South of Manila, the capital of the Philippines, is a tourist destination that is truly extraordinary. Taal Volcano, Taal Lake and Tagaytay Ridge are a good day-trip destinations that will capture every nature-lover and adventure-seeker individual.
Taal Volcano has been dubbed as a volcano within a volcano. This tag originated from the theory that the present-day lake, Taal Lake, was the crater of a towering volcano of 18,000 feet above sea level that used to dominate this part of Asia. This theory als
o explains why the area around the lake somehow forms a huge caldera of a massive volcano.
Taal Volcano is an active volcano. It has erupted several times in the past causing massive destruction and claimed hundreds of lives. Several hotels and agents offer treks to Taal. The ascend is an easy 30-minute walk or for those who have a weak heart, there is an option to ride on horses that are available at the foot of the volcano for a fee. I always opt for a walk because it's a good exercise and I pity the horses. It's slavery that they do the work and their owners get the money. Anyway, this 30-minute ascend is rewarded by a panoramic view of crater, Tagaytay Ridge and the province of
Batangas.
I could say that tourism has improved since I last visited this place almost a decade ago. More local and international tourists come, more horses are waiting for their passengers and more persistent locals await for tourists to sell their goods ranging from bottled water to dust mask! Right up on the caldera of the volcano, more stalls and waiting sheds have been built as well. More than a decade ago, you had to bring your own water and food to quench your thirst after or hunger a tiring ascend, but now stalls offer a wide range of beverage from the native cold buko to San Miguel beer! You can also buy souvenir items there like shirt, hat, key chain and other items. The newest activity being offered i
s a driving range. Golf enthusiasts can practice their skills right on the caldera for 50 pesos per ball. And where do the golf balls land? Your guess is as good as mine - into the crater of the volcano!
Around Taal Lake are resorts that offer recreational activities like kayaking, wind surfing swimming, camping and other activities that you can think of. There are also restaurants offering native delicacies whose main ingredient is the endemic fish, tawilis. Yes, tawilis is found only in Taal Lake. Its number is dwindling because of the introduction of other fishes - milk fish and tilapia - into the lake for commercial use. This activity is clearly visibl
e through the number of fish cages at the lake and has deteriorated the quality of water and the capacity of the lake to support life.
Both Taal Volcano and Taal Lake are in the province of Batangas; however, they are best viewed at Tagaytay Ridge which is around 700 ft above sea level - enough to cool the air. While in Tagaytay, one can enjoy the cool breeze and a great view of Tagaytay Highlands and the lake. But the best view of the volcano and the lake is from Taal Vista Hotel. Non-guests can access the viewing deck for free.
Taal Volcano has been dubbed as a volcano within a volcano. This tag originated from the theory that the present-day lake, Taal Lake, was the crater of a towering volcano of 18,000 feet above sea level that used to dominate this part of Asia. This theory als
o explains why the area around the lake somehow forms a huge caldera of a massive volcano.Taal Volcano is an active volcano. It has erupted several times in the past causing massive destruction and claimed hundreds of lives. Several hotels and agents offer treks to Taal. The ascend is an easy 30-minute walk or for those who have a weak heart, there is an option to ride on horses that are available at the foot of the volcano for a fee. I always opt for a walk because it's a good exercise and I pity the horses. It's slavery that they do the work and their owners get the money. Anyway, this 30-minute ascend is rewarded by a panoramic view of crater, Tagaytay Ridge and the province of
Batangas.I could say that tourism has improved since I last visited this place almost a decade ago. More local and international tourists come, more horses are waiting for their passengers and more persistent locals await for tourists to sell their goods ranging from bottled water to dust mask! Right up on the caldera of the volcano, more stalls and waiting sheds have been built as well. More than a decade ago, you had to bring your own water and food to quench your thirst after or hunger a tiring ascend, but now stalls offer a wide range of beverage from the native cold buko to San Miguel beer! You can also buy souvenir items there like shirt, hat, key chain and other items. The newest activity being offered i
s a driving range. Golf enthusiasts can practice their skills right on the caldera for 50 pesos per ball. And where do the golf balls land? Your guess is as good as mine - into the crater of the volcano!Around Taal Lake are resorts that offer recreational activities like kayaking, wind surfing swimming, camping and other activities that you can think of. There are also restaurants offering native delicacies whose main ingredient is the endemic fish, tawilis. Yes, tawilis is found only in Taal Lake. Its number is dwindling because of the introduction of other fishes - milk fish and tilapia - into the lake for commercial use. This activity is clearly visibl
e through the number of fish cages at the lake and has deteriorated the quality of water and the capacity of the lake to support life.Both Taal Volcano and Taal Lake are in the province of Batangas; however, they are best viewed at Tagaytay Ridge which is around 700 ft above sea level - enough to cool the air. While in Tagaytay, one can enjoy the cool breeze and a great view of Tagaytay Highlands and the lake. But the best view of the volcano and the lake is from Taal Vista Hotel. Non-guests can access the viewing deck for free.
