Volcano climbing is a rising sport tourism activity around the world. Many adventure travelers are drawn to climb a live volcano for the thrill and experience it brings. The Smithsonian Institute notes that the Philippines has 50 volcanoes. It classifies Taal as a caldera, which means cauldron-like.

Taal Volcano Climbing – Crater lake
Photo by Mayumi

Our team decided to scale the heights of Taal Volcano as part of our planning session in Batangas. We would like to check its tourist appeal and we were fortunate to find many. Taking a 30-minute boat ride from Balete, Batangas, we reached the shoreline of the volcano where a lot of horsemen welcomed us. The trek path was filled with thorny bushes since this part of the volcano was “untouristy”. Most go through the Tagaytay side, which was the opposite of where we landed.

Taal Volcano Climbing – Our Team
Photo by Mayumi

Our guide took us trough a steady path. On our way up, we spotted several vegetation areas farmed by the locals – they grew kamoteng kahoy and fruit trees such as mangoes and bananas. Quite noticeable are the plants our guide called aroma, which have real big thorns and leaves like that of tamarind. The bigger version of this, they called espana. There are also mistletoe leaves – I don’t know what they are called, as well as isis or pakiling leaves. These leaves, when dried have the texture of sandpaper and I remember our teacher in primary class requiring us to bring these to clean and smoothen the surfaces of our wooden desks. There were egrets or herons flying above, and there were also unique sounding birds which I do not know. I’m sure many new species of flora and fauna could be discovered in this volcanic community, just like the smallest butterflies our team saw at the middle of the crater. They have silvery wings and are the size of an inch in wingspan.

The view atop Taal Volcano was a sight to behold. Wherever you face, you’d see wonderful scenery – the surrounding lake where we came from, and the enticing lake at the middle of the volcano. Going down to the crater lake was another 30 minutes trek so we rested a bit and had some fresh, cold coconuts. They are sold at P50 a piece. Soft drinks and mineral water are also available. We were joined by other foreign travelers who were on their way back from the crater.

Taal Volcano Climbing – Swimming in the crater lake
Photo by Mayumi

The trek downwards was more difficult. I slipped once and fell on my butt. Other of our team members were less fortunate – sliding down two or three times. Our guide said recent strong typhoon Ondoy / Ketsana destroyed the hiking trail and worse, left the path spikier. Even horses had a hard time going down.

At the bottom of the crater, we were all ready to take a dip at the lake. The trek path was so dusty, we all wanted to wash off. The ground at the lake was so hot, it was difficult to walk without slippers or shoes. Once at the lake, I noticed the water to be hot, then as I go forward, it becomes half cold and half warm. The lake floor was icky smooth. Further exploration revealed fine black sand, very sulfuric in smell. We all tried applying some on our arms, believing it has wonderful dermatological effects.

Taal Volcano Climbing
Photo by Mayumi

A part of the lake leading to the crater has a spot bubbling and smoking. The sound coming out of it is similar to exhaust rooms, and the steam was very warm. It has this weird, ugly smell. Then we checked the crater which was a big hole of bubbling gray mud. This part has the most smoke, and it seems easy to approach but once I got near, it took the best of me. I got to realize that it is a crater after all and the grounds I am standing on is live volcano. One wrong step and I could fall right into the mouth of the volcano! Maybe we all felt the same, because at this point we decided to go back via horses. Our legs were so tired and we were famished.

Horse back riding was fun, or donkey back riding I should say. We paid P400 for the horses, P200 if we rode from the crater, but the lives of the people at the foot of the mountain is unbelievable I felt confined to give more. At this time of Internet and great computers, their source of electricity is a generator. They don’t have a high school and most only finish primary school. For this, our team would surely visit again. Either for adventure tour or for community outreach.

Guest Writer: Mayumi is a part of Cultureight Travel and they offer eco-friendly small group walks and adventures in the Philippines.

Laments of an Old Crater: This is one of the most photographed volcanoes in the world. This is part of Taal volcano’s group of craters. This crater is one of the most visible and most photographed crater of Taal Volcano. However, this crater is one of the oldest and the most inactive of the Taal Volcano island craters.
Shot taken at 25,000 ft above the province of Laguna, east of Taal Lake.
Photo by storm-crypt

Taal Volcano is an active volcano located about 70-km south of Manila inside a lake, it was formed through one major eruption at the center of a lake, and since the lake itself is the crater of a prehistoric volcano, and within the lake, other eruptions have occurred producing more craters and micro-lakes. The vista from the rim is unrivaled.

