Hiking Chronicles: Talamitam-Apayang Traverse

Mt. Talamitam (630+ MASL) - Mt. Apayang (652+ MASL) Traverse
Jumpoff Point: Km. 83, Sitio Bayabasan, Brgy. Aga, Nasugbu, Batangas
Exit Point: Km. 94, Brgy. Mataas na Pulo, Nasugbu, Batangas
Mountain specs: Difficulty level 2/9 (Talamitam), 4/9 (Apayang Traverse) | Minor climb | Trail class 1-4

FACTS ON MT. TALAMITAM AND MT. APAYANG
Contrary to their names, Mt. Talamitam and Mt. Apayang are twin or sister peaks rather than individual mountains of a range located in Nasugbu, Batangas.  Both peaks share a topographical feature and have soil and rock characteristics similar to each other. The word talamitam came from the words tala, a Filipino word for star and mitam, a tree that used to grow on the summit of the mountain. According to the locals, during night time, one can see a single star shining above the said tree. Though the tree does not exist anymore, the name talamitam has been used for generations to name the mountain.

The term apayang, on the other hand, was used by the locals to describe the usual engulfing fog that covers the summit of the peak. They also refer the mountain as Mt. Pinagbanderahan and Mt. Bakas na Paa, each of which are based from the historical accounts and folklore of the native locals in the area.

Though Talamitam has been a usual part of the hiking scene in the Philippines, the trails leading to Apayang was officially opened in 2010.

-------------------------
Last December 19, I was invited by one of my friends to join their group on their attempt for a Talamitam-Apayang traverse dayhike with a side trip to Layong Bilog. Since I never had hiked both mountains for years, I didn't hesistate to go with them.

I met the group at Jollibee MRT Taft at around 03:00 AM. We left and rode an FX going to Calatagan, Batangas. Even though I felt different with the start of the itinerary, I adhered to it. Usually, the meeting place on a Batangas-bound hike is in Taft-Gil Puyat intersection. We arrived at the jumpoff in Sitio Bayabasan at around 07:30 AM. After eating breakfast, registering and securing our guides, we started our trek to the summit of Talamitam. The local authorities adopt a strict no guide, no hike policy.


Mt. Talamitam jump-off signage on the highway.

The first part of the trail is seemingly gradual, passing through some houses in the village. There is a makeshift bridge on the trail to allow you cross a river. According to our guide, the river is the same river found in Layong Bilog. Different from much of the rivers I encountered on my past hikes, the color of the river waters in Talamitam is brown, presumably because of soil runs. Despite the color, our guide reassured us that the water is clean and maintained. The guide also told us that the river part of Talamitam isn't yet that discovered and they were trying to explore the area as they were actually suspecting a presence of waterfalls in their land.

The unnamed river seen on the trail to Mt. Talamitam.

Fellow hikers crossing the bamboo makeshift bridge on the river.

After the river crossing, the trail commences with an assault to the highlands of Talamitam. It was covered and vegetated, mostly with bamboos and trees. After thirty minutes, we arrived at the rolling highlands of Talamitam. At this point, you need to endure the heat of the sun as the trail is open up to the summit. However, you won't really feel tired at all as the highlands are relatively flat with minor assaults and the views are breathtaking, making that New Zealander feels after all.

Talamitam highlands with Mt. Batulao on the background.

This part of the mountain serves as a grazing land for cows so don't be surprised to see land mines installed along the trail. There are also patches of plantation of cabbage, corn and vegetables in this area used by the locals. According to our guide, it is part of the Hacienda Batangas, a vast plantation of sugar canes in Batangas. There is an attempt to convert the whole area to sugarcane plantation but this was usually contested by the barangay authorities as it will then prohibit hikers to use the trail. However, the guide told us that unfortunately, the owners are successful to proceed with the conversion plan and they are expecting it within this year. I hope that the government of Batangas will do some actions to preserve the mountain's beauty.

Hey, you seem sitting pretty well there. One of the few cows we saw on the highlands.

The trail continues until it reaches the final stage to the summit. It is an entirely assault trail in loose soil, rocks and boulders and the trail is still open so you really have to survive the scorching heat of the sun.

Leaving the highlands to the final leg of the assault to Talamitam.

We arrived at the summit at around 11:30 AM. The feeling in the summit is superb - it offers a 360° view of everything you want to see from the summit. Talamitam's location is indeed strategic. You can see Batulao on the left, Marami and Pico de Loro on the right and sights of different things elsewhere - Tagaytay City skyline, Batangas coastline, Taal Lake, Mt. Maculot and the plains of Nasugbu, Batangas.

Foot selfie on the summit of Talamitam.

The blogger on the summit of Talamitam with Mt. Batulao on the background

The plains of Nasugbu and the coastline sights that extend to Calatagan, Batangas.

