Taal! - not just wow, Its SUPER WOW!

Taal ! - not just wow, It's SUPER WOW!

Now, what to expect from the world's smallest volcano?

I do not know whether we have a "super wow" word, but I cant help to use it, whenever I got the chance to visit Taal Lake and Volcano!

For a mere 1 hour walks from our simple abode in Batangas as part of the Coastal protected Barangay in Tanauan, you will soon have a wonderful glimpse of this majestic creation. You will notice that you are getting nearer, when the road has started to have its turns and sharps curves. I remember when I was a kid, (tumatakas from our lola) the road towards the lake is a bit dusty during summer vacation and muddy even for a slight rain. But now, progress is very evident even from this part of the province.

As i walk towards the shoreline, Im thinking "How can this be a budding tourist destination for a plain view of the volcano. Although the view is spectacular, still you may soon find it to be boring.

But I was wrong!! Indeed, my years of absence has done a lot of things to Taal Lake for the locals and foreign tourist as well.

Now what are the new activities to be done in Taal Lake and Volcano:

1. Visit to Taal Volcano Crater - for a 2500 per boat, you wil have an upclose encounter in this sleeping beauty. Quite costly, that is why it is advisable if you will go to the crater in groups.

2. Horse Back Riding - one may opt to walk until the crater, but they say, it feels more energetic, if you can experience the bumps of the rides less the fatigue for walking. Cost - 500 per person

3. Jet ski and Kayaking - Not all resorts offers Jetski and kayak for thier guest, so its still quite expensive, but are you going to pass the chance to ride on a jet ski with a picturesque background?. Cost 2500 per person.

4. Swimming - Its for free.... You can just walk straight to the lake and feel its clear waters. Caution: There are reports of drowing, but if you are a swimmer and taking all the precautionary measures, then its the best.

Likewise, there are numerous river of which budget resort are present with 10 pesos entrance will make you wade in the cool waters

5.Food Trip - Yum Yum! The best way to explore Taal lake is by tasting the unique flavors you can only taste here, and what else is that!!! Sea Foods!.  Tawilis and Maliputo are two delicious fish that only in Taal Lake lives... so you can taste it only here in Taal. Best to buy in the early moring, when the fishermen just arrived in the shores. You can buy  Tawilis for about 80-100 pesos per batch nowadays, but for Maliputo

it even rises to 500 pesos per kilo.I can personally say that indeed these two fishes will make your meal appetizing and ubos with gusto.

I also informed that in San Nicholas, one of the coastal town, part of their tourism program is -Floating Restaurant in the middle of the lake. It was in Bohol where i experience that, and I cant wait to experience it soon.!!

Next Stop! - Floating Resto in San Nicholas

Loming Batangas - Serves Hot! Serves Right!

Share with us where is your favorite “Lomi House” in Batangas?

Aside from Balisong and Kapeng Barako, Batangas is also famous for its delectable dish – Lomi!

A combination of noodles, meat strips and vegetables wrapped in a thick sauce makes it a favorite dish to locals and tourist as well!

                If ever you can visit any town in Batangas (please do so!) Im sure, even triple sure (hehehehe) that you can find a lomi haus –(house) that will suit your appetite.

                For about 25 pesos for a regular servings to what we say “special servings”. Lomi Batangas will make your day one notch brighter.

The Soft Side of the Cordilleras – Mt.Timbac

Let’s experience the new destination in Benguet- dubbed as “The Soft Side of the Cordilleras”.

Background:

When we say Cordillera region, we often and always think of Mt. Pulag, And who will not? With it’s scenic view, cold weather

And the seas of clouds that envelope you along the summit as you wait for the sunrise and even sunset!!

Indeed, Mt. Pulag is a must for every POP mountaineer.

But Mt. Pulag is not just that, climbing Mt. Pulag also means, you have to endure long travel time and the high cost as well because

Of the transportation (you need to rent a jeepney) and the guides and entrance costs you will incur.

But wait, no need to fret, Pinoy Outdoor Planet has found a new destination for you to explore,

Mt. Timbac in Atok Benguet,  a fresh hiking destination in the north that is now gaining popularity as “The mountain in the Soft Side of the Cordilleras!

This mountain is possible to summit by a daytrek, with numerous activities as a side trip,

You can visit  Halsema Highway Highest Point – (highest higway in the Philippines)

And the Timbac Mummies.  Plus the usual sights of the Cordillera’s - pine trees, vegetables terraces, and of course the cool breeze.

Itinerary:

Day00 – Friday

22:00  - ETD Cubao going to Baguio via Victory Liner Bus

Day01 – Saturday

05:00 – ETA Baguio, then take a taxi to Dangwa Bus Terminal

05: 15- 05:45 – Breakfast

06:30 – ETD Baguio

09:30 – ETA Km 55 in Atok, Benguet

09:45 – Start Trek

11:30 – ETA Summit

12:00 – Back at Timbac Elementary School,

Then explore the Timbac Mummies(optional)

14:00 – ETA Jump-Off, wait for Bus going to Baguio

18:00 – ETD Baguio City, explore the city

22:00 pm – Go to your hotel or the bus terminal going back to Manila

Other Information:

Transportation: From the Dangwa terminal, there about two bus company that service to Sagada, of which

This will also pass by KM. 55 Jump-Off. Tell the teller that youre destination is Km 55 in Atok Benguet for the fare adjustment and remind the driver and

The conductor to stop on that. Going back to Manila, be sure you are in the jump-off before 3 pm, because the buses going

From Sagada is on hourly basis only, and you wouldn’t want to be stuck behind.

Food: Near the Dangwa terminal, are numerous cafes and fastfood chain wherein you can take your breakfast.

                Likewise, there will be a stop over near the KM 55 that you can buy your trail food and even lunch as well.

Guides and Entrance Fees: as of April 2013, there are no entrance fees neededto climb the Mt. Timbac,

The trail is very straightforward as it is being used also by the village people, so therefore no guide is recommended.

Budget Details:

1.       Manila to Baguio and vv = 455*2 = 910

2.       Baguio to Atok and vv = 81*2 = 162

3.       Food = 200

Total = 1272

Pinoy Outdoor Planet

Experience and Taste the Philippines, in most Exciting, Fun and Budget Friendly Way!!!! very soon!