Volcanoes, Rice Terraces & Rainforests
The Philippines lie on the Pacific Ring of Fire — the geological activity has shaped spectacular landscapes but also brings dangers.
Volcanoes
- Mayon (2,462 m, Albay): The "perfect cone" — one of the most photogenic volcanoes in the world. Active and dangerous: The last major eruption was in 2018. The region around Legazpi is still safe and offers ATV tours over old lava fields.
- Pinatubo (1,486 m, Zambales): The 1991 eruption was the second-largest of the 20th century and changed the global climate. Today, you can hike to the crater lake — a turquoise lake in a massive crater. Day trip from Manila (3,000–4,000 PHP with guide).
- Taal (311 m, Batangas): A volcano in a lake on an island in a lake on an island. The most bizarre geological formation in the Philippines. Located just 2 hours south of Manila.
Rice Terraces
The Ifugao Rice Terraces (Banaue, Batad, Hapao, Mayoyao, Nagacadan) are 2,000 years old and a UNESCO World Heritage site. They are not only spectacularly beautiful but also an engineering masterpiece of irrigation and terracing.
Rainforests & Wildlife
The Philippines are a biodiversity hotspot with an extremely high rate of endemism: Many species exist only here. The Philippine Eagle (Pithecophaga jefferyi) is the largest eagle in the world and the national animal — with only 400–500 individuals left, it is critically endangered. The Philippine Tarsier on Bohol is one of the smallest primates in the world. The Philippine Mouse-Deer (Tragulus) is smaller than a house cat.