I asked the guide why Talamitam's landscape such. He mentioned that the locals tried planting trees for many years only to see that these seedlings don't survive. You will also notice that a side of Talamitam is bare whereas the other side facing the Palay-Palay range is forested.The same can be observed in Apayang, just reverse the sides of the bare and forested.  It goes down perhaps to the role of the location, weather and natural activities like rain, wind pattern etc. to the mountain.

We stayed there for an hour, after which we commenced to the traverse to Apayang. There are actually two options - either go summit-to-summit or do the traverse. Our guide gave us a heads up that the traverse trail is far way more difficult. We proceeded with the traverse as planned.

The Apayang peak is connected to Talamitam peak by a single ridge where the traverse trail passes through. It took us twenty minutes to reach Apayang.

Group photo at Mt. Apayang with Talamitam on the background.

There is a bamboo shed in the summit where one can take rest before proceeding with the traverse. Our guide mentioned that the locals know Apayang more of Mt. Pinagbanderahan, similar to that found in Quezon. The local accounts are similar to that in Quezon, that during the World War II, American soldiers placed the Philippine flag at the top of the mountain to mark their territory and vicinity. You can also notice an encryption on a rock on the summit that reads 08/26/58, probably pertaining to August 26, 1958. The story about the carved rock is still yet unclear but history tells that the late 1950s has been the era of communism and rebels started to hide out on mountains. Apayang has been a haven for these people and perhaps, that provides the story on the encryption on the rock. But again, this single historical deduction is one of the many possible stories behind the rock and we are yet to find out the real narrative behind it.

We commenced the traverse and it was truly different and more difficult than the previous one. There are a lot of steep descents along the trail. The good thing, however, is that the entire trail is covered with trees and bamboos. Since the trail was relatively new and wasn't that explored much, one will be amazed to feel on the forested character of the trail - like we were the first to touch that part of the mountain. Yay!



Hold on to that branch! The challenging trail of Apayang traverse.

According to our guide, the traverse itself crosses two minor peaks. There is also a river crossing along the traverse trail.



The river crossing along the trails of Mt. Apayang.

After three hours, we reached the sugarcane plantation on Brgy. Mataas na Pulo, signaling the end of the traverse trail. We walked our way to the barangay hall and registered there. We took a tricycle off to the national highway and rode a jeepney back to Sitio Bayabasan where we had ourselves washed. Since we arrived late, the guide told us it is not advisable to explore Layong Bato anymore. Anyway, the whole traverse trip is a statement to itself and I really enjoyed the experience. We had a postclimb dinner at Tagaytay and of course, who would not miss the famous bulalo of that city.

One with the sky and mountains. Survived Talamitam-Apayang traverse hike!

ITINERARY

Note: The itinerary below is the recommended one for a traverse hike, very much different from what we had on this hike.

Mt. Talamitam – Mt. Apayang Traverse Dayhike
04:30 AM	Assembly at LRT Gil Puyat.
05:00 AM	Take bus bound to Nasugbu and Lian.
06:30 AM	ETA Sitio Bayabasan. Register and secure guides
07:00 AM	Start trek.
08:15 AM	Arrival at highlands
10:00 AM	Arrival at Talamitam summit. Explore viewpoints.
11:00 AM	Start traverse to Apayang.
11: 30 AM	Arrival at Apayang summit. Explore viewpoints. Lunch.
12:00 PM	Start descent.
02:00 PM	Arrival at coconut house.
03:00 PM	Arrival at Brgy. Mataas na Pulo hall. Register. Tidy up.
04:00 PM	ETD Nasugbu, Batangas
06:00 PM	ETA Manila

SPECIAL NOTES

Transportation: Going to Sitio Bayabasan is accessible via bus going to Nasugbu, Batangas. For private cars, either take Aguinaldo Highway or SLEX-Sta. Rosa Exit to go to Tagaytay and follow Tagaytay-Nasugbu Highway. Bus fares from Gil Puyat to Nasugbu is Php 124.

Registration, guides and porters: There are two registration points if doing a traverse - one at Sitio Bayabasan and the other one at Brgy. Mataas na Pulo, both of the fees cost Php 20.00. Guides are required and rates are fixed at Php 400 for a group of ten persons for a Talamitam dayhike; an additional Php 300 per group is collected for a traverse hike. Make sure to inform the registration officer on your jumpoff point if doing a traverse hike to relay the information to the registration officers on your exit point.

Hiking and camping notes:

1. The assault to Talamitam is an open trail. It can be muddy and slippery during rainy season. Wear appropriate clothing. Prepare accordingly.
2. Cellular signal is present throughout the Talamitam trail; is sporadic on the traverse trail to Apayang.
3. There are camping sites available in the highlands and summits of Talamitam and Apayang.
4. Remember to walk on single file when traversing the highlands as some areas of it are used as plantations for the locals. Talamitam usually changes its trail to adapt to the agricultural activities of the locals. Do not step on these areas.
5. The last water source for the entire trail is located at the campsite near the creek.

