If you're looking for an adventure near Manila, go for a day hike at Mt. Batulao in Nasugbu, Batangas. 

It's rated as a minor climb with 80 to 85 degrees assault and difficulty level of 4/10.  The summit is around 811 meters above sea level.   

During our hike, we passed through the new trail going to the summit and traversed through the old trail.  We're actually planning the other way around. Good thing we decided to switch, because the new trail is more difficult (in my opinion).  

The new trail will give you a majestic view of Mt Batulao rolling slopes.  And you'll have to pass several peaks before you reach the summit.  Each peak will give you a different view of the mountain.

On the other side, the old trail will give you a forresty kind of experience and the trail is more shady. So it's more relaxed going back to the jump off point.  













At the summit you will have a panoramic view of Taal Lake, the Batangas and Cavite provinces, the South China Sea and the mountains of Pico de Loro and Mt. Maculot.  At the same time, you'll find a lot of moutaineers too. LOL

How to go to Mt Batulao?

By Public Transport: Take a bus to Nasugbu, Batangas. Let the bus conductor know that you’ll be heading to Mt. Batulao so you’ll be dropped in front of the Evercrest Golf Course in Lemery, Batangas.  Take the tricycle to take you to the jump-off point.


What to wear: 
Light long sleeves 
Jogging pants/leggings 
Disposable Hand gloves (for rappelling)  
Good trekking shoes 
Hat - Because it's super hot. :) 

Mt Gulugod Baboy is located in Anilao, Batangas.  "Gulugod Baboy" in english means Pig's back/spine. It was named after that because of its shape and resemblance.  

I booked the hiking tour at Casita Ysabel.  It was P850 per person including a tour guide. 

We left the resort at 8.30am.  From the resort to the jump-off point, it just took us 15 minutes tricycle ride.  

We rented a tricycle (for P600 bucks) because the roads were too narrow and steep to drive.  (We want to go home with our car. LOL!) And from the point, the hike is just less than an hour.  It was an easy climb.  

Our guide said there are 3 peaks.  They are Gulugod Baboy (Peak 1), Gitna (Peak 2), and Pinagbanderahan (Peak 3).  We were at the smallest mountain (or should i say hill?) :) 

Oh, btw, don't wear shorts. The grass is tall & sharp. Wrong move.  

I was actually having second thoughts of sharing this B&B resort, Casita Ysabel. I like it so much that I don't want it to be discovered and eventually crowd the place. I want it to be my secret destination for a quick getaway. But since the staff/owner have been very kind and hospitable to me, I'm sharing my experience. :)

So the resort is just located in Mabini, Batangas (next to Anilao town proper). It's a 3-hour drive from Manila, but according to the manager, you can reach the resort in 2 hours given that you drive fast at 130kph (LOL!) and leave 6am in morning to skip the traffic in Bauan town.

Here's how to get to the resort (it's from the website).  To be sure, use Google map as navigator/GPS. It works even without the internet, as long as you set it before the trip.





Why I like the resort?

• It's calm and serene in the area. Good place to relax. 
• The rooms are comfortable
• The resort is eco-friendly
• It's not crowded and the resort is not too big (just right)
• It has a spa! 
• They offer lots of activities from hiking, diving, snorkeling, island hopping, sunset cruise, kayaking, and even night exploration at the beach! 
• The staff is amazing! 
• Best of all, just in front of the resort, is a marine sanctuary.  I didn't expect that it will be full of life (given that it's in Batangas.  I think any beach/reef close to Manila is damaged already). I was snorkeling in the area just by myself, it was really good! They said, there are several white tip sharks in the area (less than a meter long). They don't bite! I was actually looking forward to see one, but the waves are not stable at that time.  Note: the beach is not for swimming (very rocky), but for snorkeling. Bring your booties (or you can rent at the resort).