Destination: Taal Volcano - 5

The main crater of Taal volcano was within sight. I got excited of the scenery that lies ahead. In order to reach the crater, an uphill climb requires some minutes. At first, the track was just an ordinary one.



But as we progress closer to the top, the terrain became rugged. Our journey was slowed down by the jagged landscape.



There was even a portion of the terrain that emits smoke. It shows that the volcano is active.



The terrain became more difficult as we moved closer to the top of the mountain. You can't afford to fall down from your horse because definitely the damage would be severe. So, you have to be extra careful of your ride.



And when you are riding a horse where the climb is steep, you have to lean forward, closer to the horse. This manner will maintain the balance and prevents you from falling backwards.



And finally, we reached the final stretch of the ride. We had to pass the narrow passage towards the resting ground of the horses. Yes,we were almost there!

Destination: Taal Volcano - 4

After sometime, it was a solitary ride. There was only my guide, my horse, and me. The rest of the group were together and they kept a good distance from us. I guess my horse opted for a stride rather than to gallop. But on the bright side, it was better that way since I don't like the idea of riding a running horse. Every now and then, my guide would whip the horse in order to hasten the pace.



There were uncomfortable passages along the way. I simply can't just imagine passing along these passages during night fall. For sure it will give me goose bumps from head to foot.



As we made progress, we experienced some more challenging channels and I would say once again, I had to cling even harder to my horse. At some point, it was agonizing coz my horse don't felt like going on with the trip.



When we reached the plateau, it was a sight of relief and it was a relief for my aching ass likewise. The bumpy ride made we want for a walk but it will slow down my pace even more and besides, I paid for this ride. So, I simply convinced myself that I had to complete the ride until we reach the crater. But on the bright side, a slow and steady ride gave me again a perfect opportunity to enjoy the sight and to capture more pics of the island volcano.



And when I gained sight of my group, they were literally far far away. Their very sight made me longed to speed up the pace of my horse but my horse doesn't felt like running. Hayz.

Destination: Taal Volcano - 3

We arrived safely on the island. A minute of walk from the shore, we approached a queue of horses. Part of the package is a horse ride and this would be our first time ever. Anyway, we don't have to fear a ride like this one because each one of us will be accompanied in the entire duration of the trip.



I have to accept that I had reservations from the start. I would say it was a mixed emotion, emotion of excitement and fear. Excitement because of the experience of riding a horse and fear because I might fall at any given time. It would be a bad thing for my camera. Hehe



During the entire ride, it was really difficult to take pictures. I wonder if horse riders can really aim their gun on their targets and hit them with little difficulty. But in my case, it was really a challenge. Since my feet were on the saddle and the movement of the horse was up and down, I had to quickly learn how to balance myself and have a good aim on my targets.



I was the fourth rider, Leah being the lead followed by Leo and Raul, while Mike and Raymond followed me from behind. Since I was riding a small horse, the five of them left me behind. Well, it was not a disadvantage after all. Since the horse was slow, it gave me a perfect opportunity to capture more pics along the way and I even requested by guide to either slow down or stop for a while just to take some pics. Lucky me.



When we reached the open space, the guides rode with my team and they galloped the horses leaving me far behind. We tried to catch up with them but only to a certain extent.



Anyway, after passing the trees and the bushes, we passed by narrow openings, rocky and uneven slops. As the ride became bumpy, it was really a pain in the ass. You must have a comfortable support if you are not used in riding horses.

Destination: Taal Volcano - 2

We arrived at Talisay proper some minutes past 8 in the morning. It was just another ordinary day for the townfolks here but for us, it would be an adventure that will last a lifetime.



After meeting our contact (Len) and parking the car, she led us to the nearby shore where a boat was waiting for us. The weather was great and there was no sign of rain that day. It was indeed a perfect day for all of us.



We made no haste and we board the boat right away. As expected, the boat was equipped with life jackets in case accidents will happen (we always pray for a safe travel).



Travel time was under 20 minutes. It is always a smooth sailing ride when you travel by water in the morning but during the afternoon, you'll begin experiencing the waves - even in lakes.



While in water, I had a glimpsed of the other side of the volcano (the dead one). I thought this was the part that we were supposed to climb. This part is the visible view in Tagaytay proper and you'll often times see it in postcards or souvenir items. But it was not the main attraction.

Destination: Taal Volcano - 1

Before the end of the semester, we had been discussing on how to spend our sem break. And the very day when we settled all our work related requirements, we agreed to spend a day in Tagaytay and the Taal Volcano.

I am excited about this adventure because I've been waiting for this moment - to visit the crater of Taal Volcano. Whenever I am in Tagaytay, I could only see the volcano from a distance and it would be an experience of a lifetime to actually set foot on this volcano.



We converged in UST at around 6 in the morning. Raul came first. I followed afterwards. Mike was the third one to arrive. The couple Leo and Leah followed soon. And Raymond was the last one. Raymond is our student and Leo asked him if he can accompany us in this trip and he brought along his car. Many thanks to him because we can hop from one place to another with ease.



Since it was our first time to visit Taal volcano, we took a package tour (PhP1350/head). Anyway, from Tagaytay Rotonda we turned left going to Talisay, Batangas. You'll pass this exit if you're going to Picnic Groove. A word of caution if you are going to take this route. This route is worst than that of Kenon road so you have to drive with much caution all the time. You'll experience a narrow zigzag and dangerous curves and I lost count how many turns are there. And according to our contact, if you are a first timer, the brake of your car will definitely be tested.



And as we hold our breath of our downhill journey, the majestic Taal volcano is a sight to behold. Personally, I am totally captivated by its beauty and I could not help smiling, knowing that it was just a matter of time before I could set foot on this majestic beauty.