Estimated budget: Php 500 - Php 700

Credits to Mikel Angeles for some of the photos.

Read More

Hiking Chronicles: Mt. Batolusong

Mt. Batolusong (810+ MASL)
Brgy. San Andres, Tanay, Rizal
Mountain specs: Difficulty 3/9 | Minor climb | Trail class 1-4


FACTS ON MT. BATOLUSONG
Mt. Batolusong is a part of the Sierra Madre southern range located in Tanay, Rizal. The term batolusong came from two Filipino words, bato and lusong,  which literally means a big mortar stone used to pound rice and other agricultural products. It is fun to note that the central plains in San Andres are utilized for rice-planting - a part of the daily lives of the native people in San Andres since the ancestral times.

There are three prominent peaks and areas along Mt. Batolusong - Mapatag Plateau (645+ MASL), Susong Dalaga (780+ MASL) and the newly-opened Rangyas Peak (810+ MASL). Presence of a sea of clouds has been accounted several times in Mt. Batolusong.

--------------------------------------------------------
Last June 2015, I asked my friends if they can join me in an Independence Day dayhike at Mt. Batolusong. Gladly, six of my colleagues from UP Diliman joined and three of them are first-timers. At first, I was hesitant to take them to Batolusong as I expected that the mountain won't really surprise me. I was really wrong.

We met up at Farmers' Market Cubao at around 5:00 AM. We left after thirty minutes and took a jeepney to Cogeo. Upon arrival, we then rode a jeepney going to Brgy. Sampaloc and asked the jeepney driver to drop us off at Batangasan Junction. After one hour, we found ourselves wandering on the vicinity of Batangasan junction. A tricycle ride will take you to the barangay hall where we registered and secured guides.

When we arrived at the hall, no one's actually there to assist us and it appears that the hiking coordinator did not expect arrival of hikers since it was a Friday. Nevertheless, they had us registered and according to their policy, all hikers must secure a guide. In my early hiking explorations in Rizal, guides are optional. In my opinion, the protocol of the province of Rizal to require guides on hiking is a move towards environmental protection and with the fact that Rizal recently received attention on hiking and outdoor activities, conservation of the natural resources is a must.

We started the trek at around 8:00 AM. Our first plan is to do a Mapatag Plateau - Susong Dalaga Peak traverse to Kay-ibon Falls but the guide and registration officer told us that Susong Dalaga Peak is closed due to military presence on that side of the mountain. They offered us a Rangyas Peak traverse alternative. The peak is newly-opened and according to them, to experience the fullness of the mountain, we should go for the Rangyas Peak which happens to be the highest point of Batolusong.

The first part of the trail is relatively easy. It heads towards the mountain base, tramping through ricefields, small ponds, a river crossing and rocks and boulders. Upon reaching the base mountain, the infinite assault to Duhatan Ridge starts. It really felt infinite and it took us an hour and a half to reach the ridge. Luckily, the trail is covered with trees so you won't feel the sun burning your skin and to note, this is the only part of the trail where you can enjoy shade. The last water source during the ascent can be found in this trail. Similar to other Sierra Madre southern mountains, you will see a lot of rock boulders and formations.

Large rock formations seen along the trails of Batolusong.

After the assault comes the Duhatan Ridge. Duhatan Ridge will not be named as such if not because of the duhat trees present on that area. Our guide even mentioned that back then, these trees are more than abundant. They are destroyed however by typhoons. According to our guide, the locals in San Andres name a specific place based on what they see in it. For example, duhatan is named because of duhat trees, batangasan was named because of the ark. We continued our way to Mapatag Plateau. The trail is relatively flat and gradual; however, surviving the loose and slippery trail without being exhausted from the sun is the challenge here. It took us an hour to reach the Mapatag Plateau.

An aftermath of landslide seen from the trails to Mapatag Plateau.

Mapatag Plateau as viewed from the trail to Rangyas Peak.

According to our guide, the ownership of the plateau was once controversial as there are notes that the area was owned by a private person, yet it was considered by the locals as part of their ancestral land. I don't know what happened after but I think the vast land was already given to the barangay's jurisdiction. It used to be as a grazing land for cows and cattles. You will also spot a nearby house that the guide said has used to shelter the owner of the land. No wonder why it has been controversial as the soil in the plateau is rich and amenable for agricultural planting. It resembles much of the highlands of Argentina and New Zealand. After Mapatag Plateau, we continued to Rangyas Peak. After passing the bamboo shades, the trail shifted from loose and slippery to rocky, reaching a point on the trail the locals call "The Wall". It is indeed a rocky wall where you'll start landing on four - both hands and feet - to get to the summit. Rocks are loose and unsecured so extra caution is required.

