Date: 18th May 2013

Today, I began my sight-seeing in Philippines. Janet, my host, suggested going to Tagaytay, largely to see Taal Lake (which is actually in Batangas).

The journey to Tagaytay took nearly an hour and cost ₱105 each (one way). I took out my DSLR once we reached a bus terminal at Tagaytay. From here, Janet negotiated with a tricycle taxi to take us down to the shore town of Talisay.

Once down, the tricycle dropped us at a restaurant-slash-tourism center. There we negotiated the price for taking a boat to Taal volcano island, horse rides to the top and back. We finally settled for ₱3000 (Rs. 4300/$68/€51) for two persons.

Once we got to the top, this is what we saw.

We tipped the guides ₱100 each and went back to our boat.

Once back on shore, Janet and I washed up to get the dust off our faces (and mouth). The tricycle driver who dropped us here was still waiting to take us back. We were quite alarmed when he told us his fare was ₱400 for the whole trike ride.

I thanked Janet for bringing me here. Tagaytay seemed like a very nice getaway from Manila. Cool weather and lush greenery all around. For how long? We’ll see.

Next up, Boracay!

Next post(s) in this series:

Philippines 2013: Flying from Manila to Boracay, White Beach

Philippines 2013: Boracay island tour, Puka beach and snorkelling

Philippines 2013: Bulabog beach, Mount Luho viewpoint and sunset at White Beach

Beachfront hotels and resorts on White Beach, Boracay

Philippines 2013: Leaving Boracay; Kalibo to Angeles City

Philippines 2013: Arriving at Legazpi; going to Donsol to see whale sharks

Philippines 2013: Lignon Hill Park, Cagsawa Ruins and Mount Mayon

Philippines 2013: Aerial view of Mount Mayon; arriving at Coron

Previous post in this series:

The crap I went through to get my Philippines tourist visa this time