Tagaytay, Taal Lake and Volcano Island: This is primarily a photo of the Taal Lake — which is a lake in the Island of Luzon, Philippines.The photo that justifies the title of a small island(that tiny speck on the crater lake), within a lake(the small crater lake), in an island(taal volcano island), in a lake(taal lake). The foreground is the aerial view of the cliff area of Tagaytay City, in the background is Taal Lake, the volcano island, and Mt. Maculot in the distance. This shot was taken approximately 5,000 feet over the town of Amadeo, Cavite.
Photo by storm-crypt

Although the Taal Volcano has not erupted since 1977, it has erupted 33 times and these were notable enough to earn it a tag by the UN on the list of the world’s Decade Volcanoes. Many people still travel to the area to see the magnificent sites set to a backdrop of vegetation and wildlife in Batangas City and are willing to pay the cost and risk for a rent house to take in the views of the Taal Volcano Protected Landscape in its true glory.

One area that tourists enjoy visiting immensely as part of the Taal Volcano Protected Landscape is Crater Lake where many enjoy bathing. Unfortunately the sudden influx of tourists recently has led to a decline in the aquatic fish who call the area home and conservationists are beginning to take action. However, there will soon be a large tree planting along the beaches of Taal Lake to combat the problem along with Volcano Island. Additionally, an area will be deemed a protected area to encourage friendly eco-tourism to keep the area ripe and environmentally diverse for years to come.

Taal Volcano: A hazy view of the famous Taal Volcano, in the Philippines, it has been called the smallest active volcano in the world. It is located about 70-km south of Manila on an island inside a lake called Taal Lake. What makes Taal Volcano more unique is the fact that the volcano itself has a lake of its own inside its crater which is called the “Crater Lake.”
Photo by danielygo

Inside the main caldera,on volcano island, there is yet another lake, called the “Crater Lake.” The highly sulfuric lake may have medicinal properties. People do swim in it, Some have even SCUBA dived in it.

Simmering and Deadly: Viewed from northern part of Taal Volcano’s crater rim. This is the simmering crater lake of one of the most active volcanos in the world. In the distance is Taal Lake, with the outline of Mt. Maculot( A mountain in the province of Batangas, Philippines).

Folk stories has it that the whole Taal Lake (part of it can be seen in the distance) surrounding the Taal Volcano island, is the crater of the original volcano itself(hinting that this was once a super volcano judging by the size of Taal Lake — if the story is true).

Inside the main caldera,on volcano island, there is yet another lake, called the “Crater Lake.” The highly sulfuric lake may have medicinal properties. People do swim in it, Some have even SCUBA dived in it. The crater lake can be accessed by going around the crater to the west side of the island.

Tourists and visitors normally go to the town of Talisay, a few kilometers down the slopes of Tagaytay city(about 2 hours from Manila). Boats will then take visitors to the volcano island(where this crater lake is) for approximately 45 minutes. For those who are rich, disabled, ederly or plain lazy — they normally take horses up the slopes to the viewing deck, near where this shot was taken. By horses, the viewing deck is only about 20 minutes from the shore(where the boats dock). By foot, the same distance can be covered in an hour or so. During the summer, the path can be very dusty. A face/dust mask will be very handy for the trip.
Photo by storm-crypt

Initiatives such as these are what have earned the Taal Volcano Protected Landscape that includes over twenty areas its protected status and a nomination as an area of outstanding universal area. Due to the many unique formations left behind by the active Taal Volcano there are many geological wonders that cannot be found so densely relative to each other at any other area in the world. These geological hotspots are one of the main reasons for the wide biodiversity of plant and aquatic fish life that inhabit the general area.

Adding to the area’s charm is the fact that no other volcano’s eruption can be matched with the Taal Volcano or the resulting landscaped area due to the fact that it originated from the center of Lake Crater in prehistoric times. Thus, this phenomenon cannot be viewed or experienced at any other location in the world which is partially the reason why tourists are so prevalent in the area at any time of the year.

