MASL: Mountains near Manila for daring adventurers

by Karl Orit

Mt. Batulao behind a photographer ©Karl Orit (Photographed using Smena-1 Camera)

Whenever summer comes, it’s almost automatic to think of beach destinations — sea, sand, and sun. But in recent years, mountain climbing has slowly come into the summer scene. Many have fallen in love with the excitement of hiking, and this has opened up trails for more adventurers, from the seasoned outdoorsman to the beginner thrill-seekers.

There is no doubt that mountain climbing is something people shouldn’t take for granted. It takes more than just a healthy body in order to surpass a mountain’s challenge to anyone who dares to reach its peak. It requires the will to go on and on even in the face of obstacles, and the courage to face one’s limitations and conquer it.

But to those who have experienced muscle-eating cramps, joint cracking pains, and lungs burning, all of these setbacks fizzle out once the view from the top is revealed — wider horizons, towns and cities below, a better perspective of the natural wonders of the mountain, and a deep sense of accomplishment.

It doesn’t take much to plan out on a trip to the mountains, especially if it’s just a day-hike, which only requires a good pair of shoes (good enough to take on rough trails), a day pack that can hold at least a liter of water, trail food, packed lunch, and fresh clothes. Environmental fees don’t take much of the budget, either. All you need to think about is how much are you going to spend for transportation and mountain guides (which you can share the fee if you are traveling in a group).

Meters above sea level (MASL) is the set of numbers that one needs to keep in mind when planning to hike. Before the rainy season takes over, try one of these mountain destinations near Metro Manila and come home the same day to share your adventures.

 

Taal Volcano (Talisay, Batangas, 311 MASL)

 

This may be one of the most familiar sites to see whenever one visits Tagaytay to break the heat of summer. Why only take a look on it when you can be in it? It only takes one boat ride across Taal Lake and 45-minute trek to reach the peak of the world’s smallest active volcano. And from it, hikers can seethe out surrounding mountains like Mt. Batulao, Mt. Maculot, Mt. Malipunyo, and Mt. Makiling. Climbing down to Taal Volcano’s crater lake and taking a dip into its mildly sulfuric water is one of the highlights of this trip. One fascinating fact about this natural wonder is that the volcano is on an island within a lake, and there is another island within the volcano’s crater lake – one may call it island-ception.

 

Cost Breakdown:

Bus going to Tagaytay (rotunda): Php 174/each (roundtrip)

Boat ride from Tagaytay: Php 1500/5 pax (roundtrip)

Boat landing: Php 50/shared

Guide fee: Php 400/shared

Taal Volcano entrance fee: Php 50/each

Food cost depends on what trail food, drink, and packed lunch you buy before the trip++

Optional side trips not yet included+++

 

Total cost for each person (group of 5): Php 614+

 

Pinagbanderahan (Quezon National Forest Park, 366 MASL)

 

Situated along Sierra Madre Mountain Range, this mountain destination in Atimonan, Quezon can be accessed through a scenic zigzag road – fondly called by locals as “eme” or “M” because of the sharp turns that goes up, or down, drawing – that runs through Quezon National Forest Park. It takes about 1-2 hours climb up its peak depending on your speed. Its name literally translates to “where the flag was hoisted” referring to its role as a beacon during the Philippine Revolution. The peak offers a view of Mt. Banahaw from the west, the islands of Mariduque and Mindoro from the South, and the shorelines of Padre Burgos just a few clicks away from the jump-off point. Side trips to these beaches or Bantakay Falls and caves which are still part of the forest park may be done right after this short hike.

