Taal Crater Lake

I've been to Taal many times. So I was given another rare treat when I was assigned to a tour of the Taal crater Lake with an American guest who wanted to trek and experience the world's smallest (and one of the most active) volcanoes. Who was I to refuse? 

Taal Volcano phto taken from the ferry boat

So at eight a.m. on May's first Friday, we were motoring towards the south to get to the site. I had actually shown the guests around Manila the day before and they were quite impressed. On this particular day, they were in for another experience. The ladies opted to skip the trek and instead have a day of pampering at (no less than) Sonya's Garden just a bit off Tagaytay at Amadeo, Cavite.

Jade vine hanging in one of Sonya's Garden footpaths

It didn't take us long to ge to Tagaytay. Traffic was virtually non-existent on that day. At half past nine, we had reached the junction on the Sta. Rosa route and we had to stop at the Econo Hotel view deck for some photo ops. I gave the guest a brief overview of where we were headed and what was in store for the trekkers.

Sturdy Batangas mountain horse

The ladies wanted to join us to the drop off point in Club Balai Isabel in Talisay, Batangas just so they can see the volcano a little closer as the dock was just a twenty minute boat ride off the lake. As we got into the ferry that would take us to volcano island, the lades were whisked off for they day spa treatments.

Clu Balai Isabel dock on the right

In twenty minutes we were on the island and we waited just a few minutes to mount the horses. Apparently the package included the use of the sturdy local mountain horses. There were the local guides who owned the horses and they held on to the reins. I haven't ridden in 25 years. But hey, it's just like riding a bike. You never forget how it's done. So my guide carried my backpack so he can piggyback on my mount (Alexandra). It was a fun ride! We were on site in twenty minutes... it would've taken longer if we had trekked along the way.

Me on horseback after 20 years

The guest was awed by the experience. He did know how to ride as well but his legs were a bit too long for his stirrups. Guess they don't have as many tall guests... lol! I arrived way ahead as I had better control of the horse's speed. When we reached the top we purchased some Gatorade for the guides. Some walked all the way to the top so that was the least we could do as a gesture of courtesy. Naturally, the drink cost a hundred per bottle as they had to bring them to the island, cool them with ice brought over from the main island and then lugged on horseback to the top of the ridge of crater lake.

Dust heralds the arrival of the guests

The view as always, is spectacular. the lake looks so benign belying the activity going on underneath. The water looked so green and inviting but it has remained sulfuric. Some researchers who dived into the lake discovered their wet suits were bleached when they came up out f the water. Locals are normally alerted when the volcano acts up. But they know well enough to leave the island as soon as the earth starts to rumble under their feet.

View of Taal crater lake from the ridge

All in all, the experience was an eye-opener for the guests. Growing up in a farm, Taal crater's rural life is so far-removed from his. He realized how very fortunate he is to have the material things he now enjoys. By noon we had returned back to the Club Balai dock to wait for the van that would take us to Sonya's Garden. Midway, it had started to rain. 

Private villas in Club Balai Isabel, Talisay Batangas

There was some sort of mix-up over where the guys were to have lunch. We thought it was at the famed Josephine's but apparently the host had already ordered food at Sonya's Garden. When we got there the ladies were already sitting at the table having starters. The ladies looked like a million bucks! They were so well rested and relaxed from all that pampering that they got from the spa staff.

Jade vine flower at Sonya's Garden

 By three p.m. we were returning back to Manila. The guests were so relaxed they slept most of the way. At half past five we were back at Makati Shangri-la as we took the greenfield estates route towards SLEX. Again, no traffic!!! That was one for the books!!!!