National Geological Monument

Taal Volcano Protected Landscape was declared Philippines’s National Geological Monument (together with Chocolate Hills, and Hundred Islands National Park) and was also proposed for inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2006.

The Mouth of Taal Volcano: This is the real Taal volcano… its different from what the post cards show. There was sulfur in the air here… and they say when you swim there, it will instantly bleach your clothes.
Photo by deckchua

Taal Volcano
Photo by pommypaul

Taal Volcano & Taal Lake
Photo by pommypaul

UNESCO Tentative List

Justification for Outstanding Universal Value

The lake and its environs is home to many species of flora and fauna a number of which are endemic to the lake like the “Tawilis” (Sardinella tawilis), the only fresh water sardine in the world and the Taal Lake Seasnake (Hydrophis semperi or known to locals as Duhol), the only freshwater sea snake in the world. The snake still has salt glands to eliminate excess salt, despite being in a freshwater habitat. Other endemic forms include blue green algae, diatom, ostracod, sponge, reptile and fishes. There are many other species, which until now have yet to be documented, and whose natural histories have not been fully studied.

Taal Lake
Photo by nepal23

Taal Crater: That small rock in the middle of the lake — is technically an island, on a lake, in an island, on a lake. That rock island is in the middle of the crater lake of Taal’s volcano island. The volcano island is in the middle of Taal Lake.
Photo by storm-crypt

Getting There

Located at Batangas: Refer to How to get to Batangas

There are three main roads that link Tagaytay City to the lake and the volcano. One is Diokno Highway near the border to Nasugbu, Batangas; the other is just behind the Tagaytay Rotunda (but this is a very steep road); and the most preferred way is the Ligaya Drive near the Tagaytay-Sta. Rosa road, which leads to the town of Talisay, Batangas.

Talisay is the major jump-off point where boats are available to reach the volcano island.

Article Sources

WIKIPEDIA – Taal Volcano
UNESCO World Heritage – Taal Volcano Protected Landscape, Batangas
Taal – a Decade Volcano

Batangas

Batangas Travel Guide

• Why Not Go
• Why Go
• Best Time to Visit
• Where to Stay
• Where & What to Eat
• Nightlife
• To Do List
• Stay Away From
• Getting There

Just 2-3 hours south of the megacity of Manila is Batangas, an unassuming province rich with a lively past, history, folklore, nature and stretches of excellent beaches and the most accessible dive sites teeming with marine life.

While Taal Lake and Volcano are most commonly associated with the city of Tagaytay in the province of Cavite, it is actually named after one of the towns of Batangas –Taal (*Thanks to Ipat Luna for point this out). Taal Volcano is one of the world’s smallest, most active and deadliest volcanoes – please check with the local Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) if treks to the volcano are safe. Vulcano Island in the Crater Lake of Taal Volcano is considered as the largest lake on an island in a lake on an island. Confusing hey? Taal Lake Yacht Club has a good range of water sports equipment that one can rent for the day.

Taal Volcano – Laments of an Old Crater by storm-crypt

Batangas got its name from the word batangan, a raft that early residents used so that they could fish from Taal Lake and possibly one of the heaps of logs (named batang) found in Calumpang River, a river that runs through Batangas City.

Pre-Hispanic Batangueños were already trading with the Chinese, Indians and the Japanese, as dig sites in the town of Calatagan show. A Buddhist image (Buddha Amithaba in the tribhanga pose inside an oval nimbus with a Mahayanic orientation as Boddhisattva Avalokitesvara was also depicted) was reproduced in mould on a clay medallion in bas-relief from the town and experts say that the image in the pot strongly resembles the iconographic portrayal of Buddha in Siam, India and Nepal. Potteries from China (possibly Yuan Dynasty until the first phase of Ming Dynasty) reflect a high degree of civilization with a significant amount of international trade already flourishing in Batangas, and as Chinese historians pointed out that Batangas was the centre of civilization for the Tagalogs.

For most travelers, Batangas serves as a mere jump-off point to the beaches of Puerto Galera, which is a great disservice to this charming place. Beginner divers from Manila, frequent the resorts of Anilao (right photo) to enroll in open water certification dives because of the stunning clarity of its turquoise waters, the abundant marine life, its close proximity to Manila, the sweeping view of Batangas Bay and also because Anilao offers one of the cheapest certification dives in the Philippines.

