Top 7 Absolute Must-See Volcanoes in the Philippines

Mount Pinatubo Volcano in the Philippines

There are 25 active volcanoes in the Philippines according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS). Some have caused major disasters to the local areas, but all of them are huge tourist attractions because of their natural beauty.

Below is a list of 7 well-known volcanoes in the Philippines that are worth checking out during your stay in the country, especially if you are adventurous:


#1 - Mayon Volcano

Mayon Volcano, majestically elevated at 2,462 meters, is located in Albay province. As the most active volcano in the Philippines, its most destructive eruption to date was on February 1, 1814, wherein it devastated Cagsawa town killing 2,200 locals. Nonetheless, it is absolutely noteworthy to say, it looks very beautiful with its perfectly-shaped cone, a type found only in the Philippines.

#2 - Mount Pinatubo

Standing tall and proud at 1,486 meters, Mount Pinatubo is commonly shared by the provinces of Zambales, Tarlac and Pampanga. Considered as the second largest terrestrial eruption happening in the 20th century, its bombastic activity on June 15, 1991 claims that spot, next to the 1912 eruption of Novarupta which is located in the Peninsula of Alaska.

What made the situation even worse, was the arrival then of Typhoon Yunya causing the whole world to feel the effects of this eruption – which put more particulate into the stratosphere than any eruption since Krakatoa in 1883. The latter happened in Indonesia, which was formerly called Dutch East Indies.

#3 - Taal Volcano

Small but terrible with an elevation of only 400 meters, Taal Volcano can be found in the province of Batangas. Popularly known as the second most active volcano in the Philippines after Mayon Volcano, it has had 33 historical eruptions to date. Seen from Tagaytay Ridge, the wonderful view of Taal Volcano and Lake, is considered one of the most picturesque sites in the Philippines.

#4 - Mount Hibok–hibok

Located in Camiguin province, Mount Hibok-hibok has an elevation of 1,552 meters. It is also known as Catarman Volcano and has erupted 5 times in modern history, according to Wikipedia. Although it is a popular hiking destination in Camiguin Island, tourists must first seek a permit from the DENR office situated in Mambajao, in order to enjoy hiking at Mount Hibok-hibok.

#5 - Babuyan Claro Volcano
Standing high at 1,080 meters, Babuyan Claro Volcano can be seen in Cagayan. It also has the name, Mount Pangasun, and has had 2 confirmed historical eruptions, that happened in 1831 and 1860, respectively. In July 1993, earthquakes were detected, but then volcanologists said these were tectonic and didn’t cause any notable change in the activity of Babuyan Claro Volcano.

#6 - Mount Bulusan

A famous landmark in Sorsogon, Mount Bulusan stands breathtaking at 1,565 meters. Since 1885, it has erupted fifteen times, making it the 4th most active volcano in the Philippines. Most recently, on July 13, 2014, during a 24-hour observation period, the seismic network reported 13 volcanic earthquakes caused by Mount Bulusan.

#7 - Kanlaon Volcano

Standing prominent in the Island of Negros, Central Philippines, Kanlaon Volcano is 2,435 meters high. Consequently, it is a favorite of mountain climbers, especially with its being at the center of Mount Kanlaon Natural Park. Historically though, it is dubbed as the most active volcano in Central Philippines, and has erupted for a total of 26 times since 1919.
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