In the previous weeks, I had been sharing the places I and my husband visited during his recent vacation. Though we had only been in Tagaytay there were several tourist spots that were worth your time. I recommend the Island Dreamer Resort. located at Brgy. Caloocan Talisay Batangas. I was surprised that it was no longer part of Tagaytay, yet primarily included in the itinerary.
At the entrance, you could already feel the calming vibes seeing those plants surrounding the area, making it close to nature. While waiting, you may sit at the hammock set up in the lobby. In any case, you have a vehicle with you, nothing to worry about as there was an available parking space on the left side.
The pathway going inside and the building with potted plants and flowers was a restroom. This is what I like more, it was not hard to find, and definitely, you won't forget to use it before leaving, 😁 .
It was a small resort with only eight rooms to book, tables on the ground facing the scenic view of Taal/Lake Volcano and a few cottages upstairs.
We walked straight going facing the lake as we wanted to have a clearer view. In the previous tourist spots we visited, it was not that visible, foggy.
Finally, we got a more significant, clearer view! The volcano's beauty has not yet fully restored since it erupted last January 2020, before the pandemic's peak. Some parts of the crater were still brown as no plants had grown back. As of the writing, it was still in the Alert level I.
If you have noticed those small boats, it is for hire if you want to explore the lake more. Take the opportunity to have a glimpse of the volcano nearer.
I asked one of the boatmen for the price, and they told me it cost almost $54! Wow, that was expensive.
That is a stroll around the lake, as hiking to the crater is not yet allowed for safety reasons. When I asked him why it was pricey, he explained they were under the resort's management. Unlike before, they can operate on their own.
I understand the point as in untoward incidents; there will be a company to shoulder the liability.
While enjoying the view, you could also fill your hungry stomach here as they offer good food. Checking the menu, there is only one dish on my mind, and the is Bulalo. Where Tagaytay is known for serving the best or called Bulalo capital.
Scanning, I realized that, oh no, dishes are pretty expensive 😂. Not only that, you need to pay for the cottage for almost $9. Why not for free since we will be dining?
Since you are only a couple, I could lower the price and give you a discount. the resort staff says.
So, it was reduced to $5.35
Let's go and find the best spot. I told the husband since we will be paying for the cottage.
We went upstairs, as earlier I spotted several cottages.
These are two styles of cottages, and you are free to choose. It was almost lunchtime when we went there, yet several were still unoccupied.
The first one was like a typical Bahay kubo, made of bamboo and nipa for the roof. It was not huge; it could accommodate six people with a small table at the center. The advantage here is there was a built-in small wall fan enough to give comfort from the humid weather.
Also, a spare outlet where you could charge your gadgets for a while.
On the left side, you might love this one as more ideal for a couple.
A few steps away was a railing where you could stand safely while enjoying a breathtaking view.
Somehow, I get why you need to pay for the cottage. Indeed that is how it works now; if you want to enjoy seeing wonderful places, and memorable experiences, you need to exert effort, pay, and travel.
We got a closer view, yet my phone camera isn't that high specs, plus the fog; I still zoomed in and got some photos.
To sum up, it was a great experience as we created wonderful memories.
Thanks for dropping by,
Lead image was edited using Canva
All photos are mine
Footer credit to Sensiblecast
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