Mount Taal Trek

The boat, Mt. Taal and
our excitement!

Tagaytay has been one of the tourist destinations in the Philippines. We were able to visit the place last August (29th 2011) and have quite enjoyed the view and the fresh air. But, we wanted to really experience the beauty and prowess of Mt. Taal hands-on. Thus, last December 10, 2011, a Saturday, we put Taal Trek as our first itinerary for a weekend adventure!

Eva, Adan, Ada, Labsy & Em-em
at the boat launch point

We (Eva, Adan, Ada, Em2, Labsy & Me) flew from Davao on the last flight to Manila (9:50PM) on December 9. We weren't able to grab enough dinner before we went to the airport, so when we arrived in Manila, we stopped by the nearest McDonalds (just right in front of Terminal 3) and took a semi-snack/dinner.

Just arrived at the peak

When we reached our temporary home in Manila, we slept the night away and prepared ourselves for the Taal Trek the next morning.

Morning came and we geared up early and took an FX ride to Baclaran for Php 20 each, to wait for buses going to Tagaytay. But before we hop on those waiting buses, we got to make sure were fully prepared, so we took our breakfast at the nearest Max's Fried Chicken restaurant, just right across the street.

Labsy, relaxing after the trek

Before we came to Manila, I was in constant inquiry from my friends Pia (in Manila for seminar) and Glinn (base in Laguna) on the weather conditions on both areas. They told me it has been raining almost every afternoon and evening. With that in mind, I prepared some possible change of plans. Because if it rains, some or possibly all of our plans just might not push through.

Labsy and Me

After we had breakfast, we waited for our bus ride. A few raindrops started to fall, so I started to worry too. It may be funny to most, but my mamo (sometimes that's how I call my mom) had this somewhat crazy idea of how to stop the possible rainfall. You have to make scissors-like shape through your fingers (point & middle), and start to cut the dark clouds in the sky. So far, every time mamo does that, the dark clouds never turned out to become a rain. So I said, "what the heck!". The next thing I was doing? Cutting those dark clouds through my scissor fingers. Perhaps it was just how the day should be or my scissor-fingers worked. Either way, since the rain did not push through, I'm grateful whichever the case may be.

So we boarded the next bus bound for Tagaytay. And every time it seemed like clouds are starting to form like Dark Vader's minions, I would make my fingers do the cutting before it's too late. LOL!

Some narrow portions of the trek,
take care of those possible bumps

After about two hours, and a few questions to the bus conductor regarding our Taal trek plan, we alighted at the Olivarez Terminal, as he suggested, then boarded a jeep bound to the nearest Public Market for Php 7. When we reached the market, we needed to take another jeep going to the place where we could get a boat that will take us to the foot of the mountain. The jeepney waited for other passengers, but it seemed like there were only us plus a couple of ladies. One of the jeepney drivers in that market terminal asked if we need a boat and said he has or know someone who has one. He told us, their price is the minimum price, same price published by their Tourism Department. Thy also told us, if we won't take their offer, we should beware of those barkers or negotiators along the highway, that instead of asking of Php 1,500 for the to and fro boat ride, they would usually go as high as Php 3,500. After discussing with the group we agreed to take the boat offer and also we took the jeep we were in for Php 500 (we actually haggled it from Php 800) so we can go and no more time wasted waiting for other passengers.

On our way up

They then took us to the lake side, prep their boat, boarded on and off we went to the foot of the mountain, where you'll have to pay for the tourism fee of Php 50 each and decide between two choices. Either you trek by riding a horse or by foot. The trek isn't that hard (for me that is, way far from falls hopping and Mt Apo climb), so if you have all the time, it would also be refreshing to trek by foot. But if you don't have the liberty of time or would love a horse back riding experience like us, rent a horse for Php 500 and ride your way up with a guide...

Crater Viewing Deck

It was a fun filled ride. Specially for Ems, Adan & Eva whose guides showed them how to ride a horse in full speed while competing with each other. Later they were complaining how scared they were as they passed each other and along a cliff for cryin' out loud! It was one remarkable experience.

Taal Crater

When we reached the crater, we were awed by the nicest crater view imaginable. We enjoyed capturing rare moments together with friends and the beautiful and refreshing view engulfing our very soul with gladness.

Nature indeed is astonishing! We were and still are, overjoyed with another rare and serendipitous adventure we have conquered in this lifetime. As Julius Caesar once said, "Veni, vidi, vici!" (I saw, I came, I conquered!), I say, seek, make it happen and experience happiness in this changing world of ours. Keep smiling! ;)

Note:
Whether by horse or by foot, don't forget to bring water, you'd want to have some. Bottled water at a store near the shore before getting in the boat is only Php 15. When you reach the foot of the mountain, it's Php 35. At the top of Mt. Taal it's Php 50. And I'm talking of the same size here. So, just want to give you some heads up. Another thing, there ain't any rest room at the top, so just be ready. ;)

Cost Summary to take note of:
Fx from Intramuros to Baclaran : Php 20
Bus from Manila (Baclaran) to Olivarez Terminal, Tagaytay: Php 78.00
Jeepney fare from Terminal to Public Market: Php 7
Jeepney from Market to Boat Launch Point : Php 500 (pakyaw - one way fee for the whole jeep)
Php 1,500 per boat/banca maximum of 6 persons (P250/pax)
Php 50 landing tax (Tourist Center)
Php 500 for horse with a guide (horseback ride to the crater lake)
Php 700-750 if you decide to get a horse in the middle of the trek.
Php 20 docking fee
Php 10 barangay fee