TAAL VOLCANO: Before the Eruption

TAAL VOLCANO

This active volcano can be found in Talisay, Batangas, Philippines. But it can be best viewed from the high vantage point of Tagaytay.

It is one of the most active volcano in the Philippines, surrounded by the Taal Lake. In fact, it just erupted recently, January this year, 2020. Spewing huge amount of ashes. Causing damages to its surrounding towns; even those nearby Provinces.

View of the Taal Volcano

There is a village within the volcano's foot. Naturally, the village got devastated during the eruption. Luckily, almost all of its residents were evacuated on time.

The formation of the volcano has been altered after the eruption. And also, what used be to a green and lush landscape, has now turned into a barren land.

Prior to the eruption, the volcano was a tourist destination spot. For many years, many people would visit the volcano. Just like we did.

I have blogged about my trip to the Taal Volcano before. It has now been updated since after the eruption. My previous blog about Taal Volcano is a good read. Please read below.

TALISAY
It is less than 2 hours travel from Manila to Talisay, the jump off point to Taal Volcano.

Upon our arrival in Talisay, we parked our car and hired a boat to cross us over to the volcano island. Just a short boat ride.

We then registered on the island upon arriving. Then paid some fees; environmental and guide.

The options were to get a horse ride or walk on foot going up the caldera. The horse ride was recommended because the heat of the day was becoming unbearable, so we took the horse.

It was more or less, an hour trek. The path was dusty and bone dry. The surroundings got hotter as we got closer to the top of the caldera. The view of the surrounding lake was nice from up there.

We stayed at the top just long enough to take some pictures. There was a store shack up there. It provided everyone a place to rest and some snacks to buy. It was a hot day. In fact, one tourist had passed out of exhaustion.

GREEN LAKE

The trapped water inside the caldera is green. It is said that you can actually swim on it but only for a certain number of minutes.

Caldera

TIPS:

Definitely, water is a must have. Bring some. You will get thirsty on your long way to the crater. Water costs P50 for small bottle at the crater.

Bring a mask. The trek is very dusty. Masks are available for sale in the village.

Wear a hat. Protect yourself from the searing heat of the sun. Hats are available for rent in the village.

Trek

The pathway

 

RED LAVA

Don't miss out the so-called ‘Red Lava’. It’s not really that of a big deal but you might as well see it since there's not much else to do up there.

You can trek to the ‘Red Lava’ by yourself, just a 5-minute walk, and back. Decline a guide and save yourself an additional P200

Trek to the Red lava

GETTING THERE:
By car:
-Take the SLEX connect to STAR Toolways.
-Exit Tanauan City.
-Turn right on exit.
-Then straight to Talisay (about 15km).

EXPENSES:

Boat ride: P1500 per city ordinance.
Haggled rate: P1200.
Environmental fee: P50
Horseback: P450 each

Talisay

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