Kris Crismundo
There is only one mountain that I keep coming back — Mt. Batulao in Nasugbu, Batangas.
Trekking has been my regular activity for over a year now. And when I’m scheduling another climb, I make sure to try mountains I haven’t climbed. But whenever I don’t feel like researching where to go, what to ride, and I’m not in the mood to write down our itinerary, I’ll be climbing Mt. Batulao. That mountain is like my comfort zone.
A first serious climb
As I recall, the very first time I saw Mt. Batulao was during our parish church’s retreat at the Don Bosco Batulao retreat house. Since then, I have been fascinated with that mountain. A staff from the retreat house shared that the name Batulao came from words “batong dilaw” (bato-law to Batulao) [rough translation: yellow rocks], as the mountain turns yellow (as yellow as gold) every sunrise.
Let’s start to trek!
Mt. Batulao in Nasugbu, Batangas
In my second encounter with Mt. Batulao, I was not there to seriously trek but only to shoot some scenes for our independent film Paglipad [youtube link]. I trekked the mountain in my long skirt and slippers, and I was able to run in narrow trails of Mt. Batulao, since the director told me to do so. After that trek (or filming, rather), I read that Mt. Batualo is one of those dangerous mountains to hike because of its narrow trails — still, I managed to run.
Emoting at Peak
We only climbed to Peak 8 of the new trail since we were done with all our shots. But since then, I promised myself to go back and seriously experience trekking Mt. Batualo and reach the summit.
But I never had the time, then. I haven’t found anyone to go with for my second experience at Mt. Batulao.
But early last year, the perfect time came when a friend was on vacation and wanted to try some adventure during his short stay here. So, we decided to go to Mt. Batulao — the first mountain I seriously climbed.
This narrow trail to the summit
From my Facebook album last year, I described the journey as: Everything is worthwhile and breathtaking — the cold wind caressing your face; the scenic Taal Volcano which made my heart jumped and put a child-like smile on my lips; the sweat; the decision to take risks; the feeling of reaching the summit; the fear that I might fall; the experience of “romancing the stone”; the sincere greetings of other hikers; the kind natives; and the buko juice and halo-halo on our way up to the summit.
Running in Batulao Trails
Before 2014 ended, another friend asked me if she would love to join our trekking activities. So, I recommended to our group that we hike Mt. Batulao, for the newbie to fall in love with the experience of climbing mountains. And Mt. Batualo never failed our expectations.
Photo opp before our assault to the summit
Do you know why I love climbing this mountain?
First, it’s very accessible. It’s just a two-hour trip from Manila. Just ride a bus heading to Nasugbu, Batangas, and get off at Evercrest. This will be your jump-off point to Mt. Batulao.
My friend here enjoys the short adventure of rock climbing
Second, it’s easy to climb with a difficulty level of three out of nine. Though easy, you can still experience some adventurous parts like short rock climbing and “romancing the stone”, where you should hug the rocks when walking, so you don’t fall from the mountain. Exciting!
Dream come true! My first time at Mt. Batulao Summit!
Third (and the most important to me) is its breathtaking scenery.
Love on top with friends
And fourth, the bulalo side trip! I always head to Mahogany Market to eat bulalo, beef caldereta, and tawilis!
Reward yourself with bulalo, caldereta, and tawilis
I would always recommend Mt. Batulao to those trekking for the first time.
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Read: 5 of the Best Day Hikes in Luzon
