The Hike at Taal Lake

A hike would always mean something to me. A fulfilling destination but a grueling journey. It's the hours of walking and all throughout precautions. But in the end, an hour of sight-seeing and picture taking was totally worth it.

Unfortunately for me, in every hike, i'd always come unprepared. I do not know the soil I would be stepping on nor the weather conditions I would have to face. I will not research anything on it and would just depend on whatever my friends will instruct me to bring. Mindlessly I would just take off with a good pair of sandals, some shirts to replace I would be wearing on that day and a bottle of water. My reason always is I don't like to bring any heavy, and the end result is I never learn either. hehe.

A group of my college friends and their officemates / partners (now my facebook friends, yay! hehe) invited me for some trekking. I was hesitant at first since hiking is not exactly a Saturday fun for my "not so active these days" body. But then I remembered that whenever I get a chance to pass by at Tagaytay's roads, it always turns me into a curious child once again. I've been wanting to see the insides of that Taal volcano for a long time. So I said yes and we're off....



The boat we rented can accomodate 5 people for 1900 pesos at Taal Yacht Club. Took us 15 minutes to go to the lake and trek. We docked our boats to the shore and I knew that I would not be enjoying every step of it. It was a sand all the way up and I'm wearing sandals. Heat penetrated all over it and I had to run to a shady part of the land.

It was 1 pm and the trek started. My friend handed me a gas mask to avoid the dusty wind and sands. The horses and their shits were all over the place. We could rent a horse for 500 pesos going back and forth but we chose to take the 4 kilometer challenge which was truly difficult for me even if it was a shorter trail from the treks I've experienced before. It was scorching heat and I had no choice but to rent a hat for 20 pesos.





I'm actually expecting mala-Tomb Raider kind of adventure, an earthy feel while you're trekking. You get to hold of rocks as support, green scenery and definitely airy. This mountain going to Taal Lake is entirely different. The greens are on the side though but the trail is an open field of dust and sands. You get to hold of your bottle of water and stick for support though.

For the most part, I was silent because I was concentrating on my path. And half of the time, we were followed by the staff on their horses asking us to take the horse ride of 500 pesos. I won't deny that I am almost tempted to ride because of the heat but irritated at the same time on the way bec. it is a bit discouraging for me when they say that we couldn't make it. Tips for survival: concentrate, breaks and lots of water.



As we reached the top, I rewarded myself with a golden 50 peso 7 up softdrink. The Taal lake was a nice sight. A lake within a mountain that could blow up anytime. Nice.



At first, I was not amused by thought that I was never get to hold of it but  I could only take a picture of it. But then I found out it has symbolical meanings too for some people. Along the way, I saw a lot of Koreans and some other foreigners appreciative of the sight. Manong said, for the Koreans, it was considered lucky to witness an active volcano on their lifetime.

Maybe this sign can explain.



We spent an hour taking pictures and appreciating the scenery. On my way down, it was still a struggle bec. it was a bit slippery but less effort now. I diverted the tiredness by talking to manong. Talk to locals and you will be glad to hear some facts of the Taal lake.

A good hike compliments good food. We ended up at Mushroom burger and Bag of Beans. A Tagaytay must visits too :D