The Climb: Mt. Batolusong (645+/ 780+ MASL)

I just came home from my solo beach trip when I received a text from my friend, Kat, to climb Mt. Batolusong. I've always wanted to experience climbing before, but my schedule does not permit me. So when my budget and schedule are good, I readily agreed to go. 

Mt. Batolusong is my mother mountain, a term mountaineers use to describe the mountain they first climbed (if I remember it right). I wasn't prepared since it was a sudden trip. I don't have the right type of bag and shoes. I wasn't physically ready either since the last time I jogged was last month, but nothing stopped me from going. The next time I climb though, I'll try to research more about the apt equipment and attire because my running shoes almost gave up on me. Haha!

Mt. Batolusong is located in Tanay, Rizal. Our itinerary was only good for a day hike, though you can also stay overnight and set up a camp at Mapatag Plateau. It's a minor hike but for a newbie like me it was not an easy one. LOL!

We met at McDo Gateway, below the LRT station in Cubao. We took a van to Cogeo (Gate 2), and a jeep to 'Batangas'. A habal-habal ride away and we finally arrived at San Andres' Barangay Hall, our jump off point. We had two guides, since there were 11 of us and they strictly implement the 5:1 ratio. We started our trek at around 10 AM and arrived at the Duhatan Ridge around noon. We stayed there for a while to eat our lunch and take a few photos of the view around us. 

After eating, the guide offered us a choice of taking the route that will lead us directly to Kay-Ibon Falls, skipping the Mapatag Plateau. However, since we're already there and our guide reassured us that the way to the peak is relatively easy, we took our chance. It was indeed easier and less steeper than the previous one that we had.  But it was around 12:15 PM. when we left, so the heat was unbearable. There was no water source on the way up and no trees either to cover us. It was 1:15 PM. when we reached our destination and the views of Laguna, Rizal, and Quezon greeted us. Of course, we took photos of the marvelous scenery. Also, our guide was kind enough to be our group photographer. Yey!

We started our descent at around 1:40 PM, then we made our way to Kay-Ibon Falls (traverse). Don't expect too much because it's just a small waterfalls, but it's good enough for washing up. We had our socials there and invited a few mountaineers to join us, three to be exact. It was one of the best parts of the climb because I was able to learn a lot of things about my new friends. I'm glad my circle is expanding. LOL!

We left the area at around 5 PM and walked to the highway where we hailed a jeep to Cogeo. It was full, so we sat on the roof. Indeed, "toploading" is more fun in the Philippines. Haha! Upon arrival at Cogeo, we had our dinner and finally made our way back to Cubao.

Peace to the mountains. Haha!

Of blues and greens

Lunch time.

Well, hello there Mapatag Plateau, Mt. Batolusong. 

The three giant stones.

What a wonderful view!

 The ladies.

 The Mt. Batolusong team. Thanks to our guide a.k.a instant photographer.

Imitating Oble. Hehe!

So far, this climb has made me want more. It was a perfect combination of a great company, an unforgettable experience, and a scenic view. Well, who knows this might be a start of something new, right? Fingers crossed! 

Thanks for dropping by! :) 

Budget reference:

FX to Cogeo - P35

Jeep to Batangas - P40

Habal-habal to San Andres - P50/person (but locals there said they should have charged us with only P70/trip)
Reg Fee - P20
Guide - P500
*Don't forget your food and water
(Almost same amount for your trip back to Cubao)