Mount Batulao Climb

I used to frequent Nasugbu, Batangas in 2011 because of work assignment. In my more than a year of this routine, I never had the chance to climb the stunning Mt. Batulao. Back then I'm always fascinated by its beauty. I haven't seen yet its "bato sa ilaw" phenomenon, the origin of its name, but its famous jagged peak was already etched  in my mind.

The goal is to reach this. (From the summit)

Fast-forward to 2015, I can't believe I'd be going back to Nasugbu, Batangas to climb the mountain closest to me. I'm not a mountaineer so it's a perfect first climb. Difficulty level is only three for the new trail.

Contacted my previous workmates and I was referred to Mr. Ricardo Pega (cellphone number: 0930 300 6753). Once in Batulao, we went straight to Evercrest and Chapel on the Hill, near the foot of the mountain and were endorsed to Kuya Edwin (cellphone number: 0936 113 7238), our guide. Tour fee was Php 400.

Preparation to Batulao

Rewind first to the prep stage. Mountaineers, just like runners, would usually prepare for a climb. And as a non-pro, we had to increase our stamina level so had zumba and badminton during the week before the weekend climb. In hindsight, I think it helped a lot.

For the things to bring, we made sure we had not to many except the ff:

• Cap or sun visor
• Face towel
• Bottle of water
• Clothes and little toiletries for changing (but left these in the car)
• Sachet of sunblock
• Cloth gloves (forgot this but a must for rapels)

Wore long sleeves, too and comfortable pants as an added protection from the sun and second, from possible scratches. Sandals are not advisable, too. 

The Long Pre-Climb

We started walking in the shower/ parking area. We never thought that we were around 2-30 minutes from the foot of the mountain. Only when we saw the hikers in the tricycle did we asked, but anyhow we continued the walk until we reached the registration area (for time in and out). 

The view far away from the foot of the mountain

Registration!

The road less traveled

A walks after that, the steps began to steep and the tour guide already gave us wooden sticks or staff. At this stage, we were already panting. Wheeeeew!

Ascend the Batulao (The New Trail)

When it began to steep, I kept on asking "are we there yet?" referring to the foot of the mountain. After quite a few bugs, we were there already! We had to stop in the store, to relish this first feat. Haha. Only the first of the 12 peaks or 10 camps. 

We chose the new trail because it's relatively easier. Wah!

10,000 more steps! Lezzgo!

Oh when you look back...

Good thing in some of the peaks, there were stores. In fact at the 8th peak, we had halo-halo at Php 25. Asked also for some shaved ice at Php 5 for our water. At this peak, we paid for a Php 30 registration fee. 

"One halo-halo, puhlease :) "

I need this to get to you!

The glucose from the halo-halo was really much needed. Aside from the steep and stony steps, we had to endure four rapel climb. The rope were scratching bad already and regretted not bringing cloth gloves. On the bright side, it was fun!

Rocky sides

Just keep walking!

Another good news was that we're quite near! In total, it took us 3 hours to ascend the jagged peak of Mt. Batulao.

Just before the summit :)

At the peak, it's just as stunning! What a feeling and achievement! Whoah! 

YEEEEEEEEEEEEEESSS!

On the other side's view

Priceless!

And bought sweets again too such as this Popsicle at Php 30.

Another reward :)

At this height, I realized that we're just but some tiny speck in the universe. Oh well, conducive for some deep thinking, too.

The Aftermath

Once at the top, you wouldn't like to descend but well, it's part of life. Took us 3 hours again to go down.

A good shower is a must too. Don't be like me who didn't have some good sense to bring toiletries. Lucky my friends had.

CR for a fee

After shower, a hot steaming bulalo is a must, too. Well, that's another story :)

This isn't going to be my first and last climb. I'm glad that I was able to push myself further. Another good thing to note along the climb is the genial greeting of co-climbers. Hoping that even outside, we'd have the guts to say to strangers, "Ingat po!"