Exploring Mt. Maculot

I just joined another event the Mt. Maculot Traverse located in Cuenca, Batangas City. Just a quick overview of Maculot, it has 3 parts the "Rockies", "Summit" and "'Grotto".

Our group arrive at 0500 in jump off area. We just start to prepare for the trek, had breakfast and since most of us in the group didn't bring flashlight. we waited till dawn.

Finally, 0600 the sun starts to shine! its about time to start the trek..

After an hour of trek, we arrive at the part where

 the captivating view of Taal lake is visible. 

There is a small store there selling refreshments.

 They are selling buko juice for (php 20). 

Once you've reached this point you are half way to go before you reach "The Rockies" 

I honestly had a hard time reaching the first point. I almost decided not to finish the traverse, once I got to the Rockies i'll just head back to the jump off point and take a rest to the Van.

The Rockies

Finally, after hours of trekking I've finally reached the first point of Mt. Maculot. I was amaze with the beautiful scenery of Taal lake and the rock formations. 

the view was covered with fog that day. Our group waited for the clearing so we can take a photo shoot on the rock formation with the view of Taal, to no avail 

We just then decided to go and continue, next stop.. The Summit

"Up...Up.. We go to the Summit"

Group photo taken at the summit 

 View is still covered with fog, but you can still see the breathtaking view

A picturesque scenery of nature 

"Grotto"

Last stop on our Mt. Maculot journey, after descending from the summit, there is a short trek going to the Grotto. 

We've finally reached our last stop, we just take a quick rest enjoy the view of Batangas port, and other mountains surround Mt. Maculot. 

Descending from Grotto is much more easier, they've already created stairs and each of the stairs has a stop of 14 stations (Station of the Cross) 

During holy week, those (Namamanata / nagpipenetensya) is climbing Grotto 

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Yey! Finally, we head back to the store near the jump off point and clean-up, one of our groupmate mention that they sell the best tasting lomi. We tried and ordered one. 

Php.50 Best buy! 

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Last photo before heading back to Manila 

Conquering Mt. Batulao

                                                          Mt. Batulao in Nasugbu, Batangas

When was the last time you do something for the first time?

I am just an ordinary urban girl working in a BPO company. Suddenly got bored in life and want to know what life has to offer. I then, joined a hiking event. The first ever mountain I conquer. Since its my first time to climb I didn't know anything about hiking / mountaineering and stuff, like what to wear, what to bring, etc.,

I even wear a cotton shirt, a sweat pants and a sneakers!

Imagine, I conquer my first Mountain wearing those?


For those who wants to try and explore the mountains. Don't ever try to wear those! haha





Here are the advisable attire that you can use.

1. Drifit  Shirt
2. Sleeves
3. Hiking Shoe or Hiking Sandals
4. Hiking Bag, (choose a bag that you will be comfortable, not too big! but can accommodate all things that you need to bring)

Reaching the peak, you can see the beautiful view of the nearby towns. A breath taking scenery of nature. The only thing that cross my mind is, Its all worth it! the pain, the exhaustion, the fears while ascending a top the peak.

It was a very unforgettable thing I've done for the first time! I survived my first hike. I conquer Mt. Batulao in Nasugbu Batangas.






How to get there?

From Coastal mall, just ride a bus bound to Nasugbu then ask to drop you at Evercrest Mountain Resort (the fare is around Php.99)

Itinerary:

0400 - ETD from Coastal Mall
0700 - ETA to Evercrest
0715 - Start trek
0900 - Arrival at Camp 1 (registration)
1100 - Arrival at the Summit (Lunch, Photo ops)
1200 - Start Descend
0130 - Arrival to new trail (Registration)
0300 - Arrival to Evercrest
0330 - Clean up at the nearby sari - sari store in front of Evercrest
0400 - Take a quick meal at the nearby sari - sari store in front of Evercrest
0500 - Take a bus outside evercrest bound for Lawton / Pasay
0800 - ETA to Manila

(Number of hours you spend depends on your pacing)


What to bring?

Personally, I bring the following with me.

1.5 litters of Water
Extra Clothes
Packed Lunch
Trail food (Jelly, chocolates)

I strongly suggest the you bring hiking gloves and use hiking shoes  (because the trail is dusty)