June 27, 2015 - It was my first time dayhiking at Mt. Batulao. It is located at the Evercrest Golf Course, Nasugbu, Batangas. Before climbing I tried contacting Roel, a guide for the New Trail at Mt. Batulao. I saw his number 09279008496 in one of the blogs posted, but unfortunately that number is not his anymore. (haha)
Since my apartment is situated nearby, I decided to leave at 4:30 in the morning. I rode a bus from my apartment going to the coastal mall which cost 40 pesos. Upon arriving at the Coastal Mall, I rode an ordinary bus going to Nasugbu Batangas for P90.00 only. I didn't think that the bus that I rode was slow, until I arrived 8:30 in the morning at the Evercrest Golf Course. Upon arriving at the Evercrest, tricycle drivers were already asking me to hire them going to the Jump Off point but I decided to get a guide and we started walking from the Evercrest. It took us 40 minutes of walking and it was a warm up for me already. If you want to take a tricycle, it cost P100.00 only.
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| start of my hike (evercrest) |
Melvin, my guide asked a favor for us to stop at his house just along our way to Mt. Batulao. He needs his cap on while hiking Mr. Sun, because you are so hot! Literally hot.
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| House of Melvin, my guide |
Then off we went hiking again. The weather was actually humid during our climb. I guess it rained after I left Mt. Batulao.
I asked my guide which trail he prefers first. He advised me that we take the old trail first because it might take us 3 hours of hiking.
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| And yes! This is how the Old trail looks like. |
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| The old trail like the new trail is narrow. |
Everywhere, you will encounter Talahib, a bush with razor- sharp edges so I advise you to wear something that will protect your arms and legs.
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| Taller than me, Talahib. |
The irony of bringing my laptop and some things that I need to bring home. (hahaha) But I was really determined to finish the hike in 3 to 4 hours! (hahaha)
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| I see the first registration area already!! (haha) hooray!!! |
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| Registration fee at the first stop is P10.00. |
You will meet at the registration area Kuya Luis and you can lie down on the wooden chairs or use their swing and hammock for awhile.
After a few minutes of staying at the first registration area, we decided to continue our hike.
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| Almost there at the second registration area. Beautiful Mt. Batulao isn't it? |
Finally, we reached the second area and registered my name on it. Fee is P20.00 only. I felt the need of drinking a very cold soda, so I bought one for me and one for Melvin a Mountain Dew. We ate crackers and glad that we reached the second registration site at 10:00 am.
I started to feel that the trail was getting harder. But as we reached Camp 1 it was relaxing, trees were everywhere and you feel more connected with nature.
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| CAMP 1 |
After 3 minutes, we reached Camp 2. It was more like a place to date your girlfriend or boyfriend. (hahaha) You can even choose which camp you would like to set up your tent and enjoy your friends company. Same with camps 3, 4, and 5.
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| CAMP 2 |
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| CAMP 3 |
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| CAMP 4 |
When I reached Camp 5 there were 4 hikers I met, who were having fun. They asked me to take a shot of Emperador Brandy, so I granted their wish. They were like "Mam! You are so cool! You were the only one who took a shot for us." And they took a selfie with me and I did too. It was nice meeting you guys! Jic, Edward, Mac and Macky.
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| New friends. Nice meeting place. Camp 5. |
Camp 6 it is. I was told by my guide, Melvin that we will be encountering lots of assault at the old trail.
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| Despite it all Mt. Batulao I smile. |
Let's go! Camp 7. Upon reaching the said camp. Group of hikers were also there. They opted to rest first and talk a bit. I decided to proceed with my hiking, so we would not be crowded on the narrow trail ahead.
So, here I go and started climbing the narrow trail and rocks were everywhere. I was thinking that it was named Mt. Batulao because of the rocks or Bato in Filipino. (haha)
Passed on to this Biak na Bato.
I didn't notice about Camp 8 and 9, but it was the hardest and toughest part of the trail at Mt. Batulao because of its slopes and rocks that you'll rappell and climb.
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| Road to forever!! (hahaha) |
I have no rappelling skills by the way. (hahaha) But compared to Pico de Loro's, I find this rappelling in Mt. Batulao easier because there is no monolith! And the ropes were really durable compared to Mt. Palay-Palay.
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Stretched my legs and found out that there's more. (haha)
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Reached Camp 10 with a smile. I was very happy knowing that I will be descending at the new trail.
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| CAMP 10 |
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| I descend. |
And found this Majestic View!
Again, all of them were wandering why I was hiking alone. I told them that my friends have different schedules, and it feels good too when you meditate in the mountain and de-stress yourself after a week of working your ass out.
In descending the new trail, you'll also see ropes which are helpful to hikers. The trail has a slippery form of soil, so I was very careful.
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| Making faces to add fun in hiking. (hahaha) |
I finished the Old trail-New trail (traverse) of Mt. Batulao in 4 hours and drank Buko Juice. I also paid my P30.00 registration fee there. I changed my clothes at the Jump off point for P10.00 if you will only urinate. A shower in the bathroom for P20.00 only. I rented a tricycle going back to Evercrest Golf course entrance for P100.00 only. I am thankful for our heavenly Father, that he guided me and gave me this strength and wisdom to hike Mt. Batulao. Thankful also for my guide, Melvin Villanueva.
I bought a souvenir Dri-Fit shirt for P300.00 at the end of the new trail.
Until my next journey.
My indomitable strength carried me here. Headstrong. Meditate.
