Mt. Batulao | Travel Alone @ Camp 10

   Date : April 5, 2015 | Author : Jeric Par Esplana | Category : Travel Blog

Mt. Batulao

Mt. Batulao is located in Nasugbo, Batangas and the jump-off area is in Evercrest Golf Course. It is one of the best mountain in Luzon with a very unique and remarkable landscapes. The trail is mostly grassland that made it very exposed to sun. This mountain will you two types of experience, Rainy season that will put you in a muddy situation but in a very cold temperature just like in Tagaytay. The other one is Dry Season (sunny) that you will feel the same hotness and humid temperature just like in a Desert. Mt. Batulao is very interesting destination that provides an element of hot and cold scenario because of its exposed grassland trail. 

How to get there: Ride a Bus in Alabang going to Nasugbo, Batangas, fare is Php 200.00 per head and will take an approximately 2 1/2 hours travel time. You will see the huge signage of Evercrest Golf Course in the right side of the road. Once you're there, you can actually walk going to the jump-off area or a tricycle ride for Php 20.00 per head (max. of 5 persons).

Back to my story, it was actually a group hike dated April 4, 2015 but my friends wasn't able to attend despite of confirming in this event. There's a problem with the schedules so our planned trip ended to be cancelled. I still wanted to continue this trip on my own so I decided to still push this event. I woke up exactly 7 AA and left around 8 AM. I encountered a (mis)adventure just like what happened to a specific blogger I read. I rode on a wrong bus (Jam Liner Bus) in Cubao going to Lemery, its route is not similar to the route of Alabang/Coastal Buses. It happened that I need to ride another van going to Nasugbo and another Jeepney just to make it to Evercrest Golf course. Since I'm alone don't know what to expect, I rode a tricycle going to the jump-off area and paid Php 100.00 for a special trip.

Scenic View Afar

The locals here is not mandating the tourists to have a tour guide but there are children that will offer you a guide service (Php 300.00). But it's really advisable to hire a guide if you will visit the place alone especially if you're a woman, it is for your own good and safety. There is a Php 30.00 registration fee per head. It was 2:30 PM when I arrived in the jump-off area of Mt. Batulao. The weather was not that good because it was actually a rainy season during that time. I already expected to have a very exciting and thrilling experience throughout the trail. 

Peak 1

You'll be advised by the local people that there were scattered rocks with label (Peak 1- 10) that will guide you towards the right pathway to summit. It's also their way to tell you whether you're still far from it or almost near to it. In my experience. I just saw 5 rocks with label (1,3,4,6,10) throughout the trail, some of it might faded already or hiding in cluster of tall bushes. 

Peak 6

The trail is definitely not misleading because the terrain is just surrounded by grasses only. It's very much recommended for beginner since Mt. Batulao is a minor climb only. You'll enjoy the rolling slopes of this mountain with the beautiful view afar. It was still hardcore experience for me because the trail was in a muddy situation and it's somewhat breath-taking hike. 

Going to Peak 10

Before you reach the peak, you will need to use this rope in order to surpass this steep part of the trail. Better to climb here on a weekday basis to escape the crowd. The scenario in this part of the trail if there's many climber will turned out to be time consuming because you'll wait for the others to ascend and descend.

Peak 10

Camp 10 means you're now in the summit of Mt. Batulao. Its peak is not so spacious that can handle many climbers. It's not recommended for tent pitching because of the rocky surface and very windy aspect. You'll see the 360 views of Nasugbo and its nearby town. It's just sad that some of the climbers aren't that disciplined in terms of Leave No Trace Policy. It's not mandatory but as a hiker, the mountain isn't yours that you can write anything (just like in this photo) or do something that will destroy the place.

Rolling Slope

The perfect view of rolling slopes from the vantage point of Mt. Batulao. It's really one of a kind and a must try experience. It might be a breath-taking experience but once you reach the summit, you will be given a chance to see this rewarding views and you'll also realized that it's all worth it.

Travel | JePar

--Reminder--

As a Travel Blogger, I am sharing all my experiences, guides and the expenses in every trip I have been so that you can also experience this trip to specific place with your friends or family. Be responsible enough by: following the rules and regulations of the place, learn to protect and maintain its genuine beauty, be nice and respectful to local people, observe cleanliness, leave no trace.

--Itinerary--

0800 - ETD Manila via Public Vehicle

1030 - ETA Nasugbo, Batangas
1040 - Jump-off Area
1045 - Breakfast
1100 - Rest
1130 - Start Trek
1230 - ETA Summit
1235 - Picture, Rest, Etc
1400 - Descend via Same Route
1500 - ETA Jump-off Area
1535 - ETA Evercrest (just by walking)
1800 - ETA Manila (w/ delays) 

--Budget--
Note: Rates are subject to change without prior notice

VEHICLE	FROM	TO	FARE	TIMEFRAME
Bus	Alabang	Nasugbo,Batangas	Php 200.00	2 ½ hours
Tricycle	Evercrest Golf Course	Mt. Batulao	Php 20.00	10 min

Tour Guide/not required	Php 300.00
Registration Fee	Php 30.00
ESTIMATED EXPENSES	Php 500.00/head

Registration fee as of this year 2016 from different people :

Php 30.00 + Php 20.00 + Php 10.00 + Php 30.00 = Php 90.00 per head