Mt. Batolusong is located in Tanay, Rizal, part of the Sierra Madre Mountain Range and it’s one of the newest mountain destinations there. As what I’ve seen on Instagram and Facebook, the view is breath-taking and the great part is that you can witness a Sea of Clouds. Its jump-off point is in Barangay San Andres.

Wanting to go for another climb after my Mt. Pulag Climb, I’ve invited my high school friends to climb Mt. Batulao. I was the one who should organize the trip but eventually, I can’t come. 😛 Days before the climb, I’ve backed out.

After a lot of hikes with other friends, I still haven’t made the climb with them and they continuously telling me to organize a climb for us. After a year or so, I invited them for another climb at Mt. Batolusong in Rizal.

Sierra Madre Mountain Range

GOING THERE

Private Vehicle:

We rented a Mitsubishi Adventure going to San Andres. From Quezon City, we pass through Katipunan Avenue, then straight to the long Marilaque Highway/Marcos Highway. Drive until you reach Tanay. Make sure to look around for the area. The entrance to the barangay is hard to see. There’s no light and the welcome sign can’t be seen easily.

Parking areas are located near the barangay hall.

Public Transportation:

Ride a jeep in Cubao going to Cogeo. Drop at Gate 2 and Ride another jeep at a nearby terminal going to Barangay Sampaloc. Drop at the entrance to San Andres. Ride a tricycle that will drop you to the barangay hall.

After preparations, we’ve proceeded to the barangay hall for registration and fees. We’ve paid 40 Pesos for the registration and environmental fee. We secured guides since we were just new here and they were required by the authorities. P500 for 4-5 persons, we were 8 so we took 2 guides.

THE ASCENT

We started our trek at around 6:30 A.M. The weather is promising, the sun is up. Our first guide becomes the lead and the second becomes the sweeper. We passed through small communities and in the middle of a rice field. There are water sources along the trail so there’s no problem if you get dehydrated. First stop was the Duhatan Ridge. The place where you can see the sea of clouds. Unfortunately, there was no sea of clouds. Despite not seeing it, the view was still breathtaking. We took the time to rest and for photo-ops. If you want to do overnight, campsites are located on the ridge.

View from Duhatan Ridge

Another 30 minutes from Duhatan Ridge is Mapatag Plateau. From here, you’ll get another good look at the Sierra Madre Mountain Range.

Having fun at Mapatag Plateau

Team Batolusong

BATOLUSONG’S SUMMIT

Before reaching the summit, our wall climbing skills were tested. The view from atop was magnificent. Still, we can see the Sierra Madre Mountain Range. The summit didn’t feel like a summit because of the mountains nearby that are of the same height or higher than where we were. It felt like it was inviting us to climb the others. Chaaalleeenge Accepted! 😛 Nonetheless, we were on top of the world.

Team at the summit

Our guide also pointed out Mt. Susong Dalaga. Now we know why it is called like that. 😛

Susong Dalaga Peak

THE DESCENT

After a few pictures, we decided to go down, We were able to reach Duhatan Ridge at 11:00 AM and ate our lunch there.

We reached the base at noon. Some of my friends went back to the barangay hall to rest and wash-up. Some of us proceeded to Sangab Cave. The cave is located in the barangay and is filled with water. We dipped ourselves into its clear pool. It’s very cold so dance until you can adapt. 😛 The guides offer tour going inside the cave for 300-500 pesos.

Sangab Cave Entrance

Also check out my climb guide to Mt. Batolusong, Mt. Balagbag, Mt. Maynoba, Mt. Daraitan and Atburan Rockies

ITINERARY

EXPENSES

REMINDERS/GUIDES/TIPS

How to get there:

• Take jeep from Cubao going to Cogeo Gate 2 (Fare = P24)
• Ride jeep going to Sampaloc. Drop at Batangas (Fare = P42
• Take trike/habal-habal going to Barangay San Andres (Fare = P30)

Fees:

• Registration/Environmental Fee = P40
• Guide Fee = P500

Reminders:

• There are water sources located at the trail
• Always observe the “Leave No Trace” principle. Don’t throw your trash anywhere!

CLIMB DATE: MAY 2016