TAGAYTAY,
70km south of Manila, perches on a 600-metre-high ridge
overlooking Taal Volcano, and because of its cool climate
– on some days it even gets foggy – is a popular
weekend retreat from the heat of the nearby capital. Unfortunately,
rash development and abuse of building restrictions have
rather turned Tagaytay into the tourist town from hell,
with congested roads and menacing shoals of tricycles.
Thankfully,
you don't actually have to go as far as Tagaytay itself
to enjoy spectacular views of the volcano. The views are
best if you get off the bus near the Taal Vista Lodge Hotel,
where you can visit the gardens (free admission) and get
a good Filipino buffet lunch. Taal Volcano is still active,
and there are occasional rumblings that force the authorities
to issue evacuation warnings to local inhabitants.
The
volcano last erupted in 1965 without causing major damage,
but when it blew its top in 1754, thousands died and the
town of Taal was destroyed and had to be moved to a new
location on safer ground. If you want to climb it, the jumping-off
point is the small town of Talisay on the shores of Taal
Lake.
The
best way is to hire a boat and guide in Talisay for around
P1000. If you make an early start, you can climb to either
the new crater or the old crater (both are active) and be
back in Talisay in time for a good fish lunch at one of
the many native-cuisine restaurants along the shore. There
is not much shade on the volcano and it can get hot, so
don't go without sunblock, a good hat and plenty of water.
You
can find out more about Taal Volcano and other volcanoes
at the Taal Volcano Science House, 5km west of Talisay in
Buco, next to the Buco Resort.
With
its cool climate and clean air, Tagaytay City is the perfect
place for leisure activities like picnics, horseback riding,
camping and sightseeing. It makes for an affordable weekend
getaway for most Filipino families, if they're astute enough
to take advance of the best bargains in Asia.
For
our foreign friends visiting or thinking about visiting,
Tagaytay offers a relaxing and safe haven where you can
unwind and lay back after your long haul flight. Tagaytay
is just a hop, skip and a jump from Manila's NAIA International
Airport - Ninoy Aquino International Airport, about 90 minutes
away.
Taal
Volcano , reputed to be the world's smallest volcano, rests
on a serene blue lake. From Tagaytay, you can arrange a
trip to the volcano island in the middle of Taal Lake.
