Up Close with Taal

A scene from Katy Perry's Roar MTV.

It felt great to see this view in a Hollywood MTV. It was launched two days ahead our trek. So when I heard about the video, I tried to capture this scene. 

A previous warning did not really stopped us from going to the second most active volcano located in Talisay and San Nicolas Batangas. The Taal Lake and Volcano were both peaceful when we got there.

I suggest you eat first before you trek.  You'll surely need energy. And don't forget to bring water for hydration.

A view of Taal  from Tagaytay

We were brought to Talisay's Rock Fort Lake Resort from Tagaytay rotonda by a tricycle driver. Surely its an extra income to them. He's one of those who are holding flyers and sign boards along the Tagaytay-Nasugbu Hi-way. And sometimes, annoyingly asks all those who are passing by. A tricycle ride from rotonda and boat ride (round trip) will cost Php 2,000.00. I think this could be maximized to 5 persons.

Upon arrival at resort we were asked to fill up a waiver and then, off to the boat that will take us to the island, which will take 30 minutes. When you reach the destination, they will lead you to another registration area. After a short interview, they sort of forced us to ride a horse up to the peak. Walking would be find with us, however, they were really insistent. And this was an additional expense of Ps 1,000.00 per person (from foot to peak and vise versa). It also includes an assistant who will guide your horse. Sometimes the guide will also ask your permission if they can also ride the horse (They will be sitting behind you), which bothered me a little.

The blue and white view.

Hello Mother Nature...

Going up the peak.

Anyways, the view was so amazing. Hello greens and blues! The sun was up. Good thing I applied sunblock. On our way up, we saw smoke coming out between the rock formations and it felt hot. Also, we have observed the soil on the peak is reddish. As to research this means that the soil contains iron oxide, usual to soil near volcanoes. And sometimes when the wind blows, we also smell an acidic scent of sulfur. Tourists visiting the place were non-stop. Most of the people we came across with were Koreans and Americans. #itsmorefuninthephilippines

Cold drinks i.e. cold soft drinks and fresh buko juice are sold at the top of the trek, which will surely refresh a thirsty throat. Vendors will also ask if you will be giving a drink to your horse assistant/guide. Of course, another additional pay. Maybe considered a tip to them. There they also sell t-shirts and other small things for pasalubong.

You could freshen up back at the resort, they have rest rooms where you could change your sweaty clothes. The tricycle driver also dropped us back Tagaytay rotonda.

Budget for Trip:

Php 2,000.00 - Tricycle and Boat Ride (From Tagaytay to Talisay)

Php 2,000.00 - Horseback Riding (Php 1,000.00 per pax)
Php    600.00 - Transportation Expense (2 pax - round trip from
                      Starmall Shaw Blvd. to Tagaytay Rotonda)
Php4,600.00 - Total Expenses (2 pax - food not included)