To the Crater of the World's Smallest Active Volcano / A personal journal // June 15, 2019

A couple of months ago, while Rona and I were having random "discussions, gossips, and arguments" over the messenger, thought of visiting Taal Volcano popped-up.  A plan has erupted right away which reached the ears of some people who may want to join us.  Several gave an affirmation of joining but in the end, only 4 of us came to realize the goal.
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At first, we planned to take a bus ride in going to Talisay, Batangas, but during the meet-up, Tim decided to bring his own car.  It was still dawn by the time we reached the port.  After the final preparation, we started to sail.

Photos of the Past Adventure

It will take around 20 to 30 minutes of a boat ride to reach the jump-off

Magic 4

"She ain't gonna chase after you, Sir. No, she won't. She'd rather chase after the sun".  Lots of fire trees can be seen here;  it is one of my favorite flowering plants.  Every time I see one, I feel extreme joy and calmness.

There are 14 stations of the cross along the way.  The trail going to the crater is easy, but it is dusty. Also, dungs of a thousand horses are scattered everywhere!

Stop over

Good thing that we started the climb before the sunrise.  Sir Allan said that this is the hottest part of the trail during the daytime.

Sulfur deposits

A panoramic view of the crater of the world's smallest active volcano.  The water below can reach a temperature as high as 90 degrees Celsius

At the view deck

Overlooking views of the trails, lake, and nearby mountains can be seen on top.

Sulfur vents

If there's a thing this group has in common, that is our love for food.  We had our brunch at the Tower Ground.

Other Photo

Sir Allan, our guide

Malyn unveiled an amazing skill in data gatherings.  Through an informal interview that she conducted with our tour guide, the team learned that:

- 50 percent of the guide fee (250.00 Php) will be given to their cooperative as their communal funds.
- As of this writing, there are 45 registered tour guides in their community, working on a rotation basis.  There are times when they are earning in red, particularly during the off-season (school days).  Travel season can be presumed to happen during the summer time and other holidays.  
- Tourists have the option to take a horse-back ride in reaching the crater, which will cost them 500.00 Php per person.  80% of this amount will be given to the owner, while only 20% will be given to the tour guide.  
- The sustainability of electrical power within the area depends on the usage of generators, which are not functioning 24/7.  Daily consumption is amounting to 30 Php per night.
- The price per kilogram of rice cost 60.00 Php.
- Fishing is an alternative source of income in the community.
- There are more than 1,400 horses in the area

Summary of Expenses
Boat Rental Roundtrip: 2,000.00 Php (maximum of 6 pax)
Resort fee including entrance and parking fee: 500.00 Php
Environmental Fee: 100.00 Php 
Guide fee: 500.00 Php
Food Expense: Sky is the limit!
Fuel and Gas: we contributed 200.00 Php / pax

Something to Look Back
- Mahirap po ba ang Maculot? - Rona
- The fate of those other "committed individuals", who were not chosen to be with us is still unknown.  Perhaps, they are now having a prosperous dancing career in a fiery stream of volcanic lava! (#sanatrue) (#commitment) (#trustissue) (#danceralert)
- Kuya kunin mo na tong tubig - Malyn
- Fried tawilis, laing, at bulalo
- Very Berry Cheesecake
- Call of nature in Starbucks (#goodbye venti Americano)
- "People come and go"
- May bayad po yung kubo? - stranger
- Di ko po kayo pinaaalis, nagtatanong land din ako - stranger
- Animal Cruelty! - Rona
- Price of a drink in a hyperinflationary ground

Photo Credits to Rona and Malyn

End

-JSC