Hiking Mt. Talamitam

Our mountaineering adventure today takes us back to Nasugbu in the province of Batangas. After conquering Mt. Batulao a few weeks back, we're back to the province to conquer its sister mountain - Mt. Talamitam.

Mt. Talamitam

Mt. Talamitam Details:

According to our guide, Mt. Talamitam got its name from the talamitam trees that once grew at its slopes. Sadly,  these trees were cut down long ago leaving the mountain bald as it is today. Although there are plans to rehabilitate the peak, it still remains a plan to this day.

 

Registration area at Barangay Kayrilaw, Nasugbu Batangas

Start hike

Bye cemented road!

That's Mt. Talamitam as seen from a distance

Mt. Talamitam stands 630 meters above sea level (MASL) and is considered a minor climb. This made the mountain a favorite hiking destination of many, particularly beginners and weekend hikers. However, the mountain was closed for a few months in 2018 until early 2019 due to jurisdiction issues. It was reopened in February 2019 and in line with this was the closure of the jump-off point in Sitio Bayabasin in Barangay Aga also known as Kilometer 83. The new jumpoff point is now in Barangay Kayrilaw also known as Kilometer 82 (although this has been already used as a jumpoff point by some before). 

Trekking through the small banana plantation

Finally Station 1

Time for some rest

Back on the trail

Well, look at that! A buko juice store in the middle of the trail.

Using the new jumpoff point, the hike starts at the registration area near Kayrilaw Elementary School. A registration fee of P20 and an environmental fee of P20 will be charged per head before you're allowed to continue your hike. You will also be required to avail of the services of a local guide (please take note of the word required). The guide fee is P500. The condition is, it should be one guide per 6 people. 

We're near Mt. Talamitam

Water break guys!

From the registration area, the hike actually begins 200 meters away at the end of the cemented pathway. From there, hikers would follow what is mostly a forested path for about an hour until they reach the clearing which looks like the Marlboro Hills of Batanes. For me, this area is one of the most picturesque areas of the mountain. It is also the best place to see the unobstructed view of the mountain. 

There you are Mt. Talamitam!

Some hikers taking a rest before assaulting the mountain

Groupie!

Look at that view!

Time to go up the peak!

There are several photo-perfect spots along the trail up the peak

Yup! I didn't miss out on that opportunity.

It takes another 30-40 minutes to reach the summit from here. However, unlike before where you have to do the 60-degree assault on open ground up the mountain, hikers now follow a path that zigzags up the mountain and which sides are relatively covered with tall cogon grass. Although the old 60-degree trail is usable and some use it during their descent. 

Our guide telling us we're near the peak.

Finally! Mt. Talamitam summit reached!

We didn't miss the opportunity to take that groupie photo with the signage

We shared the peak with dozens of other hikers...

... and the image of Mama Mary

Upon reaching the summit of Mt. Talamitam, hikers will be rewarded with a panoramic view of Nasugbu and its neighboring towns. It is also a great spot to view Mt. Batulao. After enjoying the view and completing your selfie quota, you can buy some refreshments at the store on the peak (yes you read that right). This store also provides the only shade on the peak, well that is if you did not bring an umbrella with you.

We had lunch before we descended Mt. Talamitam...

If you feel the urge to take a shower after the hike, you may inquire at the registration area about the best place to do it. They will usually direct you to a house that offers these for a fee of P20- P50. 

The Backpack Adventures conquers Mt. Talamitam

Additional notes:

Since Mt. Talamitam can be hiked in half a day, it is possible to partner it with the nearby Mt. Batulao for what is dubbed as the Twin Dayhike. Another mountain that can be partnered with Mt. Talamitam is Mt. Apayang. 

Mt. Talamitam Itinerary:

4AM - Ride a bus to Nasugbu from Coastal Mall Terminal or PITX (P120 -150)
6:30AM - ETA KM 82, walk to the nearby trike terminal and ride a trike to the registration area (P100 for 3 people)
7AM - ETA registration area at Brgy. Kayrilaw (P40 registration fee + environmental fee) + (P500 for guide)
7:10AM - Start of the hike
9/10AM - Arrival at the summit
11AM - Descent
12NN - Lunch at one of the stores along the path or at a place with good shade.
2PM - ETA registration area
3PM - Rest and shower
4PM - Trike back to KM82 (P100 per 3 people)
7PM - ETA Manila

Why hike Mt. Talamitam?

Mt. Talamitam is one of the must-hike mountains in Nasugbu, Batangas. It's a perfect day hike destination and has a relatively straightforward trail. Aside from that, if you're a newbie, Mt. Talamitam is a good choice to be your first hike. 

Getting to Mt. Talamitam:

From Coastal Mall Terminal or PITX, ride a bus going to Nasugbu, Batangas. Tell the conductor to drop you off at KM82. Once there, walk a few meters to the tricycle terminal and board a trike to the registration area near Kayrilaw Elementary School. 

Register and continue on with your hike.

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