Mt. Batolusong – Tanay, Rizal (Climb Guide + Tips)

MT. BATOLUSONG

Mt. Batolusong is located in Tanay, Rizal, part of the Sierra Madre Mountain Range and it’s one of the newest mountain destinations there. From what I’ve seen on Instagram and Facebook, the view is breathtaking 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 have organized the trip but eventually, I couldn’t come. 😛 Days before the climb, I backed out.

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

THE ASCENT

We started our trek at around 6:30 A.M. The weather was promising and the sun was 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. Our 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 it overnight, campsites are located on the ridge.

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

MT. BATOLUSONG 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.

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

THE DESCENT

After a few pictures, we decided to go down, We were able to reach Duhatan Ridge at 11:00 A.M. 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 a tour going inside the cave for ₱300-₱500.

IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR MORE MOUNTAINS TO CLIMB IN RIZAL, CHECK MY GUIDES ABOUT MT. KULIS, MT. BALAGBAG, MT. MAYNUBA, MT. DARAITAN AND ATBURAN ROCKIES.

CLIMB GUIDE & TIPS

ITINERARY:

EXPENSES:

LOCATION:

• Barangay San Andres, Tanay, Rizal, Philippines

HOW TO GET THERE:

a. Private Vehicle:

• We rented a Mitsubishi Adventure to go 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.

b. Public Transportation:

• Ride a jeep in Cubao to go to Cogeo. Drop at Gate 2. (Travel Time: 30 Minutes; Fare = ₱24.00)
• Ride another jeep at a nearby terminal going to Barangay Sampaloc. Drop at the entrance to San Andres. (Travel Time: 45 Minutes; Fare = ₱42.00)
• Ride a tricycle that will drop you at the barangay hall. (Travel Time: 6 Minutes; Fare = ₱30.00)
• After preparations, we proceeded to the barangay hall for registration and fees. We’ve paid ₱40 for the registration and environmental fee. We secured guides since we were just new here and they were required by the authorities. ₱500.00 for 4-5 persons, we were 8 so we took 2 guides.

FEES:

• Registration/Environmental Fee: ₱40.00
• Guide Fee: ₱500.00
• Cave Tour: ₱300.00 – ₱500.00
• OR you can take a TRAVEL TOUR TO BATOLUSONG VIA VIATOR

ACCOMMODATIONS:

• ACCOMMODATIONS IN TANAY, RIZAL

POWER PACK:

• Tent
• Sleeping Mat
• Comfortable Footwear
• Hiking Clothes
• Hydration Pack/Water Bottles
• Trail and overnight food

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• Treasure Mountain Tour
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CONNECT:

• Contact Number (Mobile: John Paul Resurreccion – Guide): 0945 854 5711 (Contact him after 6:00 P.M. as he is always on the trail with no signal)

NOTES:

• There are water sources located on the trail.
• Parking areas are located near the barangay hall.
• Guides are required by the LGU.
• You can set camp at the campsites located at Duhatan Ridge.
• You can swim and explore Sangab Cave located at the Barangay.
• Always observe the “Leave No Trace” principle. Don’t throw your trash anywhere!

©CHASEJASE