Taal Volcano Trek

If you are a weekend warrior like me, who can only do short vacation trips on weekends, you may want to try hiking Taal Volcano in Talisay, Batangas.  It can be done in half a day.

From Buendia, hop on a bus going to Lemery or Lipa. Fare is around P96.00. Tell the conductor that you are getting off in Tanauan. From the bus stop, walk a few meters to the market and ride a jeepney bound to Talisay.  

In Talisay market, you can find who people who can make the boat rental arrangements for you. The rate is usually P1,500.00. You still have to shell out additional P50.00 per person for the trekking fee and P200.00 to P300.00 for the tour guide fee. 

We opted to arrange the boat rental with the Taal Yacht Club for P1,900.00. We also paid additional P300.00 for the trekking and tour guide fees. It's a bit more costly, but we had the convenience of using the club's facilities. (You definitely need to clean up after the trek.) Plus, the club is a truly wonderful place to chill out after the hike. You can also leave your backpacks with the caretakers so you need not bring them with you during your trek. 

Prepare to be bugged by people offering you to take the horse for P500.00. If you are relatively fit, you definitely don't need a horse. It's more fun to trek on foot. 

You can reach the crater viewing deck in 1 hour or so. Descent is easier. Just pray that it doesn't rain during your trek! 

Travel essentials: Sunblock, water, hat/cap/bandana, handkerchief, trail food. Bring an umbrella or raincoat  so you won't get soaked in case it rains.

Tip: You can also reach Talisay via Tagaytay. Just ride a jeepney to Talisay or rent a tricycle (P250.00).


Sending you happy thoughts...

Trip Expense Report: Pico de Loro

Here's the trip expense report for our Pico de Loro with Marine Base Beach sidetrip outing last April:

Van Rental:  P2,500 / 8 = 312.50

Driver's food (breakfast + lunch): P235 / 8 = 29.50

Toll Fees: (P22x2) / 8 =  5.50

Tricycle fare (jump off point to DENR):  P50 / 8 = 6.25

DENR Registration Fee: P20/pax

Basecamp 1 Registration Fee: P20/pax

DENR CR Fee: P5.00/pax (waived!) ;)

DENR Parking: P50.00 / 8 = 6.25 (waived!) ;)

Beach Entrance: P50.00/pax (waived!) ;)

Gasoline: More or less P1,200.00 (Donated lang po!) ;)

Total: P393.75 *

Van Rental Contact: Manny - +639391566584 (Highly recommended!)

*Food and transportation expenses (from house to meeting place and back)  not included. 

Sending you happy thoughts...

The Madlum Maximum Adventure

Biak na Bato National Park, San Miguel, Bulacan

We trekked under the scorching heat of the summer sun, swam in the refreshing jade waters, explored historical caves, rode a rickety bamboo raft, crossed the monkey cable (twice!), had a satisfying lunch near the Mt Manalmon peak, tried vine swinging for the very first time, and endured a dusty, bumpy ride while packed like sardines in a tricycle. It's one adventure-packed day and we had so much fun! 


Thanks to the help of the Madlum guides, especially Dondie and the amazing 71-year old Tatay Tonying! 


Actual itinerary:
0600-0620   Meet up time (FIVE STAR BUS STATION, CUBAO)
0640   Departure for SAN MIGUEL, BULACAN
0850   Arrival in Brgy. KAMIAS, San Miguel, Bulacan
0900   Departure for jump off point
0930   Arrival at jump off point (Barangay Madlum)
0940   Monkey cable crossing (two-rope bridge crossing)/photo ops time
1020   Registration
1030   Start of trek to Mt. Manalmon
1115   Arrival at Mt. Manalmon summit basecamp / lunch time
1145   Summit assault/photo ops
1230   Start of descent
1330   Arrival at jump off point / rest / halo-halo time
1430   Start of trek to Bayukbok Cave
1500   Arrival at Bayukbok Cave / start of spelunking
1630   Start of trek back to jump-off point
1700   Arrival at jump off point / free time for swimming
1730   Wash-up time
1800   Zipline time
1900   Departure for bus stop
1930   Arrival at Kamias ES Transport Bus Stop
2010   Departure for Manila
2210   Arrival in Ortigas 


For the trip expense report, click this!


Sending you happy thoughts...