VOLCANOES IN THE PHILIPPINES

MT. PALALI IN NUEVA VIZCAYA

2017-03-28T14:59:00.000-07:00

A little-known but very beautiful destination in Northern Luzon is Mt. Palali in Nueva Vizcaya. Once the hunting ground of the Bugkalots, Gaddangs, and Ifugaos, this majestic mountain offers a commanding view of the low-lying municipalities of the province.

The jump-off point is accessible through tricycles or jeeps less than 30 minutes from Solano. Getting guides, however, seem to be quite a challenge but the risk of going there without prior arrangement is a fair-enough risk, as Mt. Palali gets more and more popular as a climbing destination. The trail begins as a rough road, as in many mountains, and it gives way to a beautiful forest. This forest has recently been declared as a ‘protected area’ and should be respected as such. There are many avian species; indeed the forest is the closest most of us can get to the deep jungles of Palanan, farther east. - http://www.pinoymountaineer.com/2007/09/mt-palali-1715.html

Source

CAGUA VOLCANO IN CAGAYAN

2014-02-21T08:58:00.001-08:00

Cagua, one of the active volcanoes in the Philippines, is located in the province of Cagayan. Specifically, it lies in the Cagayan Valley region, of northern Luzon island. Located in the northernmost part of the Sierra Madre mountain range, it lies in a region of active volcanism which probably originates from a fault between Babuyanes and Luzon. Though there is a more evident seismic record between northeast Luzon and the islands, volcanoes occur on the northwestern side of the island. Evidence of a correlation between the two islands includes agglomerates from multiple volcanoes and pebbles of andesitic lava throughout the region. - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cagua_Volcano

Photo from: www.phivolcs.dost.gov.ph

This volcano is 3,717 feet high with a distinct summit crater. An explosive eruption was recorded in 1860. Signs of activity were observed in 1907 but no eruptions took place and the volcano has been quiet since. - http://wikimapia.org/1901450/Mt-Cagua-Volcano

Photo from: en.wikipedia.org

Cagua volcano is located in northern Luzon, Philippines. It is considered part of the Babuya segment because it falls within the N-S trend of the active volcanoes and is east of the trend of the Northern Luzon extinct volcanic centers.
Mt. Cagua is a calcalkaline basaltic and andesitic stratovolcano, which has been built up by at least three eruptive phases:
1) An effusive phase between 1.5 and 1.2 Million years ago.
2) Emission of thick andesitic pyroclastic flows at approximately 670,000 years ago.
3) Young ash flow deposits, deposits, some of which were phreatomagmatic in origin.
- http://www.volcanolive.com/cagua.html

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IRIGA VOLCANO IN CAMARINES SUR

2014-02-16T16:53:00.000-08:00

Photo from: jo.ramos.tripod.com

Mount Iriga volcano is a small stratovolcano immediately SW of Lake Buhi in southern Luzon, Philippines.

The volcano is dominantly andesitic in composition, but has several basaltic flank cones. It has a large crater breached to the SE, which formed during a massive flank failure that produced a large debris avalanche which buried several villages and formed a hilly, irregular deposit on the plain south of Lake Buhi 4 km from the summit.

Background:

Iriga is part of the Bicol volcanic arc which comprises at least 12 volcanic vents and complexes and is one of the 3 historically active, but the least active centers of the arc (the other 2 being Mayon and Bulusan). Iriga has only 2 known recorded eruptions in historic times.

The catastrophic debris avalanche of Iriga volcano had been believed to have occurred during the 1628 AD eruption, but later work has now shown that the collapse and eruption occurred earlier at some unknown date in the past few thousands years. The avalanche was followed by phreatic explosions that created a small crater at the base of the scarp.

SOURCE: http://www.volcanodiscovery.com/iriga.html

Photo from: http://www.volcano.si.edu/volcano.cfm?vn=273041

Mount Iriga, also known as Mount Asog, is one of the active volcanos in the Philippines, in the province of Camarines Sur, in the Philippines.

Mount Iriga is a stratovolcano about a kilometre from Lake Buhi. It rises 1,196 m (3,924 ft) with a base diameter of 10 kilometres.

Iriga erupted in 1628 and 1642. Iriga is generally known for its phreatic explosions.

SOURCE: http://wikipedia.org

Photo from: http://www.mnh.si.edu

Iriga volcano is located in southern Luzon, Philippines. The Bicol Arc is composed of at least twelve volcanic centers and complexes that include three active volcanoes (Mayon, Iriga and Bulusan). Iriga is the least active of the three active volcanoes having had only two eruptions recorded throughout its history.

The southern flank of Iriga has collapsed previously, causing a debris avalanche which traveled several kilometres, damming a river and creating a lake.

A left-lateral strike-slip fault passes under Iriga volcano.

Crater lake Buhi is located 4 km east of the summit. The lake is the home to the world's smallest edible commercial fish - Sinarapan (Mistichthys luzonensis).

The hazards at Iriga volcano are lava flows, pyroclastic flows, airfall tephra, debris avalanche and lahars.

