IN PHOTOS: Our Taal Volcano Crater "Hike Ride"

An island in a lake within a lake within an island...


Someone once said to our college group last 2013 that Tagaytay won't be full of tourist if not because of Taal Volcano situated at Talisay, Batangas. Some restaurants boasts it view of Taal Lake with Tagaytay's chilly temperature. However, for me, it is not a one way relationship. Batangas tourism also benefits from Tagaytay City in a form of "view" advertisement. Give and take dapat :)

Hindi lahat ng balak ay hindi natutuloy.

I and my beshie, Kesia, went there last October 7, 2017 on a DIY manner. Let me share it with you.

* * *

THE DO IT YOURSELF TRANSPO

A day before the trip, I read some blogs and found contact number of Kuya Angelo of Soriano Resort Boat Rental. Kuya Angelo then referred Kuya Francis, a tricycle driver member of Tagaytay's TODA.

Kuya Angelo (Soriano Boat Rental) - 0919 728 0514

Kuya Francis (Tagaytay TODA) - 0920 168 5434

I recommend them since there are canvassers out there that may require you extra payment. Actually Kuya Francis gave me 100 peso discount. Thumbs up to his "Thailand Tuktuk PH version" :)

Tuktuk PH Version

Coming from Balibago Jeepney Terminal, we arrived at Tagaytay market. This is the final destination of the jeepney route so you may sleep during the ride. At 7 eleven Tagaytay market, we met Kuya Francis and rode his bumble bee Tuktuk. We stopped at the road facing a hotel and took some photos of the lake. After about 10 minutes, we headed to Soriano Resort Boat Rental. There, we registered and settled our payments. (Actual itinerary and expenses at the end of this post). 

Tagaytay view

Kuya Angelo in yellow shirt at the registration area

Registration area at Soriano Resort

After the about 30 minute boat ride, we arrived at Brgy. Tabla Pulo, Talisay, Batangas.

Horse back riding jump off

THE CLIMB (at first)

I read some comments that hiking Taal Volcano is very easy. With 311 m elevation only, I was tempted to try it as my first official hike since I am not a physically active creature. 

Steep T_T

Can you feel the dry heat?

There are stations of the cross along the trail.

THE RIDE

However, due to the scorching heat (10:30 AM yun eh!) coming from the sun and volcano, we decided to call the help of our strong horses. Imagine, we only trekked almost a kilometer and I was racing with my heartbeat and breath. Also, we are feeling out of place since every time there are horses passing by, we should give way. Almost everyone were riding horses.

Meet Brando. He is my very patient and friendly horse. Actually, there was an instance wherein the other group's horse positioned to start kick fight with him. Ate Analyn, my guide, told me that I am lucky that Brando did not fight back the gesture of the bully horse. If he fought back, I and Kesia (since her horse is gladiatorial), we would end up with broken limbs.

Take a break. Enjoy the nature.

Can you see the steam?

AT THE END OF THE TRAIL

Horses waiting for the descent

THE MAIN VIEW OF CRATER

It was fulfilling to see in person the popular crater. It has 1.9 km diameter and blue-green in color. As per our guide and boatman in one, Kuya Max, Taal volcano erupted last 1965 and 1911. Yes, it is an active volcano. So, when I asked Kuya Max when will be the next, he said that day, "it will be later". Haha.

Inner Korean Persona

Less obstructed view of the crater

THE RED LAVA

Some guides would tell you that paying extra 50 pesos per head for the Red Lava is not worth it since the view is the same. I am telling you, go for it. We do not regret the extra bucks. As a girl who loves to take photos, I do not like having a high fence in my background. Going to Red Lava solved it. I can assure you that it will give unobstructed view of the crater. The main view deck can be overcrowded.

By the way, do not be confused with the name. You will not go to a place with hot molten lava. It's just what the locals call the area due to area color red. According to phivolcs.dost.gov, rock type is Olivine basalt, Andesite.