One of my friends braving herself to reach the summit.

Upon reaching the summit, I was amazed with the views from Rangyas Peak - a 360° view of Sierra Madre mountains and Laguna de Bay. It feels enchanting to stand to a point where you can see water on one side and ridges and mountains on the other side. We stayed there for an hour to enjoy the majestic views of the peak. Anyway, we were the only hikers during that day so we really made sure we enjoy the view.

The view from Rangyas Peak - Sierra Madre southern range. The mountain covered by clouds is Daraitan according to our guide.

Extending sights on the Sierra Madre southern range.

Laguna de Bay, Talim Island and Mt. Sembrano as seen from Rangyas Peak. Notice the prominent peaks of Mt. Banahaw from the distant background as pointed by our guide.

From the peak, we descended to Mapatag Plateau to have our lunch. Afterwards, we headed our way to Kay-Ibon Falls. The traverse trail has characteristics similar to the ascent trail to Mapatag Plateau, both of which are exposed to the sun though the traverse trail is quite longer. After an hour of walking, we approached a covered trail which the tour guide told us leads directly to Marcos Highway. It was actually a sign that you're nearing the falls. At 2:30 PM, we reached Kay-Ibon Falls.

Falling for Kay-Ibon Waterfalls.

It is a cascade-type of waterfalls surrounded by rocks that runs from an unnamed river in San Andres. Even though it is hot at that time, the water was very cold. It has a basin where you can swim and enjoy the refreshing waters of the falls. Bamboo strips are also installed to provide drinking water for hikers.

The green luscious waters of Kay-Ibon Falls.

After an hour and a half of swimming, we returned back to the trail and walked for another fifteen minutes until we reached the highway at around 4:30 PM. There are no bathrooms or facilities in this area so we hid on the trees to change clothes. Luckily, one of my friends brought a malong with him which has been of great help. We waited for a jeepney in the highway and arrived in SM Marikina around 06:00 where we had our postclimb dinner.

ITINERARY

Mt. Batolusong – Kay-ibon Falls Traverse Dayhike
04:30 AM	Assembly at Farmers Cubao.
05:00 AM	Take jeep to Cogeo Gate II.
05:30 AM	Arrival at Cogeo Gate II. Proceed to the market and ride jeepney going to Brgy. Sampaloc.
06:30 AM	Arrival at Batangasan Junction. Take habal-habal to Brgy. Hall.
07:00 AM	Arrival at Brgy. Hall. Register and secure guides.
07:30 AM	Start trek.
09:00 AM	Arrival at Duhatan Ridge.
10:00 AM	Arrival at Mapatag Plateau
11:00 AM	Arrival at Rangyas Peak. Explore viewpoints. Lunch.
12:00 PM	Start descent to Mapatag Plateau. Take right trail to traverse to Kay-Ibon Falls.
02:00 PM	Arrival at Kay-ibon Falls.
03:00 PM	Resume trek.
03:30 PM	ETA Marcos Highway
06:00 PM	ETA Manila

SPECIAL NOTES

Transportation: Brgy. San Andres can be accessed via Cogeo-Sampaloc route jeeps. If riding a private vehicle, proceed to Marcos Highway and go straight until you see the barangay arc post on your left. Turn on that street to lead you to the highway. Fare from Cogeo to Batangasan Junction costs Php 40.00; habal-habal ride costs Php 200 per ride. The last trip of jeepneys coming for Sampaloc arrives in Sitio Kay-ibon at around 7:00PM.

Registration, guides and porters: Registration fee is Php 20.00 for Mapatag Plateau-Rangyas Peak-Kay-ibon Falls route. Guide fees are fixed at Php 500 for one day, good for five persons. A maximum of seven hikers is allowed for a single guide to handle, in which additional person in the group will cost Php 100 each. For a Rangyas Peak route, an additional Php 100 per group is required on top of the guide fee.

Hiking and camping notes:

1. The majority of the trail is loose and slippery and can be muddy during rainy seasons.
2. Take note that the trail from Duhatan Ridge to the traverse to Kay-ibon Falls is open; thus, exposed to sun. Wear appropriate clothings.
3. Cellular signals are sporadic throughout the entire trail.
4. In assaulting Rangyas Peak, take extra caution as rocks are not intact and loose.
5. Camping sites are available at Duhatan Ridge and Mapatag Plateau. Camping from Rangyas Peak is not allowed.
6. All hikers are required to start at Brgy. San Andres Hall. An opposite traverse route is not allowed.

Estimated budget: Php 500 - Php 700

Read More