Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Manila, catch a DLTB or HM bus
marked “Santa Cruz” from the corner of
Buendia and Taft Avenue and get off at
Barangay Pagsawitan from where you can
get a jeepney (P10) to Pagsanjan town.
Staying overnight allows you to beat the
crowds, but choices aren't great - try
Willy Flores Guesthouse (821 Garcia St,
Santa Cruz; T 0909 992 1218; P500),
a simple, but clean and friendly place.
hour-long walk. here's not much shade
on the volcano and it can get hot, so
don't go without sunblock, a good hat,
food and plenty of water. here are horses
for hire (P250) for the trek if you feel like
enjoying the view without expending any
energy. According to levels of tectonic
activity climbing is sometimes prohibited.
Further information can be found at
the Philippine Institute of Volcanology
and Seismology (PHILVOLCS;
Mon-Fri 8am-5pm; T 043 773 0293,
W
TAAL VOLCANO
Rising majestically from the centre of
picturesque Taal lake and perennially
popular with day-trippers from Manila,
Taal Volcano offers gentle trekking,
stunning views, and a refreshing change
of temperature from the city. Taal has
had several major eruptions over the
centuries and was showing signs of
increased activity in 2012. A team of
seismologists is permanently based
on the lakeshore and continues to
monitor the situation, with the
authorities occasionally forced to issue
evacuation warnings.
Tagaytay , 70km south of Manila, is the
nearest town, perched out of harm's way
on a 600m-high ridge above the lake.
Because of its cool climate - on some
days it even gets foggy - Tagaytay is a
favourite escape from the city, especially
at weekends when it really fills up.
Unfortunately, rash development
continues, much of the accommodation
is overpriced, and the boat touts can wear
down your patience. he views from the
ridge are admittedly breathtaking, and
there are some exceptional restaurants,
but staying beside the lake in the little
barangay of Talisay is generally a more
affordable way to visit.
phivolcs.dost.gov.ph) by the San Roque
Beach Resort.
ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE
By bus Erjohn & Almark buses run from Manila (Pasay) to
Tagaytay (hourly; 1hr 30min) from where you can catch a
jeepney to Talisay (P10; 20min). Buses for Manila leave
throughout the day from outside Olivarez Plaza near the
roundabout. Tagaytay is a stop on the Manila-Taal-Leery
route (for Anilao).
8
INFORMATION
Tourist information Tagaytay City Tourism O ce is
located in the City Hall (daily 8am-5pm; T 046 413 1220,
E lanidiesta@yahoo.com).
GETTING AROUND
Jeepneys between Tagaytay Market and Talisay (hourly;
20min) run only until 4pm; given the steep windy roads
connecting the two, it is not advisable to use tricycles.
Alternatively, you can charter the whole vehicle for the
short journey for P700. Jeepneys to other destinations
use the jeepney station two minutes' walk past Olivarez
Plaza. Jeepneys (P7.50) go up and down the main road
constantly.
ACCOMMODATION
Keni Po 3km east of the Tagaytay roundabout towards
Calamba T 046 483 0977, W keniporooms.blogspot.com.
It means “welcome” in the local dialect, which is indeed
how you feel at this bright yellow guesthouse with cosy
rooms with cable TV and DVD players, plus a pleasant pool
in the verdant garden. No restaur ant, bu t the room service
is cheap and delicious. Free wi-fi. P1200
San Roque Beach Resort T 043 773 0271 or T 0905
417 9179, E sanroquebeachresort@yahoo.com. A
welcoming place right on the lakeshore with startling
views across to the volcano, owned by a lovely Dutch-
Filipina couple, Leo and Lita. The spacious rooms with
little extra touches such as flowering plants and reading
lamps , and th e great fish meals make it worth paying a bit
extra. P1500
WHAT TO SEE AND DO
Talisay is also the jumping-off point if
you want to climb the volcano; you can
hire a boat at almost any establishment
on the lakeshore for around P1500 per
group with an extra P50 environmental
fee, though with so much competition,
this can be bargained down to P1000
during the week, and bear in mind that
you don't need the offered guide for the
 
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