Hiking Mt. Batulao

Located in Nasugbu in the province of Batangas, Mt. Batulao is famous for its rolling slopes and scenic views of Batangas and parts of the city of Tagaytay. It stands 811 meters above sea level.

Mt. Batulao

Mt. Batulao details

Height: 811 m
Trailhead: Evercrest Golf Course, Nasugbu Batangas
Climb Time: 2-3 hours to the peak

Mt. Batulao - Nasugbu, Batangas

Mt. Bataluo is popular among first-time mountaineers because of its straightforward trail. Moreover, its easy accessibility makes it a good choice for a first-time hiker. Because of this popularity, the mountain receives hundreds of visitors every week. This popularity has its own pros and cons though. One positive thing about having numerous hikers is that it gives livelihood to the locals living near the mountain. However, these positive things also lead to several negative consequences.

Mt. Batulao from a distance

Is that poop in the middle of the path?

Some of the negative effects of Mt. Batulao's popularity could already be felt today. Like the following:

1. Human traffic prolongs the usual 2-hour hike.
2. Too much human activity erodes the trails and makes it more dangerous.
3. Uneducated hikers leave too much trash on the mountain.
4. Uneducated hikers vandalize some of the large rocks along the trail, ruining the mountain's natural beauty.
5. Refreshment stores were built along the trail even on the peak again ruining the natural beauty of the mountain

Although Mt. Batulao remains attractive and picturesque today, these negative effects would surely take their toll tomorrow.

A few more peaks before the main peak

My friends and I experienced most of these during our recent hike up Mt. Batulao. Although we faced time because of human traffic and dangerously eroded pathways, the beauty of the mountain and its surroundings still overshadow those negativities. What's great about Mt. Batulao is the open trails where one can have a beautiful 360-degree view of the mountain's surroundings. Moreover, the open trails also allow the cool breeze to pass through and reinvigorate hikers. 

You could see the peak in this area.

Mt. Batulao Peak 1

Every turn is picture perfect!

Is that the peak?

Mt. Batulao Peak 6

Just follow the path

Can you spot the store?

Despite the heat the cool breeze kept us going

Almost there!

We also had fun doing some wacky shots

Mt. Batulao summit reached!

Some hikers going down the mountain from a distance

Beautiful view from the peak of Mt. Batulao

Going down Mt. Batulao!

On the contrary, these same open trails also bring challenges to hikers because, during summer, the heat of the sun would sometimes be intolerable especially during noon. The trails then get muddy during the rainy seasons. In addition, the trail could also get very dusty if it's windy.

The Backpack Adventures on Mt. Batulao

Overall, Mt. Batulao is a great place to bring your friends in order for you to interest them in mountaineering. Always keep in mind that even if it's an easy hike, precautions should still be taken seriously. Safety is and always should be your primary priority.

Why hike Mt. Batulao?

Mt. Batulao is probably the most famous if not one of the most scenic mountains in Batangas. Its close proximity to Manila makes it a perfect choice for a day hike.  

Getting to Mt. Batulao:

From Coastal Mall/ PITX, Ride a bus going to Nasugbu. Tell the conductor to drop you off at the gate of Evercrest Golf Course which is just a few kilometers away from the Nasugbu arc. From there ride a tricycle to bring you to the jump-off point.

Mt. Batulao Itinerary:

6:30AM - Departure from Coastal Mall
9:30AM - Board down at Evercrest Gate and ride a trike
9:50AM- Arrival at the jump-off point and registration
10:00AM - Begin the hike 
10:20AM - Tollgate 1 (P30 pax)
10:30AM - Tollgate 2 (P30 pax)
11:00AM - Tollgate 3 at peak 8 (follow the new route to skip two more toll gates) 
12:00NN - Arrival at Mt. Batulao's peak/ Lunch
1:00PM - Descent
2:30PM - Arrival at jump-off point (wash up)

Option 1:

3:00PM - Departure to Manila

Option 2:

 
3:00PM - Head to the nearby Caleruega to visit the Chapel of the Hill
4:30PM - Departure to Manila

Option 3: 

3:00PM - Head to Tagaytay City
4:00PM - Arrival at city proper (eat snacks/ early dinner/ coffee)
6:00PM - Departure to Manila

Option 4:

Overnight at Tagaytay City

Ratings:

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