BATANGAS: Bauan - Sampaguita Beach Review, Itinerary, How To Get There, Things To Bring, Considerations, Budget and Expenses

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Planning for a beach escapade doesn't have to be perfect. It also doesn't mean you have to leave it all in your instincts and luck, you have to see a guide or at least have an idea to avoid untoward incidents. Here's my Sampaguita Beach travel essentials you might want to check out.

REVIEW

Going there Isn't easy especially if you are a commuter because of steep and narrow roads getting there. If you are an adventurous type, here's one for you! I suggest you rent a car or bring your own so you can save more. I bet you will spend a lot if you just commute getting here.

Beach resorts in Brgy. Sampaguita were plenty but going there via land is just one, on the mountain. However I read a blog wherein they left their car at Lemery Batangas and ride a boat all the way going here. Much easier but you have to leave your car at the port alone.

Don't Expect super fine white sand here. Sands were like off white and not as powdery as in Puerto Gallera or Boracay. Maybe that's the reason why it is not yet explored well, not so much crowd aside from it is kinda hard of getting there. On the other hand, I really commend its waters, very clear and has a relaxing temperature.

Sampaguita Beach is basically at Brgy. Sampaguita, that's why you won't get lost. I recommend this beach resort if you are just staying for a day. It's cottages were cheap, just near the shore where you can keep an eye on your valuables and kids swimming easily compared with others nearby. However if you are going to stay for an overnight, I recommend you just bring your tent. Rooms were not so much pleasant, just a very ordinary one for P1500, compared to P200 pitching of tent.. You can just pick other resorts nearby to choose better rooms though.

ITINERARY

4:30am - ETD Dasmarinas Cavite

7:00am - Breakfast at Lemery Batangas

8:00am - ETA Sampaguita Beach Bauan Batangas

9:00am - Swimming/ Photo-ops

10:30am - Cook for lunch

12:00pm - Lunch time

6:00pm - Took photos of sunset

6:20pm - Wash up

7:00pm - ETD Samapaguita Beach

10:00pm - ETA Dasmarinas Cavite

HOW TO GET THERE

From Manila you can drive through Coastal road to Tagaytay rotanda. Right turn then straight ahead till you reach Nasugbu Batangas junction, turn left before you pass the welcome arch to Nasugbu.

Continue till you reach a fork and turn left to Lemery Batangas and pass Taal Batangas. You will reach another fork to Batangas City and Mabini Batangas. Take the right way going to Mabini Anilao till you pass 3 small bridges and see Rising Tide Construction Supply tricycle terminal on your right, then enter this way, the shortest way. But if in case road construction is still present, like in our case, you can go back and take the longer path. You go back to the other tricycle terminal, near EE corporation. From there you will see signboards going to the Brgy. Sampaguita. You won't get lost but if in case you can just ask the locals there.

THINGS TO BRING

Clothes

Toiletries

Food

Floaters

Grill

Utensils

Tent

Sunblock
Rice cooker
Charcoal
Lighter

BUDGET AND EXPENSES

P800 - Gas Dasmarinas-Bauan-Dasmarinas

P50   - Entrance fee/person

P300 - Cottage/5-10 pax (they will let you use more than one for free)

Optional expenses

P10   - Egg

P10   - Cooking oil

P7     - Onion/pc

P5     - Garlic 3pcs.

CONSIDERATIONS

1. Weather - If you are going there via land travel, check the weather first, mountain road might be slippery during wet season though it is cemented, it is still narrow and steep. Safety first!

2. Permissions - Ate Carina, the caretaker is very nice. You can ask her if you are going to use other tables, even if you just paid for one, use their electricity for cooking and extension wire since their electric socket is quite short.

3. Few items sold - unlike other beach resorts, they don't have complete food and things at their store. They don't have bread and floater rentals.

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BATANGAS: Bauan - Chasing Sunset at Sampaguita Beach

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If you read my first article how we got here, you would definitely think to go back home early. For the sake of love of sunset, I checked the internet what time I can catch this beautiful hour.. It was 6:05pm.

My father said... what!?? he was so anxious on the decision and thought I took for granted our safety. 

Still I waited for the right time. Everybody's gone! we were just the family left at the beach.. My parents were worried then.

6:20pm and the king was on the horizon. What a lovely day, my father was keep on shouting.. "now it's perfect, take as many photos as you want then let's go". I continued and still managed to swim afterwards without thinking the cliff that might end our lives later on!..haha

No worries though coz I was able to make this post, haha. Traversing through that cliff during that night made us kinda nervous, but it's ok coz there were street lights on one side of the path and we were moving slowly. If you are not a professional driver, please do not do the same. Safety first.


