuing earthquakes.

Aftermath of the 2020 Taal Volcano Eruption

The eruption displaced hundreds of thousands of people and left a lasting impact on communities surrounding Taal Lake. More than 376,000 residents were forced to flee their homes during the crisis. Although many evacuees eventually returned to nearby towns as volcanic activity declined, residents of Volcano Island were prohibited from returning because of the continuing danger posed by the volcano. Entire villages were abandoned, leaving behind ash-covered homes, damaged schools, and farms buried under volcanic deposits. [Source: Aaron Favila, Associated Press, January 11, 2021; Jim Gomez, Associated Press, July 1, 2021, 7:53 PM

One year after the eruption, Volcano Island remained largely deserted. The landscape had been transformed into a gray wasteland where trees stood as dead, ash-covered skeletons. Homes, livestock facilities, and public buildings had suffered damage from both the eruption and continuing volcanic earthquakes. Fisherman Rogelito Cacao described returning periodically to his former home, saying that his possessions, livestock, boat, and engines had all been buried beneath volcanic ash. Former resident Luisa Silva said life had become much more difficult after the eruption and expressed hope that families would someday be allowed to return to their homes and livelihoods.

The disaster was compounded by the arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic only a few months later. Many evacuees remained in temporary shelters while the country faced a growing public health crisis. Some families found permanent housing elsewhere, but others continued to live in tents and temporary accommodations long after the eruption. Local officials worked to relocate remaining displaced families while providing food, shelter, and other assistance.

Taal Volcano remained active after the 2020 eruption. In July 2021, the volcano produced another steam-driven explosion that sent a dark plume of ash and steam into the sky and prompted fresh evacuations. PHIVOLCS raised the alert level to 3, warning that magma was near the surface and that a hazardous eruption could occur within weeks. Authorities prepared to evacuate as many as 14,000 residents from high-risk villages and once again reminded the public that Volcano Island and nearby lakeshore communities remained vulnerable to volcanic hazards. The continuing unrest demonstrated that Taal remains one of the Philippines' most active and closely monitored volcanoes.

Bodies of Murdered Cockfighting Bettors Dumped in Lake Taal

Authorities in the Philippines are searching for 34 men who disappeared after being accused of cheating in bets tied to livestreamed cockfights, or e-sabong, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Investigators believe the victims may have been killed and their bodies dumped in Taal Lake, a volcanic lake south of Manila. The missing men vanished between April 2021 and January 2022, with several last seen at the Manila Arena, where a group of six security guards—now the main suspects—were employed. [Source: Gabrielle Rockson, People, June 20, 2025]

Cockfighting is legal in the country, and its online version grew rapidly during the pandemic, generating significant revenue. However, the activity was later banned following reports of the disappearances. One suspect, using the alias “Totoy,” has come forward, claiming the victims were strangled and disposed of in the lake. He suggested that the number of victims could exceed 100, alleging that not only gamblers but also other individuals, including alleged drug figures, were killed and dumped there. Totoy said he participated in identifying suspected cheaters, after which other individuals allegedly carried out the killings. He also claimed the victims were bound before being taken away and expressed concern over how quickly the incidents were happening.

In December 2023, six people were charged in connection with the kidnapping of individuals linked to the cockfighting industry in the Philippines. The victims were reportedly abducted in January while on their way to a cockfight in Manila. The suspects have denied the allegations. The case is part of a series of unexplained disappearances connected to the cockfighting world, a popular betting activity in the country. Authorities report that at least 27 individuals tied to the industry remain missing, with diminishing hope that they will be found alive. In a separate case, three former police officers have also been charged for allegedly abducting a cockfighting enthusiast from his home in August 2021. The victim was reportedly accused of operating a fraudulent betting website. [Source: Kathryn Armstrong, BBC, December 23, 2022]

Image Sources: Wikimedia Commons

Text Sources: New York Times, Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, Times of London, Lonely Planet Guides, Library of Congress, Philippines Department of Tourism, Compton’s Encyclopedia, The Guardian, National Geographic, Smithsonian magazine, The New Yorker, Time, Newsweek, Reuters, AP, AFP, Wall Street Journal, The Atlantic Monthly, The Economist, Foreign Policy, Wikipedia, BBC, CNN, and various books, websites and other publications.

Last updated May 2026