Climbing Mt. Batulao in Batangas

Philippines is not only home to many serene beaches. It is also home to many majestic mountains, thus trekking is one the activities that I would really enjoy. One of the best mountains to visit in the country is Mt. Batulao in Batangas which is just a few hours away from Manila. The name "Batulao" was derived from an occurrence that happens every year between December 22 and December 28. When the sun situates between the two peaks, it creates a scene described by the natives as " ilaw sa dalawang bato" ( light between two rocks) or "bato sa ilaw" ( light in a rock) from where the term Batulao was derived.

Last Sunday, I was here with Jason, Christian, Jin and Mark. We met up and had breakfast at Mc Donalds  near the Taft (MRT) and EDSA (LRT-1). I'm not a big breakfast person but I had to load up. We left in Baclaran at around 6:30 am and arrived at the jump-off point , Evercrest at 9:00 am.

By 9:30 am we started climb, the plan was to do a traverse from the old trail to the new trail. As we start the trek, we were welcome by a muddy trail, it was about 4 kilometers of exhausting trek, and each step is getting harder.

Omg! kadiri ang pwet ko!

We pass by curving paths shaded by mango trees, cross a small stream and arrows.

If you take the old trail to the summit,This'll be the first " base camp" you will encounter  . Some will approach you/ your group as soon as you get here and ask you to write down your names in this log book and pay 20 pesos per person. You also have to have a name for your group. Ours was Expendables, I think hahhhahahhaha.

After we registered our names and paid the fees, we ascended the mountain. Walking uphill nonstop is so excruciating. But I seriously enjoyed this part of the trek.

I noticed that hikers you meet along the way are very friendly . They will always greet you with at Magandang Umaga, Magandang Hapon at Ingat kayo.

Merienda or lunch was the only time all over the whole trek that we were able to sit down and witness the breathtaking view without hearing our heavy breaths (ha!). 

Going up is a series of almost 90 degree hike,on the final assault was a roped segment of rocks which I find complicated. Thank God that I was able to go by that obstacle.

Yes! we made it to the summit alive and well. This is the edge of the peak. Behind us is death and the beautiful view. 

wag malikot at baka mahulog ka sa bangin lol

Such an amazing view! It was more relaxing descending the mountain this way. I wish we could go hiking every week, inshallah! Traversing this mountain from old trail to new trail or vice versa is the more adventurous option than climbing it through one trail only.

I suggest if you will go to Mt. Batulao, climb here during the summer time or on a sunny day. And of course , we can't predict the weather. So still get ready on a wet and muddy road up to the peak. Just like us.....And also wears rubber shoes instead slippers. If you will trek on the muddy road, expect your slippers will be of no use. Click to view more pics