One of emerging outdoor hobbies today aside from marathon, triathlon and biking is mountain climbing. Mountain climbing like any other sport requires a lot from you and that have to be prepared of. First you have to choose which one you are planing to hike as a professional, amateur or even a novice. One of which I greatly recommend is Mt. Batulao at Nasugbu, Batangas.
Last November 2011, me and Raymond started this recreation when we were invited by our friends and joined without any question or internet research. That time we were beginners and really don't know what to do, what to bring and what to wear, just expected it would be lots of walking.
Our first climb was great, full of memories and awful experiences to share as a beginner which made us decide to purse this as a hobby. Batulao climb was repeated last 2012 and recently January of 2013 which were thankfully successful. We really love this mountain not because it's our first love but this mountain has lots to offer for any type of climber.
Every mountain has different story. Each mountain has lots of things different from another. Here are the things I want to share about Mt. Batulao.
10 things to love in climbing Mt. Batulao
1. Cheap - One thing most people look for a mountain climb is the budget and expenses. I can say it's one of the cheapest climb you can have. Check out my Mt. Batulao climbing essentials to see sample itinerary, how to go there, things to bring and budget and expenses, click here.
2. Great for any type of climber - Well I seriously don't know if there's category for mountain climbers, like from beginner to professional, but all I know is, everyone wants to climb and they just have different experience level. For this mountain, any climber can hike. Like what I mentioned earlier, it was my first climb last 2011 and nothing harmed me, except for the bumps and scratches of course. Basically it's safe for everyone, with proper guidance from a person who knows the mountain well.
3. Near Manila - Since im living at Dasmarinas Cavite, its very accessible for me. Its like 1-2hours away from the jump-off likewise those people from Manila whose just 1 bus away. That's why lots of people hike here especially weekends.
4. Nice locals - When climbing mountains, its really necessary to talk with the locals especially the care takers of the mountain. They're not snobbish unlike other locals of other mountains who tend to ignore or worst pissed off with you when you are not planning to get a mountain guide. People here are friendly.
5. Safe - One thing to consider in climbing is safeness of the area, the trail, the summit and the people around you. I feel secure whenever I climb this mountain because if anything happens to you along the trail, you can easily call for help since locals just reside near the area. Same as to your belongings left at the camp whenever you are going out or to summit, they keep an eye on campers's things for possible robber.
6. Cool refreshment for sale at summit - one cool thing I enjoy here is the sodas for sale along the trail to summit and the summit itself. I asked them and knew that they bring those up to the to gain extra income. Imagine that!? Well they just climb every weekends and peak season, not everyday. :)
7. New trail anniversary - One of the much awaiting event of the year at Mt. Batulao is the anniversary of the new trail. Mang Resty actually prepare food every year for mountaineers during second week of February weekends for free. Munch as much as you can! Just be sure to secure a place near Manong Resty's hut. :)
8. Star gazing ground - Since this mountain has no trees along it's trail and campsite, though forest area can be see at the trail going to the summit, left side coming from the summit, camping site is very good place to see star formations which is also an opportunity for night photographers. However, this varies depending on the weather and phase of the moon.
9. Astonishing sunset and sunrise - There's no other moment can ever replace Mt. Batulao's sunset as it perfectly show its dramatic effect over the sky and Batangas waters. You should definitely not miss this one.
Also will never forget as the sun shower upon waking up. Sunrise can be seen at any part of the trail even at campsite. I suggest you wake up early and hug it at summit.
10. Awesome 360 degree view at the summit - From the peak, your perseverance will be rewarded by amazing landscapes of Cavite and Batangas. You can pinpoint areas of Calatagan, Nasugbu, Balayan,Ternate and Tagaytay.
10 things to love in climbing Mt. Batulao
1. Cheap - One thing most people look for a mountain climb is the budget and expenses. I can say it's one of the cheapest climb you can have. Check out my Mt. Batulao climbing essentials to see sample itinerary, how to go there, things to bring and budget and expenses, click here.
2. Great for any type of climber - Well I seriously don't know if there's category for mountain climbers, like from beginner to professional, but all I know is, everyone wants to climb and they just have different experience level. For this mountain, any climber can hike. Like what I mentioned earlier, it was my first climb last 2011 and nothing harmed me, except for the bumps and scratches of course. Basically it's safe for everyone, with proper guidance from a person who knows the mountain well.
3. Near Manila - Since im living at Dasmarinas Cavite, its very accessible for me. Its like 1-2hours away from the jump-off likewise those people from Manila whose just 1 bus away. That's why lots of people hike here especially weekends.
4. Nice locals - When climbing mountains, its really necessary to talk with the locals especially the care takers of the mountain. They're not snobbish unlike other locals of other mountains who tend to ignore or worst pissed off with you when you are not planning to get a mountain guide. People here are friendly.
5. Safe - One thing to consider in climbing is safeness of the area, the trail, the summit and the people around you. I feel secure whenever I climb this mountain because if anything happens to you along the trail, you can easily call for help since locals just reside near the area. Same as to your belongings left at the camp whenever you are going out or to summit, they keep an eye on campers's things for possible robber.
6. Cool refreshment for sale at summit - one cool thing I enjoy here is the sodas for sale along the trail to summit and the summit itself. I asked them and knew that they bring those up to the to gain extra income. Imagine that!? Well they just climb every weekends and peak season, not everyday. :)
7. New trail anniversary - One of the much awaiting event of the year at Mt. Batulao is the anniversary of the new trail. Mang Resty actually prepare food every year for mountaineers during second week of February weekends for free. Munch as much as you can! Just be sure to secure a place near Manong Resty's hut. :)
8. Star gazing ground - Since this mountain has no trees along it's trail and campsite, though forest area can be see at the trail going to the summit, left side coming from the summit, camping site is very good place to see star formations which is also an opportunity for night photographers. However, this varies depending on the weather and phase of the moon.
9. Astonishing sunset and sunrise - There's no other moment can ever replace Mt. Batulao's sunset as it perfectly show its dramatic effect over the sky and Batangas waters. You should definitely not miss this one.
Also will never forget as the sun shower upon waking up. Sunrise can be seen at any part of the trail even at campsite. I suggest you wake up early and hug it at summit.
1. Weather - One you should consider in climbing Mt. Batulao is the weather because there were no trees along the trail that will serve you as a shade under scorching heat of the sun. However you can greatly appreciate the landscapes along without any view hindrances.
2. Trail - Because of arid weather and no trees around, expect that the trail to be kinda dry, sandy and slippery. There are steep portions that you have to be careful. Don' worry it's exciting!
3. Pace - Walking from the jump-off going to the campsite is really very tiring, you can have rest under the locals's hut or store and buy soft drinks or buko juice. Don't worry they're plenty of them now (as of 2013) unlike our first climb (2011) which just 2 of them.
4. Guide - Do you need a guide? Actually yes especially if its your first time and nobody in the group knows the trail to and from the campsite and summit. Well in our case, we were guided by our friend not a local though in our first climb, and next climbs was just me and Raymond without a guide. Besides trail is well established.
5. Two hikes in a day - Its nice to have an overnight stay on every mountain, however you can finish Mt. Batulao in half day and might want to consider Mt. Talamitam next at the same day. Well you hike 2 mountains in a day and can also save more money from this.
Related Posts:
ESSENTIALS - Mt. Batulao: Itinerary, How To Get There, Things To Bring, Expenses and Budget
Related Posts:
ESSENTIALS - Mt. Batulao: Itinerary, How To Get There, Things To Bring, Expenses and Budget
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