SOURCE: http://www.volcanolive.com/iriga.html

Photo from: malate.wordpress.com

MT. DIDICAS IN CAGAYAN

2014-02-07T10:10:00.000-08:00

Didicas volcano is a small volcanic island 22 km NE of Camiguin Island, 60 km off the northern coast of Luzon, Philippines.

Photo from: http://flickr.com

Until 1952, it was a submarine volcano that had previously formed temporary islands during eruptions. In the eruption of 1952 the submarine volcano formed a new lava dome that surfaced above sea level and has become now a permanent new island.

Background:

Didicas volcano now consists of a small, 244-m-high andesitic lava dome about 1.4 km in its longest diameter.

A 400-m-wide crater was formed during the 1952 eruption. The first recorded submarine eruption of Didicas occurred in 1773.

Photo from: http://sciencythoughts.blogspot.com

In an eruption in 1860, Didicas also built a new island, the first recorded cone of Didicas breaching the sea surface. It reached a height of 213 m in 1860, when the eruption ended, but it was soon eroded beneath the sea, because it mainly consisted of loose tephra. 3 rock masses up to 82 m high were left after an eruption in 1900. 2 more eruptions occurred since 1952 at an explosion crater on the northern side of the island. (Source: GVP volcano information)

- Text above from: http://www.volcanodiscovery.com

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Photos below from: http://www.koreanwaronline.com/NoSweat/Pages/Guam.htm

MOUNT BINULUAN IN KALINGA PROVINCE

2013-07-09T22:09:00.001-07:00

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Binuluan

Mount Binuluan is a remote volcano in the Kalinga province of the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) Region of the Philippines. The 2,329-metre (7,641 ft) high mountain is part of the Cordillera Central mountain range on Luzon island, the largest island in the country. Binuluan exhibits active volcanism through numerous fumarole fields, solfataras and hot springs on its slope. There were reports of possible eruptions in 1952 and 1986 (or 1987), but they are unverified.

Mount Binuluan [Bin-oo-loo-ahn (Lubuaganyen dialect)] is one of the highest peaks in the area. The mountain is surrounded by the municipalities of Lubuagan, Pasil and Tinglayan in Kalinga province.

Southeast of the mountain is the Chico River flowing from southwest to northeast direction, while due northwest of the mountain is Pasil River, also flowing from southwest to northeast direction merging with Chico River just past the mountain. Mount Binuluan belongs to a range of mountains situated between the two rivers, trending southwest to northeast. Just southwest of Binuluan is Mount Mosimus 2,178 m (7,146 ft), followed by Mount Cauitan 2,569 m (8,428 ft) and Mount Alchan (Alchanon) 2,567 m (8,422 ft), the 19th and 20th tallest mountain in the Philippines. South of this line of mountains are Mount Chumangil 1,996 m (6,549 ft) and Mount Patoc 1,819 m (5,968 ft), the other volcano of the Central Cordillera Range displaying strong fumarolic activity.

Mount Binuluan is usually covered in cloud or mist and so photographs could be difficult to obtain. The village of Bangtitan in Upper Uma in Lubuagan is a good vantage point for views and photography of the mountain on the rare occasions when the primary peak is not mist-enshrouded. It is not known if Binuluan itself has ever been climbed as access to the site is very difficult. The terrain is rugged and undeveloped.

Mount Binuluan exhibits a number of active geothermal features. There are a number of sites with strong steam emission, fumarolic activity, surface sulfur deposits, hot fresh water springs, hot sulfurous water springs, sulfur staining of riverine rocks, poisonous gas emissions, recent volcanic gas related deaths (>100 in last 20 years at Batong Buhay mines alone), heat destruction of vegetation, poisonous water, fumarole fields with new and shifting activity. - Wikipedia.org

Source: http://peakery.com/mount-binuluan-philippines-2/

MOUNT BILIRAN IN SAMAR

2012-12-05T08:33:00.001-08:00

Photo from: biliranisland.com

The volcanic island of Biliran, located across the narrow Biliran Strait from the northern tip of Leyte Island, contains many prominent andesitic lava domes, the highest of which is 1301 m Surio. Several Pleistocene K-Ar dates have been obtained from volcanic centers on northern Biliran Island. Fumarole fields are scattered throughout the 20 x 35 km wide island. The only known historical activity at Biliran was a phreatic explosive eruption and possible debris avalanche at a thermal area in 1939. - silent-gardens.com

Photo from: malapascua.de

Mount Biliran is an active volcano in the Philippines. It is a complex (compound) volcano, meaning that it has more than one feature. These volcanoes form because of changes of their eruptive characteristics or the location of multiple vents in an area. - wiki.answers.com

Photo from: silent-gardens.com

Biliran is a compound volcano that makes a large mountainous island just north of the island of Leyte. Biliran's single historic eruption was from a flank vent in 1939. There are five solfatara fields on the island. The solfatara on the west side of Mt. Guinon contained more than 400 tones of sulfur in 1880. - volcano.oregonstate.edu

MARIVELES VOLCANO IN BATAAN

2012-10-14T19:25:00.001-07:00

Photo from: corregidor.org

The small, but voluminous Mariveles stratovolcano is located at the southern end of the Bataan Peninsula, on the west side of Manila Bay, Luzon Island, Philippines.

