Still confused about the lake on an island on a lake on an island? Believe me, this is not some intricate advertising campaign made by the local tourist board. Let’s break it down:

1. First there is the known universe
2. Then there is the local cluster of galaxies
3. Next we have a galaxy often called the Milky Way (yes, same name as the chocolate bar) – this is a spiral galaxy
4. As for a proper galaxy the Milky Way contains stars – one of them is called the Sun (for the astronomy fans: a middle-aged type G main sequence star, which in English means that it is a normal star, similar to millions of other in the galaxy)
5. However, the Sun is unique in one way: it has a planetary system (that’s not very unique) and the third planet happens to harbour life (that is unique, again for the astronomy fans: see Drake equation for more information). Moreover, some say the life is intelligent…
6. The third planet, known as Terra (or Earth) is mostly covered with water, the remaining parts are landmasses that have been a bit arbitrary divided into continents
7. One of the continent called Asia has an island country named the Philippines
8. The largest island of the Philippines is Luzon
9. There is a lake on the island called Taal
10. On the lake there is an island called – surprise – Volcano Island
11. On the Volcano Island there is another lake – Crater Lake
12. To complete the picture Crater Lake also has its island – Vulcan Point Island.

There you go, all is clear now. So even if you’re heading to Taal from a nearby galaxy, let’s say, Andromeda, you know the way now.

I had much closer distance to cover than travelling from Andromeda. Although with the bus speeds in Luzon the travel time may be similar..

Your starting point to get to the volcano is Tagaytay – a small city that overlooks Taal Lake. You can get a tricycle or a cab to get to the shores of the lake. There you need to hop on the boat that will get you to the Volcano island. And that’s what I did.

Here’s the boat and view from it:

Done!! It’s 8 a.m., we’re on the Volcano Island. It’s nice and warm as you would expect. And by warm I mean around 35 degrees. If that’s too low for you there’s nothing to worry: it will get hotter. And, as a bonus, dustier. So a face mask is strongly recommended. You can get one at the beginning of the trail. And don’t forget to take some water with you. Parts of the trail are really exposed to the sun.

What you need to do is hike this (I’m estimating) 3km trail. It is mainly sand and dust and as mentioned before it will be hot – no matter the time of day. And no matter if it’s cloudy or not.

As you remember, the Philippines is a strongly catholic country. It is no wonder then that you will see the stations of the Cross along the trail.

Which reminds me of another cross:

This is NOT in the Philippines. You wouldn’t expect to see snow on any of the islands.. Unless there is a major climate change.

All right, let’s get back on the trail.

See? I told you it will get dusty. And hot. Even though it’s only around 9 o’clock.. All this hiking in such conditions is a bit tiring. So let’s take a break and we will see the Crater Lake in the next post.