 

Cost Breakdown:

Bus going to Lucena Grand Terminal: Php 430/each (rountrip)

Bus from Lucena Grand Terminal to Pinagbanderahan jump-off: Php 60/each (roundtrip)

Guide fee: Php 300/shared (optional)

Food cost depends on what trail food, drink, and packed lunch you buy before the trip++

Optional side trips not yet included+++

 

Total cost for each person (group of 5): Php 550+

 

 

Gulugod Baboy (Anilao, Mabini, Batangas, 525 MASL)

 

Anilao is not only known for its great diving spots. Apparently, hikers also come here to go for a climb and gaze at the beaches from up top. The climb usually starts at Philpan Dive Resort working through a dirt road used by the local to transport their goods from uphill. The trek may take 1 and a half to 2 hours depending on your speed. Taking pictures along the foot trail take most of the time which is not really a concern; it is actually encouraged for everyone to enjoy the scenic views of Batangas Bay that peeks through the lush vegetation of the mountain. Once the trail opens up to a clearing, climbers get a 360 degree view of Batangas and Balayan Bays along with nearby islands such as Verde, Sombrero, and Marican islands – a side trip option once you get down from the mountain.

 

Cost Breakdown:

Bus going to Bauan Diversion: Php 280/each (rountrip)

Jeepney from Bauan Diversion to Mabini: Php 60/each (roundtrip)

Tricycle from Mabini to Philpan Resort jump-off: Php 200/5 pax (roundtrip)

Registration fee: Php 30/each

Food cost depends on what trail food, drink, and packed lunch you buy before the trip++

Optional side trips not yet included+++

 

Total cost for each person (group of 5): Php 390+

 

Mt. Talamitam (Nasugbu, Batangas, 630 MASL)

 

Considered as the “younger sister” of the nearby Mt. Batulao, Mt. Talamitam bears almost the same terrain to its “bigger sister” (more of it later). Relatively, it is an easy trek and is very fit for novice climbers as it offers a trail with gradual ascent in most parts. The real challenge though comes during the 100 meters before the peak as it poses a 60-degree trail to reach the peak. The view at the summit offers a view of the other surrounding mountains in the provinces of Batangas and Cavite, with Mt. Batulao from the southeast, Pico de Loro and Mt. Marami from the west, Mt. Makiling partially shadowed by Tagaytay, and Lubang Islands from the Southwest.

 

Cost Breakdown:

Bus going to Km. 83 Sitio Bayabasan, Nasugbu, Batangas jump-off: Php 240/each (rountrip)

Registration fee: Php 20/each

Guide fee: Php 300/5 pax (required)

Food cost depends on what trail food, drink, and packed lunch you buy before the trip++

 

Total cost for each person (group of 5): Php 320+

 

Pico de Loro (Maragondon, Cavite, 664 MASL)

 

Literally translates as “Parrot’s Peak”, Cavite’s highest point offers a challenging trail covered with trees and sections with at least 60-degree ascent. One of the highlight of the climb is the towering rock formation just beside the summit. Climbers can scramble through the rockies and take a picture with the iconic peak. The view from the top offers a majestic view of Nasugbu beaches, especially during sunsets. After a sharp four-hour climb, the rewards are definitely all worth it. Traversing down to Nasugbu trail could be an option for those who are up for some summit to sea adventures.

 

Cost Breakdown:

Bus going to Ternate terminal: Php 164/each (rountrip)

Tricycle from Ternate Terminal to DENR trailhead: Php 500/5 pax (roundtrip)

Registration fee: Php 25/each

Guides are not readily available (optional) but the group may prepare Php 300-400 if wanted++

Food cost depends on what trail food, drink, and packed lunch you buy before the trip++

Optional side trips not yet included+++

 

Total cost for each person (group of 5): Php 289+

 

 

Mt. Dadguldul (San Juan, Batangas, 672 MASL)

This coastal mountain in southern Batangas offers a beach trail at the start of the trek, a scenic spot where the mountain literally meets sea. The trail is moderate in difficulty which includes sections slightly covered with trees and there are some totally forested. The peak may not be as open as the other mountains offering a wide view of the horizon below, but being a coastal mountain, the summit gives every climber a refreshing feel of the breeze coming from the sea. A side trip to Naambon Falls, a 25-meter cascading beauty, can be done on the way back, just a mere 5-minute walk from its trail marker. And after the hike, climbers can have the option of taking a dip at the famed Laiya beaches of Batangas.

