unlike mayon, taal volcano is a complex one. it is not just a standing conical volcano, but has formed its compound parts because of the changes of its eruptive activities throughout time. it is known to be the smallest active volcano in the world. it is more than 50km south of manila, and being famously viewed from tagaytay city.
the whole taal volcano island lies within the province of batangas. it is being shared by the town of talisay and san nicolas.
the trek
we were at club balai isabel during our company outing, and before checking out at noon, we wanted to trek taal volcano first. so we woke up early and have ourselves prepared.
balai has a trek package so we needed not to find a boat to hire ourselves. if i remember it correctly we paid P3,000 for the group, and we're good to go. we have to pass through taal lake to reach the volcano.
taal lake is a freshwater lake, considered as the third largest lake in the philippines. it is home to the endemic species tawilis (peborit daw ni rizal), to trevally, and to the world's most rare sea snake - hydrophis semperi (ano daw?? ;p). the lake also has a sulfur content.
upon reaching the volcano island, we were greeted by some locals, offering us services to guide us on our way up. but we already have one from balai. they will also offer you for a horse ride, they said it will be very hard to trek up. it will be more convenient if you'll just be riding a horse, for P350. you trek for adventure, so why ride a horse? the trail is very easy to follow. and there were others who also trek and you will all be following the same path. the scent of the surroundings is very uninviting (because of the horses' poops), but you will eventually get used to it. entrance fee is P50, but in our case, it was included in our package.
the main crater of the volcano is actually not in the little cone-shaped mountain which we always see in photographs. it is on the other part of the whole thing. while trekking i was wondering how can we get to that little mountain, we seemed walking to the opposite direction. oh well, hndi pala kasi doon.
and finally, we reach the crater! the climb is all worth it, it was so beautiful. the crater lake is greenish in color - a lake within a lake. there are sulfur smoke in some areas of the lake. a really breathtaking view. perfect photo opportunity.
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