Hiking Talks #16: A trek to the most complex volcano in the Philippines ~ Taal Volcano | Crater Lake

 

MINOR CLIMB| Taal Volcano is a part of a chain of volcanoes along the western side of the edge of the island of Luzon. The lake is wholly located in the province of Batangas. The northern half of Volcano Island falls under the jurisdiction of the lake shore town of Talisay, while the southern half belongs to San Nicolas. The other towns that encircle Taal Lake include Talisay,Tanauan, Laurel, Agoncilio, Santa Terisita, Alitatag, Cuenca, Lipa, Balete and Mataas na Kahoy.

With its highest elevation at merely 311 MASL (1,020 ft), Taal is one of the lowest volcanoes in the world. Taal is a complex volcano and it is the second most active volcano in the Philippines with 33 recorded historical eruptions. All of these eruptions are concentrated on Volcano Island-- an island near the middle of Taal Lake. When viewed from Tagaytay Ridge, Taal Volcano and the lake itself represents one of the most marvelous picturesque and attractive views in the Philippines. It is located about 50 km (31 miles) south from the capital city of Manila.

Although the volcano has been quiet since 1977, it has shown signs of unrest since 1991, with strong seismic activity and ground fracturing events, as well as the formation of small mud spots and geysers on certain parts of the island. It brought great changes in the interior of the crater, according to chroniclers of the old. "Before, the bottom looked very deep and seemed unfathomable, but at the bottom, a liquid mass was seen in continual ebullition."

After the eruption, the crater had been found to have widened, the pond within it had been reduced to one-third and the rest of the crater floor was higher and dry enough that they say one may even walk over it. The height of the crater walls has diminished and near the center of the new crater floor, a little hill now lies that continually emits smoke. On its sides were several wells, one of which was especially remarkable for its size.

HIKING 

Crossing the lake is yet the first part of adventure,where one could observe the green-colored (the way I see it) fresh water of Taal Lake. Crossing the Talisay town to the major jump off point in the Volcano Island shoreline takes 15 mins. Since we left late from our destination, we arrived by lunch at the Tourism Office Station where we had our meal in a Canteen nearby.

The trek going to the crater edge will take about 45 minutes to 1 hour at a slow and relaxing pace, trekking a 1.7 KM (Daang Kastila Trail) regular trail. We started our trek at 1300H, not a good time to trek though for we needed to hit the trail under the heat of the sun. 

 

However, as you go up the trail, you will discover that it is an easy, dusty and a wide-open trail--it means that there is not much vegetation that covers the area. One could also opt for horseback riding instead of trekking. However, if you want to burn extra fats in your body, you gotta go for trekking!

 

Like any other hiking destinations in Batangas, the Daang Kastila trail also has a stop over mini stores.The first store is at the middle length of the trail and the next is before the final ascent to the crater edge ‘summit”. More of these stores are at the crater edge where one could refresh and hydrate with cold buko juice, softdrinks, Processed juices and more.

One could also observe to the volcanic quality of the rocks and the sulfuric steam vents along the trail. You would notice it just after the second store stop over. Cooking an egg is possible in this spot for the heat temperature reaches more than the boiling point.

At 1400H, we arrived at the summit. You can imagine the feeling of unwinding by the mere breathtaking view of the Taal Crater Lake. Explore some parts of the crater edge facing the west, take pictures and relax at the nipa huts. The summit offers an excellent viewpoint of the (SE) Mt. Maculot, (SW) Mt. Batulao, (NE) Mt. Makiling, (E) Mt. Malipunyo and nearby Highlands facing the famous Mt. Tabaro (recent site of eruption).

Amazingly there is a small island inside Taal Crater Lake, called the Vulcan point. Thus, everyone could say: It is an island within a lake that is within an island within a lake within an island. Boy aren't you confused! But that's how it is. Sounds amazing doesn't it?

 

After an hour at the summit view point, we descended and headed back to the mainland. Trekking down will take 45 minutes or half of the time going up, depending on your pace.


GREAT-TO-KNOW INFOS
”Bryan Malvataan Boat Station”offers a convenient and reasonable package tour. You may contact the reliable Sir Bryan Malvataan using the following mobile numbers (Smart: 09208490951| Globe: 09173631251/ 09172032792). He will cater to all your needs in the most convenient way. They offer free huts, face masks and even some bottled water. For more information of the breakdown details of package tour you may dial the above mentioned numbers now.
You may coordinate with them before heading to Talisay, so they can assist you and help you manage your entire travel.


TRANSPORTATION
If you are from Manila, take a bus bound to Lipa or Tanauan, Batangas (96 php). Stop at Tanauan bus stop, catch a tricycle that will bring you to the Jeepney Terminal bound to Talisay (10php). Ask the jeepney driver to take you straight to Talisay Town proper. Stop at 7/11 Store (meeting area).

If from Cavite or Tagaytay, simply pick up a tricycle near Rotonda in Tagaytay City. Tell the driver to bring you to Talisay, Brgy. Poblacion 8 via Ligaya Drive (short way). Traveling takes 30-45 minutes, fare for 3 pax is 250 php, and going back to Tagaytay is 300-350 php, considering the ascent of the winding road.

Note: Numerous boat canvassers in Tagaytay have their own hidden additional charges. Be careful. For safe and reasonable travel tours to Taal Volcano contact 'Bryan Malvataan Boat Station'

DETAILS 
Taal Volcano
Batangas Province
Entry point | Talisay, Batangas
311 MASL
Days required/Hours to Summit | Half day/1 hour
Minor Climb| Difficulty 2/9, Trail Class 1/length 1.7 KM
Features: Sulfuric steam/vents | Birds | Volcanic rocks | View of crater lake

Thanks to Janet Babatid and Mcbel Hormigas.

ITINERARY
I don’t post a detailed itinerary because I believe such should be experienced by nobody else but you yourself. General time frame in every stops are shown in the transportation and hiking part of the article.