Weekend Getaway: Hiking Taal Volcano
Taal volcano is known for its amazing view in Tagaytay. But it offers more than a view. You can also hike the second most active volcano in the Philippines and witness its hidden beauty!
FROM MANILA via TAGAYTAY
FROM MANILA via TANAUAN, BATANGAS
A tour guide is assigned to us for the hike. Taal volcano is only 311 meters high, so the hike would only be around 45 minutes to an hour. You can also ride a horse to the summit and when descending.
The trail is a bit dusty because of the volcanic ashes, so it's better to bring a mask, but you can also buy from the vendors in the registration area. When nearing the summit, you can see some steam coming out of the ground.
Though it is just a 45 minute to an hour hike, it is still a little challenging hike especially around summer because of the heat. There are also some steep parts on the trail near the summit.
At the summit is a view deck that will give you a magnificent view of the crater lake. There are also stores at the summit selling refreshments and souvenirs. You can also swim in the lake, but it is advised not to stay too long because of the high concentration of volcanic elements.
The magnificent view of the crater lake will captivate you when you reach the summit. You will have a full view of the crater. There is also a nearby place called "Red Lava" where there are hard lava formations and offers a better view of the crater lake. There is an entrance fee of PhP 50.00 per person in it.
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| Crater Lake of Taal Volcano |
How To Get There
Taal Volcano is an hour and a half away from Manila (if there is no traffic). The town of Talisay in Batangas is the jump-off point to the volcano where you will be riding a boat to the island.FROM MANILA via TAGAYTAY
- Ride a bus in Buendia, Pasay bound to Tagaytay or Nasugbu then alight at Olivares.
- Take a jeep from Olivares bound to People's Park then alight in Ligaya Drive.
- Ride another jeep or tricycle to Talisay, Batangas then go any resorts in Brgy. Leynes for the boat ride.
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| View of Taal from Tagaytay |
FROM MANILA via TANAUAN, BATANGAS
- Ride a Lipa or Batangas City bound bus that will pass through Tanauan in Buendia.
- Alight in the bus stop in Tanauan City then take a tricycle to the jeepney terminal.
- Take a jeepney bound to Talisay then go to any resorts in Brgy. Leynes.
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| Boat ride going to the volcano island |
Boat Rental and Fees
There are several resorts in Talisay that offers a boat ride going to the island. Boat rental rates are regulated by the local government.- Boat Ride (roundtrip max of 6 persons): PhP 2000.00
- Horseback Ride (roundtrip per person): PhP 450.00
- Tourist Fee (per person): PhP 100.00
- Tour Guide Fee (per group): PhP 500.00
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| Boat ride rental and other fees |
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| Passenger manifest |
Our Experience
Our hike in Taal Volcano was unexpected. We were just in Tagaytay to eat Bulalo and then go zip line with our colleague from Australia. We were asked by a tour guide in Picnic Grove if we would like to hike the volcano, and since we don't have anything else to do, we said yes. From there, we drove to Talisay to get to the resort. |
| Zip line in Picnic Grove |
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| Bulalo in Mahogany Market |
The Hike
We then took a boat ride going to the island for around 15-20 minutes. The lake was so calm and is just nice having a boat ride there. After we arrived at the island, we registered first in the registration area before starting the hike. |
| Boats going to the volcano island |
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| Calm waters of Taal Lake |
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| Resorts in Talisay |
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| Registration area |
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| Met some tourists riding horse back to the registration area |
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| Trail going to the summit |
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| It's very hot that day |
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| Steam coming out of the ground |
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| Almost near the summit |
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| A cross used during the Holy Week |
At the summit is a view deck that will give you a magnificent view of the crater lake. There are also stores at the summit selling refreshments and souvenirs. You can also swim in the lake, but it is advised not to stay too long because of the high concentration of volcanic elements.
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| The view deck at the summit |
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| The trail we took going to the summit |
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| Tagaytay is seen from the summit |
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| Binintiang Malaki |
The magnificent view of the crater lake will captivate you when you reach the summit. You will have a full view of the crater. There is also a nearby place called "Red Lava" where there are hard lava formations and offers a better view of the crater lake. There is an entrance fee of PhP 50.00 per person in it.
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| A 2-minute hike to Red Lava |
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| The crater lake |
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| The obligatory pose |
Quick Tips
- The hike is around 45 minutes to an hour.
- Restrooms are available at the summit.
- Bring mask for the dust along the trail and hats for sun protection.
- Hats can be rented for PhP 50.00 and masks can be bought from the vendors.
- Head up to Tagaytay for some Bulalo in Mahogany Market.
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| A panoramic view of the crater lake |
Itinerary
- 06:00 AM: ETA Manila to Tagaytay/Talisay
- 08:00 AM: ETD Talisay
- 08:30 AM: Boat ride to the volcano island
- 08:50 AM: Registration in the island
- 09:00 AM: Start of hike
- 09:50 AM: ETA summit
- 10:00 AM: Optional hike to crater like or red lava
- 11:30 AM: ETD summit to registration area
- 12:15 PM: ETA Registration area/Boat ride back to Talisay
- 12:35 PM: ETA resort in Talisay
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| Cheers from Taal Volcano! |
