Talisay, Batangas: Checking out the Taal crater

I thought I had a few people coming to visit me this weekend. The plan was for us to go to the beach. So, I was thinking Laiya. Now is a good time to see the famous beaches of Batangas. It turns out they changed their mind. So, quickly I had to make other plans.

I have seen Taal, the town. Now, I guess is a good time to trek up Taal, the volcano and see its famous crater—the island within an island.

To do that, the easiest route would be to go to Talisay. So,there it goes..new plans for me…Talisay it would be!

I know I am going to trek and that I have to start off early but for some reason I find it really difficult to get going in the morning. Reached Tanauan at around 9:30. From there I boarded a pedicab which took me to the Talisay jeepney station located near Mcdonalds fastfood. A jeepney bound for Talisay was departing upon my arrival. Luckily, within a few minutes the jeepney I boarded also left. The trip took around 40 minutes.

Honestly, I did not know where to drop off at Talisay so when I saw the baywalk, I thought that would be a good place to start. Got off the jeepney and started walking around the baywalk which is right next to the public market. There was a signage for people who would want to go up the volcano but it doesn’t seem like there are a lot of them so I just started walking around. I liked what I saw. The place has greenery. There were flower boxes along the roads and the plants are thriving. It was clean, not much litter lying around. Even the public market is not so crowded and not so noisy.

As I was reading the instruction for tourists, I was approached by a guy who introduced himself as Marvin. He asked me if I needed a boat. I confided that I find the rates a bit expensive and asked if there is any cheaper option. He explained that the rates are standard and are agreed upon by the local government together with the resort owners. There is no going around it. He then volunteered to take me to a boat station where I can rent a boat to take me to the island. After some minutes of hesitation, I agreed. So I only have to lose a few more hundreds of pesos. That is the downside of travelling solo I guess. Still, I am already in the place. I could just sit around the baywalk admiring the volcano from a distance or just take that boat and see it up close.

Marvin took me to Precious Boathouse where I was welcomed warmly and was given an orientation. Apparently, there are three trails going up the crater. The trail which I am taking is the easiest, around 4 kilometers going up. For those who want longer hikes, they can take the Calauitan trail which means they have to take off from Balete, Batangas. The third trail is coordinated at Laurel, Batangas. To take a different trail, hikers have to take off from different towns. There is some agreement along the local mayors that resort owners from the three towns can only bring their guests to the trails assigned to their towns. It is not convenient for hikers but I guess, it is a reasonable arrangement for the towns. They get their fair share of the tourists. Talisay, being the closest and most accessible to Tagaytay already has the advantage. I learned from my boatman that there are no organized group or resort to bring hikers from Laurel though. So, the third trail is no longer an option.

The boat I boarded to the island

The uneventful boat ride to the island took me about 20 minutes. Taal lake was so calm. They did not even bother to give me a life jacket. Along the way, I saw several birds flying around. I have always loved the sight of birds. Just imagine the freedom they have.  Even saw one perched on a lone water lily floating along the lake. I missed that photo.

Arrived at the island at around midday. My boat man was worried about me walking up on my own. He tried talking me into renting one of the horses or at least pay for a guide just in case anything happens. I managed to convince him and myself that I would be fine walking on my own. How hard could it be for a girl who grew up in the mountains in a province called Mountain Province no less! Well, I overestimated my abilities. I forgot the fact that I have not been home running up mountains for several years. I have lived a sedentary life with little or no exercise at all.

The first few minutes were fine. They have in there stations of the cross which serves as markers. Reached the first station and I am still good. By the time I reached the third station, I already am aware of the scorching heat of the sun beating at my back and the heat emanating from the ground did not help. I learned from one of the hikers that temperature was around 30 degrees.  I kept grabbing for my water. After the eighth station, I felt that if I had to stop. My legs were totally fine but I started feeling light headed and my shirt was already soaked. Could be heatstroke so I found myself a bit of shade and sat down. I stayed there for about 15  minutes. I had to repeatedly assure different guides who were on their way down that I am fine. I guess they were worried that there I was on my own just sitting on the side of the trail.

The easy part of the trail.

The trail is not that difficult really. It is just the heat. It is unbearable. Upon reaching the peak,  I could feel my saliva sticking through my mouth despite the frequent drinking of water. The first thing I did was buy myself a bottle of soda. I do not normally drink softdrinks but I thought, why not? It is icy cool and has got sugar which could restore my depleted energy.

The sight at the summit was breathtaking. The blue waters at the crater looked so inviting against the backdrop of the stumps of trees in the island and the view of the lake, Mount Makulot in the distance and the sky.

I’d say, it was well worth the hike.

Tips for future visitors:

•  For those taking public transport from Tanauan to Talisay, instead of taking the jeepney labelled Talisay, board the one bound for Sampaloc, Talisay. That way, you do not need to take a pedicab to the resorts which organize the boats. Fare would be 28 pesos.
•  Precious boat house has good service. The people are friendly and they provide buli hats, complimentary mineral water and fresh buko juice at the end of the journey. They charge 2000 php for the outrigger to transport you to the island and are located right in front of Talisay mini cockpit arena. The calling card they gave me has the following contact details:  +63 9208490951,  +63 9172032972,  +63 437408374. The person to talk to is Bryan Malvaatan. I saw other blogs who provide the same details for Bryan.
• There is a 100 peso environmental fee to be paid at the island.
• Bring plenty of water, as they have steep prices in the island.
•  If you do not want to spend much, try to be with a group. Otherwise, you have to rent the boat on your own just like I did.
•  Be there early to avoid the stifling heat of the sun.
• There is only one path that lead up to the peak. You do not really need a guide. It does help them economically though. So, it’s a choice. If you happen to get one who talks a lot, then it would be better. You get to hear interesting stories about the place.

