Batangas, Ala Eh! {1 of 2}

If you noticed in our sidebar, we placed the Philippines' tourism slogan, "It's More Fun in the Philippines." We are proud of the Philippines, especially of its natural beauty and resources. And we are here to encourage Saudis, other nationalities, and even Filipino expats who haven't traveled the Philippines to go and explore our home country. You won't regret it, promise!

While it's true that Manila is bustling with traffic and energy (yes, pollution and chaos included), the other provinces have a lot of beautiful sceneries and wonderful activities in store for you. Take for example, Bohol, which Sampaguita Pride started featuring in her entry. It's in the Visayas region and if you're coming from Manila, you need to catch a flight in one of the Philippines' domestic airlines to get there. If you're not into flying, you can still visit beautiful provinces that just need an hour or two road travel to reach. Here's one... Batangas. Ala eh!*

Last November, I used a voucher I got from one of those coupon-buying sites (similar to Cobone) to treat my college girl friends to a quick getaway outside Manila, where we're all residing and them, working. The voucher, which I bought for around P5,000 (around SR500 / $120), is for an overnight stay at a resort for four persons with free use of amenities (pool,  lounge decks, etc.) and buffet breakfast. It's a sulit (worthy) deal!

Club Balai Isabel in Talisay, Batangas proved to be a beautiful place with a good view of Taal Volcano, the Philippines' smallest volcano located in a lake within  a lake. The Taal Volcano is one of the must-see spots in our country. Tagaytay, a cool elevated city a few hours away from Manila, is a good viewing point but we've been there a few times already that seeing Taal Volcano within eye level is a refreshing change. We occupied one huge room in the resort that is comfortable for four persons.  

There were a few of this kind of buildings in Club Balai Isabel.

Lots of rooms to stay in.

Every room has a small porch where you can hang out.

There is an abundance of sunshine.

The room has two queen-sized beds that fit two each.

Welcome drinks?

Club Balai Isabel was a mango and coconut plantation before it was transformed into a resort with 228 rooms. Outside our room is the lake shore!

Strolling here is a must!

The Lake Taal, where the Taal volcano is, is a freshwater lake in Batangas. The third largest lake in the country, Lake Taal fills a volcano caldera (land that collapsed due to volcanic eruptions and shaped like a cauldron). The volcano island that lies in Taal Lake has a small crater lake in it. This small crated lake has its own island called Vulcan Point. This is what they call the island in a lake on an island in a lake on an island. Confused much? Let me break it down for you: the island (Vulcan Point) in a lake (crater lake) on an island (Volcano Island) in a lake (Lake Taal) on an island (Luzon Island). Gets? Haha. You can see a satellite map image of it here so you'll understand what I'm saying further.

The serene Taal Lake in the afternoon.

The majestic hills and mountains around.

A glimpse of the infamous Taal Volcano. The bougainvilla is a popular flower grown in the PH.

Taal Volcano is a complex volcano, one of the most active volcanoes in the Philippines. It is part of the pacific ring of fire, a horseshoe-shaped 40,000 km stretch that is associated with a series of oceanic trenches, volcanic arcs, and volcanic belts. The Taal Volcano has been quiet since 1977 but there are series of unrest recorded over the years. Don't fret though as the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology always issues notices about the volcano's activity. 

The Taal Volcano from the lake shore. So near yet so far...

The sleeping beauty.

Fishing is the number one industry.

It's getting lake and we still couldn't stop taking photo of Taal.

Truth be told, the one above is not the volcano itself. This is Binintiang Laki (Big Leg), one of the craters of the volcano and known as the "Taal Volcano in postcards" because it's most photographed part of the volcano fueling to the notion that this is already the volcano itself! So cute and so small, haha. This is just one of the craters. And inactive, at that. Would you believe that Taal Volcano actually has more than 40 cones and craters?! Don't you worry, I'll take you closer to one of the largest craters and the most active. As in, closer... on my next entry. For now, enjoy the beautiful sunset of Taal, Batangas...

Shining, shimmering, splendid waters of Taal

Time to go home, folks.

The sunset of Taal is romantic.

Good night, Taal. Tomorrow, we capture your crater.

I'll show you a fun activity (depending on your physical fitness, hehe) on the next entry. And yes, I will take you closer to the crater. Promise! You'll see why it's really more fun in the Philippines! ;) ~ Sundrenched

*Ala Eh! is a well-known and trademark expression of Batanguenos (Filipinos who grew up in Batangas) to add emphasis to what is being said.

Club Balai Isabel
Banga, Talisay, Batangas
W: www.balaiisabel.com
T: +6343-7280307 | +6343-7730004