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BATANGAS: Bauan - Sampaguita Beach, The White Beach At The End Of A Roller Coaster Mountain!!

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Nowadays, people were raging to plunge into beach water due to summer ultra magnetic heat and to relax from too much stress from their work. Most of beach getaways can be smoothly reached via airplane, long straight/curvy highways via car or up and down waves of sea via boat. But for this week's escapade, we climb a mountain just to reach a beach at it's foot! Yes! but not with our feet but with our car.

Upon searching the internet which beach in Batangas aside from affordable, have a serene view, uncrowded, clean and have white sand and blue waters, I found Sampaguita Beach at Bauan, Batangas. Since Batangas is the most accessible getaway from Manila and Cavite, this province is a great place to explore.

Since I just found few write ups for this beach, which made me more interested, I decided to try and explore it since I was planning to have a beach day outing during that week with my family. We went there by car via Tagaytay-Lemery road, not the usual way for most people. Most of the time they took Star Tollgate way especially if you are commuting from Manila to Batangas city. After jotted down the important details and landmarks to remember, we finally reached the corner in Bauan where we have to enter to reach our destination.

Unluckily, they are fixing that path and closed it for public. So we had to go back and passed a different path going there, much longer and confusing one. Ran for few miles and saw mountain in front of us.

We noticed few houses along and saw jeepneys passing on the same path we're driving. It was like one way. The road is made for two but the size is for one. We had to stop every time we saw vehicles approaching till we reached the mountain area. The uphill road was so steep and narrow you will feel like you gonna fall on the cliff every time your car make every sharp turn. That made us all nervous yet so excited. What a roller coaster ride!

The thrill doesn't stop there. At the almost top of the mountain, we had to descent  on curviest curve road and stop every time we were approached. Woohoo! A roller coaster ride down!! We were just lucky to have a great driver then. I suggest you hire someone who's professional and had experienced through this kind of situations.

After that mountain, clear, turquoise waters, semi-white sand and cold breeze from the mountain welcomed us. Just right for this scorching hot summer. Plus it was not crowded, perfect place to reflect and relax.

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BATANGAS: Taal - I Found The Largest Basilica in Asia!

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Every time I went to Lemery Batangas, I always saw a church from a far viewed from the waters of Batangas. They say that it's Taal's Basilica, the Philippine's and the Asia's largest church - St. Martin de Tours. I always wanted to check it out, wondering how really big it is.

Had a chance to pass the town of Taal going to Bauan Batangas, I asked Raymond to look for the Basilica so we can experience it's architecture, design and heritage. Plus another landmark added to our list. With my family and Raymond, we visited the church and amazed how big it is plus its design.

Church construction begun in 1855 by Fr. Marcos Anton, though it's not yet finished it was inagurated in 1865 and finished by Fr. Agapito Aparicio in 1878.

It's 24-meter high and 10-meter wide Doric style, a classical ancient Greek architecture, main altar is amazing.

When we went there, there were "manangs"  praying in front rows of the church. As a courtesy, I didn't bother to move closer, and since I don't have telephoto lens, I just took photos of main altar from afar.

 At the right side of the church, like other old churches, they have this mint green "pulpito" while image of Our Lady of Caysasay is situated on the same side of the Altar.

                  The altar, the ceiling and the aisle.                                             My mom.

Outside, you will notice a small tower containing the large bell on the left side of the Church's facade which was destroyed during an earthquake in 1942 when it's belfry collapsed. It was considered as one of the largest bell in Philippines. It measures 19 feet in circumference, 9.33 feet around the crown, 6.42 feet high. It was constructed after, it's appearance doesn't fit Church anymore.

My family and the facade...with Raymond took te photo. . :)

Church info

Mass schedule

Mon-Friday: 6:00am

Wed & Saturday afternoon: 5:00pm

Sunday: 5:30am, 7:30am, 9:30am, 5:00pm

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BATANGAS: Lemery - Batangas Turning Gold

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Last weekend we went an overnight stay at Lemery Batangas to pave the extreme temperature felt at Dasmarinas Cavite and to have a family summer outing at the same time. Since Batangas is the nearest getaway, family decided and went there.

