Beautiful Batulao

 November 04, 2012

Nasugbu, Batangas

I have always wanted to climb this mountain because it had been very photogenic. They always say it’s an easy climb but the pictures suggests otherwise. So I have to know for myself.

5AM

First trip of BSC Bus from Pasay to Nasugbu. 

7AM

The bus dropped us off in the EverCrest. For most people, this is known as the fork to Calaruega, the famous church in a hill. This is where the climb starts. Locals offer a tricycle ride to the Barangay but I suggest you just walk from the Highway.

8AM

The initial part of the trail is filled with residences and with that, sari-sari stores. We took our first rest in a lugawan and had a light breakfast. The breakfast is fine with me but I really look forward in hitting the real ascending trail since the mountain is so enticing from afar.

9AM

Our pace is a bit affected by the sun directly scorching us. We just passed thru the old and new trail. As per planned, we’ll do Old Trail – New Trail Traverse.

Thirty minutes later we set foot at Camp 1. I would say that Batulao has one of the nicest camp sites I have ever seen. It’s a bit trimmed that might not fit to other’s taste but it sure can accommodate good.

11AM

Before noon, we assaulted summit. I enjoyed this part of the trail a lot since the challenge seemed to be very complicated but in reality it is very easy. The 40-60’assault and 80-90’roped assault to the summit is one of the best parts of the mountain. It gives you the awesome feeling of accomplishing something badass. Beginners may have a bit of a hard time and hesitation but again, the awesome feeling of getting past thru this is most exhilarating for them. (“them” talaga oh. So feeling ko naman hindi ako beginner?hehe)

12NN

If we stayed longer in the summit, we’ll be sun fried for someone’s lunch. We started descend thru the new trail and sail thru Batulao’s famous Peak series.

Just peak after peak after peak.

The view is overwhelming. Given the novice trail, I feel it’s a bit too much for a reward. LOL.

1PM

Since the sun is slowing us down, we had our late lunch at New Trail’s Camp. A local at the registration and a mountaineer by the store even offered me to have a glass of red horse. I thought what the heck so I gladly obliged and shared stories with them.

3PM

The skies got a bit gloomy so negotiating the rest of the new trail was easier. I even bumped into a friend whom I met in Tagapo. It’s amazing how you unknowingly have been building a network of new friends in the mountains. They’re just awesome people with lots of great stories to share.

4PM

As we get back to the jump-off, I have realized few things to remember when going to Batulao:

1. Don’t hire a tricycle. It’s ironic.
2. The trail, traverse or not, is very easy to navigate. Guides are totally not necessary.
3. The “ligo” rate in the store by the highway is not by person but by “timba” of water. Next visit, I plan to finish the trek at a much better time and try to check out the river the locals say is nice to dip into.
4. Expenses for this trek are one of the cheapest around. 110 is the one way bus trip to Evercrest, and 20 reg fee for each trails. That’s roughly 300 excluding food. It’s just like watching a movie, only with a better visual treat. ;p

5PM

Before going home, we have got to eat Tagaytay’s bulalo. This sumptuous meal in an overlooking diner and the cozy twilight of Tagaytay wrapped up our day.

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