Although there are no known eruptions in historic times, it is a still active stratovolcano of andesitic composition. It has a 4-km-wide caldera open to the south. Mount Slamet on the north and Mount Limay on the east are 2 large, young flank cones.

Photo from: malapascua.de

Mount Mariveles is a dormant volcano located in the province of Bataan in the Philippines. Mt. Mariveles and the adjacent Mount Natib comprise 80.9 percent of the total land area of the province. The mountain and adjacent cones lie opposite the city of Manila across Manila Bay, providing a beautiful setting for the sunsets seen from Manila.

Mount Mariveles lies at the southern end of the Zambales Mountains in the Bataan Peninsula, west of Manila Bay. Bataan province belongs to the Central Luzon or Region III of the Philippines.

Photo from: corregidor.org

Mariveles is a massive stratovolcano topped with a 4-kilometre (2.5 mi) summit caldera which drains to the north. The highest peak, called Mariveles, has an elevation of 1,388 metres (4,554 ft) asl. Mounts Pantingan, Bataan, Tarak, and Vintana are the other peaks of the volcano-caldera complex, which has a base diameter of 22 kilometres (14 mi).

Mount Samat on the northern slope and Mount Limay on the eastern slope, are major, youthful-looking parasitic cones of the volcano.

Mariveles is still thermally active with the following hot springs located within the complex: Tiis Spring, Saysain Spring, and Pucot Spring.

Photo from: panoramio.com

There are already three peaks familiar to the local mountaineering community namely: Tarak Ridge, Pantingan or Banayan Peak, and Mariveles Ridge. The rest of the peaks in the caldera are still waiting to be explored.

Tarak Ridge is the more well-known destination on Mount Mariveles with its jump-off point situated at Barangay Alas-asin, Mariveles, Bataan.^[4] Pantingan Peak (locally called Banayan Peak) can be accessed through Sitio Duhat, Saysain, Bagac, Bataan. Mariveles Ridge can be accessed through Sitio Parca, Mariveles, Bataan. - wikipedia.org

Photo from: porkydocs.webs.com

IRAYA VOLCANO IN BATAN ISLAND

2012-10-03T20:57:00.000-07:00

Iraya volcano is located on Batan Island, 200 km north of Luzon, Philippines. The volcano belongs to the Babuyan Segment, the least evolved of four segments of the Luzon arc.

The Babuyan Segment has developed on the western part of the Philippine Sea plate, which is subducted by the South China Sea plate and the Eurasian plate along the Manila Trench.

Photo from: phivolcs.dost.gov.ph

There are three volcanoes on Batan Island. Mahatao volcano is the oldest and is located in central Batan. It last erupted in the Late Miocene. Matarem volcano in the south of the island erupted in the Pliocene to Early Pleistocene. Iraya volcano is located in the north of the island and has been active since Late Pleistocene.

Eruptions at Iraya volcano have been Pelean, pyroclastic flows and lava flows.
In 1998 there was an earthquake swarm at the volcano. - volcanolive.com

Photo from: inkspiredmusings.blogspot.com

The morphologically youthful Iraya volcano, at the north end of Batan Island, is the northernmost active volcano in the Philippines. Iraya is the most prominent feature of the 20-km-long, dumbbell-shaped Batan island, located in the Luzon Strait between Luzon and Taiwan. The 1009-m-high Quaternary stratovolcano has a 1.5-km-wide summit crater, which is largely filled by a younger cone that forms the summit of the volcano. Observed late-Pleistocene and Holocene products of Iraya are exclusively explosive. The youngest dated unit of Iraya is a pyroclastic-flow deposit radiocarbon dated at about 1500 years ago (Richard et al., 1986). The Philippines Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (2004-) listed an eruption in 1454 AD of unspecified character.- volcano.si.edu

Photo from: explorevolcanoesnow.com

MT. PINATUBO - A dormant volcano came to life

2012-08-12T14:51:00.001-07:00

^{Photo from: volcano.oregonstate.edu

Mount Pinatubo is an active stratovolcano located on the island of Luzon, near the tripoint of the Philippine provinces of Zambales, Tarlac, and Pampanga. It is located in the Cabusilan Mountains separating the west coast of Luzon from the central plains. Before the volcanic activities of 1991, its eruptive history was unknown to most people. It was heavily eroded, inconspicuous and obscured from view. It was covered with dense forest which supported a population of several thousand indigenous people, the Aetas, who fled to the mountains during the Spanish conquest of the Philippines.

Photo from: affinitycondoresort.com

The volcano's Plinian / Ultra-Plinian eruption on June 15, 1991 produced the second largest terrestrial eruption of the 20th century after the 1912 eruption of Novarupta in the Alaska Peninsula. Complicating the eruption was the arrival of Typhoon Yunya bringing a lethal mix of ash and rain. Successful predictions at the onset of the climactic eruption led to the evacuation of tens of thousands of people from the surrounding areas, saving many lives, but the surrounding areas were severely damaged by pyroclastic flows, ash deposits, and subsequently, by the lahars caused by rainwaters re-mobilizing earlier volcanic deposits destroying thousands of infrastructures and altering the river systems months to years after the eruption.