From Anilao, one can jump to the islands scattered along the bay – Maricaban Island, Sombrero Island (so named because the island looked like a big hat sticking out of the water- photo below), Bonito Island, and Verde Island.

Batangas Sunset by xave

Verde Island Passage, one of the busiest sea lanes in the Philippines. Not only is it the busiest sea lane of the country, it is also one of the busiest underwater sea lanes in the world. In 2006, the Philippines was declared as the Center of Marine Biodiversity in the world (think of the underwater equivalent of the entire Amazon) and Verde Island Passage was declared as the Center of the Center of Marine Shorefish Biodiversity. Threatened species include hawksbill, green and olive ridleys turtles; humped wrasses, giant groupers, giant clams and over 300 species of corals, considered as one of the largest concentration of corals in the entire world. Although coral health is generally good, these are all threatened by climate change and the fact that it sits very close to the Batangas Bay which is fast becoming a major refining petrochemical center in the Philippines, concerns were raised because there is no proper infrastructure to contain a major oil or chemical spill that could wreck havoc on the fragile ecosystem in the area.

6.5 miles off the west coast of Batangas (near the town of Nasugbu) is Fortune Island, with the name derived from the fortunes pirates had hidden in its many caves. A fully laden Spanish Galleon/warship San Diego was located northeast of the island in 1994 with numerous Ming vases, gold coins and many other artifacts (34,407 pieces in total) were surrendered to the Underwater Archeology Section of the National Museum in Manila. It was sunk by a marauding Dutch naval fleet. Other notable dive sites include Hamilo Cove Wreck (Japanese freighter wreck), Limbones Island, Lo-oc Bay, Fuego Point, Twin Islands, Shark Cave (Mapating Rock), and Ligpo Island and many more.

Nasugbu (left photo) itself has some nice small stretches of white sand beaches especially in Natipuan and Munting Buhangin.

Aside from the dive sites, Batangas also boasts beautiful centuries old churches as well as Spanish colonial houses as best exemplified when you take a stroll in the town of Taal, some of the best preserved in the Philippines aside from Vigan. Taal is also known for its delicate embroideries, butterfly knives (balisong) and sausages. The massive Basilica of St. Martin de Tours built in 1849-1865 dominates the town’s Taal Park at its base.

About 6 Kilometers south of Matabungkay town proper is a sprawling resort complex called Lago de Oro which is most popular with water-skiers.

Amongst the festivals in Batangas, the Parada ng mga Lechon (Roasted Pigs Parade) is the most popular and observed by the townsfolk of Balayan every 24th of June that coincides with the Feast of Saint John the Baptist. Expect roasted pigs in costumes that range from the snarky political to the most Mardi-Gras frivolous depending on the theme of the fiesta while everyone engages in water-dousing. Think of it as the appetizing version of the Songkran Festival of Thailand.

Why Not Go

For people expecting superfine white sand beaches like Boracay, there is none of that in Batangas, however, the stretches of other white sand beaches on some of the islands and in the towns of Laiya and Nasugbu are good enough.

Why Go

Lian & Calatagan, Batangas by bikoy

If you are travelling to Manila with only a weekend to spare, Batangas is one of the perfect getaways. Some resorts in Anilao-Mabini offer relatively cheap crash courses on open water certification dives that can be taken for 2-3 days.

Best Time to Visit

Unless there is a typhoon, Batangas is an excellent destination year-round. Even during the Easter Weekend, we found Sombrero and Maricaban Islands largely devoid of throngs of tourists.

Where to Stay

Save up to 75% on hotels in Philippines

For those staying in Anilao-Mabini, Crystal Blue Resort (left photo) at Brgy, Bagalangit is of the best value. Tastefully designed cottages hugging the cliff and commanding a view of the Rock Marine Sanctuary with the islands of Sombrero and Maricaban in the distance, the resort is one of those tiny surprises in Anilao. You can arrange to rent a boat here to go island hopping for about PhP 2200 (boat is not owned by the resort- whole day- cheapest one we could find), PhP 100 per pax for life vest rentals (from the resort) and PhP 100 per person entrance fee to the Sombrero island and PhP 300 per boat for Maricaban Island. Once in Sombrero island, look for a shaded area in the beach instead of renting the makeshift cottages for PhP 800 (highway robbery, I say). Bring your own trash bags. Check their website at (www.crystalblueresort.com.ph) for updated accommodation rates. Ask for Nonoy Sevillano (+63.921.2999155) for assistance with boat hires.

