2nd Hike: Taal Volcano

Hiking Leaf #2: Taal trip + Caleuega Church

August 27, 2017: One week after my first-ever climb, I decided to climb again. It had become a craving for my body's system. The group decided to hike to Taal just to push through with the hike. Originally, we were supposed to go to Pinatubo, but due to bad weather in Zambales, the Pinatubo trip was cancelled, so we opted for Taal instead.

 I still went to the meet-up with Appoy, but I first passed by a friend, Kat. Jaypee had a schedule conflict, and JR was busy, so they couldn't join us in Taal. After meeting up with Kat, we headed straight to the popular climbers' meet-up spot, KFC-Kia! The faces of our companions in Taal were new, but Asky, who was with me in Makiling, was still there. I found out that it was actually her birthday climb.

After a few hours, we traveled to Tagaytay, passing by some places along the road (Kristinnah & Gerald).

Around 3:00 am, we reached Tagaytay. Since it was still early, we parked at a gas station and had a chat. I could feel the cold and the breeze from Taal Lake. After a few minutes of waiting, Momshie's contact for our Taal tour arrived, and then we traveled to the resort.

We took a boat to Taal island, and at first, I was nervous because I knew I couldn't swim, and I also knew that Taal Lake was very deep! But of course, for the safety of the group, we wore life vests.

The wind was very cold as we traveled by boat to Taal. The surroundings were beautiful, providing an opportunity for self-reflection on my life. We also had the chance to take selfies along the trip.

Oppa Shot

Group picture first before reaching the shore! I was a bit nervous at that moment.

We descended to the shore and started on the trail. I didn't expect to find a community on Taal Island, with a school, many houses, and small establishments standing there. I could also sense the simple way of life of the island residents. Along the trail, there were horse droppings, companions in the lives of those living on the island.

The trail was chill, perhaps because my body was still adjusting to the trail I took in Makiling. I also walked with Kat along the trail because, of course, I was the one who invited her here. I was happy to have her on the trip even though I knew she really wanted to go on the Pinatubo trip.

While on the trail, I was thinking that we would go to the "Binintiang Malaki" crater, the famous crater often seen in pictures of Taal. I felt disappointed when the guide told us that we wouldn't be able to go there. In my mind, I wondered what we actually climbed Taal for. The crater view that I imagined, the one for my Facebook DP, was missing. We took a selfie before continuing on the trail.

Groupie with the famous crater of Taal

We passed by some steam vents along the trail, and I could feel the heat. We also encountered locals riding horses, their mode of transportation on the island.

The trail became more of an ascent towards the peak, but it was minimal. Upon reaching the top, I was surprised by the view I saw, the expected view that I thought I would see, I actually reached it! I wasn't disappointed with this trip as I had initially feared based on what the guide told us earlier. I was itching to take pictures! 

The Red Lava is famous here, but there is an entrance fee of Php 50. What made it even more enjoyable was that we were the first group at the peak, and we were told we would have the Red Lava to ourselves, so the guide hurried us along.

The ground in the area is indeed red, probably due to the island being a volcano. We had the place all to ourselves, so we didn't miss the opportunity to take selfies with the beautiful view of the Taal Main crater. We could also see from a distance the mountain I had long dreamt of climbing, Mount Maculot, and the highly developed area of Tagaytay with its towering buildings.

After taking some photos at the Red Lava, we decided to return to the hut to celebrate the birthday of our companion, Asky. It was also a joyful experience because our organizer had prepared food and a birthday celebration for our group. After eating, we rested for a bit and took more selfies at the view deck. Shortly after, the group decided to descend and return to the resort.

Selfie at Main Crater and Mount Maculot at the background

Me and Katrina

Group Picture -- celebrating our friend's birthday

We finished early, and we encountered many people on the way down, some of them riding horses. Around 10:00 am, we were back at the resort. We then headed to Tagaytay and Caleruega after the trip.

 

Although my body wasn't pushed too hard during our hike, Taal did not disappoint me with its beautiful view and, of course, the experience that many seek when visiting Taal Island, especially the Red Lava.

Date of Hike:

August 27, 2017

2nd hike (volcano hike)

My 2nd mountain

Taal Volcano (311+ masl)

Minor hike