Private Tour: Tagaytay Midlands & Taal Volcano Boat Ride

Manila , Philippines

Private Tour: Tagaytay Midlands & Taal Volcano Boat Ride

Active

(15 reviews)

6h - 8h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Begin your adventure with a convenient hotel pickup in Manila, then travel south to the refreshing highlands of Tagaytay.
Your first stop is the picturesque Tagaytay Picnic Grove, perched 665 meters above sea level. Take in sweeping panoramic views of Taal Volcano, dramatically set in the middle of Taal Lake. Your driver will gladly help you capture stunning photos with this iconic natural wonder in the background.

Next, embark on a 2+ hour boat sightseeing tour around Taal Volcano. Although the island itself remains off-limits for safety reasons, you’ll cruise within 10 meters of its shores—close enough to witness sulfur dioxide (SO₂) rising from the main crater. Then, visit a tranquil Korean temple, known for its peaceful ambiance and beautiful surroundings—a perfect way to end your day before heading back to your hotel in Manila.

Please disregard any reviews mentioning crater trekking. These tours were discontinued following the 2020 eruption.

Available options

Dual Experience

Pickup included

What's included

Transportation from Manila (Fuel, Driver, Toll and Highway Fees, Parking, Vehicle)

Entry Tickets for Tagaytay Highlands Picnic Groove

Motorized Boat Ride (Boat Captain, Entrance Fees, Local Boat Tour Guide)

Side Trip to Korean Temple

Detailed itinerary

Following pickup from your hotel in Manila, head straight to the Taal Volcano ridge called Picnic Groove in Tagaytay City for the Taal Volcano eruption sightseeing tour. Taal Volcano suddenly erupted at 2:36 PM on Sunday, January 12, 2020, forcing all to flee from the island. For the next 24 hours, ashes coming from the crater traveled to Metro Manila and nearby areas as 150,000 people fled from their homes.

Enjoy the 2+-hour boat sightseeing tour around the active volcano and experience the unique island ten meters from the boat. See the volcano emits Sulfur Dioxide. A total of 18,638 tonnes/day of volcanic sulfur dioxide or SO2 gas emission from the Taal Main Crater was measured every day. Taal has averaged approximately 10,331 tonnes/day for the year and has been continuously degassing voluminous concentrations of SO2 since the eruption 2020.

Note that the Island Volcano itself including the Crater is still restricted by the National Government as the Philippine Volcanology raised the eruption Alert to Level 1 until today. No setting foot on the island policy is still in place.

DISCLAIMER: Please disregard all the reviews regarding the Crater Trekking Tour before the eruption on January 12, 2020.

After your boat tour, enjoy a relaxing lunch at a scenic ridge-side restaurant overlooking Taal Lake. Then, visit a tranquil Korean temple, known for its peaceful ambiance and beautiful surroundings—a perfect way to end your day before heading back to your hotel in Manila.

What's not included

Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner | Personal Expenses

The volcano is under Eruption ALERT 1, No Crater Trekking is allowed by the National Government.

Please disregard all the reviews regarding the Crater Trekking before the eruption on Jan. 12, 2020.

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.2

9 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 4.7

6 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

This is a Private Tour with minimum of 2 people required per booking. The tour is weather-dependent. We offer convenient pickup and drop-off services directly from your hotel lobby or the airport.

Important notes

• Comfortable walking shoes are recommended
• Minimum numbers apply. There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there is not enough passengers to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be offered an alternative or full refund
• Not recommended for participants with back problems
• Not recommended for participants with heart complaints or other serious medical conditions
• Not recommended for pregnant women
• Minimum age is 9 years

Times are subject to change due to local traffic conditions.

About Manila

Manila, the vibrant capital of the Philippines, is a dynamic blend of historic charm and modern urban life. Known for its rich cultural heritage, bustling markets, and diverse culinary scene, it offers a unique experience for every traveler.

Top Attractions

Intramuros

The historic walled city of Manila, Intramuros is a must-visit for its Spanish colonial architecture and rich history.

