MOUNTAIN GUIDE: MT. BATULAO ITINERARY, COMMUTE, CHECKLIST, SIDETRIPS AND BUDGET

G E T T I N G  T H E R E

First you should know that you are going to Mt. Batulao's jump-off which is in Evercrest Nasugbu Batangas. So from Manila, you could ride any Nasugbu bound buses like Balayan, Nasugbu and TUY. Most of the time "Kundoktor" already know you are going to Batulao just before you say it, just be sure to mention it because there's another mountain at Nasugbu, Mt. Talamitam.

From the jump-off, just walk straight ahead passing Don Bosco Church on the left, way to Caleruega on right and way to Charles Huang on your left. Once you saw cemented path to right just go straight there until you reached the rough end of the road and then continue ahead to campsite.

I would like to share this itinerary to you guys so you can have an idea how you could manage your time in your Mt. Batulao hike. Here's my proposed itinerary for day hike and night hike which I already both experienced, checklist, side trips and expenses.

I T I N E R A R Y

Day hike

500H     -    ETD Batangas Terminal at the back of Mcdo Pasay, near Sogo

700H     -    ETA Jump-off Evercrest Golf course Nasugbu Batangas

715 H    -    Start trek

 915H    -    Registration area

1130H   -    Summit; Lunch (packed lunch)

1200H   -    Rest

1500H   -    Start descent

1700H   -    ETD Nasugbu

2000H   -    ETA Manila

For me day hikes are good and I prefer this not just because I could go home and lay on my soft bed, it is much cheaper. You don't have to buy lots of food and liters of liters of waters. By the way, this proposed day hike itinerary is much convenient coz you won't have a harder trek due to too much sun exposure, heat doubles the difficulty. In fact I had a tan line from my strap because of it, I was so toasted then I haven't kept weather on my mind.

Overnight

Day 1

500H     -    ETD Batangas Terminal at the back of Mcdo Pasay, near Sogo

700H     -    ETA Jump-off Evercrest Golf course Nasugbu Batangas

715 H    -    Start trek

1015H   -    Registration/Campsite

1030H   -    Cook lunch

1100H   -    Lunch time

1200H   -    Start descent

1300H   -    Free time

1800H   -    Cook Diner

1830H   -    Eat Lunch

1900H   -    Socials

2000H   -    Lights out

Day 2

  300H   -    Wake up call/quick breakfast

  330H   -    Start trek to summit

  530H   -    Summit/ Sunrise watching

  630H   -    Start descent

  800H   -    Break camp

1000H   -    ETD Nasugbu Batangas

1300H   -    ETA Manila

The nice part about overnight camp is everybody's favorite socials, camping thrill, star gazing, huge roddents/dog/cat beside your tents, cold night and most of all....not that tired you didn't push yourself just to complete the trek in a day.

C H E C K L I S T

Attire

     Long sleves/jacket

     Bandana/cap

     Shorts/trekking pants

     Fittings

     Hikking shoes/sandals

Equipment

Individual

     Water 3L/person

     Head lamp/flashlight (even for day hikes)

     1 mess kit (plate, spoon and fork)

     Toiletries (Wet wipes, tissue, toothpaste and tooth brush)

Group

     Cook set

     Stove

     Condiments

     Tents

Meal

     Packed lunch

     Canned goods each meal (for overnights)

     Noodle/cofee (for overnights)

S I D E  T R I P S

Mahogany Market (Popular Market for fresh beef meat and pasalubongs)

Bulalo Dinning

E X P E N S E S

P260.00     Manila-Nasugbu-Manila 

P100.00     Highway to the end of the road

                  where trail starts.(optional)/per tricycle.

P  20.00     Registration

P100.00     Food and water

T O T A L  S P E N D I N G S

P380.00 more or less. Tagaytay side trip fees and pasalubongs not included.

I would like to share this itinerary to you guys para magka-idea kayo and guide sa Mt. Batulao adventure nyo, day hike or overnight.

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WHAT'S UP: UNIQUE THINGS YOU SHOULDN'T MISS AT MT. BATULAO!

