Elevation: 811+ MASL
Difficulty: 3/9 (New trail), 4/9 (Old trail), Minor climb, Trail class 1-3
Source: www.pinoymountaineer.com
ABOUT MT. BATULAO
The landscapes of Mt. Batulao offer a very refreshing treat to those who would want to try an easy yet a different adventure near the metro. Batulao is a ridge located on the mountainous region of Nasugbu, Batangas, with accompanying mountains of Talamitam on the side. According to the locals, the name of the mountain was derived from bato sa ilaw as how it appears when the sun rays touches the peak of the mountain. There are also accounts of annual phenomenon that at some point in a year, one can see the sun coming out between the two highest peaks of Mt. Batulao.
Being near to Tagaytay, one will be welcomed by the same relaxing cool winds of Tagaytay on the jumpoff. One may opt to walk or ride a tricycle to go to the jumpoff. The trail of Batulao is pretty much established and easy to follow and guides are not allowed, though still recommended. An hour walk from the jumpoff will lead one to a junction of two trails - the old trail on the left and new trail on the right. The old trail passes through the forested areas of Batulao while the new trail, dubbed as the "Teletubby Trail" traverses along the peaks of Batulao. Both of them are straightforward but the old trail offers more challenge than the new trail. A regular dayhike in Batulao commences with the ascent using the old trail and descent using the new trail.
The route via the old trail proceeds to the mountain's campsite where one can stay and pitch tents if an overnight hike is desired. After an hour of traversing the old trail, one will notice a shift on the character of the trail - from a gradual assault to a two-leg series of steep assaults to reach the summit. This part of the trail is usually slippery and ropes are installed to help the hikers though the integrity of the ropes is uncertain. After the assault, one will be amazed with the 360° scenic view from the summit of Batulao and the mountain ranges of Cavite-Batangas and those that surrounds Taal Lake. On sight from the summit are Mt. Maculot, Mt. Pico de Loro and Mt. Talamitam. A store has been build at the summit where one can also refresh themselves with buko, halo-halo and softdrinks.
The descent is usually carried out on the new trail which is marked by a wooden signage on the summit. Unlike the old one, this trail is exposed to sun and is dominated with grass and talahib. However, the fame of the new trail comes from the fact that it crosses the numbered peaks of Batulao. It is relatively easier than the old trail since all of the assaults and descents are gradually sloped. After reaching the junction, one just needs to trace the same trail to the jumpoff and either take a tricycle or walk to Evercrest. After the hike, one can opt to go to Tagaytay or go to Calaruega for a postclimb treat and/or dinner.
ITINERARY
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Mt. Batulao
Dayhike |
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5:00 AM |
Assembly at DLTB Gil Puyat or DLTB Cubao. |
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5:30 AM |
Take bus bound to Nasugbu/Lian |
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7:30 AM |
Arrival at Evercrest.
Take tricycle or walk to jumpoff. Secure guides. |
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8:00 AM |
Start trek |
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9:00 AM |
Arrival at trail junctions. Take
old trail. |
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10:00 AM |
Arrival at campsite. Register. Start assault |
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11: 30 AM |
Arrival at summit. Explore
viewpoints. Lunch. |
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12:30 PM |
Start descent via the new trail. |
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3:00 PM |
Arrival at jumpoff.
Tidy up. |
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4:00 PM |
ETD Nasugbu, Batangas |
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6:00 PM |
ETA Manila |
Note: This itinerary can be modified to come up with a new trail to old trail Batulao traverse.
IMPORTANT NOTES
Transportation: Going to Nasugbu, Batangas is accessible via daily bus services going to Nasugbu. For those who would like to drop off to Tagaytay first, one may take the bus to Alfonso - Tagaytay and later ride a jeepney going to Nasugbu. For private vehicles, one can drive through South Luzon Expressway and exit via Sta. Rosa Toll Exit. Take the Sta. Rosa - Tagaytay Road until reaching Tagaytay Rotonda. Take the path leading to Tagaytay Public Market and go straight to reach Evercrest. Inside Evercrest, go straight then take a left turn and follow the cemented road that will lead you to the village at the jumpoff. Parking spaces are available on the village at Php 50 - Php 100 per day rates. Bus fares cost Php 104 as of 2015.
Registration, guides and porters: Guides are usually secured on the jumpoff, though it is not required as of today. Guide and porter fees usually range from Php 400- Php 600 per day. Several registration booths will be encountered on both trails; however, there are only three regulated booths - two of which are on the old trail and one on the new trail. Registration fee for each booth costs Php 20.
Hiking and camping notes:
- The new trail can be really hot during the summer. Wear proper attire and prepare accordingly.
- Batulao has received fame that it becomes crowded on weekends and holidays. To experience the full extent of Batulao, it is advised to schedule your hike on weekdays and reduce your team to a maximum of 15 participants.
- The entire trail, especially the assault on the old trail and the new trail can be slippery and muddy during rainy season. Prepare accordingly.
- Cellphone signals are available throughout the trail.
- Batulao has also been tagged as one of the dirtiest mountains in the country due to the influx of hikers. Observe proper LNT principles and environment conservation
NARRATIVE: The blogger's first hike on Batulao was dated February 2014 with a new trail to old trail traverse. The second hike happened last December 2014 with an old trail to new trail traverse. See Batulao Escapades 1.0 and 2.0
OVERALL RATING OF THE HIKE: 9/10. One of the blogger's favorite hiking destination. Recommended for first timers.
PHOTOS