 

Cost Breakdown:

Bus going to Lipa: Php 260/each (rountrip)

Jeepney from Lipa to San Juan: Php 100/each (roundtrip)

Registration fee: Php 35/each

Guide fee: Php 350/shared

Food cost depends on what trail food, drink, and packed lunch you buy before the trip++

Optional side trips not yet included+++

 

Total cost for each person (group of 5): Php 465+

 

 

Mt. Batulao (Nasugbu, Batangas, 811 MASL)

 

This is one of the most favorite day hike destinations for climbers who want to up their level a bit on becoming a more experienced mountaineer. It offers challenging slopes where climbers need to climb up and down through the trail to get to the peak, not to mention the high winds battering the mountain sides which give some climbers a bit of a scare because of its gustiness. On hot and dry days, the sun’s rays could singe through the skin. But the beauty of the mountain still attracts a lot of climbers nonetheless. The rolling slopes of Mt. Batulao doesn’t only pose challenges to climbers, but also the chance to get a scenic photo with every peak there is. Going through the old trail and exiting through the new trail is highly recommended to those who want to experience the mountains real beauty.

 

Cost Breakdown:

Bus going to Evercrest, Nasugbu, Batangas jump-off: Php 208/each (rountrip)

Registration fee: Php 20/each per trail (Old to New trail traverse costs Php 40)

Guide fee: Php 300/shared (optional)

Food cost depends on what trail food, drink, and packed lunch you buy before the trip++

 

Total cost for each person (group of 5): Php 308+

 

 

Mt. Maculot (Cuenca, Batangas, 930 MASL)

 

The mountain got its name from the people who used to lived there – Maculot translates to “curly” in English refers to the aeta tribe who has distinctively kinky hair, short stance, and dark skin. But because of modernization and livelihood opportunities, they are now living in the lowlands and left the mountain for good. Mt. Maculot has been famous because of its unique feature – a section of the mountain called the “Rockies” stand beside Taal Lake at 706 MASL. It gives a more picturesque view of the Taal Volcano and the lake itself which has drawn more climbers to the Rockies itself compare to its summit. But you can squeeze in the Rockies, summit, and grotto in a day hike traverse. A bit of heads up though, the trail challenges climbers to at least 50 degrees ascent almost all throughout the climb. But nothing to worry about the descent, it’s just like a roll-down in the park.

 

Cost Breakdown:

Bus going to Lemery: Php 300-320/each (rountrip)

Jeepney from Lemery  to Cuenca: Php 56/each (roundtrip)

Registration fee: Php 10/each

Guide fee: Php 300/shared (optional)

Food cost depends on what trail food, drink, and packed lunch you buy before the trip++

 

Total cost for each person (group of 5): Php 446+

 

 

Mt. Makiling (via Sto. Tomas, Batangas, 1090 MASL)

 

 

Climbing up the south face of the legendary Mt. Makiling, commonly known to mounataineers as MakTrav (Makiling Traverse) is much more challenging than going through the UPLB trail, but offers one of the most exciting nature trip there is, if you’re planning for a short adventure out of the Metro. Makiling is heavily forested and greets every climber with a variety of lush green trees and plants along the trail. Compare to abovementioned trips, MakTrav is considered a major climb not just because of its height, but also of its challenging trails with sections going through a steep cliff while trying not to lose your footing – not to mention 3 roped segments to climb. Be cautious of “limatik” (leeches) along the trail as they silently stick to your skin and feed. They are not really harmful, but you may want to cover up just to be sure nothing slithers through your clothing.

 

Cost Breakdown:

Bus going to Sto. Tomas Km. 64: Php 87/each

Tricycle from Km. 64 to jump-off: Php 70/shared

Guide fee: Php 350/shared (optional)

Tricycle to UPLB exit point: 50/shared

UPLB to Calamba: Php 22/each

Calamba to Manila: Php 84/each

Food cost depends on what trail food, drink, and packed lunch you buy before the trip++

 

Total cost for each person (group of 5): Php 287+

 

 

Now before you go on your adventure, always remember the creed every mountaineer keeps in mind, “Take nothing but pictures, kill nothing but time, leave nothing but footprints”, which can be all summed up to a “Leave No Trace” principle. And on that note let me leave you with a quote by T.S. Eliot:

“Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far they can go.”