It's famous for being an island within a lake within a volcano within a lake within an island. 

Taal Volcano is located in the province of Batangas, south of Manila. It's one of the many active volcanoes in the Philippines, and the smallest active volcano in the world.

Last December, Bani's family decided to trek Taal Volcano a few weeks before our wedding, and I volunteered to plan out the trip.

I booked a villa at Club Balai Isabel, located in the town of Talisay, which is just a 15-minute boat ride across the lake from the volcano. Balai Isabel offers an all-in trekking package for Taal, so I assumed that it was the most convenient accommodation that we could get, despite the price.

When we checked in on the day of the trip, I told one of the receptionists to book us two boats for the next day. She even suggested to go at 6 a.m. to avoid the scorching sun and that the boatmen would be in the main lobby by 5:30.

Checking in © Ate Jamie
Club Balai Isabel's pool area
Sunset view overlooking Taal Volcano
To make a long story short, they failed to book us our boats and we had to find our own. Club Balai Isabel failed on delivering their all-in trekking package so I personally cannot recommend this hotel if you want to stay in Talisay, Batangas. There are newer and cheaper ones in the area that have efficient customer service. 

Anyways, we found one few blocks away from the hotel. Precious Boat Station offers an all-in trek package to Taal for about P2,500+/boat (good for 7 people max) and cheaper than Balai Isabel's package. This includes the boat rental, tour guide, environmental fee, life vests and some native hats.

15-20 minute boat ride to Taal
Before we docked, Bryan (one of the owners of Precious Boat Station) briefed us about the trek while signing waivers and registering our names. This was when I learned that the entire island is a Volcano and that it has many craters. They were so friendly, honest and informative. I recommend them 100%.

Muddy and slippery Spanish trail
We were told that there are a lot of trails but the Spanish trail is the easiest and the most common trail for tourists. Since Bani's 5-year-old niece was a part of the hike, we decided to take this trail.

Kuya Jobert and Papa drinking fresh buko
They have many rest stations along this trail. On the first rest station, we bought some fresh buko (coconut) and Gatorade for refreshments.

Spanish trail
There's also a secret trail that you can take if you want to swim inside the actual crater lake. According to them, it's safe and people do it every now and then. 

The trail on top gets steeper

Mag-Kuya © Ate Jamie

Once you reach the top, you'll be welcomed with this. This is where the caretakers drop off tourists (mostly foreigners) and park the horses. Yes, you can ride a horse for P450. I didn't mention it at the beginning of this post because I strongly discourage everyone to ride them at all cost.

Those horses were malnourished and abused. We even saw one caretaker hitting a horse with his knees and fists for five minutes without stopping. It was heartbreaking to watch, but good thing we caught it on camera. After a while, we confronted them regarding the situation and apparently, "that's how they tame the horses so they don't harm the tourists." Watch it here and help us spread the video to stop their abusive horseback tourism.

Those wild innocent horses DO NOT deserve to live like this and it just saddens me that the caretakers are apathetic. Pera pera lang, ika nga. :'(

Taal Volcano's regulated rates
Crater Lake and Vulcan Point
The view was incredible! I wish I took a panorama shot to justify the beauty of this place.


I haven't seen anything like it! And I'm glad I got to see it with the new family!

Photo op with the Logroño family
Red Lava - additional P50 fee
The red lava area was my favorite on top because of its scenic view, and I got to feel its sulphuric steam from the ground which was (literally) smoking hot.


I enjoyed this trek (except for the abused horses) so much! No words can express how grateful I am for the gift of nature. After this trip, I realized that I need to see more paradises such as this in the Philippines.

Notes

  1. Eat heavy breakfast and trek as early as 6 a.m.
  2. Apply sunscreen. Bioré UV Perfect Milk SPF50+ PA++++ to be specific!
  3. Wear light clothes and shoes. It gets hotter as you reach the summit.
  4. Bryan of Precious Boat Station provides face masks for protection from dust
  5. Bring bottled water, gatorade and snacks, but don't forget to dispose it on your own
  6. DO NOT ride the abused horses. You don't only save P450, but you also help the horses lessen their misery. Don't be lazy and trek.
  7. Carry with you some extra clothes, wet wipes, insect repellants and anti-histamine (just to be safe!)
  8. Enjoy and take loads of pictures!!
  9. If you need van transportation, book KG Travels and Tours and ask for Kuya Lito as your driver. He's SUPER nice and a safe driver. 
325 Sitio Gulod, Brgy. Banga
Talisay, Batangas
in front of Talisay mini cockpit
Mobile #: 0917-203-2792

Service ★★★★★
Value for Money ★★★★★

 Watch Bani's vlog here: