Mt. Batulao is located in Nasugbu, Batangas. Known for its easy trails and beautiful landscape, it is considered as one of the must-climb mountains in the country. There are 2 trails to choose from, the Old Trail and the New Trail.

After many failed attempts, I can now say that I’ve conquered Mt. Batulao. My climbs to this mountain were always canceled or changed to another trip. Finally, after 2 or more years, I’ve stepped to one of my desired mountains to climb in the Philippines.

GOING THERE

Public Transportation:

We rode a bus from Buendia Bus Terminal bound to Nasugbu, Batangas. We dropped at Evercrest, which is now called KC Hillcrest Hotel and Golf Club. It is just past Tagaytay City. At the drop point, there are guides and tricycles waiting for climbers which will bring you at the jump off. We got our guide, Kuya Alvin and rode the trike.  The ride is bumpy as the road going there was muddy and the concrete road is still not completed.

At the jump-off point, there is a house/store where you can buy snacks and necessities. Comfort rooms are also available for you to use.

We chose to start at the Old Trail then traverse to the New Trail. I was confused as there was no registration. Our guide told us that there are 5 registration points.

THE ASCENT

After our final preparation, we started our trek. It was pitched black and the wind blew hard which made us shiver but it was a walk to remember. Above us are the millions of stars looking down upon us.

We reached the first registration area located at the Old Trail. We logged in, rested a bit, and continued on the trail. The trail was becoming narrow and one wrong step can be dangerous

We planned to watch the sunrise at the summit, but we’re still far when the sun started to reveal itself on the horizon. A few more minutes, we finally saw the summit of Mt. Batulao. We lost our hope of reaching it before the sun completely rises. We just realized that we’re still at the foot of the mountain.

After our 4th registration, our assault started. Tall grasses surround the trail and no trees can be found. The trail was steep and the wind blew stronger. It felt like we’re being blown away from the mountain. It proved to be a challenge but it also brought a wonderful feeling. I really appreciated that climb. The wind was rushing to me, the sun rises and a beautiful view of browns and green was in front of me. I don’t know but it’s really great.

MT. BATULAO SUMMIT

To reach the summit, everyone will rappel going up. One by one, we climbed using the rope provided. The height to rappel was maybe 4 meters or less. We were very careful not to make a wrong step and we also took caution of the rolling stones that were falling from above.

Finally, after three hours of trekking, we’ve reached the summit. Fortunately, it was not very crowded and it let us appreciate the surrounding view of Batangas.

THE DESCENT

After a few minutes of rest and appreciation, we decided to descend. We go by the New Trail. There are places that still need to rappel but the trail is easier compared to the Old Trail. The trail was dusty but it also shows the beautiful peaks at the new trail.

Our guide told us that it was the anniversary of the New Trail. The locals will provide food for everyone at the last registration point. Instead of eating our packed lunch at the summit, we decided to join the celebration. They offered rice and 3 kinds of dish. This point also serves as the camping site in the New trail.

After filling our stomachs, we continued our trek and saw more of the rolling slopes. Despite the sun being just above us, we didn’t sense it as the wind blew hard, bringing us comfort as we walk along the trail. Within an hour, we returned at the point where the trail is divided into the Old and New trail and back to the jump-off point.

This is probably one of my favorite mountains to climb. It offers a great view and an easy climb. If you want to try or start hiking, I recommend Mt. Batulao. Maybe this will lead you to your passion for climbing mountains. 😛

 

Check also our climb to other mountains in Batangas: Mt. Maculot, Mt. Gulugod Baboy, Mt. Talamitam and Mt. Apayang.

 

 

ITINERARY

 

 EXPENSES

Bus (DLTB) to Kc Hillcrest	111 Pesos
Trike to Jump off	30 Pesos
Registration (5 registration points)	120 Pesos
Guide= 500 pesos divided by 4	125 Pesos
Wash-up	20 Pesos
Trike back to KC hillcrest	30 Pesos
Bus back to Pasay	106 Pesos
Food/Snacks	150 Pesos

TOTAL EXPENSES= P692.00 Pesos

 

REMINDERS/GUIDES/TIPS

How to get there:

• Take a bus (DLTB) from Buendia Bus Terminal bound to Nasugbu, Batangas.
• Drop at KC Hillcrest
• Take trike/walk from highway going to jump-off

 

Fees:

• Registration = P20/registration point (5x)
• Guide Fee = P500
• Wash-up = P20

 

Reminders:

•  There was an issue last year about boycotting climbing to Mt. Batulao because of the issue of guides and registrations. Well, the issue is still there. We encountered 5 registration points that don’t make sense. They required us to pay for every registration. This points only serves as a resting station and the one asking for the fee are not even from the local government. One registration should be enough as what other mountains require. According to the locals in the last station, the first 2 stations in the Old Trail are not legal. No matter what the issue is the local government should solve the problem. Tourists will come even if boycotts are being requested.
• I’m not sure if a guide is required. Just as we got down from the bus, guides started to approach us. We didn’t know the trail so we got one. If you really know the trail, try going without a guide and please update me. 😛
• We’re lucky to climb it during the cool season. During summer, the place can be very hot and humid so I suggest wearing proper clothing when visiting during the hottest months.

 

CLIMB DATE: FEBRUARY 2017