The volcano consists of an active crater near the center of a low island not over 5½ miles in its longest diameter. The island is situated at the center of Taal Lake (Bombon) which is about 17 miles long and 10½ miles wide. The lake is 10 meters deep and is 2.5 meters above sea level.
A small launch carries those who would look down into the crater across the lake to the island from which the volcano rises. The volcano is about a thousand feet in height and is fairly easy to climb.
Sample of bridges and provincial scenery. This road leads to Batangas
TAYABAS PROVINCE, the second largest, is on the Pacific coast of the Philippine Islands. The province is noted for its copra, abacá and corn which are raised for export. Mineral resources are abundant in the Bondoc Peninsula where gold, coal, and petroleum are found. Aside from agriculture and mining, however, there are other industries such as hat-making and lumbering. There is a lumber camp at Guinayañgan and a modern saw and planing mill in Lucena. The Botocan Falls, where a stream 40 feet wide makes a leap of 190 feet, could supply the entire province with light and power for all its needs.
Lucena and Atimonan The spin to Lucena and Atimonan, both in the Province of Tayabas over the South Road, is a favorite one. On the east are the little town of Binañgonan de Lampon, a celebrated port in the sixteenth century in the galleon trade, and the landlocked harbor of Hondagua, destined to be the direct port of call of steamers coming from the Pacific Coast of the United States and Canada.
A Philippine Sugar Central. Calamba, Laguna Province
On the way, stop can readily be made at the town of Calamba, Laguna, about 37 miles from Manila. This is the birthplace of the Filipino author, and patriot Dr. Jose Rizal. Although the house where he was born is no longer standing, the site can easily be found opposite the church and market. Calamba has an added importance in that the town has a modern sugar central, which the traveler should not fail to visit.