Mt. Batulao

Mt. Batulao | Photo courtesy of Bong Saculles & the DELBROS AB Normal Club

Because of its proxomity to Metro Manila, Mt. Batulao is highly recommended as a mountain climbing destination for dayhikers and novice mountaineers. For its main attraction, the summit of Mt. Batulao offers a spectacular 360-degree view of the Batangas landscape, including Taal Lake and Volcano, and Balayan Bay.

Batulao’s name was derived from “Bato sa Ilao” (Illuminated Rocks) which later on became abbreviated to “Batulao.” According to local residents, every yearend the sun sets right between Batulao’s two peaks, creating a spectacular image of rocks surrounding a disc of red light.

Mt. Batulao Summit | Photo courtesy of Bong Saculles & the DELBROS AB Normal Club

Vital details:

Height: 811+ MASL (meters above sea level)
Difficulty Rating: 4 (out of maximum of 9); Minor Climb

Location:

The mountain lies between the Balayan and Nasugbu towns of Batangas.

How to get there:

The usual jump-off point is a barangay at the foot of the mountain accessible through Evercrest Golf and Country Club (the same route leading to Careluega Church).
For visitors bringing their own vehicle(s), go to Nasugbu, Batangas by way of Tagaytay. Turn left and Enter Evercrest (within 500 meters from the Nasugbu welcome arch). Follow the road leading to Careluega Church. After about 200 meters turn left at the fork. Leave your vehicle(s) in the first community, making sure to properly endorse them to the barangay officials in the area. Start your hike from there.
Commuting visitors may take a bus going to Nasugbu or Calatagan in Batangas by way of Tagaytay. They may alight in front of Evercrest and start the hike from the highway following the route given to visitors who are bringing their own vehicles. A suggested itinerary for commuting visitors may be found in pinoymountaineer.com.

Mt. Batulao | Photo courtesy of Bong Saculles & the DELBROS AB Normal Club

Important Considerations:

With a difficulty rating of 4 (out of a maximum of 9), Mt. Batulao is considered a Minor Climb. A word of caution though: A qualitative difficulty rating such as “Minor Climb” should always be understood to be in relation to the more difficult mountains. All mountains pose some degree of difficulty and even risks. All activities involving hiking, trekking or mountain climbing require a certain level of physical fitness. If in doubt, consult your doctor before proceeding with any planned activity in Mt. Batulao.
Clothing and equipment: Mt. Batulao is strictly a hiking/trekking/mountaineering destination. Visitors must be in proper mountain climbing get up and with appropriate provisions and equipment, depending on their planned activities and length of stay.
Timing: For those who just want to reach the summit, a 1-day activity can be planned. An early morning jump off (i.e. Not later than 10am) is recommended. Mt. Batulao is bare (i.e. no trees) in most areas so protection from the sun is recommended. For those who wish to experience mountain camping, overnight camping is allowed at designated camping areas.
Climb equipment: There are two routes to the summit. If the new route is exclusively used both for ascent and descent, no special climb equipment (e.g. ropes) may be necessary. If the old/original route is used, some ropes may be needed as a safety measure especially if your climb party includes newbies.
Weather: For all type of activities in Mt. Batulao it is essential to watch out for the weather.

For mountaineering technical details about Mt. Batulao, AboutPH.com recommends that you visit pinoymountaineer.com.

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