I was asked by a friend to come
with them for their short break at Tagaytay. As agreed upon, we will meet at
one of the malls in Dasmarinas Cavite, April 22, 2014. But due to unexpected
circumstances, they decided to just pick me up along the way. After almost an
hour of waiting, they picked me up and finally get to the place at around
11:30AM.
Our initial plan is just to
explore Tagaytay City. When we get off the bus, a man approached us and asked
if we want to go to Taal Volcano through Talisay, Batangas. With so much
excitement, we decided the visit Taal first and resume our Tagaytay adventure
as planned when we came back from there. We took a tricycle ride from Tagaytay
to Talisay for about 25 minutes. It’s a little farther than we expected. But
the fully concrete road is good enough for the travel. Along the way is a
relaxing view of Taal Lake and the volcano itself. A breath-taking view of deep
ravines and the zigzag road will give you an experience of travelling to Baguio
City (according to them, I haven’t been there yet).
From Talisay, we have to take a
boat bride to Taal Volcano travelling across the lake. There’s a lot of resort
in the place that will provide you with the service. The cost ranges from
Php3500 – Php8500. The most expensive package includes entrance fee (on the
resort), meal, a boat ride, a tourist guide, horse-back riding to Taal’s summit
(crater). If you enjoy hiking or if you have a lower budget, the cheapest
package will do. It includes a boat ride, a tourist guide and entrance fee.
When we arrived at Taal Volcano,
we pay for a tourism fee of Php50/fax (I think). We take a walk to the peak
where we can see the crater of the volcano. I suggest that you bring a bottle
of water or any drink if want to save your budget. A small bottle of mineral
water costs Php50 which I understand because the place is somewhat isolated
(from the town). You have to cross the lake to get to the town. There is no
supply of electricity on the place so the locals have to buy ice packs from the
town to provide cold drinks.
The way to the summit is a like a
desert, compose of loose soil and sand. Maybe this is because of the horses
that bring the tourist to the place. So expect a dusty travel if you want get
there. A face mask is a great help. There is an available hat for rent on the
place that costs Php50/hat.
The heat of the summer provides a
view of the area that will give you an experience of travelling on a deserted
place. The severe humidity made the hot day seem even hotter. And yet, we have
to continue despite that they almost give up. Along the way, you’ll witness a
steam coming out of the volcano. Actually, this is a first time experience to
see that. It takes us more than an hour before we reach the top. But if you
ride on a horse, it will give you lesser time of travel and comfort of course.
The beauty of the place will ease
your tiring travel especially when you reach to climax. From the summit, you can
see the crater of the volcano where a small island is located in the middle of
it. There are traces of sulfuric acid in the air in some areas yet still
manageable. There is a portion where you can see the red lava, as what the
locals called it, a red soil formation near the crater.
We take a lot of photos as soon
as we get there. The lake is still visible from there. The view of Tagaytay
City up above is so good to look at. Everything is relieved. We take some rest
before we decided to move down the mountain. There are food stalls there to
satisfy your thirst but on a high yet reasonable price. Our way down is easier
this time.
We have just witnessed the hidden beauty of
the Philippines’ smallest volcano. It is an achievement for an adventurer and nature
lover like me. And what surprised me is the fact that the crater of the volcano
is not located at the one that I used to believe. Tricky volcano...
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