Mount Batulao

By Paul Sarmiento
Photos by Zaide Uy

The name Batulao was derived from an occurrence that happens every year between December 22 and December 28. When the sun situates between the two peaks, it creates a scene described by the natives as “ilaw sa dalawang bato” (light between two rocks) or “bato sa ilaw” (light in a rock) from where the term Batulao was derived.  From Balayan, Batangas the view of the twin mountains to the east appears quite distant or afar from each other. More fascinating is that same scene if viewed from Batulao is different. Those same twin mountains seem to move closer to each other.

Batulao is located outside the town of Nasugbu, Batangas far away from the beautiful beaches of Nasugbu. Batulao is also near the national tourist destination, Tagaytay City. Mount Batulao looks different from the usual mountains in the Philippines. Mount Batulao does not have trees in its peak but cogon grass instead making it look more like a snow-capped mountain.

 Mount Batulao with its tree-less peak

To go to Batulao from Manila, one can take a bus going to Nasugbu, Batangas. A bit off after Tagaytay City you will pass by a junction and a few minutes later the Evercrest golf course, which is the jump-off point.  Nearby this place is the Don Bosco Spiritual Center, a retreat house run by the Salesians. We stopped by and took pictures at the Caleruega Church, a famous church venue for weddings. A church seated at the top of a hill with a fantastic and panoramic view of greenery hills in all directions.

Me & Nix at Caleruega

At one of the reception halls of Caleruega

This is my second experience in mountain trekking, Mt. Batulao in Nasugbu, Batangas. I do not exactly have any training in mountain climbing so good luck na lang sa akin. My first climb is Mt. Makulot also in Batangas in the town of Cuenca. Like Mt. Maculot you will also fulfill your visual senses with the view of the Taal Lake, Taal Volcano, the Batangas province, the South China Sea and the surrounding mountains of Talamitam and Pico de Loro.

Start of the long walk

 Time out for fresh buko juice

Batulao trails are exposed with no protective covering

From the jump off point at Evercrest Golf Course, we started walking and hiking for hours like there was no end to it. We passed by some houses and quenched our thirst with fresh buko juice in one of the houses. Batulao trails are exposed that we have to wear protective clothing. Water sources are not available so there is a need to bring water. We took the old trail going to the summit.  We reached the first campsite at the lower slope of Mt. Batulao.

   

 Campsite 1

There are several campsites established. These campsites are small and are marked with flags. Some campsites have toilet within the area though most of them doesn’t have. It took us more than two hours hike from drop-off point to campsite 1.

 We had lunch at campsite 1

A view of typical campsite at Mt. Batulao from afar

Nicole at campsite 6

 View from Campsite 8

  

Taken at Campsite 9

Me at Campsite 9

The temperature in Batulao is cold like the coldness in Tagaytay. It is advisable to wear long sleeves shirt throughout the climb not because of the cold breeze alone but also because of the summer heat.  There is no tree cover throughout the climb.  There is this blending of heat and cold winds, the winds make the cogon grass dance forming beautiful waveforms across the slopes.  That is why Batulao earns the distinction of being the most spectacular of the mountains in Batangas.

The beautiful waveforms of cogon grass

The climb literally called "romancing the stone"

The summit assault started after the first campsite.  I was very careful because the climb to the summit is a very steep trail. After the 9th campsite is the stony climb. You have to somewhat crawl because of the steep parts of the trail. The climb here is literally like romancing the stone. For me, from the sixth campsite to campsite 10 (the summit) the hardest climb. You will need a lot of stamina and sturdy knees. The upper part of Batulao resembles more of Mt. Guiting Guiting with its jagged saw-toothed peaks.

The jagged saw-toothed peaks of Mt. Batulao

Our group at the summit

View at the summit of Mt. Batulao

Although the hike is only a day hike, I enjoyed the climb to the summit.  After walking forever, reaching the summit is such an achievement. I suddenly forget about what I have gone through with the “oooooh’s and aaaaaah’s”.  The view of the summit was so wonderful and rewarding. What an awesome view of green pasture and hills entertaining my eyes as far as I could see.  Thank God for the beautiful nature given to us to enjoy.

At the new trail going down

At campsite 8 going down the trail

 Trekkers call this path the "mountain blade"

Going down we took the new trail and at about 7pm we reward ourselves with food and cold drinks at the Mushroom Burger along the highway in Tagaytay.  Wow!  I have conquered another mountain this year.

Dinner at "Mushroom Burger "

See you at my next mountain trekking!!!