Taal Lake - History

History

Taal Lake was once just an arm of Balayan Bay. However, after a series of major eruptions in the 18th century, Taal Lake's sole connection to the sea narrowed down into its sole draining river, the Pansipit River. Several centuries of precipitation have diluted the lake's once saline waters into freshwater.

Eruptions has also buried numerous lakeside towns by volcanic ash and submerged by rising lake waters. Lipa, Taal, Sala, Bauan and Tanauan were formerly located along Taal Lake. Presently, only three towns are on the lake's shore. Remnants of the old lakeside towns like buildings and walls are reported to be seen under the lake's waters.