It was one sunny Friday morning when me and my cousins decided to go for an adventure and start a trek to one of the country's pride and glory- the ever beautiful looking Taal Volcano.
Taal Volcano is known to be the smallest active volcano in the world surrounded by a lake located in Batangas. This picturesque creation can be viewed from the higher grounds of Tagaytay. It is the most talked about world's largest island within a lake on an island within a lake on an island. (yay! isn't that a bit confusing?! haha)
We arrived at around 8am at Olivarez Terminal and planned to ride a jeep to be dropped off at Ligaya drive where we can ride another jeep going to Talisay. But luckily, we found a guide that rented us a van with a round trip service from Tagaytay to Talisay (vv) and boat rental from Talisay to Taal Volcano (vv).
So from Tagaytay Terminal it only took us around 30min. till we reached Talisay where we rode a boat going to the volcano island.
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| Boat ride going to volcano island. |
All my life I believed that the Taal Volcano was this volcano like island that I've been seeing as photo shown below.
But it was during this trip that I've learned that the real Taal volcano was the other island connected to this crater like island located behind it.
It was quite funny because none of us knew the truth, so as we were on the boat we were expecting to reach this island (photo above) but when we realized that the boat was going far from this island, the guide/boatman told us that the real Taal Volcano was the other island. The five of us, (me and my cousins) felt a bit disappointment from what we heard. HAHA but on the other side, we were fortunate that at least we learned the truth. I guess most of you didn't know this either.
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| The real Taal Volcano is the larger crater |
Upon reaching the island we were directed to the hall where we have to pay for the registration fee/environmental fee worth P50. There is an option for you to ride a horse with a fee of P500, but since we are looking for an adventure we opted to walk.
And so our journey begins...
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| Before we begin our trek |
It was all our first time to hike at Taal but the trails were not confusing as there was a path leading up to the main crater. Lots of locals and tourists were also visiting the island and you will encounter lots of foreign enjoying the trek even when the sun was scorching. So be sure to bring lots of bottled water to keep you hydrated. Although there are several stores along the way where you can buy your drinks or fresh buko juice but it is not recommendable for those on tight budget because it's a bit pricey.
Aside from the scorching sun, another challenge on this trek was the dusty path. The path also is a bit sandy on the first part making it a bit harder to walk.
We had to make so many stops as the heat was intense and of course we had to take some photos. hehe.
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| Almost there... |
After almost an hour and a half, we finally reached the main crater! And we are truly in awe upon seeing the majestic view of this island. From the viewing deck, you can see the smoke coming from the lake within.
It was truly an amazing and a must try experience. For all the nature lover and adventure seekers out there, I highly recommend to you to visit this amazing God creation. Truly, Batangas is blessed with so many mountains and Taal is one not be be missed.
#WagMagingDayuhanSaSarilingAtin