Like previous years, this is my playground for taking pictures as here I practice my shooting skills. We always went here during this season every year, for the nth time (hehe), courtesy of Raymond's family. Actually for many Lemery beach outings, it is my second time to capture it's sunset shots since it's always that majority wants to go home during these hours, I always had sunrise shots on my hand.

Before we decided to went back home, I had a chance to sneak out back to the shore,while everybody's all ready to go and are just waiting for Raymond, my ever fave buddy to finish fix himself, I got few sunset shot at last!

That moment was priceless, waters were warm, sun is huge and beautifully reflects the sky and below. I was  a little envy that time as everybody's seems to be enjoying. Gold rays was exceptional as it turned the black sand into gold. A very relaxing and amazing scene.

I just noticed that sunrise is best captured anywhere at Batangas especially during summer. Next time, I will definitely get sunset shots more. :)

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BATANGAS: Caltagan - Burot Beach's Moon Shine Morning

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Everytime I went for a mountain climbing or getaway, I always make sure to capture photos in sunrise to practice. I know I'm not a good photographer and no formal classes acquired so I just capture and capture to practice what skills I have and what I learned from other photographs in the web.

For our white beach morning at Burot Beach at Catagan, I took some photos I believe good to look at. Sorry if it's not as good as other professional photographer has. But in the long run I guess my skills will be. :)

Wednesday night I'm preparing myself to wake up early the next morning also asking Raymond to wake me up 5:30am just to capture what most online photographers suggest, the golden hour.

I was surprised that morning because I saw this huge blob over the horizon reflecting through the waters, the moon while the sun started to rise. It's unusual.

It was like 6:00 in the morning and this amazing phenomenon still manifested in the sky. The sun and the moon met each other face to face.

Sky was painted with blue and yellow as people started to wake up and go into waters. Definitely golden hour made Burot Beach morning photos enticing and nice to look at and especially spiced up with this strange moon shine.


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BATANGAS: Calatagan - Burot Beach Starfish Treasure

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The thing I really I love and enjoyed at Burot Beach Calatagan Batangas were the starfishes. They were so cute and plenty. Yes, really plenty you can see them anywhere in turquoise waters of the beach.

It was so fun to collect them as you get in and out the water and put them all together. It was so so cute. I guess we got 20 of them. Don't worry, beach guard will not refrain you from doing that, just be sure not to take those at home.

Starfishes has 5 rays with small circular black protuberance on it. It has also a crown-like projections at the center of their body. As I look on them, it has different sizes some were bigger than others. But the thing I notice was that the bigger the starfish is, the brighter orange it has.

Up close you will see it's ray's skin margins more of a mermaid than a fish. It feels rough but not sharp to touch. It's body and rays were kinda hard but becomes a little softer to its end it tend to twirl eventually. It has no odor because it is still alive, just smell of sea water. Others say that if you want to make it as a house display, you have kill it by taking it out from the water and dry it under the sun. Then the stinky fishy odor comes out.

How will you know if it's really alive? Well aside from it has soft feeling on its endings upon lifting them out, sometimes you can see their rays twirled around under water. If  you inspect them and reverse on its bottom side, you will see what they called starfish's tube foot. They were like pinkish-red tubes slowly coming out from the grooves of its rays.

This creature really made my beach experience different and I know you also want to try it out!

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BATANGAS: Nasugbu - Mt. Batulao Itinerary, How To Get There, Things To Bring, Expenses and Budget

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Planning for a mountain climb doesn't have to be perfect. It also doesn't mean  you have to leave it all in your instincts and luck, you have to see a guide or at least have an idea to avoid untoward incidents. Here's my climbing essentials you might want to check out.

ITINERARY

Dayhike

4:00  -  ETD Pasay

6:00  -  ETA Jump-off Evercrest Golf course, Start Trek

8:00  -  Campsite/rest

8:30  -  Continue Trek to Summit

10:00-  ETA Summit

11:00-  Back to jump-off

1:00  -  ETA jump-off/head back to Manila

3:00  -  Pasay

Overnight

12:0) -  ETD Pasay

3:00  -  ETA jump-off Evercrest Golf course, Start trek to campsite

5:00  -  Pitch tent/ prepare food for diner

6:00  -  Eat/socials

9:00  -  Lights out

4:00  - Wake-up call

4:30  - Light breakfast

5:00  - Trek to summit

6:00  - ETA summit, take pictures

7:00  - Back to campsite

8:00  - Cook breakfast/ break camp

9:00  - Head back to Jump-off, Back to Manila

11:00- ETA Pasay

HOW TO GET TO MT. BATULAO

Via Public Transpo

Ride any Nasugbu bound bus at Pasay, along Edsa or Baclaran. You can directly go to the terminal of BSC bus line bound to Lian, Calatagan, Tuy and Nasugbu which you can ride any of those just beside Mcdo near MRT Pasay, likewise bus terminal for San Agustin bus line at Cubao just near MRT station southbound or just wait at Baclaran.

