This is just a continuation of our trip from Sonya's Garden www.sonyasgarden.com. From there, we rode a jeep going to the Tagaytay circle. There, we negotiated with one of the agent offering a trip to Taal Lake. We haggle for a much lower price but unfortunately that was the lowest price we could get ( P1,500 ). We boarded the tricycle that would take us to Talisay, Batangas. I was kinda bothered because the last time I passed this way back 2007 and at that time the road was rough. But to my surprise, the road was a little better because of on -going construction. In fact, there was a part where we had to walk because the tricycle could not pass with passengers on it.
After an hour travel, finally we reached Talisay, Batangas. We rested first in a hut in one of the resort there while waiting for the boat. As soon as we are ready, they gave us our life jacket. We were also offered if we want to order food for our lunch but we didn't because we were still full.
The boat ride will only take you 15 - 20 minutes. We were excited as we go nearer to our destination. Honestly, I thought as soon as we arrive there we can see the crater immediately but I was so wrong..Later,you'll find it out.
As we arrived there, i can see many boats on stand -by. We were assisted by our boatman who also served as our guide. We had to go the Tourist Reception Center to register. Above is the fee that we have to pay aside from the boat that we rented. At first, we were hesitant to go horse ride but we were advised that we have to, and gladly we did or else we'll be tired as a horse!!
There were small stores that offer bottled water and snacks.But the price is much higher so I suggest bring some so you can save ample of your budget. Then, horses with guides are lining up and you just choose which horse you prefer. There were many tourist at that time, some preferred to walk until they reached the crater. But it was a good idea that we rented a horse and I strongly suggest too unless you are used to do a long walk or trekking..Imagine that you are in New Zealand ( I've never been there, but based on pictures I saw ). You wanted to breath as much air as you can!!and the view..it was all worth it!!I'm just kinda nervous with my horse but my tour guide ( the one who owns the horse)said that I should just be relax!!I also had the chance to talk with my guide. He said that they live there and it is their source of income. I asked him what if the volcano is showing sign of eruption. He said that most of the families there have a boat to use in case they have to evacuate. With P500 I paid for the horse ride I guess its not enough because the guide has to walk until we reach the cater. It would take us an hour. I felt sad that they had to do this difficult job but happy also at least I was given a chance to help them. It was a weekend so there were plenty of tourists. along the way, there are also workers developing the road.
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| Tourists and workers!! |
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| near the peak!! |
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| Parking Area!!! |
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| the CRATER!! |
We are going on the right side of the crater. They call this side "pulang lupa" because of its soil which is of course reddish..People there warned us to be careful because the wind is a little bit stronger and there are no fence for safety.
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| picture picture!!! |
We stayed there for less than an hour so our eyes will be filled with this overwhelming view!!
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| Horses get their much awaited rest after an hour of hike!! |
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| Pack up!!Lets go!! |
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| We preferred walking down :) |
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| Nope, we didn't make it till the end!!We rode our horses again halfway down!!! |
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| Hoorrray!!!!! |
And before I forget, we haven't taken our lunch!!!So we looked for food but no heavy meals available so we had to endure our hunger until we reach Tagaytay again...and here it goes!!
END!!!
See you on our next trip!!!
You can do this trip for one whole day..Here is our estimate budget for this trip
bus fare -- P240.00 Mnla - Tagaytay -Mnla
boat ride -- P1500 / 4 = P375.00 each
entrance fee - P50.00
horse ride -- P500.00
lunch -- P100.00
merienda -- P100.00
bottled water - P50.00 ( buy before going there)
Total budget = P1,415.00
You can take any bus going to Tagaytay..I also suggest that after doing the taal trip you can stay in one of the resort in Talisay, Batangas. There are resorts there available or you can go back to Tagaytay and look for a night accommodation to fully enjoy the weather of Tagaytay.
