_{Small volcano within a lake within a volcano within a lake within a volcano...say whaaaat?!}

---

Taal Volcano is the smallest active volcano in the world and this is located in Luzon, Philippines. It is small but terrible with a history of several deadly eruptions. On top of that, it is a complex volcano being a "volcano within a lake within a volcano within a lake within a volcano". That sounds confusing and I found a free image to show how that works.

_{source: NASA}

---

It is accessible from Manila and you don't have to pay expensive travel agencies to take you there. I found one that charges Php 10,000 if you're traveling alone! That's too much even if they take you there via a comfortable car. We were 3 in the group and the day trip only costs us approximately Php 1,000+ each.

_{*1 USD = approx. 51 PHP}

How to DIY (Do-It-Yourself) and Save Money

• From Pasay terminal (Metro Manila), take the bus bound to Tagaytay. You can ask the driver to stop at the terminal to the volcano. (PHP 120+)

• From the terminal, you can take a traysikel / tricycle (this is the Philippines version of tuk-tuk) going down to the resorts. It is quite a long and steep ride and the tricycle costs Php 300 (Php 100 each)

• There are several resorts lined up that offer a boat going there. If you can find other people to share the cost of the boat, that's better. The boat plus fees and trek guide were worth a total of Php 2,300 (Php 766 each).

The Trek to the Crater and My Quick Snaps

I was busy playing tour guide to my foreign friends and I wasn't able to take nice photos. I only took quick snaps when I got the chance just so I have some memories to take home with me. I have edited my smartphone photos through Snapseed mobile app. I will also show the before and after photos. I also added a frame on the edited ones because I realized how poor my framing was.

---

It was a short boat ride from the resort. You can already see the volcanic island from the port.

_{Before Editing}

_{After Editing}

---

The view from the banca (traditional wooden boat).

_{Before Editing}

_{After Editing}

---

This place is an easy day trip from Manila. We arrived and there were already other tour groups who have started their trek.

_{Before Editing}

_{After Editing}

---

The trek was easy breezy as there was not much ascent. Most of the trail was flat. Some visitors also took a horse ride going there but we decided to just get there on foot as it was only an hour trek.

_{Before Editing}

_{After Editing}

---

The trek gets more difficult as you approach the crater

_{Before Editing}

_{After Editing}

---

The main crater lake

_{Before Editing}

_{After Editing}

---

The trail to the Red Lava Point

_{Before Editing}

_{After Editing}

---

The Red Lava Peak. It is called as such due to its color which was enhanced through editing.

_{Before Editing - I don't know whose leg is that lol}

_{After Editing - Thanks to Cropping}

---

We stayed there for an hour or so and returned to Tagaytay. You get to see a nice overlooking view from this area as well.

_{Before Editing}

_{After Editing}

---

Lastly, we rewarded ourselves with food! We had Bulalo which is a specialty dish in Tagaytay. The weather in here is cooler and the hot beef bone marrow soup was perfect!

_{Before Editing}

_{After Editing}

---

Reference:

http://factsanddetails.com/southeast-asia/Philippines/sub5_6h/entry-3923.html

_{Photos hurriedly taken using Sony Xperia Z1 and enhanced through Snapseed}

---

##### About TriPinas

I thought of making a TriPinas series which would have a collection of my trips within the Philippines. Pinas is our nickname for Pilipinas. Thus, TriPinas = trip + Pinas

UPDATE: I don't want to associate my blog to that word which I have deleted because some mean people don't understand coincidence in wordplay and this is just a freaking blog, not a product or service!

The post was previously uneditable after 7 days (previous blockchain limitation) but this is now possible. So I have now fcking edited this to remove that stpid word from the title. This word is all yours, agency-that-must-not-be-named! This agency is so arrogant and threatened to sue me without understanding how blockchain works. I just wish you had some heart to give me closure on this, instead you left me with a threat. You have no idea how much stress and fear you gave me amidst cancer. I could have been a possible customer since I travel a lot. Please do not bully people because you have a company and money to hire lawyers!

Join the Steemit Travellers on Discord