One of the things that I like when climbing a mountain is the spectacular view that I can see from the summit. But when climbing Mt. Batolusong, one doesn't have to reach the summit to get a glimpse of the majestic "Sea of Clouds" phenomenon.
For this climb, we planned to go up in the afternoon so we can set up our camp before sunset. So after lunch, we went to our meeting place to meet with the group and head on to Tanay, Rizal where Mt. Batolusong is situated.
For this climb, we planned to go up in the afternoon so we can set up our camp before sunset. So after lunch, we went to our meeting place to meet with the group and head on to Tanay, Rizal where Mt. Batolusong is situated.
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| Mt. Batolusong |
It only took us less than 2 hours to reach the jump-off point. From Marcos Highway (Jollibee Ligaya) where the group met, we rode a jeepney going to Cogeo Gate 2. From the overpass where we were dropped off, we walked along Olalia Road to reach the City Mall of Antipolo. Next, we rode a jeepney going to Sampaloc at the terminal near the mall. We asked the driver to drop us off at Batangasan and there we rode a tricycle going to San Andres where the jump-off point is located. Heavy rain poured down during our commute so we expected a wet and slippery trail ahead.
The San Andres Tourism office is a small hut where we have to register and meet with our local guides. Local guides are required when hiking the mountains in Tanay. The pictures displayed on the banners got me more excited to start the trek.
After a few minutes of preparation, we met our guides - Kuya Buboy and Kuya Jomel. We also have to pay 50 pesos as a registration fee and an additional 20 pesos for Rangyas Peak. We have to pay 1250 pesos per guide for the whole overnight activity (500 pesos per guide for day hike). According to their rules, there should be a maximum of 5 visitors per guide so our group must have 2 guides. Arrangements are done and everybody is ready. We're a little late for sunset so we expect half of the trek to be dark.
We started the trek turning to an unpaved road passing through a small community. Friendly locals smiled at us as we pass by. As expected, the trail is muddy and slippery because of the rain. The whole surrounding is mostly covered with tall trees and shrubs. We also carefully crossed a small brook where the stones are very slippery. I noticed that clouds covered the sky above us. Kuya Buboy told me that time that we're walking under the sea of clouds that can be seen on the campsite. We also passed by a private resort where the Sangab Cave is located. The said resort is under construction at that time.
A few minutes had passed, we stopped by a sari-sari store for a breather. The sky is getting darker and the fog gets thicker as we continue our trek. The following trail is a steep climb up and may be the biggest challenge specially for the beginners. We found two water sources along the steep trail and there we fetch enough water for cooking. And a few minutes more of none stop assault, we reached the campsite they called Duhatan Ridge.
The San Andres Tourism office is a small hut where we have to register and meet with our local guides. Local guides are required when hiking the mountains in Tanay. The pictures displayed on the banners got me more excited to start the trek.
After a few minutes of preparation, we met our guides - Kuya Buboy and Kuya Jomel. We also have to pay 50 pesos as a registration fee and an additional 20 pesos for Rangyas Peak. We have to pay 1250 pesos per guide for the whole overnight activity (500 pesos per guide for day hike). According to their rules, there should be a maximum of 5 visitors per guide so our group must have 2 guides. Arrangements are done and everybody is ready. We're a little late for sunset so we expect half of the trek to be dark.
We started the trek turning to an unpaved road passing through a small community. Friendly locals smiled at us as we pass by. As expected, the trail is muddy and slippery because of the rain. The whole surrounding is mostly covered with tall trees and shrubs. We also carefully crossed a small brook where the stones are very slippery. I noticed that clouds covered the sky above us. Kuya Buboy told me that time that we're walking under the sea of clouds that can be seen on the campsite. We also passed by a private resort where the Sangab Cave is located. The said resort is under construction at that time.
A few minutes had passed, we stopped by a sari-sari store for a breather. The sky is getting darker and the fog gets thicker as we continue our trek. The following trail is a steep climb up and may be the biggest challenge specially for the beginners. We found two water sources along the steep trail and there we fetch enough water for cooking. And a few minutes more of none stop assault, we reached the campsite they called Duhatan Ridge.
That time, the campsite is jam-packed with campers. Different kinds of tents can be seen on almost every corner so we had a hard time looking for a space to set up our camp. Luckily we found an empty space somewhere in the far side. Because of that, we don't need to head on to Mapatag plateau where the second campsite is situated. Duhat trees are abundant on the campsite. No wonder why it is called Duhatan Ridge.