***Last updated February 22, 2018

Taal, Batangas: The town, not the lake, not the volcano

Taal landmark: The Basilica of St. Martin de Tours

I have to admit. The only Taal I knew was the volcano found on the lake with the same name. Having stayed in Batangas for nearly 9 months to date, I heard people mentioning that they are from Taal or that they are going to Taal. I just presumed that that is the same place as where one takes off for a trek to the volcano. Presumptuous of me! It was only after sometime that I discovered that there really is a municipality of Taal and is one which is established by Spanish friars.

Anyway, after learning about it, I did my own browsing in the net and found that it is quite an interesting place. Thought of making a solo trip there but it never happened. Thanks to my good friend, we finally made it.

My friends started off from Jam terminal in Kamuning, Quezon City. Initially, the plan is for them to meet me in Lipa and then set forth together to Taal. Did not happen that way. We did not consider the fact that it is a holiday. They arrived at the bus station and there is a long queue of people wanting to go home so instead of boarding the Lipa bus, they took the one that goes to Lemery. Change of plan, I shall meet them at Taal instead which meant, I am going to take the Lemery jeepney from Lipa and meet them in Taal instead of them having to travel all the way to Lipa and then taking another jeepney and doing the rest of the trip together. It all worked out for the best really. We saved more time considering that there was road improvement and there was a hell of a traffic at Cuenca.

From Lipa, one passes by the towns of San Jose, Cuenca, Alitagtag, and Sta. Teresita before touch down at Taal. My friends arrived at Taal earlier than I did. Good thing, because by the time I arrived they already ordered our food at the Don Juan Boodle House located near the public market. Food was nice and a must try for those who are not tight on budget. They have an array of boodle menus, which is not recommended if you are on slimming diet.

After lunch, we had to do a bit of planning of which places to visit made necessary by the very little time we have after getting caught up in the traffic jam at Cuenca.

Good news! The resto provides FREE maps. They are really trying to promote tourism for the place.

With map in hand, we decide to start off at the Basilica of St.  Martin de Tours, which is right across the municipal hall. I found it impressive, a vivid reminder of the Spanish occupation. Being in the place made me imagine Jose Rizal’s Noli Me Tangere---Crispin and Basilio ringing the bells…. Padre Damaso looking all righteous presiding at the altar. Of course, my imagination is reinforced by the Libingan ng mga Kastila found at back of the cathedral. The graveyard is actually a mound with spaces where you can fit coffins and have them sealed. At the top of the mound are spaces for babies. The caretaker of the place told us that the graveyard was just restored. It used to be wooded area.

Taal Landmark: Basilica of St. Martin de Tours

Tomb of Spanish and found at the back of the church

We then proceeded to the La Galleria or the Camera Museum owned by the Barrion family. Entrance fee is 100 pesos and a discounted price of 50 for students. The place houses all sorts and brands of cameras from the 1800s to the present. It has even got collector’s edition cameras which were never used. And get this, all their cameras are in working order! It is just amazing really. Some people are lucky to discover such passion for something and afford to pursue it. The museum also has old photographs which I appreciated better with explanation from our museum tour guide. I recommend the place. A bonus is the fact that the museum converted from a real ilustrado house which has alleyways for the aliping sagigilid whom I learned are not allowed to enter the threshold of the house.

Some of the old cameras in the Barrion collection. Still functional which is pretty amazing.

Just across La Galleria is the Apacible House. Prior to the visit, I do not know much about the Apacible’s but I learned that Leon Apacible is one of those who collaborated to have the La Solidaridad established while he was studying as a doctor in Spain. The museum is managed by the government which meant no entrance fee. They do accept donations. Unfortunately, since there is no entrance fee, there was also no tour guide. There was a guy who attempted to explain things to us but he was unable to answer most of our questions.

Other houses which are of interest in Taal would the Casa Villavicencio and the Agoncillo  house which we were unable to visit anymore due to lack of time.

After the Apacible house, we decided to go to the Shrine of our Lady of Caysasay and the twin wells of Sta. Lucia. For Catholic devotees, the Lady of Caysasay is a healer and they visit the place specifically for her healing powers. 

Walking to the place, we passed by the Taalena’s Antique Shop, which looked interesting from the outside. Unfortunately, it was after 5 pm so it was already closed. Then, there is the San Lorenzo Ruiz steps. Apparently it is made of granite and has healing powers just like the Lady of Caysasay and the miraculous waters of the twin wells.

I must say, I LOVE  the town of Taal. It is clean and organized. It is walkable. You can just wander around and see interesting sights. I would definitely be back. By then, probably, I could get my souvenir balisong. 

Taal the town as seen from the belfry of the Basilica of St. Martin de Tours.