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
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