Photo from: lakbaypilipinas.com

The effects of the eruption were felt worldwide. It ejected roughly 10,000,000,000 tonnes (1.1×10¹⁰ short tons) or 10 km³ (2.4 cu mi) of magma, and 20,000,000 t (22,000,000 short tons) SO₂, bringing vast quantities of minerals and metals to the surface environment. It injected large amounts of aerosol into the stratosphere – more than any eruption since that of Krakatoa in 1883. Over the following months, the aerosols formed a global layer of sulfuric acid haze. Global temperatures dropped by about 0.5 °C (0.900 °F), and ozone depletion temporarily increased substantially.

Source: wikipedia.org

Photo from: en.wikipedia.org

Photo from: actiontravelac.com}

BALATUKAN VOLCANO

2012-08-01T22:30:00.002-07:00

Mount Balatukan Range (also known as Balingoan or Balatocan) is a massive compound stratovolcano that rises above northwest shore of Gingoog Bay Misamis Oriental, Philippines. It is the highest peak in the city of Gingoog and the Municipalities of Claveria, Balingasag and Medina. It is sacred to the Higaonons and in the olden times their ancestors made pilgrimages to its peak. A lake called Danao is on its caldera or mouth. The mountain is an old volcano, said to have erupted in the 17th century.

Photo from: philippine-evolution.com

It rises steeply to a long ridge with several peaks of almost 2,000 m and one of 2,442 m. The mountains retain extensive forest cover, and old growth forest is estimated to cover 6,500 ha. This is mainly montane forest, including mossy forest. The extent of primary lowland forest has been greatly reduced by logging and kaingin activities, and in 1997 this forest type was reported to be almost absent from the mountain. There are some areas of residual forest and cogon grassland.

Today it looks over Gingoog City like a watchful sentry, guarding Gingoog from typhoons and strong winds. Three planes perished in its vicinity, the last one being the jet of defense secretary Devilla. Fortunately he was not on board when the plane crashed. The ill-fated Flight 387 of Cebu Pacific perished in its adjacent mountain: Mt. Lumot as impact point and Mt. Somagaya the final resting place of the unfortunate air transport.

Photo from: philippine-evolution.com

Source: pinoyphotoblog.com

MT. MALINAO IN ALBAY, BICOL REGION

2012-07-30T12:39:00.000-07:00

Malinao is one of the three peaks of Albay, together with the famous Mt. Mayon and the little-known Mt. Masaraga.

Photo from: panoramio.com

Mt. Malinao is located south of Luzon and northeast of the Bicol Region particularly in the municipality of Malinao in Albay Province. It is a mountain range with an estimated altitude of 1,584 meters above sea level. It is a potentially active volcano, with Mayon Volcano in its southwest.

Photo from: viewphotos.org

Text below from: pinoymountaineer.com

Photo from: ooohneh.blogspot.com

Mt. Malinao is the second of the 'Magayon Trio' - the three beautiful mountains of the province of Albay. Of course, the first and by far the most famous is no less than the famous Mayon, where the very concept of Bicolano beauty derives. Malinao, as its name in various Filipino languages denote, means 'clear' and likely it is the clarity of the mountain's waters that is described in the appellation. A striking example is Vera Falls, at the slopes of Mt. Malinao, itself a beautiful destination.

Photo from: skyscrapercity.com

A lush forest surrounds Mt. Malinao, but prior to this, abaca plantations are encountered, a sight very typical of the hinterlands of Bicol. The forest is quite dense, reminiscent of Mt. Isarog. Although there are several peaks on the caldera rim of Mt. Malinao (being an old volcano), the usual trek only goes to the first peak, because of security concerns.

Photo from: scrapercity.com

Photo from: ooohneh.blogspot.com

MT. MAKILING IN LAGUNA

2012-07-09T18:09:00.000-07:00

The mystical Mount Makiling is the home of over a thousand diverse species of flora and fauna. Just a two-hour drive from Manila, this legendary mountain towering over Los Baños, Laguna and Sto Tomas, Batangas offers an ideal respite to commune with nature, experience the vanishing rainforest, and embark on a multitude of different adventures. It offers varied activities including simple nature tripping at the Botanical Garden and Pook ni Mariang Makiling, bird and butterfly watching, camping and trekking on its network of trails, swimming in its numerous hot springs, and mountain biking. This inactive volcano rises 1109 meters above sea level and offers a glimpse of some geological wonders like the Mud Spring – a sulfuric vent just 692m trek off the main trail, and the Flat Rocks – where you can swim in refreshing mini-sized water falls or just enjoy the lush greenery.

Photo from: philippine-evolution.com

Mount Makiling is a potentially active volcano in Laguna province on the island of Luzon, Philippines. It rises to 1,090 m above mean sea level.