Historical Half to full day Free to PHP 500

Rizal Park (Luneta Park)

A historic urban park dedicated to the national hero Jose Rizal, offering a peaceful retreat in the heart of the city.

Historical 1-2 hours Free to PHP 50

Manila Ocean Park

A marine-themed park offering a variety of attractions, including an underwater world, marine exhibits, and interactive experiences.

Entertainment Half to full day PHP 500-1,500

Binondo

The world's oldest Chinatown, Binondo is a vibrant district known for its Chinese-Filipino heritage, delicious food, and historic sites.

Cultural Half to full day Free to PHP 500

National Museum of Fine Arts

A museum showcasing the finest examples of Filipino art, from the colonial period to contemporary works.

Museum 1-2 hours PHP 50

Must-Try Local Dishes

Adobo

A savory dish made with chicken or pork marinated in vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, and other spices, then braised until tender.

Main Dish Can be made vegetarian or vegan by substituting meat with tofu or mushrooms.

Sisig

A sizzling dish made with chopped pork face, ears, and other parts, seasoned with calamansi, chili peppers, and onions.

Appetizer Contains pork, not suitable for vegetarians or vegans.

Halo-Halo

A popular Filipino dessert made with shaved ice, sweet beans, jellies, fruits, and topped with leche flan, ube halaya, and ice cream.

Dessert Can be made vegetarian or vegan by omitting dairy-based toppings.

Lechon

A whole roasted pig, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, often served during special occasions and festivals.

Main Dish Contains pork, not suitable for vegetarians or vegans.

Popular Activities

Canyoneering at Pagsanjan Falls Ziplining at Subic Bay Island hopping in Batangas Picnicking in Tagaytay Swimming at Laiya Beach Dining at Greenbelt Chapel Exploring Intramuros Visiting Binondo Chinatown

Best Time to Visit

December to February

This is the coolest and driest time of the year, making it ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing.

22°C to 32°C 72°F to 90°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Filipino (Tagalog), English
Widely spoken: English, Chinese (Mandarin, Hokkien, Cantonese), Spanish
English: Widely spoken

Currency

Philippine Peso (PHP)

Time Zone

GMT+8

Electricity

220VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Exercise caution

Manila is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime, such as pickpocketing and scams, can occur, especially in crowded areas and tourist hotspots. Exercise caution and be aware of your surroundings.

Important Precautions:

• Be cautious of strangers approaching you, especially in crowded areas
• Keep your valuables secure and out of sight
• Use reputable tour operators and transportation services

Getting there

By air

Ninoy Aquino International Airport • 7 km from city center

By train

PNR Manila Station

By bus

Taft Avenue Terminal, Cubao Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

Iconic and affordable, but can be crowded and slow.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Grab

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Intramuros Binondo Makati Malate Quezon City

Day trips

Corregidor Island

46 km from Manila • Full day

A historic island fortress that played a significant role in World War II, offering a glimpse into the Philippines' wartime past.

Pagsanjan Falls

100 km from Manila • Full day

A stunning waterfall located in the province of Laguna, offering a picturesque and refreshing escape from the city.

Tagaytay

55 km from Manila • Half to full day

A popular weekend destination known for its cool climate, stunning views of the Taal Volcano, and a variety of dining and accommodation options.

Festivals

Sinulog Festival • Third Sunday of January Pistahan ng Pulilan • Last Sunday of April Ligaya sa Kalinga Festival • June 20-25

Pro tips

Learn a few basic phrases in Tagalog, such as 'kumusta' (hello) and 'salamat' (thank you), to show respect and appreciation for the local culture
Carry small denominations of PHP for convenience, as some establishments may not have change for large bills
Use app-based transportation services, such as Grab, for safer and more convenient travel, especially at night
Be patient and understanding, as the pace of life in the Philippines can be slower than in some Western countries
Try local delicacies and street food, but be cautious and choose vendors with high turnover and good hygiene practices