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.
First trip of BSC Bus from Pasay to Nasugbu.
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.
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.
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.
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)
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.
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.
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.
As we get back to the jump-off, I have realized few things
to remember when going to Batulao:
- Don’t hire a tricycle. It’s ironic.
- The trail, traverse or not, is very easy to navigate. Guides
are totally not necessary.
- 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.
- 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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