For our first post for WHAT'S UP? let take a look at one of the South's mountains, lying on the hills of Nasugbu Batangas, Mt. Batulao or Batangenos' "Ala eh..Bat-oh sa ilaw", that's how they're going to pronounce that, hehe. Bato sa Ilaw or light between two rocks. Well What's in this mountain that will make you crave to visit? Not every climbers and hikers notice all of these. If you've already been here, just think if you did these. Let me tell you now.. Ready?

THINGS MISSED WHEN VISITING BATULAO

1. BATULAO ON THE ROAD

Actually before, the time I'm not into climbing, I just ignore that sharp edgy land form from afar whenever we go to Alfonso or Batangas. Not really interested what it was until we venture the said activity. The time we started that hobby, it shook my mind that it was the same mountain I was staring and most of the time ignored before. I advice you to look for this certain view before your climb, so you will have an idea how long you could finish the track esp. if this is your first time here. However, if you missed it, you could still have a glance after your climb and tell to your self with conviction" I conquered that mountain!", just make sure sun is not already resting. hehe

2. THE SUNSET

Another worth waiting for at Mt. Batulao is the sunset. Should I explain more? Aside from it's beauty, I really love how it was situated between Mt. Talamitam and this mountain which viewed from afar. Some hikers missed this beautiful opportunity.

3. BOULDERING

One thing MOST of the climbers missed to experience here is bouldering, a form of rock climbing. Actually this part can't be easily seen esp. if you are concentrated to win your goal to the summit ASAP. Next time, if you wanna try this, you could search for this two huge rocks and experience how to climb in between them. If you've been several times here, have tried this one?

4. RELIGION

Upon reaching the zenith of this mountain you will immediately notice her figure, Mama Mary. Actually, compared to other mountains I climbed, it's the only mountain who has figure of Her with lots of rosaries. Stories from locals said that it was carried by religious people from the foot of the mountain up to the summit. Several years and hiker have passed, still the Figure remains.

5. THE QUENCHER

 Another unique thing YOU SHOULDN'T miss to experienced here was this thirst quencher in the middle of the trail to summit and at the summit per se. The moment you gulp each drop of this, you will greatly appreciate simple things like this which make your day awesome! I was also amazed by people who climb everyday that very high cliff and zenith just to wait and sell for possible thirsty customers. Each Mountain Dew costs P40, not bad after 2 hours exertion. Kudos for them! So there's no way to say "NO, NEXT TIME" if it's time for everybody to go to summit.

6. JUST WEIRD THINGS

I took this photo the time we revisit Batulao last Feb. 2012. If you will ask me what's unusual with this photo, I would say the grass. No edits, no manipulation. I follow those dark marks and formed a star shaped marking. It looks like an UFO landed on that spot for me!

7. Delivery

Along the trail and campsite you can see horses coming from the jump-off. You can see them going up to the campsite for deliveries like water, food and other supplies campers might buy. You will be amazed how this horses audibly catch their breath in spite of heavy loads on their backs.

8. THE SPIKES

Batulao is also known because of it's three consecutive spines projected upward. Wherever I went to any mountain in Cavite, Batangas or Laguna, I immediately look for this spikes in every mountains my eyes could capture for it might be Batulao from a far. It is its trademark.

9. EMO DOGS

Dogs here were so cute they always project in the camera. Believe me, they know their angles, the emotions and the pose they know the photographer can benefit from them. They were like child following you, asking to take pictures of them. hahah.

Probably most of you had been to Mt. Batulao and know so many unique things I haven't mentioned. Some would say halo halo, buko juice, bottled water or even CR. However, I also see those things from other mountains so I did not include it here. After reading the post, can you ask your self? have you seen all of these? hmm.  Maybe after sometime, if we were able to revisit this mountain again, we could add some more things we shouldn't missed!

BATULAO SERIES:
- MOUNTAIN GUIDE: MT. BATULAO ITINERARY, COMMUTE, CHECKLIST, SIDETRIPS AND BUDGET
- NASUGBU, BATANGAS: BATULAO FOR BEGINNERS?

