Mt. Batulao – Nasugbu, Batangas (Climb Guide & Itinerary)

MT. BATULAO BATCH 2

 

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Mt Batulao is one of the mountains I wanted to come back to. It has one of the most magnificent views I’ve ever seen and probably not the easiest but fun climbs I did. The first time I climb Batulao was with my cousins and friend. Back then I was active in climbing and I knew that my body can do minor climbs. More than 5 years had passed, the pandemic came, and I got stuck at home with little to no exercise. Climbing mountains has become a least priority for me.

This time an opportunity came. I was invited by my barkada to join their group from work. At first, I was hesitant because I’m not sure if I can do climbs again. My tito body was resisting me joining since I feel in my body and mind that I am not in the right condition. I lack both the right sleep and exercise. But nonetheless, I gave in and just did some exercises and jogging days before the climb.

We joined a travel group so the transportation, guide, and environmental fees were already taken care of. Before, I always organize and invite my friends to join, but this time, I want to just enjoy the climb without thinking about the other stuff.

BREATHTAKING BATULAO

We started our climb at around 4:00 A.M. We did some introductions, prayers, and warm-up exercises. Starting early is a good thing for us to reach the summit so that we can see the sunrise and we can go back before the scorching heat of the sun at noon. The trail was dark, only the lights from our phones and flashlights are guiding our steps. The sky was very clear and we saw the millions of stars. The cold wind was also blowing and that moment was breathtaking. There is one assault that I felt hard but the rest of the trail is manageable with a few elevations. Along the way, our guide gave us pieces of wild berries, I don’t know their name but he told us that they are edible.  It tasted a bit sweet and sour.

What I also enjoyed in that trail is the rappelling part. Luckily, I brought my gloves so it became easy for me to pull myself with the rope.  I am also inspired by the older people I’ve seen doing the climb. In our group, we have an almost senior citizen couple and I also saw 2 old foreign couples who did the climb. I hope that I can still do climbing in the future.

BEAUTIFUL BATULAO

We arrived at the summit just in time for the sun to rise but the view was very cloudy. There were only clouds around us and they were moving towards us with the wind. We waited for a few minutes until the sky became clear. We bought and ate halo-halo while waiting. After a while, the sky cleared and we were able to see the magnificent view of Mt. Batulao. It is the same view and feeling I had experienced back then. The experience that made me want to climb Mt. Batulao again. I was in awe seeing the view from the top and the ridges of Mt. Batulao which really makes you wow.

The way back looked hard but did not feel like it because of the view around us. As we go down, I was tired but the view kept me going. We avoid long stops so that we will avoid the scorching heat. There aren’t many trees in Mt. Batulao so it’s better to avoid the peak of the sun.

We finished earlier than the rest so we were able to rest for a long time before going home. That climb was fun and gladly to have met new people along the way. I’d say a 3rd time climbing it is not impossible, I hope to see Mt. Batulao again soon.

LOOKING FOR ANOTHER MOUNTAIN TO CLIMB TO? CHECK MT. TALAMITAM & APAYANG IN NASUGBU AS WELL.

CLIMB GUIDE & TIPS

LOCATION:

• Nasugbu, Batangas, Philippines

PROFILE:

• Jump-off: Evercrest Golf Course, Nasugbu
• Elevation: 811+ Meters Above Sea Level
• Difficulty: Minor Climb (4/9)
• Hours to Summit: 2-4 Hours

SAMPLE ITINERARY:

HOW TO GET THERE:

Public Transportation: 

• Take a bus (DLTB) from Buendia Bus Terminal bound for Nasugbu, Batangas, and go down to KC Hillcrest. (Travel Time: 3 Hours)
• Take a trike/walk from the highway going to the jump-off/registration area.

RATES:

• Environmental Fee (New Trail): ₱140
• Environmental Fee(Old Trail): ₱200
• Guide Fee (Back Trail, Traverse, or Overnight): ₱600 – ₱1,200
• Parking Fee: ₱50
• OR YOU CAN TAKE MT. BATULAO TOURS VIA VIATOR

ACCOMMODATIONS:

• ACCOMMODATIONS IN NASUGBU
• ACCOMMODATIONS IN TAGAYTAY

POWER PACK:

• Tent
• Insect Repellant
• Sunblock
• Mini Fan
• Dry Bag
• Water Bottle, 2-3 Liters of Water
• Trekking shoes/slippers
• Trekking Pole
• Raincoat
• Umbrella
• Trail Food
• First Aid Kit
• Cap/Hat
• Flashlight or Head Lamp
• Packed Lunch
• Extra Clothes

CHECK OUT THESE DISCOUNTED/PROMO RATES FROM KLOOK:

• Aquaria Water Park Day Pass
• Crusoe Cabins Casobe Beach Staycation with Add-ons
• Palm Beach Resort Overnight Staycation with F&B Credits and Kayak
• Little Boracay of Batangas Tour
• Milea Bee Farm Tour

Klook.com

CONNECT:

• Facebook Page (Climb group if you want to be a joiner): Bundok Adik
• Contact Numbers (Registration Office – For Tour Guides and Inquiries): 0916-190-7542

NOTES:

• Leave No Trace. Avoid throwing your trash everywhere. Keep the trail clean.
• Camping at the summit is not allowed. Your local guide will assign you to the designated campsites.
• There are stores for refreshments available on some parts of the trail and at the summit.
• Parking areas and shower facilities are available at the jump-off.
• Condition yourself. Jog, exercise, sleep right, and hydrate. Even though Mt. Batulao is a minor climb, the climb can be exhausting.
• Local guides are required so contact one in advance or ask one at the registration area.
• The best days to climb are during the weekdays to avoid the huge traffic of climbers during weekends. The best time to climb is early in the morning around 4:00 A.M. so that you can witness the sunrise and avoid the scorching heat of the sun at noon.
• There are a lot of organized tours that travel to Mt. Batulao. Join them so that you won’t concern yourself with the transportation, registration fees, and securing of guides. They will be the ones responsible for those concerns.

©CHASEJASE