Seeing the Taal Volcano Crater for the first time

visited Jan 2011

Notes from the Author.   I’ve gone to Tagaytay lots of times wtih  friends and we’d  spend the day eating and  sightseeing as Tagaytay provides a great view of the Taal Lake and Volcano.  But out of the many times I’ve gone there, this year was my first time to go up  the crater.

The Taal Volcano is an active volcano.  On the dirt path, you can see steam coming out of the ground.  Some of the residents there would tell us that you can cook an egg there.  Some spots would be warm and there would be a stench smell of sulfer in the air.

Inside the crater is a body of water which is high in sulfer.  My photo doesn’t do justice to the crater.  It wasn’t a clear day, and there were heavy rains in the afternoon.  Fortunately for us, it had rained on our way back to the main resort already, and not during the horse ride. 

To get there, you have to take a boat ride to Taal Lake. It’s easy to get a boat ride. On your way to Tagaytay, people on the road would flash out their signs saying “Boat Ride”.  Or if you go to the Picnic Grove,  tour guides are already waiting there to offer boat services.  The cost is about Php1500 per boat, including tips to the boatman, etc.   It would be good if you go in groups so you can share on the cost.  Haggle if you can. :)

Before you can go to the volcano island, you need to go to the main resort where the boats are docked.  It is about a 15 -min car ride to the main resort and probably another 20 minutes by boat to reach the island.

Once you’re there,  you need to take a horse ride going up to the crater.  The horse ride including the guide and tourism fees is Php500++.   They don’t recommend walking, because it’s an uphill climb and the pathway is narrow and dusty, not to mention hot.  Only a few people dared to walk.

I remember riding a horse when I was very young,  but this is probably my longest ride on a horse.  The funny thing is I found out from the guide that the horse has the same name as mine!  And she eats a lot like me, too!

  The bumpy horse back ride!

Things to bring, since it was my first time to go, I didn’t know what to expect, but you will need the following:

• bottled water –  it is more expensive to buy there, about Php30-50 per 330ml. 
• hat/cap for sun protection
• sunscreen
• face mask or a handkerchief big enough to cover your face,  because the roads are dusty.  Again, it is available to buy from vendors, but it is more expensive.
• a camera – of course!
• extra shirt or small towel – because you will perspire a lot!
• a small shoulder bag, knapsack – where you can put your stuff while riding a horse. 

What not to bring, don’t bring heavy bags.  It just adds to the weight.  For a first timer, riding a horse on an uphill climb, under the hot sun, is quite exhausting.   What more if you’re carrying heavy stuff on your back.  Travel light. 

So what can you see up the crater? 

Lots of tourists.  :P