TAAL VOLCANO

Taal Volcano was originally a huge volcano, that towered 18,000 feet up into the sky. It has been called the smallest active volcano, because it seems small now, but many people doesn't realize that it is one of the largest volcanoes in the world.  It is located about 70-km south of Manila on an island inside a lake called Taal Lake. Inside the main caldera, there is yet another lake,  called the "Crater Lake."  The highly sulfuric lake may have medicinal properties. People do swim or scuba dive in it. One need not be an experienced mountaineer to trek Taal Volcano, mainly for three reasons: the trail is so easy; the volcano is quite small; and lastly, you can ride a horse from ground zero to the top.

Me and my personal body guard ... nah! its my younger brother :)

Me and my family decided to take the early trip to Talisay, Batangas. We arrived in Taal Yacht Club around 8:00 A.M and decided to haggle the price around 1,500 / boat. We are kinda excited and confident that we can reach the top without renting a horse. 

We are all SET and READY!!!

me, my sis - nicy, my bro - janz and his gf - grace with our guide at the back.

*** A tourist may choose to walk their way to the crater or to ride a horse, either way you need a guide. And if you choose to walk, you’ll still have to pay for the guide.

We were led to the stables and welcomed by the mixed smell of sweat and horse waste. A lot of people both young and old (mostly women) hawking all kinds of merchandise from bottled water to native hats. One of them approached my mom selling face masks; she warned that the trek will truly be dusty. Better BUY Face Mask, you’ll need it! For P50 each, it will be worth it either in your trekking or riding a horse.

still half way but so TIRED already. I'm tempted to take the horse.

Our path to the crater was dry, dusty and rocky. Many times, the trek can be pretty scary so better be careful. Halfway through the trek, my feet starting to get numb and I felt like I can't reach the top if I continue to get stubborn just for the sake that I can do it all the way on my own. Guess not... tsk tsk tsk. Anyway, took the horse and paid 500 pesos for round trip.  Just trust your guide, they’ve been up and down these slopes since childhood, they know what they’re doing.

with my guide Anton

Taal Crater Lake

While up there, you may also buy some souvenirs, buko juice, softdrinks and snacks. I bought softdrink that cost 50 pesos each. The edge is lined with a mix of bamboo and metal fences, to protect tourists from going over the edge. Bamboo stilts were set up to give photo enthusiasts a good vantage point in taking breathtaking photos.

all sweaty and tired but satisfied 

with our beautiful MOM 

Overall, it was a good experience.  For a minimal fee, they allow even non-members to pitch a tent and use their facilities in Taal Tacht Club with the Taal Volcano view. Prior reservations highly advised. For more info, contact them below details:


Taal Lake Yacht Club
Talisay, Batangas, Philippines
(043) 7730192