Am thinking of a day trip to Tagaytay. Can anyone give me details on how to get to the start off point in going to the volcano's crater? Are there trips at the Buendia-Taft terminals? How much does renting a boat costs? How long is the trek and do we need to hire a guide?

From there how do we get to Caleruega? Or should we do some other things instead of heading there?

Thanks in advance for the help!!!

1. How much does renting a boat costs?

Boat rental to the Taal Volcano can vary from P800.00 to P900.00 (as of January 2008). If you get approached by touts be firm and do not be swayed by the extras that they may "offer" (e.g. life vest - it is regulations that all boats have them.).

2. How long is the trek and do we need to hire a guide?

First, the trail up is only a clearly marked 4-kilometer gradual hike up. Any reasonably healthy/fit person can walk the whole way although the final hundred yards to the crater is steeper than the rest of the trail. The downside to walking is that the trail is dusty and sometimes the soil loose beneath one's feet. So watch where you put your feet.

Second, if you do decide to ride a horse, the owner of the horses will quote you a prohibitive price for rental of a horse e.g. P700. Do not snap this up (even if you can afford it!) The actual price is way lower than that, say P400, but you can definitely make a better bargain than we did. The horse comes with a handler, so no need to hire a guide. The handler will expect you to give him/her a drink up at the crater (another wily way for them to fleece money out of you!). Someone might offer to sell you a pair of gloves-- you don't need it!