Overview:
Taal Volcano, in the Philippines,  was originally  a huge volcano, that towered 18,000 feet up into the sky. It has been called the smallest active volcano, because it seems small now, but many people don't realize that it is one of the largest volcanoes in the world.  It is located about 70-km south of Manila on "volcano island" inside a lake called Taal Lake, or Lake Taal. 

This  picture of Taal volcano , was taken from Tagaytay ridge. Actually, Tagaytay Ridge is the rim of the volcano! When the volcano was 18,000 feet high, Tagaytay ridge would have been only about a sixth of the way to the top of the volcano!! In the distance, Mt. Makulot forms part of the other side of the rim, and it is a favorite trek for climbers.   

Description of Standard Package:
 Standard Package Trips from Talisay (where we are), including the climb to the  crater rim, and back, take about 3 - 4 hours, so its common to 
time the hike to the volcano in the early morning,  to be back at Taal 
Lake Yacht Club for lunch.  The latest you should leave TLYC, would be around 3PM.

It is the norm, to do the trail on horses which are led by their owners. See horse pricing, below, for rates. If you walk, the municipality charges P50 (about USD 1)/person.

      
Our Bancas have cellphones, lifejackets, fire extinguishers, and we have extra boats for any eventuality. We pride ourselves on trying to be the safest service on the lake.  There are NO other boat services that have these safety backups. Not even one. 

Other trips/options:
Inside the main caldera,on volcano island, there is yet another lake,  called the  "Crater Lake."  The highly sulfuric lake may have medicinal properties. People do swim in it, Some have even SCUBA dived in it. We do special trips into the inner lake when alert levels are low.
Click on the "secret trail" link on the sidebar at the right, to find out about that special trip. click HERE

We also have a trip that is a good alternative walking trail, that leads to the rim of the volcano, that we call the Christie Kenney trail, in honor of the US Ambassador, who was one of the first to use the trail, wih members of her family. This trail has more shade than the regular tourist trail, and we are trying to limit horse traffic, so it stays cleaner,  and has less Korean tourists on it. click HERE

Upon special request, especially when we have large corporate groups, or school groups, we can give  special lectures about the volcano, which shatter many common misconceptions that are taught in local schools.

Overnight acommodation:
If you want room acommodation, we can arrange that.  There are 2 german neigbors who rent out rooms, that cater to our members and guests. Their facilities are connected directly to the club, so you dont even need to move your car.   Call Joe Hagedorn 0917-8950430 to set it up for you.

If you prefer , you can camp at TLYC. We are set up for it.  TLYC is one of very few secure campgrounds with good facilities outside Manila.

Food:
1)You can bring your own, and eat it in your free hut. You can bring your drinks,or order from us. Sometimes, we even have nice wines, but pls tell us so we can chill the white.
2)Flamingo Restaurant, is a bit more expensive, but the food is good, and it has a more cosmopolitan atmosphere.
3) We do serve food.  Its less expensive than Flamingo, but you  should order before you go on your trip because it takes an Hour. The menu is online HERE    If you want to order something special, you can coordinate directly with Sonia 0928-6788849, or 0437730192. You will need to have a reservation if you prebook food.
Sonia's deep fried Tawilis is the best in the world. It is properly cleaned, unlike the traditional way of cooking tawilis, and as far as I know, we are the only ones that have it. Tawilis is  found ONLY in Taal Lake, and it is not always available. It is ONLY available in the market early n the morning, so You MUST coordinate with Sonia, and reserve this a day ahead. We do not freeze our Tawilis. Its FRESH.

Pricing: 
This is the best part.
BANCA PRICING FOR THE TOURIST TRAIL
Our pricing is P1,800/boat (the Coast Guard dictates a 5 adult passenger maximum). plus a P20 municipal landing fee.
our price also includes:
1) free entry to TLYC (otherwise its normally P100/person) for all those who make the trip to the island.  So, you can get up to a P600 discount per group, on entrance fees alone! Free entry includes use of showers and toilets. You have to pay extra at other resorts.
2)  a free hut to you (for up to 2 hrs on weekends and holidays or 5hrs on weekdays) after you come back from the volcano island. The hut normally costs P400.
3) Free Parking for your vehicle.  Most operators charge an extra fee for this, usually P100.
4) a free guide to escort you on the volcano trip! Though it is a courtesy to give him a tip if you find his service exemplary.

There is no deal anything like this anywhere. 

HORSE PRICING
80% of people rent horses to do the volcano trek.  70% of those who walk, say they wish they had rented horses.  We dont have anything to do with the horse business, but we can save you money. We recommend  paying for the horses at the club.  It saves a you from being mobbed by shouting hawkers on the island, and it will cost you less if you pay at the club.  Reserving a horse before you go, costs P500/horse. If you get the horses on the island, they will be P700 or P750/horse (and more for the other trails).

IMPORTANT 
To get this fantastic deal (available only on the internet), print this page and show it to the office at TLYC. The deals on this page do change, and you want to show them that you got this one.  This is your proof that there is no travel agent involved. 

NOTES ON SAFETY 
The Philippines has one of the worst safety records in the world, with regard to maritime safety. Unbelievably, the general attitude is "ride at your own risk".  We don't think that way.
1) Unfortunately,there are afew days a year, in  the windy months of December, January, and February, that its just too dangerous for bancas to get to the landing spot. We dont run on those days. The other banca services do, even though they have no floatation in their bancas (we are the only ones that do), nor any dedicated back up rescue boat (we are the only ones that do).   
2) There are "guides" on the crater rim, who urge tourists to trek down to the crater lake with them for an "extra fee". Don't do it. Its dangerous, and it will cost you an arm and a leg in "extra chages" that you will find out only when you finish. Just take the "secret trail". It goes to the same place, its avoids the slippery and dangerous part of the trek. Other than that, its the same trail, and it costs a lot less. 

Other Facilities:  
We pride ourselves on  clean bathrooms and hot showers.  
Hot showers in the Philippines? Whatever for?  
 If you come in December thru March, the wind is usually very strong,and its almost certain that you will get soaking wet.  
Its not so windy in July, August and September, but at some point during the day, the sky will probably open up, and  it will be like standing under a waterfall for 2 minutes. 
Most of your clothes will probably dry off pretty quick, but you will still appreciate the Taal Lake Yacht Club facilities after your trip.  
When it doesn't rain, it will be sunny, and you will definitely work up a sweat better than in any Gym. You'll want a shower, and a nice quiet hassle free place to sit down, relax, and have a cold drink.  

Oh, and did we forget to mention the Pool? Well its seasonal, or by special request.

Check out or sailing and kayak rentals too. Look for them on the nav bar on the left margin. 

Other Questions?  
Email me at sailphi@i-manila.com.ph  
or contact:  
Taal Lake Yacht Club  
Talisay, Batangas, Philippines  
Tel# 63-43-773-0192  
In the Philippines, dial 043-773-0192