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NASUGBU, BATANGAS: BATULAO FOR BEGINNERS?

You are reading just because you are curious about the title, about Batulao or one of the people who's in this stage: first timer..beginner..novice..baby of the group. So what? No one should be ashamed of that. I know you might be at the point where you are deciding if you have to Go not to Go in this kind of hobby, mountain climbing. Yes, I was also there in that very moment before and I never regret what my decision was. If you want to be more facts, experience or you just want to laugh at me how I gone through this mountain, then read this story that would surely help and might make you laugh.

THE BEGINNER'S STORY
Since I mentioned mountain climbing is our most favorite activity in our first post, we want to share with you how it was started. One year ago, me and my bf were like the most boring person you'll ever meet. We just stayed on homes, watch TV, meet each other and date. It was like pirated CDs repeated everything over and over since we had our relationship, no excitement, no activities.

THE FEAR
Last year 2011, the history of boring couple adventures started. One of our friends invited us to experience mountain climbing activity with other newbie climber friends at Nasugbu Batangas. Mt. Batulao as our first outdoor and mountain exploration. We realized that time that such activity like trekking, hiking, camping and climbing was "kinda" but not so so meant for us. It was totally appeared risky. Of course, from a beginners eye, just look at those three spiky spikes of that mountain from the jump off that you are going to traverse! What the..??!

 This experience was so memorable, yeah like any other would say "you will never forget your first times" haha. Well from the jump-off, Evercrest golf course to campsite and up to the summit, stories and expi was never ending.

THE OUTFIT DILEMMA
First dilemma was, "what should we wear?", good thing we have our Merrel shoes which is suitable for those kind of activity, but still "I'm bothered what attire was the best"--Aime. So with no idea what essentials to bring, geared with shirt, denim capri pants and cute sling bag(hahah) for Aime and shorts Raymond we left Kaytitinga Alfonso Cavite and started our trek from there. Yeah, I know sling bag has no use, how silly.haha. Would you imagine how long we walked all the way to real jump-off? When we reached Evercrest Batangas passed 5:00pm, we were like warmed up and thought mountain could be just so near. Because of wasted time walkathon from Alfonso to Batangas, we ended up night trek and prayed no one would die from falling, be bitten by a snake or be kidnapped by a abu sayaf or rebel along 3 hours of trek to campsite. Yup 3 hours! that's the best time novice could during that long dark travel. I regret that sling bag and walkathon! haha.

UNEXPECTED PROBLEMS AROSE
Another problem encountered then was the tent. At the campsite, we were like happy because all of us, approximately 12 persons would share one single tent at night, yes I said it right 1 tent! When it was opened, gosh it was a beach tent!haha. No flooring, just a mesh to cover it's sides and roofing. Luckily, there was no rains during that night, we could probably suffered from tent floods plus freaky mountain animals that might bitten us. Second risk fired!

Next issue was water. 12 people trekked and camped but we only had 5 liters of water. That was really tough water-budget for cooking and trail water just because others thought someone would bring extras for them. Withstand third problem and it really happens even with long time climbers.

THIS IS IT! OR CAN I JUST SLEEP HERE AT THE TENT?
The most unforgettable thing was the hype of the camp, going to the summit. The first hard pat was to wake up early to catch the sunrise at the summit. Do I really have to come? Can I just stay here and wait until you come back? But what's our purpose again? Ok.

We were like puppies then when we traversed ridges, hills and trail walk in almost sitting manner, feeling of about to fall and thinking me parents will surely get mad was terrible! We just screamed on our thoughts "what the heck am I doing here!?, while I could just stay at home and relax?" All regrets of getting in that kind of trip, but we couldn't go back to the jump-off , it was so far away. So we just decided withstand and strengthen our guts to finish and conquer our fear to reach the ultimate goal. Raymond just said then, "after this, it will never happen again!"

As we get near to its highest point, we were bit by bit relieved and made believe ourselves that fear and muscle ache would be justified.

THE PRIZE!
True enough, when we reached the zenith, the 360 degree panoramic view was totally irresistible! "We are so lucky to be here!", sarcastic but true even other hikers and most experience mountaineers been to that same feeling. Won over ultimate risk that day!

