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| Crater of Taal Volcano (Photo by Gregg Manalo) |
The view of Taal Lake and Volcano is indeed
very picturesque. Seeing this small volcano floating on a lake from Tagaytay
Ridge is one thing, but being face-to-face with this natural beauty is another
thing. There are two options curious hikers may choose to explore Taal Volcano:
the caldera or its crater.
The hike to the caldera is the more popular
one because it is shorter and easier. You can find my impression about this
hike here.
The less frequently visited trek which is the
content of this blog is the one which will take you to the very crater of the
volcano.
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| Sulfur-rich water in the crater. (Photo by Gregg Manalo) |
Fast Facts About Taal Volcano
1. It is considered to be one of the
smallest active volcanoes in the world.
2. It is the second most active
volcano in the Philippines.
3. The crater lake is the largest
lake on an island in the world.
4. The volcano and lake is featured
as a backdraft in the music video of Katy Perry’s song, Roar.
The Trek
The trek is a 15-minute boat ride from Taal
Yacht Club to the eastern side of the
volcano. From that point, it is another 30-40 hour ascend to the caldera
where you can stop and rest before
descending to the crater. There is a concrete structure where you will be
rewarded with a 360 view of the volcano and the lake. In the summer, the area
is teeming with tasty camachile fruits (monkey pod) which you can pick to
satiate your need for sugar.
The descent is another 30-40 minute trek. It
can be slippery so a pair of shoes with good grip will make this trip less
difficult.
Preparation Before the Trek
There are day trips to Taal Volcano which are
usually organized by hotels or travel agencies, but they are rather pricey.
Getting a boat ride and trek to Taal from Tagaytay will also rip you off. The
most affordable and most reliable trip that I have experienced so far is
through Taal Yacht Club. I always contact The Club provides banca and tourist
guides at a minimal price. Please visit their website (http://www.tlyc.com/the-tlyc-volcano-tour/) for details of the prices and discounts.
Reminder: To avail of discounts, decide
whether you will do the caldera or the crater trip before scheduled trip.
Discounts aren’t applicable when you pay at the Club. Read very well the
conditions on their website.
TLYC Contact Info: 0917-838-3726
How to Get to Taal Volcano
There are two ways to get to Taal Volcano:
via Tagaytay or via Tanauan City, Batangas. I find the way via Tanauan City
much easier, faster, and hassle-free.
1. Go to Buendia Bus station and
take a one-hour bus ride going to Batangas
Pier. To be sure, do not forget to ask the driver or bus conductor if the bus
will go through Tanauan City. Once on the bus, ask the conductor to drop you
off at Tanauan City. He will be very happy to assist. (Fare = 100
pesos/passenger)
2. From the bus stop, take a
tricycle to the jeepney station going to Talisay. Ask the locals there or the
tricycle driver for the jeepney station to Talisay. (Fare = 30 pesos)
3. Take the jeepney to Talisay. Ask
the driver to drop you off at the tricycle station which will take you to Taal
Yacht Club. Remind the driver of the tricycle station after 30 minutes. (Fare = 26 pesos per passenger)
4. Get a tricycle to Taal Yacht
Club. ( Fare : 40 pesos)
Activities at the Crater
1. Swimming
2. Picnicking
3. Exploring the periphery of the
crater
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| View of Mt. Maculot (Photo by Gregg Manalo) |
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