Photo from: travel.webshots.com

Mt. Makiling is a popular hiking destination. The two major trails begin at the UPLB College of Forestry and Brgy. San Miguel, Sto. Tomas, Batangas. The UPLB trail is more commonly used, taking 4–5 hours to reach the summit (Peak 2). However, this trail is closed as of October 2007 due to trail damage wrought by Typhoon Xangsane on September 2006. The other trail from Sto. Tomas passes by other peaks, is more difficult, and requires 6–7 hours to reach the summit. Both trails are generally established and safe, although throughout the years there have been occasional reports of fatal accidents and injuries, especially on the Sto. Tomas side. Climbers also frequently encounter leeches along the way.

Photo from: philippine-evolution.com

Photo from: panoramio.com

Sources: lakwatseradeprimera.com & wikipedia.org

Mt. Banahaw in Quezon

2012-06-10T11:58:00.001-07:00

Mount Banahaw is a dormant volcano located on the boundary of Majayjay, Laguna and Lucban, Quezon in Luzon, Philippines. It is considered to be sacred by the local residents. It is adjacent to another mountain named Mount Banahaw de Lucban.

Mt. Banahaw is one of the most frequented hiking destinations and pilgrimage sites in the Philippines. It has been gaining attractions not only for its natural beauty but also for its religious and cultural significance to Filipinos.

A significant number of tourists and religious devotees increase visits to Mt. Banahaw usually during the Lenten season. A climb to Mt. Banahaw takes a 2-3-day trek with different waterfalls and caves en route to the summit. There are at least four different trails from Dolores, Sariaya, and nearby towns of Quezon. Pilgrims and hikers usually take the trail of Cristalino and of Tatlong Tangke from Brgy. Kinabuhayan, Dolores reaching the Durungawan I, II, and III viewpoints atop the summit.

Among the popular destinations in Mt. Banahaw include "Kalbaryo" (Calvary), "Kweba ng Diyos Ama" (Cave of God the Father), "Husgado" (Cave of Judgement), and the allegedly curative spring at Brgy. Kinabuhayan. Aside from the three Durungawan viewpoints at the summit, hikers can also explore the cave and the crater view overlooking Guis-guis and Tubig ng Gatas and Tubig ng Dugo rivers.

Mt. Kabunian in Benguet

2012-04-21T18:02:00.001-07:00

The mountain is as majestic as its namesake, and über beautiful. Mt. Kabunian is the most popular among the Bacun trio, and it is named after the highest deity in the mythology of the Kankana-eys.

They believe that Kabunian resides in this mountain, so this is a very sacred place. Near the top, wooden coffins can be seen clinging on the side of the summit’s walls.

We also saw some wild goats and a small forest fire. The view from the trail is expansive, the mountain breeze so cool.

Bacun is far from Baguio, five to six hours ride on rented jeep, most of it on rough roads. The sight from the jump-off point is already magnificent that many who found the ride exhausting have been tempted to just stay here, have coffee and soak in the view. But for the hardy souls who leave the comfort of the village, the rewards are overwhelming.

LEONARD RANGE IN DAVAO

2011-11-25T13:23:00.000-08:00

Leonard Range (also known as Leonard Kniazeff) volcano is an andesitic-dacitic volcanic complex with a 4x5 km caldera. It is located east of Davao Gulf in SE Mindanao, east of the major N-S-trending Philippine Fault and belongs to the East Mindanao Arc.

The last activity of Leonard Range probably occurred about 1800 years ago, indicated by radiocarbon dating of charred wood found in a pyroclastic flow deposit on the edge of the caldera.

Several thermal areas and solfataras occur at Leonard Range.

The Leonard Range (or North Davao) area is the site of a geothermal exploration program.

Manat thermal area is located north of Lake Leonard, solfataras occur its SW rim, and active solfataras, fumaroles, and hot springs are found in the Amacan-Gopod thermal area south of the lake.

Lake Leonard is located inside the caldera and contains freshwater with fish species including Anguila pacifica, Clarias batrachus, Glossogobius giurus, Ophicephalus striatus and Tilapia mossambica. It is also home to the the endangered Philippine crocodile Crocodylus mindorensis which is found at the lake during the breeding season in July-September.

Another hour’s drive from Mainit is the majestic Lake Leonard. The caldera lake formed from the crater of the active volcano Leonard Kniaseff stretches 203 km in diameter against a mountain range coated in lush green.

MT. ISAROG IN CAMARINES SUR

2011-11-21T16:57:00.000-08:00

Mount Isarog is a potentially active stratovolcano located in the province of Camarines Sur, Island of Luzon, Philippines.

A paradise at the heart of Camarines Sur is lotfy Mt. Isarog, rising to 1966 MASL. This mountain has a rich biodiversity and beautiful views: its very own mossy forests and verdant crater, an overview of Bicol Peninsula, and a glimpse of majestic Mt. Mayon. It abundance of water is refreshing, with streams and waterfalls encountered along the trails, and sulfuric springs beckon to relax weary mountaineers and other visitors. Its dubbing as "Vulcan de Agua" lives up to expectations: Isarog has 16 major rivers that provide potable water to 15 of the 35 towns of Camarines Sur and irrigate some 67,400 hectares of rice lands at its foot.

