Trekking the world's smallest active volcano

 I have seen Taal trek being featured in travel shows here in the Philippines several times already but this is the only time i have tried it. The whole plan was finalized last November 2-3, thanks to the declared long weekend.

 

We were heading to Tanauan, Batangas, our gateway to Taal Volcano, the world's smallest active volcano. It is famous for its unique geographical features. How many volcanoes sorrounded by a lake, and keeping another lake in its crater will you ever see?

 

It was a two-hour drive from south of Manila.

We arrived at Bahay Kubo ni Capt., our host resort, at 9AM. This was my second time at the resort but I was once again mesmerized by the peaceful, panoramic view of combined Taal Lake and Taal Volcano. The resort staff were so friendly that we were immediate served with some famous Filipino kakanin's such as Puto, Cassava Cake, Kutsinta and Palitao and Kapeng Barako (the famous Batangas coffee) as welcome treat! Yummy!

 

After an hour, we left the resort for the trek proper. A bangka (a small boat with 12-15 pax capacity) transported us to the volcano. It was a 40-minute sojourn along Taal Lake. Honestly, it was quite long for someone who's kinda have fear of depth specially of water; but the variety of fish and birds we saw, living all together in the lake, made it enjoying. I didn't even noticed we have already reached the foot of Taal.

 

As we got off the bangka, we were welcomed by the locals who were offering horse ride to the crater of Taal.

Needless to say, these horses will make climbing the top a lot easier and faster. Some of my friends gave in and took it, but my mind was conditioned that it was supposed to be a trekking activity, AND NOT HORSERIDING WHICH I CAN DO IN ANY NEARBY PARK.  Together with 3 other pals, we decided to walk.

 

Throughout the 1 and a half hour trek, the weather seemed to be cooperating with us. The rain didn't fall which the locals say usually happens in the afternoon. It wasn't to shiny eaither, providing cool breeze for these mighty trekkers.

 

The trekking may be short but what made it hard was that the lone trail to the crater is common for both people and horses. You would need to be alert and see if there are horses behind, or coming your way, too. You just have to let them pass first. Remember, the ones riding them are tourists as well which means have limited control over them.

One wrong move, you will fall back to where you came from whether you like it or not!

 

I also noticed there were lots of foreigners, mostly Koreans, doing the trek as well. There were a few Caucasians who, as expected, rather chose to do it on foot, unlike the others. Most locals i saw needed the horses' help, too.

 

It was sooo tiring when I reached the peak of the volcano. But the scenery was a sight to behold! The crater was simply enchanting! Crater Lake, which lies within Volcano Island, is the world's largest lake on an island in a lake on an island. There is even an island in the crater lake called Vulcan point, which is the world's largest island in a lake on an island in a lake on an island. Interesting, isn't it? Had it been possible, I would have stayed overnight on the crater.

 

It was truly a rewarding experience to witness up close the impressive works of nature. I will surely come back to trek Taal Volcano in the future, perhaps with a fellow travbuddy this time. =D