The Farm at San Benito in Lipa City meanwhile has been named as one of the best health and wellness destinations in Asia since 2006. It sits on a 48 hectare resort that offers holistic wellness programs that are available for 3 days, 5 days, 7 days, 10 days and 14 days. Recovery Programs, Prevention Programs, other treatments and therapies are also available. The Farm also offers day tours of its facilities which include a gourmet organic set menu and fitness and spiritual development sessions (yoga, rotational meridian exercises, pilates, tai chi, etc.). Please check their website (www.thefarm.com.ph/index.shtml) for the updated rates.

Other places worth checking are the Dos Palmas Verde Island Resort, Dive Solana, and Matabungkay Beach Resort and Hotel.

Where & What to Eat

One should not miss fried tawilis harvested from Taal Lake as well as sip a warm cup of Kapeng Barako, a coffee that belongs to the Liberica variety which is said to be more superior to the Robusta variety. One can get bags of these beans in the local wet market in most if not all Batangas towns. In Manila, Barako is served in Figaro Coffee Shops which supports the revival of the farming of this coffee. Lomi, a noodle soup, is popular in small eateries, especially in Lipa City.

Once in Balayan town for its town fiesta, partake in the scrumptious Lechon Balayan (roasted pig), and dip it in a tasty liver sauce and don’t forget to take home a small bottle of Bagoong Balayan (Anchovy sauce).

Nightlife

Nightlife in Batangas is normally confined to the dive resorts that dot the area but these are usually low-key places that prize a more laidback experience rather than the hardcore beach partying that one can expect from neighboring Puerto Galera and Boracay. For a drinking spree with literally a local flavor, one must try the lambanog, also known as coconut wine/coconut vodka- a drink distilled from the sap of the unopened coconut flower. In most parts of the country now, the local drink has taken on a more fanciful makeover- it is now being marketed in several flavors like blueberry, cinnamon, mango and bubblegum.

My to do List

1. Take open water certification dives in Anilao-Mabini. **
2. Get drenched during the Parada ng Mga Lechon. **
3. Waterski in Lago de Oro.
4. Walk through the streets of Taal and marvel at the colonial houses.
5. Explore the Maricaban, Sombrero (left photo) and Verde islands.**
6. Hire a boat and trek at Taal Volcano.*
7. Buy your own balisong. (Please check the customs laws of your home country or further destinations if you do, as the balisong is considered as a weapon, you may have some issues taking it home.)
8. Check out the archeological digs of Calatagan.
9. Have a taste of the local lambanog.**
10. For advanced divers, take on the Verde Island dive with its huge concentration of pelagics.*
11. Sail in a hobie-cat in Taal Lake.*
12. Detoxify at the Farm at San Benito.
*- Highly Recommended
**- Recommended by Locals

Stay Away From

1. Mosquitoes! – just bring bug repellent to be sure
2. Dust Mites. – bring Lysol with you, if you think the hotel room is oldish and not cleaned properly. (If you are bringing pets, it goes without saying that pets can die from Lysol.)

Getting There

There are buses plying to the different parts of Batangas daily from Manila, and these usually leave on an hourly basis. Buses like ALPS and Jam Transit have buses leaving every 15-30 minutes from its stations in Cubao, Buendia, Lawton and EDSA-Pasay City Stations. For Nasugbu-bound buses, take the Erjohn & Almark or Crow Transit for buses to Nasugbu from Pasay City bus terminal. Alternatively, one can hire a car or a van (with or without a driver) from any of the car rental companies in Manila (Avis is the most reliable but also a bit costlier option.)

Motorbikes with sidecars (tricycles) are the primary mode of transportation in Lipa and Batangas Cities as well as jeepneys. If you plan to commute, it is best to get a road map of the province from National Bookstore.