They say that the best time to start something is during the first month of a year that’s why for 2016, I promised myself to climb at least one mountain a month. Thankfully before January ended, I was able to climb one.
Two hours away from Manila, Mt. Maculot is situated at Cuenca, Batangas. It stands tall at 930 MASL, making it one of the go-to mountains of hikers and adventurers.
We knew we were at the right place when we saw Cuenca's arch and from there, we hailed a tricycle to the Registration area where we filled out a logbook and were assigned two tour guides (we joined a bigger group). We then rode the same tricycle to the jump off point.
photo via http://www.ivanlakwatsero.com/
After a couple of minutes, we started the ascend. Our pacing was moderate but I gotta admit that even at the start, the trek was challenging. From what I can remember, there’s almost no flat terrain - everywhere was an uphill climb!
We survived by pausing at stopovers (I think there are 11 of them). You’d know because these are shaded spaces where a local or two are selling buko juice/kakanin/halo halo.
After almost two hours, we finally reached the Campsite. Several tents were set up and many hikers rest at the mountain’s “7-Eleven”. I wasn’t able to take a photo of it but it’s a bigger stopover that sells almost anything you’ll need. The price of the commodities, however, is ridiculous! One sachet of Nescafe 3-in-1 costs 45 pesos, same as their cooked pancit canton and cup noodles. Good thing we were able to buy lunch for a cheaper price at the base camp, but the urge to buy coffee is so strong that I almost bought one!
By 11AM, we could already feel the noon heat but my friends and I decided to go to the Rockies before having lunch so we can rest well after eating and before ascending to the Summit.
The view before descending on muddy trails and ascending on big, sharp rocks.
There were many hikers at the Rockies and there was just one trail, so the drill was to wait until a group finishes its descent before we go up to the Rockies. I could never forget the thrill of standing on a trail in between two cliffs!
Finally...
A vast landscape of the Taal lake’s serene water and its crater’s rim welcomed us upon arriving at the Rockies. Our guide, kuya Topher said that mountaineers from U.P. first discovered Mt. Maculot during the 80s. From Taal lake, they rappelled up the Rockies and discovered the mountain which is now frequently visited by mountaineers and hiking enthusiasts like us.
From the Rockies, you can see Mt. Batulao & Mt. Makiling on the far horizon.
NAKAKAPAGOD HAHAHAHAHA
Arriving at the summit was a milestone for me for it reminded me the very reason why I climb mountains. How far can I go?
Since we’re doing a traverse, we arrived at the Grotto by 4PM. The sun was starting to set and we were so drained by all the steep descents. Sometimes I couldn’t help but validate the cliche that the very moment beats the photo. I don’t know if it’s just me but there are times when I couldn’t completely capture the beauty of a moment that it’s best to just watch it while it’s happening. #RandomRambling
After freshening up, we invited our guides for a Batangas Lomi food trip. We simply had to while we were there! While eating a serving of Batangas’ specialty, we listened to stories of Kuya Topher & Paolo about their hiking and all their other adventures.
Sharing with you our itinerary for that day...
Went home tired and super drained from the day’s experience. Thank you, Mt. Maculot for being wonderful, kind & forgiving! You were a challenge but I don’t regret anything! :)