From that first climb, adventures and interests especially in mountain climbing became our hobby. Our drive to explore other mountains ignited. If beginners like us did our goals to be a climber, then why shouldn't you?

We should appreciate great natural things God given us. It's not the wounds, its not the fatigue and muscle aches, it's not about the fees but the feeling to see things you never seen before, things that you really  want to share with others and inspire them. That's it!

Mountains are awesome, but mountains change. View them, see them.. Urge yourself thinking mountains now are its best that you will miss the chance of capturing it's beauty before its too late. I hope Batulao can be a breathing ground for all climbers not only for beginners.

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TOP 10 THINGS MOST BEGINNER ADVENTUROUS BUDDIES DO

Pheeew, 5 years has gone so fast and I am so happy to be with someone who really fits and enjoys my interests. It so nice to know that within those years I can say that it was totally fun yet full of challenge. I never regret the day we started our friendship and laughs together, though so many fights and hardships gone through. I always said to myself, "I can never find a person like him that would endure all my mood swings, tantrums and childish attitude for this long." Though so many stories behind our relationship, I wanna share what we've gone through the years.. Not so much compare to others but for us its worth treasure.

After looking from our USB photo chest, I listed TOP things we always wanted to do. Aside from these photos we're quite memorable, these were common activities outgoing couples were interested, here's our list:

ADVENTUROUS BUDDIES DOES:

10. BEACH BUMMING

My top 10 would be beach bumming. Of course after doing all adventures you can do for the whole day, you would look for a side trip that would definitely relax those aching muscles and sore eyes. At the end of the day, nothing can beat this one as your reward.

9. SUNRISE/ SUNSET WATCHING

 One thing we will never forget to look in any of our vacation or out of town is watching the sunrise. For us, missing sunrise is like missing one of the most important event of the day.

Sunset for us is the most powerful event that can be seen. All colors splash into the sky saying "you've done a great job today". What a rewarding scene.

8. HIKING

If you are into climbing in any kind, beach bummer or simply a tourist, you'll never missed out Hiking. Hiking is just simply walking to your destination where no mode of transportation is available. This activity is so nice you could appreciate beauty of small things you couldn't see while in your cab.

7. SIMPLY EXTRAORDINARY THING

One of our goals in life is to be extraordinary, doing things not all people do. So aside from activities mentioned above, we tried something different that would add a twist in our lives. We experienced indoor firing, knee boarding, monkey bridge cross etc. To make relationship bond stronger, engage yourselves in exciting things!

6. SPELUNKING

Another activity that I'm sure most of you do is spelunking or exploration of caves. This activity surely fits to any personality, unless you're claustrophobic, that basically adds to your ''to-do-list" in your vacation whenever possible. Nothing can beat the fright that you'll experience when all of you turned lamps off!

5. ROCK CLIMBING

Interesting activity that always been kept me surprised is rock climbing. Why? because most of it where experience in our mountain climbing adventure. Guides hide that info from us, then suddenly a vertical cute rocks stick on a wall suddenly became a ladder.

4. PHOTOGRAPHY

One of my favorite and the thing I will never forget is simply taking pictures. Nothing can beat a pile of memorable photos from thousands of souvenirs.

3. BOULDERING

 One incomparable activity is bouldering, a form of rock climbing. It's one of the most memorable thing a person can do, reaching the top of the rock or pillar and outstanding 360 degree view. (I'm on the left wearing blue..weee!)

2. TREKKING

Trekking to one of your favorite destination can really reveal how great a place can be. So many hidden stories, treasures and scenes are the best reward you could have.

1. MOUNTAIN CLIMBING

The most favorite part, mountain climbing. Nothing can beat the excitement, the joy, experience, stories and memories that you could have from the foot of the mountain all the way to the top, aside from you're with your best buddy. This experience can never be replaced.

So basically that's our top things for us, most adventurous couples do. This things may vary from couple to couple but this list is possible. However you can try our list so you can have a try what we usually do in our 5 years. Hope you enjoyed our post and maybe you can share yours with us. :)

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