6 Most Active Volcanoes in The Philippines
6 Most Active Volcanoes in The Philippines
6 Most Active Volcanoes in The Philippines
It's basically a hole in the Earth from which magma can erupt. The name "volcano" comes from
the name of Vulcan, a god of fire in Roman mythology.
Volcanoes are like huge safety valves that release the pressure that builds up inside the
Earth. When pressure builds up, eruptions occur. Magma shoots up through
the volcanoand flows down its sides. When magma flows out of a volcano, we call
it lava. Fresh lavacan be as hot as 2,200° F, glowing red or white as it flows.
Eruptions can cause mudslides, avalanches, and floods. Volcano eruptions have
knocked down entire forests and triggered tsunamis and earthquakes.
As they erupt, volcanoes spew huge clouds of volcanic ash into the atmosphere. The
ash consists of tiny bits of rock and glass. Ash clouds can cover hundreds of miles,
creating problems for airplanes and changing weather patterns. Volcanic ash can also
damage the lungs and cause other respiratory problems for those who breathe it.
The United States contains several active volcanoes, mainly in Hawaii, Alaska,
California, Oregon, and Washington. Hawaii and Alaska have the greatest chance of
experiencing eruptions near areas where many people live.
Here are some interesting facts you may not know about volcanoes:
Historical records exist for almost 600 volcanoes around the world, while some scientists
believe there are over 1,500 active volcanoes! No one really knows for sure how many
volcanoes exist under the oceans.
Over half of the world's volcanoes arise in a belt around the Pacific Ocean called the
Ring of Fire.
On any particular day, approximately 20 volcanoes are in the process of erupting.
The “danger zone" of a volcano extends for up to 20 miles in all directions.
On May 18, 1980, Mount St. Helens erupted in Washington, killing 58 people and
causing over $1 billion in property damage.
Since we are optimistic, we’d say that the Philippines is “blessed” with hundreds of
volcanoes (both named and unnamed, including potentially active and inactive ones), 20
of which are categorized as active. PHIVOLCS explains that the country “sits on a unique
tectonic setting ideal to volcano formation,” also known as the Pacific Ring of Fire.
Although the image of a volcanic eruption is quite scary, volcanoes are actually some of
the most beautiful natural spectacles in the world, featuring unique profiles and supporting
life around them. While the volcanoes are dormant, they are a great place to truly
appreciate nature and enjoy some nature-loving activities like trekking and photography.
If you’re feeling adventurous, here are some of the most active volcanoes in the
Philippines that are also some of the most attractive tourist spots in the country.
Mayon Volcano
Standing at 2.46 kilometers high, Mayon Volcano is surrounded by three cities in Albay
province, about 11 hours away from Manila if you travel by car. It has a record of 51
eruptions, with the most violent being recorded in February of 1814.
Mayon Volcano has captured the attention of the world in many ways. With its almost
perfect conical shape, it is undeniably one of the most beautiful volcanoes and most
photographed in the world. Even now that it is drawing residents away, this volcano still
attracts a lot of admiring spectators.
Taal Volcano
Located in Batangas, Taal Volcano is also one of the most interesting volcanoes the
Philippines has. Ironically, as a caldera volcano, it’s also the deadliest. Technically
speaking, Taal Volcano is a volcano island contained inside Taal Lake which is also
bounded by Taal Caldera 25 kilometers wide. On Taal Volcano island is the main crater
lake which is 80 meters deep. Its most memorable eruption was in 1754, which lasted for
almost seven months devastating the nearby Lipa and Tanauan in Batangas.
Taal Volcano is only about two hours away from Manila via Talisay or San Nicolas,
Batangas. Taal Volcano and Lake is a very famous sight from the high ridge of Tagaytay.
Trekking at the volcano island is also a very popular activity.
Mount Kanlaon
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Mount Kanlaon regularly attracts tourists who seek adventure in hiking or relaxation in its
hot springs. There are three hot springs around the volcano, namely, Mambucal Hot
Springs, Bucalan Hot Spring, and Bungol Hot Spring. Visitors can reach Kanlaon for two
to three hours by land from Bacolod City.
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Since we are optimistic, we’d say that the Philippines is “blessed” with hundreds of
volcanoes (both named and unnamed, including potentially active and inactive ones), 20
of which are categorized as active. PHIVOLCS explains that the country “sits on a unique
tectonic setting ideal to volcano formation,” also known as the Pacific Ring of Fire.
Although the image of a volcanic eruption is quite scary, volcanoes are actually some of
the most beautiful natural spectacles in the world, featuring unique profiles and supporting
life around them. While the volcanoes are dormant, they are a great place to truly
appreciate nature and enjoy some nature-loving activities like trekking and photography.
If you’re feeling adventurous, here are some of the most active volcanoes in the
Philippines that are also some of the most attractive tourist spots in the country.
Mayon Volcano
Standing at 2.46 kilometers high, Mayon Volcano is surrounded by three cities in Albay
province, about 11 hours away from Manila if you travel by car. It has a record of 51
eruptions, with the most violent being recorded in February of 1814.
Mayon Volcano has captured the attention of the world in many ways. With its almost
perfect conical shape, it is undeniably one of the most beautiful volcanoes and most
photographed in the world. Even now that it is drawing residents away, this volcano still
attracts a lot of admiring spectators.
Also read:
Mayon Volcano: World’s Most Perfect Cone Volcano
PHILVOLCS raises Mayon to Alert Level 4
Taal Volcano
Located in Batangas, Taal Volcano is also one of the most interesting volcanoes the
Philippines has. Ironically, as a caldera volcano, it’s also the deadliest. Technically
speaking, Taal Volcano is a volcano island contained inside Taal Lake which is also
bounded by Taal Caldera 25 kilometers wide. On Taal Volcano island is the main crater
lake which is 80 meters deep. Its most memorable eruption was in 1754, which lasted for
almost seven months devastating the nearby Lipa and Tanauan in Batangas.