There is a cornucopia of species in Mt. Isarog, and most distinguished in the list are the endemic ones: the Mt. Isarog Shrew Mouse, Isarog Striped Shrew Rat, the Isarog Shrew Rat and the Isolated Forest Frog. In all, there are 143 species of birds. Mammals found in the area include, among others, the Philippine deer, monkeys, bats, wildcat and wild pig. There is also a snake that is endemic to Mt. Isarog, but don't worry, it's blind! (Typhlops jagorii). These animal species find refuge in a forest that has more than 1300 species of plants including hardwood trees, mosses, ferns and orchids. Rafflesia, the largest flower genus in the world, have also been sighted in this mountain. You would also encounter mushrooms and a number of colorful insects.

Three trails in Mt. Isarog lead to two different destinations. The commonly used trail, leading to the summit, is the Panicuason trail, which starts at DENR station in Brgy. Panicuason, Naga City. A second trail is the Patag-Patag trail (said to be a misnomer because the trail is far from 'patag' (flat) but steep and challenging, will be discussed on a separate itinerary. Finally, there's the trail from Goa, Camarines Sur, which takes four days.

The initial highlight of a climb in the Panicuason trail are the waterfalls: Malabsay Falls, with its large catchbasin and Nabuntalan Falls which will be visited before reaching Camp 1, around 2 hours away from the jump-off. A series of campsites ensue until the summit, for a total of 8-10 hours trekking time from jump-off. However, usually the trek is interrupted before sundown in what is simply known as 'Campsite', from which the assault to the summit is done the next day. Throughout the trails, you will be surrounded by the mossy forest of Isarog. The trails are described as moderate in difficulty, with ample cover from the trees, an abundance of water sources, and reasonable slopes. Campsites are available as rest stations.

From the Campsite, it takes 90-100 minutes to reach the summit. It is usually started very early morning. At this point, beyond 1500 MASL, the trees become stunted and covered with mosses and liverworts, characteristic of the mossy forest. At the summit viewdeck, a distant Mt. Mayon with its perfect cone shape rises south, and the verdant crater of Isarog can be seen- a vast expanse of land. You can see the waters bounding the Bicol peninsula, as well as the towns of Camarines Sur. It is a rewarding array of sights after a thoroughly challenging trek.

After descent, to make the trip to Bicol worthwhile, favorite sidetrips include a stay at the Camsur Wakeboarding Complex, and the nearby Mt. Asog (Iriga). You may also stay at Consocep Mountain Resort but this is more accessible through the Patag-Patag itinerary since it's in Tigaon. Take time also to visit Lake Buhi, another famous feature of the province.

Source: pinoymountaineer.com

MT. HIBOK-HIBOK IN CAMIGUIN

2011-11-14T18:23:00.000-08:00

Hibok-hibok (also called Catarman) is a stratovolcano and makes the island of Camiguin, about 12 miles (20 km) north of Mindanao, Philippines. The summit is covered with loose ejecta and four small craters are nearby.

Mt. Hibok-Hibok is the lone active volcano in the island of Camiguin Philippines. After its last eruption, the Philippine Government created the Commission on Volcanology known as PHIVOLCS (Philippine Institute of Volcanology & Seismology) and a PHIVOLCS Observatory Station was established in order to monitor any unusual seismic activities for the safety of visitors and residents of the island.

The furrowed flank of Mt. Hibok-Hibok rises majestically behind the capital town of Mambajao. Mt. Hibok-Hibok is a popular hiking destination in Camiguin island. The sharp-edged ridges, down whose sides run deeply cut channels from past magma flows, pose a great challenge to mountain climbers. One has to be seasoned enough to climb and manoeuvre over loose rocks and boulders in order to reach the volcano’s peak and be rewarded with the sight of its crater lake and a spectacular vista of the entire island of Camiguin. On a clear day, one can see on the horizon the silhouette of its neighbours, the island of Bohol, Cebu and Negros.

Around the summit of Mt. Hibok-Hibok are several small craters filled with water. These craters were small cracks in the volcano’s peak, where once lava flowed, and which hardened into bowl shapes and eventually filled with water and formed shallow lakes. Being active, numerous steam vents and outlets are at the sides and apex of the volcano.

TAAL VOLCANO

2011-11-09T18:27:00.000-08:00

Taal volcano is located in the southern part of Luzon in the Philippines. It is about 50km from the capital, Manila. Right in the center of the island is the main crater that holds a sulfuric lake. It is famous for having an island in a lake on an island in a lake on an island in the Pacific Ocean.

The place offers adventurers the unique thrill of exploring nature and experiencing the attractions of the world's smallest active volcano. There are a host of activities that can be enjoyed on the island. Among them are horseback riding going to the crater, trekking and camping.

Tall Volcano in the Philippines, was originally a huge volcano, that towered 18,000 feet up into the sky. It has been called the smallest active volcano because it seems small now, but many people don't realize that it is one of the largest volcanoes in the world. It is located about 70-km south of Manila on "volcano island" inside a lade called Taal lake or Lake Taal.

