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Weekend At The Crater Lake

There’s something idyllically different about being at the Taal Volcano crater. There’s something prosaic about being able to finally connect the dots from Taal Vista, Tagaytay Highlands, the eateries around, and the Freedom Park to the crater, to the celebrity, to the center. There’s something fulfilling about looking down squarely at the lake in the crater in the lake in the crater.

As I look around in that viewing deck, something distressing dawns on me: aside from the island locals and their horses, the Asian tourists outnumber Filipinos 10 to 1. 

The previous day, my entire family, all 17 of us played and stayed at the highlands. The adults relaxed while the kids swam and frolicked.  I’ve always felt fulfillment in picturesque moments with family framed with the sun, the sky, the hills, the trees and the water.  The combination is potent and soothing.

I woke up early, walked around the area and settled by the poolside where we had breakfast. Once again, the adults relaxed while the kids swam and frolicked.

It was almost a complete trip but the volcano was beckoning…inviting.  I figured I should not let this one pass. It was time to get a boat. My brother, Suneil, and I went down to Talisay where I had a friend. He was able to secure our transportation at just the right price since he is a local and we didn’t look like tourists.

The 25 minute boat trip was pleasant. It was reminiscent of the yesteryear adventures. The hike was moderate. It actually was an easy ascent if we did not have excess baggage around our waists. The trail is established and heads straight to the not-so-distant top.

The top is serene and looking around gives you a complete view of Taal Lake providing a complete reversal of perspective.  After taking it all in, after absorbing it in memory and memory card, we trudge back.  I am still wondering why there were only a few Filipinos visiting the main island in proportion to the number of Filipinos visiting the ever-increasing number of restaurants, view points, parks and villages in the perimeter of the lake. It’s a convenient day trip and everyone should be encouraged to go.

We joined the rest of the family and ate lunch in Leslie’s, just one of the many grill and bulalo places overlooking Taal. All the pinoy tourists were there, happily consuming the food and the full view. As I eat the wonderful feast in front of me I smile in quiet satisfaction. What a way to cap the weekend.