Getting there is not difficult, just tell the conductor that you are going to Batulao or just say Evercrest golf course which is the Jump-off. Next, you are opt to choose whether you want to walk from there or ride a tricycle to the area where you can start the real trek. It is rough road by the way, muddy during rainy season, dusty during dry weather.

Via car

Fom Manila, follow the way to Tagaytay till you reach the rotonda. From there, turn right (Petron gas station as your landmark) then straight ahead till you reach Nasugbu Batangas welcome arch. Once you reach it, you are 5-10mins away from the jump-off Evercrest which is at your right side.

THINGS TO BRING

Deciding what to climb in my first climb made me cram because I don't know what to bring, but as I gain mountain experiences I eventually knew what IMPORTANT things to bring. First you have to consider if you are going to do day or overnight hike.

For day hike you can bring:

1 liter of water

Food

1 set of clothes

Towel

Ponytail (very essential for girls)

Trail food (mostly sweets)

Hiking shoes

Hats/head gear

For overnight hike you can bring:

As a group:

Tent

Cook set

Butane gas

Lamp

Picnic mat

Individual:

Food for 3 meals

3L Water (trail water and for cooking)

2 sets of Clothes

Towel

Flashlight/ headlamp

Trail food

Hat/head gear

Ponytail

BUDGET AND EXPENSES

P110   Bus Pasay - Evercrest - Pasay

P20     Fee for dayhike (each trail, example, if you went to summit via old trail, you have to pay another P20 if you are going to descent via new trail. That's a total of P40. However if you use the same trail, no added fees will be inculded.)

P30     Fee for overnight (each trail)

Optional expenses

P50     Tricycle

P25     Shower

P5       Urinate

P10     Poopoo

P300   Guide fee

*food budget not included.

*Estimated budget depends on what trail to be used, if you're going to hire for a guide and if its overnight or not.

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BATANGAS: Calatagan - Burot Beach Review, Itinerary, How To Get There, Things To Bring, Considerations, Budget And Expenses

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Planning for a beach escape doesn't have to be perfect. It also doesn't mean  you have to trust it all in your instincts and luck, you have to see a guide or at least have an idea to avoid untoward incidents. Here's my Burot Beach essentials you might want to check out.

REVIEW

Burot beach is one of underdeveloped beaches at Calagatan Batangas. If you are looking for a cheap white sand getaway, this beach might be perfect for you.

The sand were not so white and fine compared to Bora and Gallera however beach front and water was clean. There were also lots of great sites for photoshoots.

Accomodation

Since it is not yet developed, there were no rooms and very nice cottages around. They have a simple small cottages that you can rent. However you can bring your beach or camping tents to lessen your expenses and can find better spots near the beach water!

Food

There were no restaurants aside from the mini store near the guard house so its better to bring your own food and condiments all you need when you got here, unless you go back to the town and buy for things and food you need.

ITINERARY
Since we came from Dasmarinas Cavite, I will just start my itinerary in our place.
* Took travel by car

2:00 ETD Dasmarinas
3:30 ETA Nasugbu Junction
5:00 Calatagan Public Market
6:00 ETA Burot Beach

HOW TO GO TO BUROT BEACH
By Car
From Manila you can drive through Coastal road to Tagaytay rotanda. Right turn then straight ahead till you reach Nasugbu Batangas junction, you can see Caltex gas station on your left.

From there, drive straight ahead till you reach a fork after passing sugar refinery of Central Azucarera Don Pedro (CADP) on your left. Turn left and continue till you see Sto. Domingo church (on your right side) and Petron (on your left). Turn to M. Apacible street (one way on your right) just in front of the church and pass road along public market then enter second street on your left.

Watch out for the welcome arch of "brgy. Tanagan" so you can look at your right side to turn right at the second waiting shed street. You will pass a rough road with few areas cemented, rice fields and empty lots and you reach intersection, turn right. Once you reach a sugar cane field, turn left and approach a private property gate way going to the beach. Just talk to the securityhow your driving license and you're in.

