It can take you approximately 1 hour to reach Tagaytay (the closest city to Taal Lake) from Manila, provided there’s not too much traffic. There are several ways that you can do this…

1) By Car

Just whip out your Google Maps or Waze app. Either way, you basically have to drive through the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX), and from there, take the Eton Greenfield exit. Then just follow the signs that lead you to Sta. Rosa, and then eventually to Tagaytay.

2) By Bus

Costing at around Php150.00, a lot of bus companies offer rides to Tagaytay. It is said that it’s best to choose those who are marked as “Mendez-Tagaytay-Nasugbu” or just ask the operators as to what Tagaytay bus would pass through SLEX and not through Cavite or Aguinaldo Highway. To avoid the worst of the traffic, go in the early morning. (We would suggest using buses in Buendia, Taft Terminal Station, Cubao or Araneta Center; just ask around if in doubt).

Once you reach the city of Talisay, there are ‘jeepneys’ in Tagaytay center that regularly go to Talisay and back; for this, check out the jeepney terminal near the Tagaytay Rotonda. From there, you need to look for those that go to Olivares Plaza; get off at that stop, and then ride another one that goes to People’s Park. At this point, hire a tricycle (for about Php200) to take you to Talisay Bay.

If you’re driving a car, simply set your destination via Google Maps to Precious Boat Station.

There are plenty of boats for hire on the lake, but we found Angelo (who you can contact at: +63 9197280514) who manages a boat rental service in Talisay Bay. It’s best if you text him beforehand so that he can meet you up at the Ligaya Drive and then lead you to where his boats are. Test your bartering skills – we managed to get a deal of Php 1,000 (originally Php 1,500) for the round trip. The standard price at Precious Boat Station is around Php 2,500 to 3,000 (which is still a reasonable deal).

Be prepared to be splashed here and there in the boat, but it’s not so bad especially if you’re going out to the lake on a clear day, or in the early morning. Speaking of which, boat rides may be cancelled if case the waves are too strong (if this is going to happen, it is usually in the afternoon).

Once you reach Taal Volcano Island, you will see the houses of the people living on this volcanic island. Some would say they are crazy, because Taal Volcano is still regarded as a ‘permanent danger zone’ by PHILVOCS (the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology). But this is their home.

Taal Volcano is the 2nd most active volcano in the Philippines with 33 known historical eruptions. The most recent ones happened in 1977, and most recently in January 12, 2020.

So… going up the crater lake is easy. The path is straight and you’ll see a lot of people walking to and fro anyways, so you really won’t get lost. No need to get a guide, but you do have to pay Php100 per person for hiking. You have two (2) options on how you can go up:

1. 1. 1. Go by foot
      2. Go by horse

The horse will cost you Php500 per person, and that comes with a guide.

It’s worth noting, if you have issues with ‘personal space’, be aware that the horse guides will often hop on to the horse too, while you’re riding it: sometimes they will tell you when they’re about to do it, but sometimes (or most of the time) they don’t.

With that said, I advise that you don’t take the horse nor the guide, and go on your own. As long as you are reasonably fit, it’s an easy walk after all!

Some more helpful reminders:

• • • Be aware that the trail can get really smelly in places. Not only because of the horses’ dung spread out on the route, but also because of the steam escaping out of the cracks on the ground (it smells like rotten eggs, and they’re called as fumeroles).
    • The trail can get really dusty too. This is due to lose volcanic ash, so it’s best that you bring something that covers your mouth and nose; like surgical masks or those labeled as N95.
    • It can get really hot too, so bring water. Heat not only from the sun but also from the fact that it’s still an active volcano, so the ground is ‘warm’. So, with the weather in the Philippines, it certainly adds to the very humid atmosphere. So if you can, try to do an early morning hike. (Don’t forget to apply sunblock, bring snacks, and bring a cap!).

At 4km, it will take you around 40 minutes to reach the top via the easy and touristic Talisay trail. If you rather want a challenge or a hardcore mountaineer, there are hikes via Alitagtag (18km) and Balete (8km). Allow extra time if you are a keen photographer, as you will be constantly stopping to capture the panoramic views.

Once you’re at the top, take note that the vendors might harass you to buy from their stalls, and they sell at an expensive price point (this is why I recommended bringing your own water and snacks). A polite, ‘No, thank you’, is enough for them to leave you alone.

There will even be a vendor there who will ask you if you want to take a swing of a golf club in order to hit a golf ball into the lake… Like seriously, what are you doing to the environment? Please don’t do this. It is claimed that the balls are eco-friendly, but come on.

Once you’ve evaded them, you will finally see the ‘Vulcan Point’ that has the lake in it. (Imagine, this is like lakeception given that Taal Volcano has a lake in its crater and is within a lake wherein it is an island that is a volcano. Aaaah, that should have hurt your brain a little bit.)

You also have the choice of paying for access to ‘Red Lava’ (Php50 per person) which is not so far and brings you to a different angled view — and is actually with the small extra cost, especially if you want to take more exciting photos.