Mt. Batulao - Nasugbu, Batangas

Mt. Batulao- Nasugbu, Batangas

My third mountain adventure set my foot in Mt. Batulao. At the height of 811+ MASL, this was the highest mountain I climbed so far since Mt. Maculot (Rockies). This mountain has a difficulty of 4/9 under minor climb category (source: pinoymountaineer.com) which is good for newbie that plans to have a major climb in the future (My own opinion).

The adventure began in Pasay City (Coastal Bus Terminal). We rode a bus that ply for Nasugbu, Batangas and after 2 hours and a half travel we alight at Evercrest Golf Course (Just tell the conductor to drop you there). This is one of the good mountains to visit near metro manila. Pass 7AM when we reached the jump off (Evercrest) and in the nearby sari sari store we started to look for a guide. Mt. Batulao has lots of visitors especially on weekends so expect shortage of guides. In our case, since it was weekend (Saturday), we had difficulty finding a guide and so we ended up joining a group of climbers that got one. Good thing is, the cost of guide fee was lessen since we split the total cost to the number of climbers in the group. The bad thing is weren't able to follow our own itinerary. Our half day itinerary ends in a long long long day hike because we finished the whole trek almost 8PM. (WTF!). By the way that group is also newbie's, their 2nd mountain to climb at that time.

Evercrest Golf Course (Jump off)

From Evercrest, we simply took an easy hike until we reached the fork where the new trail and old trail meets. We took a minute of rest and then we continued our hike via old trail. 

Along the trail to the fork with Mt. Batulao at the backdrop

Nipa hut at the fork

Old trail is composed of uphill and downhill trek in my observation including some rappelling before the summit.

Lots of talahib along the trail so be ready to safeguard yourselves. Mt. Batulao is not only popular for mountain hikers but to trail runners and bikers as well. During our lunch at camp 1, we saw some bikers at the trail. Their disc brakes are highly noticeable to secure themselves during downhill. The campsite where we took our lunch is very relaxing and peaceful. It is also clean, so watch your own garbage during your visit to maintain the cleanliness of the area and practice the leave no trace policy. We have our packed lunch of chicken adobo and rice.

Camp 1

It is nice to stay longer in this site, to take a nap or even stay for overnight as the place is so relaxing and the cool breeze of winds refreshing your tired bodies. I think, I will keep on coming back and spend overnight in this mountain. After our lunch, we proceed to our hike and passed by campsite after campsite. There is also store in the one of the campsite where you can buy some refreshments like buko or mountain dew.

Campsite

During dry season, be extra careful while on hike because along the trail especially during ascending, there is a lot of loose rocks. Dust is also present. There are also steep part that you need to crawl a little bit just to be safe. Every campsite we passed, we cannot hold ourselves not to stop as the view is getting better. It nice to witness the beauty when you are on top but this is not the summit yet.

One of the campsite with store

We are lucky that time because the weather bear with us. A day before, it says that there will be rain in the afternoon but gladly it is just cloudy skies. Cool wind and a fine weather made our hike so relaxing. 

Trail to Camp 8 at the backdrop

At campsite 8 with stone marking on right

After taking some pictures in camp 8, our guide told us the there is a rappel after we pass on the next station prior we reach the summit. I felt too much excited when I heard that. Climbing with rappelling is a different experience. 

The summit view from campsite 8

Mt. Batulao tooth shape peaks

From campsite 9, we are now preparing for the rappelling activity. First, our guide gave us some information and briefing on how to do it. The important thing is "No matter what happen, do not lose your hand from the rope". This is very interesting, since all of us are new for this rappelling, our guide climb first and looks very easy for him. After that, we followed one by one and hooray, we made it. The summit is just a few meters away from that point.The tiring climb was replaced by excitement when we reached the peak. We witness the 360 degrees of beauty of nature. The sun is not so hot, the wind blows is cool and all I can say is "wow" it's perfect. Mt. Maculot is viewed in the summit as well as Mt. Talamitan and Pico De Loro.

Group picture at the summit

Summit

Deuter Futura 32L (Blue) Deuter Spider 22L (Red)

View at the Summit

After picture takings, rest, and exchange conversations we decided to commence our descend so at least we can catch the jump off before dark. But unfortunately, climbing down is more tricky because of lose rocks and cliff on both sides. We were extra careful and presence of mind is important to avoid some mishap. Be mindful that climbing mountains is not just like going to the park. Safety precautions should always be put in mind, that how easy the trail is, mountain is still a mountain. 

