Last day was a perfect day to go on hiking. The sun was perfectly hiding behind the clouds every once in a while and the breeze was not that warm for the skin. And so I said, ‘finally I’ll go hiking for the very first time. No more cancelled plans! :D’. And we all know that when you’re turning 25 in a few months you got to grab more of the awesomeness of this life given by God.

So our location was this little-cutie-mountain, I mean volcano. As I have said, this was my first time to climb a mountain, so this little-cutie-volcano was perfect for first-timer like me.

This little-cutie-volcano, which is called Taal and is considered the smallest volcano in the world, is found in Tagaytay, Philippines. But truth be told, it was actually part of the Municipality of Talisay, Batangas. It’s funny that I grew up believing it is in Tagaytay when the truth is it’s in Batangas. You can only see the beautiful sight of this volcano in Tagaytay but once you go there, you will be heading to Batangas. You will also know this once you heard the accent of these people who will welcome you. If you’re a Filipino, you will know these are Batanguenos.

And before you think this post is about the issue of this volcano’s ownership, let’s now talk about this amazing adventure.

Once you arrived in Olivarez, Tagaytay, and you don’t own a car, you will be riding a tricycle all the way down to Talisay. Please prepare P50 each for this ride. And prepare for a 20-minute rough ride. 😉

I was glad to see foreigners visiting this place, of course it made me feel proud as a Filipino.

Aside from being the smallest volcano in the world, Taal is also a volcano within a lake, and it has another lake within it. Isn’t that wonderful and amazing?

From Talisay, you will need to ride a boat to Taal. It’s amazing to experience all these adventures before you even get to the actual volcano. It was all worth it. Renting a boat costs P1,500, with a maximum of 6 people, this also includes a ride back to the port. So P250 each isn’t a big amount for explorers on a tight budget, like us.

But before you ride a boat make sure you have a hat, if not, then please buy or rent a Bulihat, I swear, you’re going to need this. It was pretty available everywhere.

The lake is so clear, you can see what’s actually within it.

I must remind you this isn’t an ocean. This almost 1-hour boat ride is a ride within a lake. Yes, it’s such a wide lake. And if you don’t believe me, taste the water to find out.

The island is full of tourists and travelers and tour guide. But no, you won’t need a tour guide. But if you want to help one of our fellow countrymen earn an income then go and get one.

The entrance fee only cost P50, and it’s up to you if you’d ride a horse up to the top or use your feet to get there. We chose the latter. Not because we’re explorer on a tight budget but our goal was to experience the environment and treasure the moment and explore – literally explore.

You will need a face mask, but if you don’t mind inhaling ‘alikabok’ then don’t bring one.

The scenery as you climb higher and higher is so breathtaking. And the word ‘beautiful’ is not enough to express how the views look like. It is maybe beyond beautiful. These things prove how real God is. Even them, tell it to our face that our God is an amazing God!

Other parts of this volcano were used for planting and harvesting vegetables, i guess?

As we climb, I noticed a path which was not part of the trail for tourists, and my curiosity attacks.

As I was following this path I suddenly heard a noise behind the bushes. And I thought it wasn’t a good idea to follow this mysterious path, so I headed back and just follow the trail for tourists. But these I swear, when I get back there (together with someone), I will know where that mysterious path ends.

The moment you see this smoke from underneath this volcano, which is actually hot, you will know that you are almost at the top. But the challenging part as a climber without a horse, and as a horse, is yet to come. Because this is where the real ‘matarik’ spot you’ll need to pass.

And after that last challenge. Dyaraaaan!!!! The lake within the volcano. The amazing crater of Taal volcano.

Wow, this feeling when you have reached your goal.

Whether you’re wearing this or that, it’s still the amazing feeling you got that matters.

Don’t forget to buy souvenirs. And drinks if ever you forget to bring your own.

And please, as a Filipino, I also strongly recommend to follow this reminder! Have a great trip!

P.S. It’s haeder to go back down. So brace yourself on your way down. 😉

Travel Expenses:
1. Tricycle from Olivarez to Talisay – P50 each
2. Boat from port to Taal – P1500 (maximum of 6 pax, back and forth)
3. Entrance fee – P50
4. Tricycle ride back to Olivarez – P300 (as a whole payment)

Must Have:
1. Jag/Big tumbler full of water
2. Face mask
3. Hat
4. Plastic/Safety Bag (for gadgets)
5. Sandwiches
6. Extra shirt
7. Tissue
8. Wet wipes