This picture of Taal volcano , was taken from Tagaytay ridge. Actually, Tagaytay Ridge is the rim of the volcano! When the volcano was 18,000 feet high, Tagaytay ridge would have been only about a sixth of the way to the top of the volcano!! In the distance, Mt. Makulot forms part of the other side of the rim, and it is a favorite trek for climbers.

Taal Lake itself, has a sulfur content that is higher than normal, and it is good for swimming.

Mt. POCDOL VOLCANIC CONES IN ALBAY

2011-11-06T11:03:00.000-08:00

The volcanic Pocdol Mountains (also known as Bacon-Manito complex) are a group of volcanic cones between Saragon Bay and Albay Gulf in southern Luzon.

The Pocdol Mountains form part of the boundary between the provinces of Albay and Sorsogon, in Region V, on the island of Luzon, in the Philippines.

The Pocdol Mountains are a volcanic group of stratovolcanos in the Philippines.The Pocdol Mountains have a triangular footprint of about 225 square kilometres (87 sq mi). The highest point is reported as 1102 metres (3,615 ft) above sea level. A fumarole field that contains sulfataras and chloride hot springs, is reported to be located near the summit of the volcanic group.

The group is described by the Smithsonian Institution's Global Volcanism Program as fumarolic.

There are no reports of eruptions.

Several Pleistocene K-Ar dates have been obtained from the volcanic complex. Most igneous rocks in the Pocdol Mountains consist of pyroxene andesites with minor amounts of dacite and basalts. The area is traversed by the San Vicente-Linao Fault, a splay of the Philippine Fault.
Volcanic cones in the western part of the complex are dissected, but those in the eastern part are morphologically youthful.

The volcanic area is the host of various geothermal systems collectively called the Bacon-Manito geothermal field.

The Global Volcanism Program lists the Pocdol Mountains as Fumarolic.

Source: wikipedia.org

MOUNT MALINDIG IN MARINDUQUE

2011-10-31T19:15:00.000-07:00

Mount Malindig is considered a potentially active volcano, in part because of the solfataric springs of Malbog. Its unique location, at the heart of Southern Tagalog, creates a panorama that encompasses Mindoro, Verde Island, and Southern Luzon all the way to Bicol and Burias Island.

The Mountain is the largest on the Island of Marinduque and the most popular climb and hike on the island for mountaineers and alike, known for its unique environmental biodiversity. It is the home of different species of wild orchids and other endemic wildlife.

Due to its height above 1,000 meters above sea level, by law is has been identified as a protected area. The dormant volcano has three peaks, the Trek and climb to the peak is rated as easy to moderate. After passing the Radio Station base on the mountain, it has been known to be a mossy and closed canopy forest trek with regular foggy surroundings. It is also used by the Buenavista townfolks as a cattle grazing area.

The age of the most recent eruptions of Malindig volcano is not known, but hot springs are located at its western foot.

MOUNT MALINDANG

2011-10-25T21:54:00.000-07:00

Mount Malindang is a complex volcano located in the province of Misamis Occidental in the southern island of Mindanao, Philippines. The least studied mountain range was formed through several volcanic activities some of which could be historical, evident by the presence of two calderas, surrounded by high rock walls, cinder cones, dome volcano plugs, two sulfurous hot springs, and a crater lake named Lake Duminagat. The amphitheater structures have extensive distribution of volcanic rocks, carbonized wood that are found in pyroclastic deposits. The entire mountain range is dissected by several canyons and ravines making its terrain very rugged and the forested slopes covered with beautiful scenery.

The mountain and its outlying areas, some are unexplored, are home to some of the endemic and endangered species in the Philippines, which include:

Philippine Eagle
Rufous Hornbill
Tarsier
Flying Lemur
Philippine Deer
Long-tailed Macaque
Asian Palm Civet
Philippine Hawk-eagle
Rough-armored tree frog
Water monitor lizard
Philippine warty pig
Philippine hanging parakeet/Colasisi
Philippine Woodpecker
Greater Mindanao Shrew

Mount Malindang and its adjoining mountain range is a catchment area which drains water through 49 rivers and streams, and numerous creeks. It provides potable water for domestic, agricultural and other uses to more than one million inhabitants of Misamis Occidental and the eastern parts of Zamboanga del Norte and Zamboanga del Sur.

MT. ARAYAT IN PAMPANGA

2011-10-21T17:33:00.000-07:00

Mount Arayat is an extinct stratovolcano on Luzon Island, Philippines, rising to a height of 1,026 metres (3,366 ft) There is no recorded eruption of the volcano, and its last activity probably dates to the Holocene era.

The volcano is located in a flat agricultural region. The Volcano is a popular tourist destination for people visiting the central plains.

Two trails lead to the peaks of Mount Arayat. Mount Arayat National Park Located at San Juan Baño in Arayat, Pampanga has a trail to the southern Peak, taking around 3–4 hours to reach the peak. The Southern Peak offers views of Central Luzon, including a view of Pampanga River.