Another rappelling section

Cliff on left side

For those well experienced hiker/ climber, they do night trekking on this mountain. I am wondering how they do that? Very impressive! Actually we met a group of climbers along the trail that do night trekking via old trail when we reached the fork once again. There are also climbers pitching their tents in the campsite in the new trail. Some of them are cooking their food for dinner.

Our guide Sir Chris

At peak 8

Campsite at peak 8

We took our final rest at the hut in peak 8, after that, we continued a non-stop hiking until we reached the fork. It's getting dark that time at around 5PM but still we are on the trail. Lesson learned. You should know how to manage your time and limit your stay in every campsite or resting hut to avoid this kind of scenario. 

Sunset at Mt. Batulao

Exactly after we passed by the hut in the fork, the sunset started. According to our guide we need to hike for couple of kilometers before we reach the place where we can opt to ride a tricycle. We are all exhausted and tired. This is where you can hear somebody is complaining and arguing. We are all tired and all we want is to take a rest and eat. 

Mt. Tagapo - Talim Island, Binangonan, Rizal

 Mt. Tagapo - Talim Island, Binangonan, Rizal

At  the height of 438+ MASL, my second climb set my foot on this mountain. Situated in Brgy. Janosa, Talim Island in Binangonan Rizal. That was the time we joined the climb with POG group lead by Ms. Jho Esteban, the one we met during our Mt. Maculot climb in Nasugbu, Batangas. Our adventure began when we met at the Mc Donald's in Edsa Shaw blvd. We are 9 in a group. We travel via jeepney from Edsa Shaw to Binangoonan Market, when we get there, we took a tricycle ride because the area is flooded during that time. From Binangonan Market we rode a boat that will bring us to Talim Island. This ferry boat is their daily mean of transportation. FYI, boat ride here has a schedule, better to coordinate first at the station to avoid any delays on your itinerary.

Ferry Boat

Travel here via boat ride is about 1hr to 1.5 hours depending on the waves, usually waves get bigger during afternoon. When we arrived at Brgy. Janosa, we took our quick breakfast on the stores located in front of the church. Since that is Sunday, lots of locals visited the church. After we ate and registered ourselves, our trek start with our local guide Manong Eddie.

At Brgy. Hall, last minute preparation

On the first part of the trail, you will passed by the local houses also a stream where you can see locals doing their laundry. I Remember some old movies in this scene. (Chuckles).

Some part of the trail that time is muddy, maybe because of sudden rain. The trail is very established but tour guide is still a mandatory to avoid some incidents of lost or misdirected.

Muddy Trail

Lots of bamboo trees along the trail, this serves as our shade while on the trek but sometimes there is an open trail where we are too exposed to the heat of the sun. Our first rest was shown on the image below.

First Stop

A few minutes after our rest we continue our hike. The trail is getting steeper but still manageable.

Me and Andy Saint behind

The sun is too hot and we start to getting exhausted. This time we are dreaming of ice cold cola, fortunately Mang Eddie our guide has one. His canister has ice cold iced tea so we take some sip just to refresh ourselves. We took our second stop and ate our trail foods there. According to our guide, we are few minutes away to the campsite where we can see the summit of Mt. Tagapo.

Sir Hustler(Left), Andy Saint (Center), Yrwin (Right) during our 2nd stop

Finally we reached the campsite. We took our lunch and rest here before we proceed to summit assault. The campsite is a wide and shaded area, best to take a power nap but no chance. Our lunch that time is chicken adobo courtesy of Ms. Jho and Sir Cris her climbing buddy.

Campsite

Lunch time

Rest at camp

When you reached the summit you can witness the whole Laguna lake and nearby mountains. During our visit, tall grasses are present at the peak so make sure you are protected against scratches and cuts. Mt. Tagapo is a minor climb that is suitable for beginners. If you are planning to climb this mountain, arrange your visit before or after summer to avoid scorching hot. After we took some pictures, we headed back to campsite to pick up our things and decided to make our descent. At Mang Eddies house, we have our post climb meryenda with tinolang manok courtesy of Sir Cris. Mt. Tagapo is composed of climbing and boat ride adventure. As we rode the ferry back to Binangonan the waves are getting huge that afternoon, since we took the last trip, expect heavy passengers in every station. 

If you are a beginner hiker, try this to add in your list and explore the mountains along the lake.