Mt Isarog : Panicuason Trail

Warned by a friend that this mountain is a major climb and since I love adventures, I give it a go. honestly, I have no idea what a major climb really is. Despite having nervousness in mind, I see that this would be just another challenge for my climbing stint.

It was June 2013 when we climbed this mossy and lush rain forest mountain. From the Naga City Bus Terminal, we took a tricycle going to the city public market area where we took a jeepney going to Barangay Panicuason. At the jeepney's turn-about we met our tour guide and started our trek to the majestic mountain of Naga City. Trees are everywhere! This is why I so loved this mountain. But adjacent to this realm is the high presence of "limatik" or parasites up to their so-called base #2. There is also a part of the trail where only huge and tall bamboo trees are all over the place. Oftentimes, you would also jump or hop off large fallen trunks of trees along the way. Another major feat of this trail (for me) is to like rock climb about one-storey high rocks or boulders which is almost 90 degrees inclined; going down this steep part is my most unforgettable part in this climb.  There are also water sources along the trail, particulary in base 2 (?) and base 3 where we camped.

base #3 is the last and topmost base where you can camp overnight

We started our climb from the jump-off at about ten in the morning and reached base #3 at around four in the afternoon. I think it would be faster if I didn't had minor muscle cramps which partly delayed the group. Water wasn't really an issue during the climb since (1) the trail is almost purely covered with trees and (2) it was cloudy at that time. Actually, we forgot to buy some rice at that time yet survived the whole day trek without any carbo-loading from rice. The next day, we hiked on to the summit for two hours from base 3; leaving our bags and things there.

at the summit, still surrounded with trees

no clearing for us on that day

parts where you can hardly see the trail

Before reaching the jump-off on our descent, we made a stop-over to its falls; i just forgot its name. Entrance is free and many locals are having their family picnics here. The water is really cold and gets very deep near the falls.

the falls right next to jump-off

Mt. Malipunyo-Mt. Manabu Day Hike

From the foot of Mt. Maculot the other night, we traveled to Lipa City then from Lipa Terminal we hired a mini-cab going to the foot of Mt. Malipunyo. Here lives our tour guide for the next day's hike and here we will be spending our night. 

the backyard of our tour guide and where we pinched our tents

At 6am, we started out trek. The trail at first were a bit moist due to overnight's dew. The trail is abundant with lush green trees which I liked the most. We also came across at least 3 water source so we haven't had any problem with re-hydration. 

Before reaching Mt. Malipunyo's summit, we came across two peaks where you can have rest at. There is also a very challenging trail which is around 75 degrees inclined where you would only rely on the roots of the trees and to give it a more quirk, the presence of mud all over the trail. They have named it after a famous Filipino bad expression since you would glad saying it after you pass the trail.

Mt Malipunyo's summit view

Mt Malipunyo's summit view

From Mt. Malipunyo, there would be just a slight descent inside the rich forestry and would go straight to a series of mountains before reaching the Mt. Manabu's foot. We also pass by a tree house where the owner is our tour guide's mother. Here, we were served with hot native coffee and boiled cassava for free! It is always good to taste fresh and native delicacies straight from the plantations. Aside from that, I am also amazed seeing wild fruit-bearing trees such as lanzones and rambutan.

named as Susong Dalaga (a teenager's breast)

you would came across this scenic view and mountain-top before reaching the Mt. Manabu summit; from here you could see the summit as well

Before reaching Mt. Manabu's summit, be prepared for tall grasses and plants which could slash any part of your body along its way. Be covered!

Mt Manabu's summit view

Mt Manabu's summit view

Mt Manabu's summit view

Mt Manabu's summit view

The descent form Mt Manabu's summit can be swift and easy. There is also another water source along the way from a small nipa hut. Before reaching the end, there is a couple living in the area who will offer you another native coffee (kapeng alamid) for free! Then at the end of the trail, we washed up for Php10 at a local's house. Electricity is now present in this area. There are also tricycles in this area who will ride you back to Lipa City Terminal.

Mt. Maculot : Rockies-Grotto Traverse

This I would tag as my baptismal climb. I have no idea what to expect or to feel but all I want is to be with nature. My mountain climbing/hiking/trekking history starts from here.

Our meet-up was at JAM Bus Terminal - Buendia. Rode a bus bound to Cuenca and I think we were dropped off at Cuenca Town Market. From there we rode a tricycle to the Mt. Maculot jump-off. Travel time is roughly under 3 hours. It was a fair Saturday morning. 

The trail...They said that this mountain is apt for beginners but I am shocked feeling off the edge of quitting my climbing stint somewhere in the middle. That time I realized that my lower body strength is one of my weakness. This is the part before the "Rockies" having huge steps and felt my thighs are close to being numb. 

The Rockies...this is the most famous part of Mt. Maculot where you will have a spectacular view of Batangas. It is called Rockies because as its name implies, it is of pure rock (almost 1005 rock) so just be careful wandering around this area as it may be slippery and dangerous especially on the edges. 

The Summit...I was quite disappointed with Maculot's summit as you wont see a thing. There are high but not huge trees blocking every view you could think of. It is also unsafe to climb up the trees to get a view since it can't hold on an adult's weight.

this ain't the summit but the trail going to it, large and huge trees and grasses

on descent, you will experience a semi-rapelling stint

The Grotto...from the summit starts the descent to the traverse trail leading to a Grotto on a hill. Another fantastic view from here, good to cap off your Mt. Maculot climb.

view at the grotto

At the first community at the foot of Maculot, we were able to wash up in a resort for Php50. They also sell some refreshments and foods to recuperate your thirsty mouth.