Travel

LAKE TAAL, Batangas (Philippines)

Taal Lake is a freshwater lake in the province of Batangas, on the island of Luzon in the Philippines. The lake fills Taal Caldera, a large volcanic caldera formed by very large eruptions between 500,000 and 100,000 years ago. Wikipedia

Area: 90.43 sq miles (234.2 km²)

Surface elevation: 16' 5" (5.00 m)

Length: 15.53 miles (25 km)

Width: 11.18 miles (18 km)

Mean depth: 328' (100 m)

Map

Here are some pictures taken in September 2012.

The dock is still behind that island.

Our able tour guide and horses for hire.

My horse is named Karla. This was the moment when I can take a pic because the land is plain and not hilly.  If it's hilly I have to have a strong grip of the handle in front in order not to fall because Karla would suddenly bend to eat grass.  

The right side of the Main Crater Lake from my viewpoint. 

The left side and center of the Main Crater Lake from my viewpoint.

We chose the Taal Volcano trek where we can see the volcanic activities up close.  We did have the chance to swim on the Main Cater Lake but not long enough to enjoy it because aside from the eerie feeling I had, the trek would take around an hour and 30 minutes, one way.  We spent P1,500 for the tour, P900 for the horse and P300 tip for the guide.

We felt lucky to be among those who reached Taal volcano.