Entrance to Red Lava

Can you see the steam?

THE MISCONCEPTION

This volcano shaped island is always mistaken as the Taal Volcano itself. It is not.

ORGANIZED TOURISM, NO HOLES FOR GREEDY MEN

I commend that there is a municipal order standardizing the rates of boat, environment fee, entrance fee, guide fee, and horse back ride fee. No need for haggling. It prevents the "top up" fees since wherever resort you are coming from, standard rates apply.

Same with Nuestra Senora Horse Riding Association Inc., walang lamangan. Guides were assigned with their "guide number". Everyday, their call will depend on the number of tourists. Officers will call them in a systematic order. For example, there are a hundred tourists today. Guides with number 1 to 100 will be called for service. On the following day, guide with number 101 will be the first to be called so that each of the almost 500 guides can be called in a week. On an average, guides are called twice a week. Getting new tourist along the path is prohibited. A guide must fall in line again.

According to Ate Analyn, only native horses can thrive in the area. "Foreigner horses" die due to heat. Also, one native horse costs about 20k pesos.

RESTING AREA & EXPENSIVE STORES

If I am not mistaken, there are about 5 stores along the trail. Bring your own water and Gatorade since selling price is VERY EXPENSIVE. A bottle of water or soft drinks costs 50 pesos and Gatorade costs 100 pesos. I do not like their selling tactic; vendor will approach you at the top resting area suggesting that your guide is exhausted and you can provide them drinks. For me, it somehow forcing the traveler to buy their expensive goods in a form of generosity.

CAFE TAAL

In Talisay, you can rest and drink at Cafe Taal. It is facing the docking side.

There are many Korean tourists since there is a nearby resort owned by a Korean. So, "Eneyengseye", "Hanyong sayo","Kamsamnida", "Annyeong-haseyo", were rampant.

Here is our actual itinerary:

8:00 AM meetup at Balibago Jeepney Terminal

9:20 AM eat at 7 eleven near Tagaytay Market

9: 30 AM stop by at view point along the road, photo opps

10:00 AM boat ride to Talisay, Batangas

10:30 AM trek to Taal crater (yes, we tried, besh!! pero...)

10:50 AM horse back riding to Taal crater (due to very high temperature that time, we decided to call a friend, our horses)

11:30 AM arrival at the top, picture taking

11:35 AM payment of entrance fee to Red Lava (highly recommended)

11:40 of course, photo shoot mode

12:15 PM start of descent with our friendly horses

12:55 PM boat ride back to resort

1:30 PM went to Dreamland Arts and Cafe for late lunch

4:00 PM jeepney terminal Tagaytay market

Expenses (in Philippine peso, per head, 2 pax in a group)

40  - Jeepney fare from Balibago to Tagaytay Market

200 - tricycle two way trip from 7eleven Tagaytay to Soriano Resort Boat Rental

1000 - boat rental, two way trip, maximum of 7 pax

50 - environmental fee

100 - entrance fee

250 - guide fee

100 - horseback guide tip

150 - boatman and guide in one tip

500 - horse back riding fee

50 - Red Lava entrance fee

100 - Gatorade, OMG

____________________________________________________________________

2,540 pesos excluding my fare going to Balibago

Tips

1. Use sunblock for sun protection. I got new tan lines!
2. Bring umbrella.
3. Wear comfortable clothes and footwear. However, keri naman umawra. May mga naka pang fashion show nun.Haha.
4. Bring your own drinks. It is VERY expensive up there. Imagine, 50 pesos for mineral water or softdrinks and 100 pesos for Gatorade. Luhh!
5. If you have, bring wide lens or Go Pro to capture the whole crater if you will not be entering the Red Lava area.
6. Do not leave trash anywhere.
7. Be in 7 pax group to minimize the cost per head.
8. Smile and stop being primadona senorita muchachachenes, okay? HAHA.

Hope this post helps and feel free to comment below.

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