Taal Volcano

If you had read about my previous blog article entitled "Tagaytay, Philippines" I mentioned Taal volcano there, because Taal Volcano is an overlooking view from Tagaytay. Taal Volcano presents one of the most picturesque and attractive views in the Philippines. It is located in the province of Batangas about 50 km (31 mi) south of Manila. Right in the center of the island is the main crater that holds a sulfuric lake. Taal volcano offers adventurers the unique thrill of exploring nature and experiencing the attractions of the world's smallest active volcano. In getting there, there are three main roads that link Tagaytay City to the lake and the volcano. One is Diokno Highway near the border to Nasugbu, Batangas; the other is just behind the Tagaytay Rotonda (but this is a very steep road); and the most preferred way is the Ligaya Drive near the Tagaytay-Sta. Rosa road, which leads to the town of Talisay, Batangas. Talisay is the major jump-off point where boats are available to reach the volcano island.

Then from Talisay, Batangas you can rent a boat like the pictures shown above. A twenty minute (each way) round trip boat journey to Taal Volcano will set you back 1,500 to 1,700 pesos, approximately US$35 to US$40 depending on you're bargaining ability. But that's for the entire boat, not per person.

Then you're hit with the cost of hiring a horse once you reach at the foot of Taal Volcano to take you to the top, then back down. This runs around 500 pesos per pony less than US$15. If you're an adventurous one, walking is the best way to get there, that's what me and my friends did. During the summer, the path can be very dusty, a face/dust mask will be very needed for the trip.

 What makes Taal Volcano more unique is the fact that the volcano itself has a lake of its own inside its crater which is called the “Crater Lake" (photos shown above). The highly sulfuric lake may have medicinal properties.

After an adventurous hiking, we were rewarded with this magnificent view of Taal's crater. All I could say is WOW! I was really amazed with the breathtaking view, and if I do have time I really want to go back there again. This is one of the adventures in my life that I really like most.

Below is the video link of our Taal's trip, to make it work just copy & paste the link to a new window.

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=1514893237637&l=7488576146802743733







A scene from the new music video of Katy Perry's song "Roar" featuring Taal Volcano.

Kaoshiung

Kaohsiung has been popular as a tourist destination in southern Taiwan. Hence it is also known as the  Harbor capital of country. Port of Kaohsiung is the most important business harbor of southern Taiwan and the biggest port of Taiwan, plays a key role of Kaohsiung tourism. Its year-round fine weather and the low cost of living make Kaohsiung a place to visit. Kaohsiung is home to several popular tourist sites, including the Love River, Shoushan (Mt. Shou), Xiziwan Bay, Lotus Pond, Cijin, and the Old City of Zuoying.

Ferry boat ride is an excellent addition to the tourism options offered by Kaohsiung Harbor. The ferry passes by the Banana Warehouse and Fisherman's Wharf where passengers can see the busy docks.

Kaoshiung has their traditional tricycle and I was curious about it, so I tried and that was really fun.

Facing the Cijin beach is the Cijin market. It is also a hit for many tourists to hunt down for fresh seafood products and dried products that are locally produced. 

Cijin Island, Kaohsiung is a small island just a 5 minute ferry (Cijin ferry) journey from Kaoshiung harbor. It’s a very exciting place to visit with lots to do and see. Cijin island is reputed to be the best place to eat fresh seafood in Kaohsiung. As well as the attractions and food, the island offers a nice clean beach where the sea is lovely and warm for swimming. Cijin island is place that you can spend a whole day. It’s also a place that you want to return to.

Be rewarded with a breathtaking view of Kaoshiung from the Cijin lighthouse which is worth the climb and refresh yourself with a cold drink while enjoying the sunset that ends off the day.

 

After a day of sightseeing around Kaoshiung, it's nice to relax at Grand Hi-Li Hotel for they provide utmost accommodations and relaxing facilities. Grand Hi-Lai Hotel is centrally located in Kaohsiung at the crossroads of Cheng-Kung Road and Hsin-Tein Road. Local and international cuisines are served at the hotel's restaurants. It features an outdoor pool, 13 restaurants and a department stores (photos shown above).

 

Tagaytay

Without doubt, what appeals most about Tagaytay is its natural attractions. One can take pleasure from one of the most serene natural views that can behold one’s eyes – Taal Volcano the world’s smallest most active volcano that is located within a lake. It is one of the country's most popular tourist destinations because of outstanding scenery and cooler climate provided by its high altitude. Tagaytay overlooks Taal lake in Batangas and provides one of the iconic views of the Philippines, the view of Taal volcano.Tagaytay is especially known for pineapples and you’re sure to catch acres upon acres of pineapple plantations as you cruise down the main highway. The city of Tagaytay is a favorite tourist attraction among local and foreign visitors seeking respite from the humid weather in the lowlands with several tourist establishments providing food and accommodations, some with scenic views of the lake and volcano.

 These are the jeepneys in Olivarez, Tagaytay. Jeepneys are the most common form of public transportation in the Philippines.

Motorcycle with a side car (passenger-cabin) on a third wheel, is what we called "tricycle". Tricycles are used for serving as a kind of taxi for short distances, often on the roads where jeepneys or busses are not supposed to operate.

 

 

 

 

 

People's Park in the Sky (pictures shown above) is one of the many attractions in Tagaytay. It is located in Mt. Sungay, which is the highest point in Tagaytay. Once you get there, you can see a truly breath taking view of Taal volcano and lake. Make sure that it will not a rainy day when you visit there because it will be foggy and you can't see the magnificent view. Upon arrival at the entrance, you can find a ticket booth for the entrance fee which is Php 30.00.

 

These are the souvenir items that you can buy in People's Park.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Picnic Grove (photos shown above) is the most visited park in Tagaytay. It is an affordable weekend getaway for tourists who wants to go for a picnic and have a breathtaking view of the Taal Volcano. The cool air in Picnic Grove Tagaytay also helps in relaxation for a truly wonderful time. Shades are available for rent where you can also do your barbecue as well. Horseback riding is available for the kids and adults, you can also go shopping for souvenirs or just strolling around. If you want to have an extreme adventure, you can ride on their 250 meter zipline at about 300 feet high. The entrance to the Picnic Grove is Php 50.00 any day of the week.

 Below is a video of our Tagaytay trip, hope you'll enjoy guyz...