Tag Archives: Boat Ride

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Taal Lake and Volcano Island Tours

Taal Lake and Volcano Island

Situated on the Philippine island of Luzon, in the province of Batangas, Taal Lake is a haven of greenery and serenity, and is actually a crater lake that fills the caldera of a prehistoric volcano. After this caldera was formed around 500,000 years ago, the subsequent volcanic eruptions later created another volcanic island within Taal Lake itself, and was named Volcano Island. While Taal Volcano may be the smallest active volcano in the world, its unique location, being situated on an island that is within a lake that is on another island, makes it quite the geological wonder, attracting thousands of visitors each and every year.

Filipino Travel Center
The Filipino Travel Center offers private tours of Volcano Island, picking up guests from Metro Manila in a luxury minibus before making the two-hour journey to Tagaytay Ridge. Here, you will be able to enjoy spectacular panoramic views of Taal Lake, Taal Island and Mount Macolod, before heading down to the shores of the lake to hop on to a motorized outrigger. The 30-minute boat ride takes you to the Volcano Island village of Talisay, and, from here, you will begin your trek up towards the volcano’s rim. The hike itself lasts for about 45 minutes and is considered to be one of the easiest hikes in the Philippines, making it accessible to those of all abilities. After taking in your stunning views of Crater Lake and its surroundings, you will then head back to the mainland, stopping off at the Taal Yacht Club for a watersports session before being driven back to Metro Manila.

GetYourGuide
GetYourGuide is a company that offers an eight-hour adventure across Taal Lake and Volcano Island. Just like the tour mentioned above from the Filipino Travel Center, you will be driven from Manila to Tagaytay City, after which you will board a boat and be taken for a hike up the volcano. By the sulfuric lake, there are a number of rental companies where you can rent a kayak, banana boat or paraw, to see the caldera from a unique perspective. For those who want even more of an unforgettable experience, GetYourGuide also gives their guests the opportunity to enjoy a horseback ride among Taal’s basalt rocks, and you can even ride all the way up the trail to the top of the volcano if you so desire. In addition to seeing the lake and the volcano, this tour also includes a visit to the Caleruega Church, the Palace in the Sky park, which was built for president Marcos, and a mushroom burger factory that is located in Tagaytay City.

No matter which tour you opt for, you will still be able to witness the splendid views from Volcano Island, which are considered to be some of the most scenic in the Philippines. The natural surroundings here are filled with layers of complexity that have built up over thousands of years, and this is most definitely a trip worth taking if you are ever in Manila, or elsewhere in the Philippines.

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Lake Eola Park

Lake Eola Park

Situated in the heart of Downtown Orlando, Lake Eola Park is Orlando’s glittering centerpiece, buzzing with activity throughout the day. From the bustle of the weekly farmers market to the calls of the wandering waterfowl to the splash of the paddling swan boats, the park is a hive of activity, yet there are plenty of peaceful corners to go to if you want to enjoy some peace and serenity.

Orlando Farmers Market
Held in Lake Eola Park every Sunday, the Orlando Farmers Market has everything that a traditional farmers market has, plus much more. The seasonal farm produce is always fresh and colorful, while the freshly prepared meals give visitors the opportunity to sample some of the best of Central Florida‘s cuisine. The arts and crafts stalls feature everything from stained glass to handmade candles to photography prints, and there is also a sprawling plants section where you will find a fantastic selection of indoor and outdoor plants.

Swan Boats
Not only can you feed the swans at Lake Eola Park, but visitors can also enjoy a ride around the lake on a swan paddle boat. Each boating session lasts for thirty minutes, and while it may seem like a slightly cheesy activity to partake in, it is a great way to experience the serenity and beauty of the park from a different perspective, and will definitely make your visit a memorable one.

Lake Eola Fountain Light Show
Twice every night, at 8pm and at 9pm, the Lake Eola Fountain comes to life with a choreographed light, music and water show. The dancing lights accompanied by jazz music are set off beautifully by the newly renovated fountain, so be sure to make your way over to see it if you are in the park in the evening.

Swans in Lake Eola Park

Feeding the Swans
The waterfowl that wander around Lake Eola are always popular with visitors both young and old, which is why the park now has bird-food dispensers located around the lake. Two of these plastic feeder boxes are located near the playground, and there is another by the Ting Pavillion, all of which dispense a handful of pellets that can be safely fed to the swans.

Yoga in the Park
Not only is Lake Eola Park a favorite with walkers and joggers, but, every Sunday, Yoga in the Park turns Lake Eola into an oasis of positive energy. These large outdoor yoga sessions are attended by both beginners as well as seasoned yogi, with people demonstrating the poses along with modified versions to appeal to everybody’s skill level. The class meets in different areas of the park each week, so do check their Facebook page if you are interested in joining in.

Throughout history, Lake Eola and its lush surroundings have always been considered to be the green heart of Orlando, and still is to this very day. The recent efforts to revitalize the park have more than succeeded, with the wide range of activities, entertainment and food attracting people from all walks of life.