Taal Volcano is only about two hours away from Manila via Talisay or San Nicolas,
Batangas. Taal Volcano and Lake is a very famous sight from the high ridge of Tagaytay.
Trekking at the volcano island is also a very popular activity.
Also read:
Cool climate south of the metro: Tagaytay City
One Day Guide to Tagaytay City, the 2nd Summer Capital of PH
Mount Kanlaon
With a total of 30 recorded eruptions, Mount Kanlaon is the third most active volcano in
the Philippines. It is 2.43 kilometers high and is located in Negros Oriental, near Bacolod
City. Most of its eruptions have been considered phreatic and mild, characterized mainly
by ashfalls. It was only in 1902 when the volcano erupted with lava.
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Mount Kanlaon regularly attracts tourists who seek adventure in hiking or relaxation in its
hot springs. There are three hot springs around the volcano, namely, Mambucal Hot
Springs, Bucalan Hot Spring, and Bungol Hot Spring. Visitors can reach Kanlaon for two
to three hours by land from Bacolod City.
Mount Bulusan
Travel
Since we are optimistic, we’d say that the Philippines is “blessed” with hundreds of
volcanoes (both named and unnamed, including potentially active and inactive ones), 20
of which are categorized as active. PHIVOLCS explains that the country “sits on a unique
tectonic setting ideal to volcano formation,” also known as the Pacific Ring of Fire.
Although the image of a volcanic eruption is quite scary, volcanoes are actually some of
the most beautiful natural spectacles in the world, featuring unique profiles and supporting
life around them. While the volcanoes are dormant, they are a great place to truly
appreciate nature and enjoy some nature-loving activities like trekking and photography.
If you’re feeling adventurous, here are some of the most active volcanoes in the
Philippines that are also some of the most attractive tourist spots in the country.
Mayon Volcano
Standing at 2.46 kilometers high, Mayon Volcano is surrounded by three cities in Albay
province, about 11 hours away from Manila if you travel by car. It has a record of 51
eruptions, with the most violent being recorded in February of 1814.
Mayon Volcano has captured the attention of the world in many ways. With its almost
perfect conical shape, it is undeniably one of the most beautiful volcanoes and most
photographed in the world. Even now that it is drawing residents away, this volcano still
attracts a lot of admiring spectators.
Also read:
Mayon Volcano: World’s Most Perfect Cone Volcano
PHILVOLCS raises Mayon to Alert Level 4
Taal Volcano
Located in Batangas, Taal Volcano is also one of the most interesting volcanoes the
Philippines has. Ironically, as a caldera volcano, it’s also the deadliest. Technically
speaking, Taal Volcano is a volcano island contained inside Taal Lake which is also
bounded by Taal Caldera 25 kilometers wide. On Taal Volcano island is the main crater
lake which is 80 meters deep. Its most memorable eruption was in 1754, which lasted for
almost seven months devastating the nearby Lipa and Tanauan in Batangas.
Taal Volcano is only about two hours away from Manila via Talisay or San Nicolas,
Batangas. Taal Volcano and Lake is a very famous sight from the high ridge of Tagaytay.
Trekking at the volcano island is also a very popular activity.
Also read:
Cool climate south of the metro: Tagaytay City
One Day Guide to Tagaytay City, the 2nd Summer Capital of PH
Mount Kanlaon
With a total of 30 recorded eruptions, Mount Kanlaon is the third most active volcano in
the Philippines. It is 2.43 kilometers high and is located in Negros Oriental, near Bacolod
City. Most of its eruptions have been considered phreatic and mild, characterized mainly
by ashfalls. It was only in 1902 when the volcano erupted with lava.
ADVERTISEMENT
Mount Kanlaon regularly attracts tourists who seek adventure in hiking or relaxation in its
hot springs. There are three hot springs around the volcano, namely, Mambucal Hot
Springs, Bucalan Hot Spring, and Bungol Hot Spring. Visitors can reach Kanlaon for two
to three hours by land from Bacolod City.
Mount Bulusan
Mount Bulusan has gifted its surrounding towns with natural hot springs that both locals
and tourists can enjoy. Trekking is also a very common activity, letting hikers find amazing
views of the ocean and a sea of clouds. The nearest airport is in Legazpi City, Albay,
where you have to take a four-hour bus ride going to Bulusan.
Also read: Legazpi, Albay: History, fun and adventure, and lots of spicy food
Mount Hibok-Hibok
Standing on Camiguin Island in the Bohol Sea, Mount Hibok-Hibok is a young volcano
and relatively a small one compared to the other stratovolcanoes in this list, with a base
diameter of 10 kilometers. It has five eruptions in recorded history, the most significant of
which is the consecutive eruptions from 1948 to 1953, which killed hundreds of citizens
nearby.
Hiking is a common activity at Mount Hibok-Hibok. Camiguin Island can be reached via
boat from Cagayan De Oro.
Mount Pinatubo
Located within the boundaries of Pampanga, Tarlac, and Zambales, Mount Pinatubo is
one of the most famous volcanoes in the country. While it has only had two recorded
eruptions, one has been the most historic and devastating eruption in the Philippines. The
1991 eruption displaced tens of thousands of locals and affected the whole Luzon island.
It was the second largest eruption of the 20th century (next to Novarupta in Alaska).
Now, Mount Pinatubo is a beautiful scenery and source of livelihood for the people around
it. The place is often brimming with tourist activities like trekking, camping, relaxing at the
hot spring, volcanic mud spa, and more. Pinatubo is only two to three hours away from
Manila.