Trekking in Tagaytay to the Taal Volcano

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Many have claimed that they have seen the Taal Volcano but few can say that they have seen it up-close. Only in recent years was trekking in Tagaytay possible as eager ones were allowed to see and walk on the smallest active volcano in the world.

Did you know that the Taal Volcano used to be one of the largest volcanoes in the world that towered at 18,000 feet? Did you also know that the common landform that we see from the Tagaytay Ridge is just one of Taal Volcano’s large group of craters? People may have been to Tagaytay to see the Taal Volcano countless times before but some cannot claim that they know the real facts of the Tagaytay Volcano. A trek to the Taal volcano would then answer all your questions.

To start with the facts, the famous Crater Lake is the lake found inside the volcano’s crater. Perched on a volcano island is then another lake called the Taal Lake, which we see from the Tagaytay Ridge. The Tagaytay Ridge is actually the rim of the volcano, which makes this geological wonder a unique and popular site among tourists.

A trek to see the Taal volcano starts at Talisay, Batangas, which is where the Taal Lake touches the shore. This is the place where you can hire boats to cross the lake to the Volcano Island. The standard price of renting an entire boat is 1,500 pesos but bargaining is allowed so make sure you put your haggling skills to use. A 20-minute boat ride will take you to Baranggay Look which is the starting point of the trek to the crater.

Although very much eroded, the trail to the crater is not too steep, and can be easily finished by experienced trekkers. But for the amateur ones, you can opt to hire donkeys for 500 pesos to take you to and from the main crater. Make sure to bring sun block, a hat and tons of water with you to keep you hydrated. Ice-cold soft drinks sold by kids nearing the summit may be tempting but rather expensive. It’s best to bring your own chilled water instead. The Taal Volcano still remains active up to now as you might see some vents spewing steam all the way up the trek.

The Taal Crater Lake glistens with emerald water, which makes the view even more surreal than the usual views from the Tagaytay Ridge. Nothing compares to seeing the crater up-close in its entire splendor. The Crater Lake is high in sulfuric content and is known to have medicinal properties. People have swum and even have gone scuba diving here which can be accessed on the west side of the island. You will definitely get the chance to explore around the lake and savor the experience until the guides will signal you that it’s time to go down the trek again as your Taal Volcano adventure comes to an end.

The Taal Volcano used to be just a mystery to be marveled at from a safe distance. But trekking in Tagaytay is now possible to satisfy your urge for discovery. In the end, the trek will reward those who have dared with magnificent views of this remarkable work of nature.