Mt. Batulao, Batangas | Into the Jagged Peaks of Nasugbu

July 7, 2022September 13, 2022 Rex Lim Lim 2022, ADVENTURE, BUDGET, GUIDE, HOW TO, ITINERARY, MOUNTAIN, mountains, TRANSIT PINAS, TRAVEL GUIDE

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Mt. Batulao in Nasugbu, Batangas is a favorite hiking destination that is also good for beginners trying the sport.

In this adventure, I used the new Merrell Moab 3 to prepare for a major hike! GET IT HERE!

On my fourth hike in Mt. Batulao, my first being in 2015, a lot has changed here. Join me in this solo adventure to the top of the jagged peaks of Nasugbu!

Bato sa Ilaw

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The name Batulao came from the contraction of the tagalog phrase “Bato sa Ilaw” or “Ilaw sa Dalawang Bato”. To add, this is in reference to the annual phenomenon, particularly during the month of December, when the sun’s rays come out from between the two prominent peaks of the mountain.

Other sources tell that this is a portmanteau of the words “Bato” and “Dilaw” which refers to the color of the jagged peaks as it is illuminated by the sunrise.

Toll Fee No More?

Hiking Mt. Batulao way back in 2015, we only paid the 20php barangay fee, and the guide fee, which we hired anyway to help the locals.

But as the influx of tourists hiking the mountains steadily rose, so as the locals claimed fees at each rest stop along the new and old trail. Moreover, at some point, we paid a total of 140php as we traversed Mt. Batulao from the new to the old trail.

Fast forward to June 2022, while still nursing a slight fever (tested negative for Covid-19) I hopped on a Nasugbu-bound bus hoping to shake this thing off.

Surprisingly, there are no more hikers past three in the afternoon! So as I registered, I was asked to pay a total of 140php for the eco-fee and barangay fee. There are no more tollgates along the trail, my guide told me.

Jagged Beauty

As always, Mt. Batulao never fails to deliver, as the views are already surreal once you enter the grassland ridges. Further, this panoramic vista is partnered by the low-lying fog after a sudden afternoon downpour.

Hiking Mt. Batulao takes around 2-3 hours or even longer since every stop over rewards you with 360-degree picturesque views.

Having only a difficulty rating of 4/9, anyone can try conquering themselves in the great outdoors with Mt. Batulao as their mother mountain.

On the downside, the once small nipa huts serving as resting areas have now turned into houses up to the junction of the old and new trail. On the weekend, there’s even a tiny canteen from here up to the next rest areas serving halo-halo and rice meals.

Mt. Batulao Summit

You can either choose to ascend the so-called Peak of Deception or enter a woodland that will ensue into a steep climb at the foot of the summit. Then the final steep trail has roped segments, one should be careful with loose rocks and strong winds that may cause you to lose balance.

At the summit, a commanding view of the low-lying municipalities is now visible. To add, Batulao’s peaks are mostly rocky cliffs with the backdrops of Mt. Talamitam, as well as the Mataas na Gulod Boulders and Pico De Loro of Maragondon, Cavite.

As far as south of the mountain are the coves and beaches of Punta Fuego and Calatagan.

Descending the mountain back to the jump-off point takes around 1-2 hours depending on your pace. Hiking Mt. Batulao is always a pleasant experience, its accessibility from Manila and the rewarding view, make it one of the famous day hikes from the capital.

How to Get There

Mt. Batulao is located in Nasugbu, Batangas

From Manila, take a bus bound for Nasugbu at LRT Buendia Station. (Travel time is around 2-3 hours depending on traffic conditions, Fare: 135php/pax)
Tell the driver that you will be hiking Mt. Batulao and ask to be dropped off at KC Hillcrest Gold Club (formerly Evercrest)
Upon arrival at the gold club, transfer to a tricycle and ask them to bring you to the jump-off point of Mt. Batulao (Travel time is 15 minutes, 125php/way)

The mountain was once dubbed Mt. Ba-Toll-lao, wherein at every rest stop in the mountain, a local will ask to be paid a certain fee. As of June 2022, these fees are collected all at once in the registration area.
Rates and fees as of June 2022:
- Barangay Fee and Ecotourism Fee: 140php/pax
- Guide Fee: 500php/5pax
- Shower Fee: 25php
- Parking Fee: Motorcycle – 25php, Cars/SUV – 100php
Camping at the summit is not allowed, there is a designated camping site at the foot of the old trail.
There are two trails to choose from: the Old Trail (East) and the New Trail (West)
Signal and data reception is present all throughout the trail.
The trail can be very muddy especially after a heavy downpour
Hike on a weekday to avoid crowds, or just like what I did, I hiked Mt. Batulao on a Sunday afternoon, wherein everyone has already gone back to Manila

Sample Itinerary

Mt. Batulao Day Hike (with sidetrip at Tagaytay)

0300      ETD to Nasugbu, Batangas
0500      ETA at Evercrest Golf Club, tricycle to the jump-off point
0520      Jump-off point, register, secure guide
0545      Start trek
0800      Summit Mt. Batulao (811 MASL)
0900      Start descent
1100      Jump-off area, tidy up
1230      Lunch at Tagaytay, sidetrip
1600      ETD to Manila
1900      ETA Manila

Mt. Batulao Day Hike (Afternoon Hike)

1200      Depart from Manila
1445      Mt. Batulao jump-off point, register, secure guide
1510      Start trek
1550      Second Rest Stop (677MASL)
1610      Peak 4 (710MASL)
1630      Fifth Rest Stop (700MASL)
1645      Seventh Rest Stop (758MASL)
1710      Mt. Batulao Summit (810MASL)
1730      Start descent
1850      Back at jump-off point, tidy up
1915      Tricycle back to the highway
1945      Bus back to Manila
2230      Arrival in Manila

Merrell Moab 3 Hiking Boots

In this hike, my Merrell Moab 3 was again put to the test as it conquered the jagged peaks of Mt. Batulao.

The Merrell Moab 3 is famous for its out-of-the-box comfort, durability, and all-purpose versatility. Moreover, its predecessors have enabled 25 million people to step further outdoors.

For over a decade, the Merrell Moab has been the choice of hikers when a choice needs to be made, making it the best-selling hiker in the world.

Moab 3 Key Features

Pigskin leather and mesh upper
Bellow’s tongue keeps out debris
Protective toe cap
Kinetic Fit TM ADVANCED removable contoured insole with reinforced heel cushioning for medium support
Molded nylon arch shank
Lightweight EVA foam midsole for stability and comfort
Lug depth 5.0mm

GET IT HERE