Lake Taal, Luzon, Philippines

4Robbie_Antonio 5:00 PM May 10, 2014

Boat Ride to Taal Volcano
My friend, cousin and I went there this weekend. We went to Tagaytay Rotonda where there was a banner that says "Taal Boat Ride Information" or something and inquired for packages there. They showed us a package worth Php 6,500 for boat ride + Horseback ride + food and drinks. we told them we're just availing of the boat because we won't need anything else. We were told the boat costs 3,500 2 way, which of course we didn't believe.We knew boat ride only costs Php1500 so We told them we're gonna look around first and just to see how much others are offering. Finally, they offered the boat ride for an additional 200 (probably for the brokers) which was 1700 in total. We got to the resort, and paid an additional 1k each for the horse + guide. Riding the horse was our personal choice bec 1) I just came from fever, 2) We haven't rode a horse so it was an additional experience. Though 1k was pricey, we thought it was okay for the experience. Like other reviews here: -The guides talked to me about they're only getting php50.00 out of the 1k that we paid for the horse, which I thought was such a sad story until I learned that my cousin and friend were told the same story too. I mean, they could've at least revised their script, right? -people from the summit sold us softdrinks for our guide for php50. Seriously, if they're going to offer me a drink, might as well offer it because I MIGHT BE THIRSTY, right? They should've just offered the drinks to our guides instead. They're concerned about the guides being thirsty and they're making me pay for it? I don't understand. -photos will be taken from the ground and the summit. They're selling the framed photos for Php400 because they're saying they don't have electricity. I don't really get their marketing strategy. Why are they making the tourists pay for everything. I mean, I don't need them taking my photos. In the end, I got the photos for PHP50, without the frame. Tips: Should you decide you're going to trek and not ride the horse, I suggest you do it in the afternoon so it's not too hot. Bring water, food, surgical masks, hat because everything there is sold / rented for Php 50.00 minimum. The guides may be overly melodramatic about their lives, but at least give them gratuity. Their jobs aren't easy and our lives are better that theirs in a lot of ways.

3rocknrolica 5:00 PM May 14, 2014

HorseBack Riding to Taal
I recently went to Tagaytay and was bit disappointed when we decided to visit Taal lake. We were approached by one of the locals telling us that we can rent a boat for only P1500. She was telling us that it will take us to Taal lake, she was also showing us a card board with pictures of the boat, the lake, some horseback riding and the lake itself. When we clarified again if that's the only amount we need to pay for, again she said yes. She called in for a tricycle that will take us to the resort, again telling us that we don't need to pay for the tricycle because it's included in the P1500. When we arrived at the resort, the drive offered that he will wait for us until we get back from the lake for an additional P200, we refused but the driver insisted that it is hard to get a tricycle going back, so we agreed. Then he continued to ask if we are going to rent horses to take to the lake, we were so shocked because the previous local we talked made it sound that everything is covered to the P1500. The driver made us assumed that we won't be able to reach the lake if don't rent a horse. After having lunch, we then ride our boat to take us to the island, upon arriving we were approached by this old woman, putting a stool to help us get off the boat. then we went to the "booth" to asks for the prices. The horse rent costs P450 plus mandatory P50 for the tour guide. We then asks them if there is another way we can go to the lake. The locals there made us assumed that it is impossible to walk. So we finally agreed to rent in the horses and the tour guide. Before taking off, we again were approached by local girls, selling face mask for a costly P30 each, telling us the road is so dusty and we wouldn't be able to enjoy the horse ride without the face masks, this time we refused because the price is ridiculous, and we thought we thought we could handle the dust, which we actually did. the dusty road wasn't that bad. Upon taking off, we were stopped to a picture taking. The whole ride will take about 30 mins going up and another 30 mins or less going down. There was a bit of traffic because of the number of tourists that was there but it was tolerable. Depending on your tour guide, they will sometimes let you hold the rope on your horse, but they will sometimes ride with you, but again your paying for the horse, and sharing it will take away the fun plus the horses are so small to carry two persons :( When we finally arrived at the the lake, we were greeted again by locals who carries softdrinks bottle saying "ate, softdrinks po para sa hinete nyo.." (do you want to buy cold drinks for your tour guides?), which is actually a good offer, because the tour guide had been walking/running, but when I asked how much are the drinks I was again shocked to know the is costs P50. P50 for a 12oz bottle of softdrinks, so overpriced. While taking pictures we we're again approached by another local with our pictures on frames, selling it for P350 each. but we refused over and over until finally he sold to us for only P50 each without the frames. When we finally got back from the trail I heard one of the tour guide whispering to my friend and asking for a tip.. "Sir, tip sir?" The whole adventure was fun but it had so many HIDDEN CHARGES that we didn't expect. WHAT TO DO/BRING: 1. Water bottle ( for you and your tour guide). Buying it in the resort is more cheaper. 2. Bring big bandana/handkerchief/face mask. The dust is tolerable but if you get dust allergies then better bring something to cover you face. 3. You can actually walk to the lake itself. So if your not in the mood to pay those overly priced horses. them walking is definitely for you. Just be prepared to walk a dusty road. Sometimes you have to avoid horse's poo, but the whole thing is manageable.