By Public Transpo
Just ride a bus bound to Calatagan Batangas and ride a tricycle at the public market to take you to the Burot Beach. Landmark would be Sto. Domingo Church.

THINGS TO BRING
As a group
Tent
Cooking set
Eating utensils
Lamp
Food
Water for drinking and cooking food

Individual
Clothes
Mosquito repellent
Sunblock
Toiletries


CONSIDERATIONS
1. No electricity - Remember to charge all your gadgets before going to the beach.

2. Few comfort rooms and shower rooms - Take note that there is only 1 shower room and 1 CR each for males and females. During peak season, expect long lines after beachineering.

3. Sea urchin alert - Be mindful that this area has plenty of sea urchins especially in rocky and deep portions of the beach. Few cases of stings were noted. Don't worry there's a huge area for swimming. They were fat from you unless you look for them.

4. Seafood rivalry - Most people who stayed overnight ran out of food thinking that next day would be fine, someone will came and sell sea foods to them. Unfortunately, everybody's mentality was like that so the moment fish boat came everybody's were like zombies approaching the boat. Lucky if it's not peak season. And the tasty fish you were day dreaming was gone. You have to go out the beach and went back to the public market and buy it approximately 45 minutes.

5. Respect starfish - The thing I really love about this beach were the starfishes. Actually they were plenty of them! You can get them, take some pictures and be amazed. Sadly, I saw people throwing it in the air like a toy. Isn't that rude? Just consider that these creatures were alive. They are not just figurines placed on the beach.


EXPENSES AND BUDGET

P130 - Entrance fee (Peak season, P120 if not)
*Drivers are free of entrance fee.
P1000- (If you travel by car) Fuel for Dasmarinas Cavite-Burot Beach-Dasmarinas
P386 - (If you travel by Public Transpo) Calatagan Public Market-Pasay
P200 - (If you travel by Public Transpo) Tricycle Calatagan Public Market-Burot Beach-Public Market

Optional Expenses
P200 - Table cottage. *Because you can pitch your own tent for free.
P70   - Torch rent
P50   - Grill
P300 - Tent ( Good for 2-3 persons, dome type)
P50   - Mineral Water Galon
P10   - Per 3 pcs. condiment (onion/tomatoes/kalamasi)
P50   - Halohalo
P100 - Emergency Lamp (battery-charged)

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BATANGAS : Calatagan - Burot Beach: Cheapest White Beach Ever!

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It's summer time and everybody's crazy going to beach and have some fun! People look for the best spots they can visit and have their best experience ever. However some people prefer to have just simple and quiet vacation.

If you are planing to have a white sand beach, on a budget, simple and quiet getaway, try Burot beach at Calatagan Batangas.

Burot Island is actually a semi-private beach "for me". Semi because it is privately owned by Mr. Henry Sy, owner of SM and soon to be develop but they allow however public to visit and enjoy it.

I was able to discover this place via internet which fit our budget since we're going to pay for the whole family, nice yet affordable and quite near Dasmarinas and Manila. When we arrived the place, it never disappointed me.

Upon arrival we paid for the entrance fee and table. I never missed the chance to ask why it is called Burot beach, it really sounds weird and funny. "Kuya bakit tinawag 'tong Burot?", guard answered me, "Kasi Burot". I laugh and asked again, then he replied, "kasi Burot to, nasa Brgy. Burot." Ah... and "burot" becomes word of the day. "burot.. burot.. burot". Actually it was funny because everyone was saying the word, even those at the other tables. haha. You will surely experience it too!

We spend overnight stay there and found out that we were so unprepared. We never thought that this beach would be so "survival'. No lights, no electricity, no other facilities as others have. Exciting right!? Because of this, we paid for some additionals like torch, grill for cooking and drinking water. Don't worry they have comfort rooms and shower rooms for different genders.

Honestly, I never imagined there could be a white beach at Batangas because most of it were black. Waters were clear and combination of turquoise and navy blue. You will not see any trash around, very clean and peaceful. You will also notice a forest near the beach front were you can pitch your tent or park your car and have simple basketball and volleyball court near the guard house.

Definitely this white beach is worth visiting for for the whole family. Clean waters, beautiful place and affordable. Here's copy of possible expenses you might have here.

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BATANGAS: Nasugbu - 10 Things You Will Love At Mt. Batulao!

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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.

CONSIDERATIONS

Climbing any mountain isn't easy. Here are some things to consider when climbing Mt. Batulao you might want to check.

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

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