Taal Volcano Island and Pagsanjan Falls Tour in Manila: A Complete Guide

When visiting the vibrant city of Manila, the one destination that should be on the top of your bucket list is a trip to both the Taal Volcano Island and Pagsanjan Falls. This tour package combines two separate yet equally stunning wonders of nature for one great experience. While Manila is a busy urban bustling with activity, its natural surroundings are home to some of the most captivating landscapes in Luzon. By taking the Taal Volcano Island and Pagsanjan Falls Tour, you can get away from the hustle and bustle of the city, explore nature, and get an unforgettable experience.

What is Taal Volcano Island and Pagsanjan Falls?

Taal Volcano Island

The Taal Volcano Island is located in Batangas Province, Philippines. It is considered one of the smallest active volcanoes in the world. Despite its small size, it has one of the biggest volcanic lakes in the world. Formed by a prehistoric eruption, the lake stretches up to about 17 km in length with its farthest point reaching 500m from its edge to the lake’s center. The lake contains 37 islands, most of which are uninhabited except for a few fishing villages scattered across them. The volcano has four main craters and is mostly dormant but occasionally shows signs of low-level activity.

The most noteworthy characteristic of the island is its picturesque landscapes, composed of rolling hills, calderas, and vast lakes in a unique terrain. It has become a major tourist destination with breathtaking lakeside views and volcanic activities that can be experienced.

Pagsanjan Falls

Pagsanjan Falls, also known as Cavinti Falls, is located in the Pagsanjan Gorge National Park, Laguna province in the Philippines. It consists of a series of four waterfalls cascading down into Pagsanjan River from a height of about 105 feet. Surrounding the falls is lush vegetation that blooms with biodiversity.

The falls have become a major tourist attraction for its stunning landscape and wonderful view of Laguna de Bay. They are also known for their treacherous rapids and are considered to be one of the most dangerous waterfalls in Southeast Asia. Despite this, adrenaline junkies can still choose to take an exciting boat ride upstream called “shooting the rapids”, made famous by its inclusion in legendary Filipino filmmaker Lamberto Avellana’s iconic 1964 film “Ako ang Dahil sa Iyo” (“I Am Because of You”).

Getting to Taal Volcano Island and Pagsanjan Falls

Getting to both locations from Manila is actually quite easy. One can choose to take public transportation or hire a private car or tour group to get there.

Public transportation

The simplest way to get to both destinations would be to take public transit, which covers both spots. From Manila, one can take a short 4-hour bus ride either to Tagaytay City for Taal Volcano Island or Calamba for Pagsanjan Falls.

The cheapest way would be to take a van from one of the many terminals around Manila. For Taal Volcano Island, you can take a van from EDSA-Pasay Terminal and drop off at Tagaytay Rotunda. For Pagsanjan Falls, you can take a jeepney from Pasay City and drop off at Pagsanjan Town Hall or San Roque Junction Recreational Park.

Private transport

For those who want more convenience and comfort, they can opt to hire a private car or tour group to get them to both destinations. Private cars can be hired through hotels or private transport services such as Grab or UBE Express.

Tour groups are also available and this would be an ideal choice as they include guided tours and boat rides that will make your journey to Taal Volcano Island and Pagsanjan Falls both memorable and hassle-free.

Taal Volcano Island and Pagsanjan Falls Tour Packages

If you decide to take the tour group option, here are some of the tour packages you can choose from:

Full-day Guided Tour Package

• Roundtrip private vehicle transfers from Manila hotel/airport/seaport to Tagaytay/Calamba with fuel and driver’s service charge.
• Roundtrip boat transfers.
• Entrance fees.
• All local taxes.
• English speaking tour guide.
• Picnic lunch.

Half-day Guided Tour Package

• Roundtrip private vehicle transfers from Manila hotel/airport/seaport to Tagaytay/Calamba with fuel and driver’s service charge.
• Roundtrip ferry transfers.
• Entrance fees.
• English speaking tour guide.

No matter which tour package you choose, there’s no denying that you will definitely enjoy an incredible experience both Taal Volcano Island and Pagsanjan Falls offer.
Even if you’re not up for an adrenaline-filled journey, you will still be mesmerized by the beauty of these natural gems—from breathtaking views of Mt. Maculot from atop Taal Volcano Island’s peak, to Pagsanjan Falls’ majestic curves and tumultuous rapids.

Book Your Tour Now!

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