Top 10 Volcanoes in the Philippines
The Philippines is one of the world's most active volcanic countries. Two plates dive beneath the archipelago and feed more than twenty active volcanoes, several within view of Manila. These ten are the ones every Filipino schoolchild can name.
1. Mayon
The "perfect cone" — a textbook stratovolcano in Albay province with one of the most symmetrical profiles on Earth. Among the country's most active volcanoes; the standard view is from Legazpi City.
2. Pinatubo
The 1991 eruption was the second-largest volcanic event of the 20th century. Today the caldera holds a startling turquoise lake reached by 4×4 and a half-day hike from Capas, Tarlac.
3. Taal
The small but extremely active volcano in a lake on Luzon — one of the most-watched volcanoes in the world. The 2020 eruption rebuilt the crater and the surrounding tourist landscape entirely.
4. Bulusan
A near-perpetually restless stratovolcano in Sorsogon, with periodic phreatic explosions. The mountain's lake and trails are open in calm phases.
5. Kanlaon
The active volcano of Negros Island, a stratovolcano whose eruption phases close the climb. One of the country's classic mountaineering objectives when open.
6. Mount Apo
The Philippines' highest peak (2,954 m), a dormant volcano on Mindanao crowned by sulphurous fumaroles, summit lakes, and Lumad ancestral territory. The climb is multi-day and permit-controlled.
7. Hibok-Hibok
The active volcano of Camiguin Island whose 1951 eruption killed hundreds. Today the island is a popular dive and beach destination with the volcano as its dramatic backdrop.
8. Mount Banahaw
Sacred mountain east of Manila, climbed in pilgrimage as much as hiking. Officially closed at the summit for ecological reasons; lower trails are open.
9. Babuyan Claro
A remote volcanic island in the Babuyan Group north of Luzon, with hot springs and a frequently restless caldera — visited only on planned expeditions.
10. Smith Volcano (Babuyan)
A near-perfect cone on Babuyan Island in the far north, a striking and seldom-visited volcanic landmark.
Travelling Philippine volcanoes
Most travellers approach Philippine volcanism from one or two anchors: Pinatubo and Taal near Manila, Mayon and Bulusan in southeast Luzon, Kanlaon on Negros, Apo on Mindanao. Sea transport and weather can shift plans dramatically.
Hazard and access
PHIVOLCS operates the country's volcano monitoring and publishes daily bulletins. Several volcanoes are routinely closed during alert elevations; check before each plan and respect the permanent danger zones.
See them on the map
Filter the map to the Philippines and the volcanoes appear strung along the archipelago in a sinuous arc. Pick one island first — the country is enormous before you add the climbs.