So when the opportunity to experience my first ever real climb in Mt. Batulao came about, I of course grabbed it with both hands. Unlike my friend who seem to have taken to hiking like second skin, I was not blessed with that kind of talent. My previous hiking experiences also (Taal, Batad and Sagada) definitely pales in comparison with this one. 

So what does a newbie need to do for preparation, days before the hike?

• For those with sedentary lifestyle, make sure to exercise especially your lower extremities at least a month before the day of the hike. If you already have an active lifestyle, you can maintain what you're doing or increase your workout.
• Pack light but make sure to pack the essentials:
• 1.5 L to 2 L of water (or if you're willing to spend money to buy water, there are stores run by the locals before and along the trail)
• Sunscreen/sunblock since your skin will get lots and lots of UV rays during this day hike. I was wearing a hat and headscarf but still I was not able to escape the effects of the scorching heat!
• First aid kit is a must. Better safe than sorry!
• FOOD: Handy and easy-to-eat trail food. Believe me, a little sugar rush can go a long way. Also, packed lunch or buy lunch beforehand if you don't want to pay for food that's a little pricier than what we can get in the urban areas. (Note: Make sure to have a good and hearty breakfast before you hike!)
• Toiletries! They're your saving grace at the end of a stinky, sweaty and dirty day. Wet wipes are a very good investment since running water is quite scarce up in the mountain.
• Plastic bags. Not just for your dirty laundry and things but also to waterproof your things in case it rains and also to put your trash along the way. Remember, leave nothing but footprints!
• Extra clothes. You don't want to go home in your hiking wear, do you?
• Comfortable and right footwear can be very important. Your feet will thank you for it. Though this one can vary depending on your feet. I've seen people up there in flip-flops, crocs, hiking shoes, sneakers and even leather shoes! It's up to you, but comfort is definitely a key factor.
• And last but not the least, a positive mindset!

I went with a big group and we drove from Alabang to Mt. Batulao by taking the SLEX Sta. Rosa exit to Tagaytay until we reached the Nasugbu arch. Just a few meters from there, you will see the Hillcrest/Evercrest Golf course entrance to your left. Go straight until you reach the jump-off point. Usually there are lots of locals milling about in this area, offering parking space and tour guide services. It took us an hour from Alabang to the jump-off point. 

You can also take the bus bound for Nasugbu-Lemery. Just make sure to tell the conductor to drop you off at Evercrest or tell them you're going to Mt. Batulao. Approximate travel time is 2-3 hours depending on the traffic. There are tricycles waiting at the entrance of Evercrest so you can either take that or walk (which is still quite a long way).

can you see the Hillcrest signage? That's where you'll take the left turn.

Is a tour guide necessary?

Yes and no. Yes if you want to help the local economy and if this is your first time and you're traveling solo. No if you're going out with a group, especially if you have expert mountaineers with you. The trail is very clear and just in case you get lost, you can always ask the other hikers or the locals manning the stores up in the mountain. There are two trails, the Old and New. Which is easier? Definitely the new one. 

So what can you expect?

Definitely lots and lots of walking and hiking under the scorching heat of the sun (rain could make it a lot trickier though). Mt. Batulao has an elevation of 811 meters above sea level (2,661 ft) with 12 peaks so you'll cross almost every rise and fall of the mountain, with the deep abyss on almost each side along the way. The wind is quite strong too up in the mountain so better prepare for that.
At the foot of the mountain, some locals are selling walking sticks for just 20 pesos apiece. It was quite helpful so assess yourself if you can survive without it. Expect a bit of foot traffic along the trail especially since this is one of the most popular day hikes near Metro Manila.






We did the New to Old trail so it started out 'easy' enough. One of the biggest challenge for me was the rappelling portion down the highest peak of the mountain. The rock face was nearing 90 degrees and rappelling down a mountain is surely very different from rappelling during wall climbing. But after taking it slow, I finally managed to reach the end of the rope. I think I caused quite a traffic because of that. Haha!

Rappeling portion

Can you see the rappeling portion near the top

That peak is where you'll experience mountain rappeling ;)

You can choose to take your lunch either in Camp 10 or in Camp 1. Both are large areas, however Camp 10 is a summit and has no trees or shade to rest under. Aside from trees, there's a 'restroom' facility, souvenir shop and small store at Camp 1. Try to rest for a few hours after lunch to escape the brunt of the midday sun and to recharge your energy. 

TIP: Don't forget to bring small bills, as you have to pay Php 20 registration fee for each trail. If you plan to only take the New trail, then you only have to pay once. 

lunch time!

the small souvenir shop. Tshirts for sale!

Going down the mountain via the Old trail was also very tricky. I was never good at descending because of my jelly legs and acrophobia. The soil was loose and the stones made it more slippery. A big thank you to the guys who helped me survive (Olly, Julius, Adrian and Chef Mon)! As well as the other newbies who made the climb more fun!

By the time we reached the foot of the mountain, we, newbies, were down on our last ounce of strength. There was a terminal of tricycles waiting after a few meters of walking but we were quite hesitant to ride it since we forgot how far we still were from the parking area. It turned out to be an unlucky move though. The 30 pesos ride would have been our saving grace if we took that ride. Oh well!

There are public restrooms offering shower and toilet use near the parking area. For 25 pesos you can have one pail of water to wash away the dirt and grime from the day hike. Toilet use can vary from 5 to 10 pesos depending on your usage (Number 1 or Number 2! Haha).

We started the ascend around 6:45 am near the parking area and reached Camp 10 summit around 10 am. The target was supposedly 9 am but since there were lots of photo ops along the way and stops due to foot traffic, we got there a bit late than the planned time. We reached Camp 6 around 12:15 pm and ate lunch a bit after that at Camp 1 since the seats at Camp 6 were already full. We started the descend around 2 PM and got back at the jump-off point by 4 PM (again, lots of photo ops stops and meryenda!). So in total, it took us less than 9 hours! Hahaha, Horrible time i know, but we don't regret it one bit, even if we said so otherwise during the course of the day. ;)

Mt. Batulao is considered a minor climb but it definitely ain't easy for a newbie like me. Would I do it again? Probably yes. Maybe after Pulag, eh?

Level of difficulty: 3 to 4 out of 10 (but that's just my rough estimate)

And what's the best way to end the day? Eat your heart out! And in our case, Tagaytay's Bulalo and crispy tawilis definitely fit the bill.

Me and my yellow cap and the rest of the newbies at Camp 10 summit

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