Mt. Batulao: May Trail Pala to Forever, Forever Hike

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.

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.

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. 

And yes! This is how the Old trail looks like. 

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. 

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)

I see the first registration area already!! (haha) hooray!!!

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. 

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.

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.

CAMP 2

CAMP 3

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. 

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.

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. 

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.

Stretched my legs and found out that there's more. (haha)

Reached Camp 10 with a smile. I was very happy knowing that I will be descending at the new trail. 

CAMP 10

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. 

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.

Mt. Buntis and Bonifacio Trial House: An Independence HoliDayhike

June 12, 2015 - My first solo hike was fun, so I decided to schedule my next hike for the coming long weekend vacation. And yes! I have nailed it. I decided to take the road less traveled by many, so I hiked at Mt. Buntis: On the Trail of Bonifacio. It is called such because of its pregnant belly of a woman. The Maragondon range comprises the form of this woman, with Mt. Palay-Palay at Pico de Loro (which I have climbed recently this month) forming the face. There are other 20 peaks at the Maragondon range, waiting to be explored and discovered. For me, it was an easy climb though it has a muddy trail because I consider it as a rainforest mountain. People living there are lucky because they get to experience rain these days.

How to get there

7:15 am - I left our house at Imus Cavite for SM Bacoor

7:30 am - 8:30 am - Rode a bus going to Maragondon (P55.00)

8:30 am - 9:00 am - Went to the Municipal Hall of Maragondon, but they told me to ride a tricycle going to the Kaingin Bridge

9:00 am  - Arrived at the Barangay Hall, signed my name, located near the Kaingin Bridge and I found a guide, Mr. Marino Torres. (Guide Fee - P400.00)

9:10 am - START OF HIKE

When I started the hike, it was already hot, but I managed to keep up the pace with my guide. The trail was easy at first because we walked at the rice farm and met some hikers along the way, who stayed overnight at Mt. Buntis. 

Kaingin Hanging Bridge

Boat house sailing for rent P1,000

My Kaingin Hanging Bridge experience.

The view from Kaingin Hanging Bridge.

And our muddy trail starts here, trees are everywhere and you will cross rivers on your way to the summit.

Muddy trail starts here.

The first river that you'll encounter.

I have the Mt. Apo experience trail feeling (feeling Mt. Apo lang!) haha because of the rocks that you'll see on the trail. 

Yes! And I think that this is a rainforest mountain! haha

I find it an easy climb and I was thinking that there was no assault trail but I was wrong. My climb that day was muddy and the trail was slippery on our way up the summit. Just be careful to watch your steps before reaching the top of Mt. Buntis

A guide is a must because you might end up at Mt. Palay Palay. (haha)

I encountered a narrow slippery trail by the way. 

Finally! I reached the top of Mt. Buntis in 1 hour and 17 minutes. Compared to the other mountains that I have climbed, I can say that Mt. Buntis is more of experiencing the view of the Maragondon range itself. The twin peak of the said mountain is Mt. Nagpatong, where our National Hero Andres Bonifacio and his brother were killed. I love the idea of the flag raised on top of Mt. Buntis' Summit. I felt the celebration of my Independence day climb.

Mt. Buntis' Summit

I think this was the best view that I've got! 

Thanks for this sir Marino Torres! 

Meet my super guide. Marino Torres 09129185740. His fee is P400.00 and he'll guide you too at the Bonifacio house. He is also very informative, because he mentioned to me Mt. Bolbok, Mt. Nagputok and other mountains that I haven't heard yet. I wish to climb those mountains that's not yet explored. One day. (haha)

I just sat down and enjoyed the mountain range view. Breathtaking!

We decided to leave the summit and I was afraid that we'll get soaked of rain. Luckily, Mr. Sun came out again. (haha)

This is how the muddy trail looks. (haha) 

On our way down, I saw a cave and asked Tay Marino if the report that I've heard was true. They say that this cave here is mysterious, because a hiker was lost in this mountain. But Tay Marino said, it isn't true. The birds live in the cave with snakes too.

The cave.

I've read a blog saying that you need to bring extra water. I must agree, but I found out that Mt. Buntis has a clean living water and hikers can drink from here. 

Bukal na Buhay

The Bonifacio Trial House

The house is located 10 minutes away from the Kaingin Bridge. There is no entrance fee and you'll get to see the place and how the revolution started led by "the Father of the Philippine Revolution" Andres Bonifacio. He was the founder and later the supreme leader of the KKK, "Kataas-taasan Kagalang-galangang Katipunan ng Anak ng Bayan" known as the Katipunan, a movement which sought the independence of the Philippines from Spanish colonial rule. and started the Philippine revolution. 

Very few visit Mt. Buntis and the Bonifacio Trial house. I encourage everyone to visit Mt. Buntis and the Bonifacio trial house to remember that our forefathers did everything for our freedom.

"Nothing so dear is denied one's beloved country by one with a pure heart; blood, wealth, wisdom, suffering and weariness; even if life itself ends." - Andres Bonifacio, May Pag-asa (Love of Native Land)

Enjoy hiking! I got home early by the way, and made my the flash moves going down the mountain in an hour.

My indomitable strength carried me here. Headstrong. Meditate.