The collapsed western Slope that forms the other half of its Caldera like crater can also be seen. It offers a view of the mountains of Zambales and Bataan (to the west), and the mountains of the Sierra Madre range (to the east). The northern or higher Peak can be accessed on a route from Pampanga Agricultural College in Magalang, Pampanga, taking a similar time to reach the peak, however, this route takes you through the Arayat Ampitheatre and the so-called White Rock .

^{Source: wikipedia.org}

MT. BULUSAN IN SORSOGON

2011-10-16T20:08:00.001-07:00

Photo from: panoramio.com

Mount Bulusan, or Bulusan Volcano, is the southernmost volcano on Luzon Island in the Republic of the Philippines. It is situated in the province of Sorsogon in the Bicol region, 70 km (43 mi) southeast of Mayon Volcano and approximately 250 km (160 mi) southeast of the Philippine capital of Manila.

Photo from: commons.wikimedia.org

Mount Bulusan is an active stratovolcano located at the south central part of Sorsogon province. It is basically made up of lava flows and domes. It forms part of the Bicol Volcanic Chain that stretches from Camarines Norte in the north and Sorsogon in the south. It is 280 km North Northeast of Canlaon and South Southeast of Mayon Volcano.

Photo from: panoramio.com

Mount Bulusan is about 1559 m above sea level and covers about 400 sq km. Its summit crater is 1000 feet (300 m) in diameter. There are numerous lava flows on its flanks. There are three craters on the southeast flank, its lower two are crater lakes. - wikipilipinas.org

Photo from: tripadvisor.com

Bulusan is classified by volcanologists as a stratovolcano (composite volcano) and covers the northeast rim of Irosin caldera that was formed about 40,000 years before present. It has a peak elevation of 1,565 m (5,135 ft) above sea level with a base diameter of 15 km (9.3 mi).

Photo from: skyscrapercity.com

Located around the mountain are four craters and four hot springs. Crater No. 1, called Blackbird Lake, is 20 m (66 ft) in diameter and 15 m (49 ft) deep. The oval Crater No. 2 is 60 by 30 m (200 by 98 ft) and 15 m (49 ft). Crater No. 3 is about 90 m (300 ft) in diameter and 20 m (66 ft) deep and Crater No. 4, which is near the northeastern, rim opened during the 1981 eruption. There is also a 100-metre (330 ft) fissure measuring 5 to 8 m (16 to 26 ft) wide below Crater No. 4.

Photo from: panoramio.com

Its hot springs are San Benon Springs, Mapaso Springs, San Vicente Springs, Masacrot Springs.

Its adjacent volcanic edifices are Mt. Homahan, Mt. Binitacan, Mt. Batuan, Mt. Calungalan, Mt. Calaunan, Mt. Tabon-Tabon, Mt. Juban, and Mt. Jormajan.

Bulusan is generally known for its sudden steam-driven or phreatic explosions. It has erupted 15 times since 1885 and is considered as the 4th most active volcano in the Philippines after Mayon, Taal, and Kanlaon. - wikipedia.org

Photo from: backpackingphilippines.com

Related Link: http://www.traveltothephilippines.info/2017/01/31/the-mighty-bulusan-volcano-in-sorsogon/

CANLAON VOLCANO

2011-10-11T13:35:00.000-07:00

Canlaon Volcano, a large stratovolcano, is located in the north central portion of Negros Island.

Canlaon has a maximum elevation of 2435 m and a basal diameter of 30 km. Canlaon consists of a multitude of craters and parasitic cones aligned linearly, with an older caldera in its central portion. Most of the older cratershave formed lakes or lagoons. The volcanic edifice has been built by airfall deposits, lava agglutinates and lava flows, pyroclastic flows and lahar.

The earliest record of Canlaon's eruption dates back to 1866. Since then, it has had at least 15 eruption periods, the latest occuring in 1988.

Canlaon volcano (also spelled Kanlaon), the most active volcano in the central Philippines, forms the highest point on the island of Negros. The summit of Canlaon contains a broad northern crater with a crater-lake and a smaller, but higher, historically active crater to the south.

BABUYAN CLARO

2011-10-06T10:38:00.000-07:00

Babuyan Claro is a volcano located in the Babuyan Islands, an archipelago in the Luzon Strait north of Luzon Island, in the Philippines. It is separated from Luzon by the Babuyan Channel, and from the Batanes Islands to the north by the Balintang Channel. It is in the province of Cagayan in the Cagayan Valley Region.

Babuyan Claro has erupted four times: in 1831, 1860, 1913 and 1917. All eruptions were either strombolian or phreatomagmatic.

Babuyan island consists of five volcanic centers ranging in age from 1.7 Million years to present.

Mt. Babuyan is the youngest volcano on the island and has a volume of 3 cubic km. Eruptions at Babuyan Claro are strombolian and phreatomagmatic. Askedna hot springs are located on the southern slopes of the volcano.

In July 1993, there were reports of earthquakes and an alleged drying up of vegetation at the upper slopes and summit area of the volcano but volcanologists said the earthquakes were of tectonic origins and there was no significant change in the volcanic activity.

In February 2004, there were reports of grayish steam clouds hovering above the summit but volcanologists from Phivolcs said the seismic swarm was of tectonic origin and the steaming activity was only wispy to weak.