Mount Batulao

Tags: Asia, Hiking, Latest, Mountains, Philippines

Mount Batulao (811m) is one of the most scenic and popular day hikes near Manila. The weekends crowds coming from Manila have a bad habit of leaving their trash on the trail.

Summit log:

05-Feb-2013: Mt Batulao 811 m (prominence 650 m)

Participants:

Lyngve Skrede - Norway
Emily Homillano - Philippines

Getting there:

Buses from Manila to Nasugbu can easily drop you off at Evercrest. This journey takes around 2 hours, depending on traffic situation in and around Manila. We were staying in Tagaytay City from where it's easy to get a jeepney to Evercrest (jeepneys bound for Nasugbu). This ride took us only 30 minutes, hence no need to wake up as early as those coming from Manila. From Evercrest a tricycle can take you a few more kilometers to the trailhead.

Red tape:

No permit or local guide required. There is only a small fee charged (20 pesos) for each of the trails.

Route description:

From where the tricycle drops you off, it's only 4-5 km of hiking to the summit and the gain of elevation is minimal. The "New trail" follows the northeast ridge and it's a bit shorter and more direct than the "Old trail". My GPS track below starts with the "New trail" and end with the "Old trail" which makes a nice traverse. There is some exposure on the ridge, but both trails are straightforward in dry conditions. Notice that strong winds can be very dangerous on the ridge. A woman fell to her death a couple of years ago so please be cautious. There is one section of fixed rope on the upper part of the "Old trail". The mountain has no forest which means awesome views in all directions.

Link to my GPS-track at EveryTrail (also possible to download)

Notes from the trip:

Emily has written a trip-report on her website. Thus I don't waste any further time to write my own personal account from this hike.

Photo Album