After we set up our camp and finished our dinner, there is nothing much to do. The moon and the stars are hiding beyond the clouds and the only light that illuminate the site are the flashlights and lamps of each camp. We saw other camps laughing at each other and playing music. But one by one, their lamps were switched off as the night goes by. The cold wind added additional comfort to our sleep. Good thing it didn't rain the whole night.
I woke up at 4:30am the next day to fetch a jug of water from the water source. As my friends prepare our breakfast, we notice that the sky is getting brighter. A few minutes more had passed and there it is just in front of our camp... the majestic sea of clouds illuminated by the rising sun. What a great view to start our day!
After we set up our camp and finished our dinner, there is nothing much to do. The moon and the stars are hiding beyond the clouds and the only light that illuminate the site are the flashlights and lamps of each camp. We saw other camps laughing at each other and playing music. But one by one, their lamps were switched off as the night goes by. The cold wind added additional comfort to our sleep. Good thing it didn't rain the whole night.
I woke up at 4:30am the next day to fetch a jug of water from the water source. As my friends prepare our breakfast, we notice that the sky is getting brighter. A few minutes more had passed and there it is just in front of our camp... the majestic sea of clouds illuminated by the rising sun. What a great view to start our day!
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| Clouds slowly approaching the Duhatan Ridge campsite |
Other campers started to pack their things while others are still enjoying the beauty of the sea of clouds. I also saw hikers that had just arrived and are mesmerized to witness the said phenomenon. All of us really enjoyed watching the sunrise above the sea of clouds!
On the other side of the ridge is where we saw Mt. Susong Dalaga. The Mapatag Plateau and the Rangyas peak which is our next destination are also visible from the camp site. The clouded Masungi Rock formations can also be seen from where we're at.
With the cold fresh air that woke me up, the fascinating view that I saw when I got out of our tent and a delicious carbonara for breakfast, it definitely was a good morning!
On the other side of the ridge is where we saw Mt. Susong Dalaga. The Mapatag Plateau and the Rangyas peak which is our next destination are also visible from the camp site. The clouded Masungi Rock formations can also be seen from where we're at.
With the cold fresh air that woke me up, the fascinating view that I saw when I got out of our tent and a delicious carbonara for breakfast, it definitely was a good morning!
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| The clouded Masungi Rock Formation as seen from the Duhatan Ridge |
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| Carbonara ala sea of clouds |
After a while, we head on to Mapatag Plateau. From Duhatan Ridge, we trek up and down the grassy slopes until we reach the plateau. Here we saw some campers preparing to leave. Like I said, this part can also be used as a camp site.
A clearer view of Mt. Batolusong and Mt. Susong Dalaga can be seen from the plateau. On the other side, is a spectacular view of the mountain ranges of Rizal. From there, we saw the recognizable shape of Mt. Daraitan and some parts of the Marilaque Highway. We enjoyed taking pictures on that spot. We also passed by the "lonely tree" as Kuya Buboy called it, a lone duhat tree in the middle of the vast grassy area.
A clearer view of Mt. Batolusong and Mt. Susong Dalaga can be seen from the plateau. On the other side, is a spectacular view of the mountain ranges of Rizal. From there, we saw the recognizable shape of Mt. Daraitan and some parts of the Marilaque Highway. We enjoyed taking pictures on that spot. We also passed by the "lonely tree" as Kuya Buboy called it, a lone duhat tree in the middle of the vast grassy area.
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| The grassy slopes of Mapatag Plateau |
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| Susong Lola, Susong Nanay and Susong Dalaga |
Our group proceed to our next destination, the Rangyas Peak. We started to feel the heat of the sun as the day goes by. Good thing there were some portions of the trail where there are trees that shed us from the sun. The trail continued through the grassy slopes until we reached a bamboo forest with steep ascend. After it, we had to climb up a rock wall to reach Rangyas Peak. There is an easier way on the other side of the wall but I recommend you to choose the wall.
We made it on top in no time. I think it might be hard to climb this wall during the rainy season when the rocks are slippery and the trail is muddy so I'm glad the day is sunny during our climb.
A flag is situated at the top of this peak. Rangyas Peak is considered as the summit of Mt. Batolusong but there are also maybe three to four more peaks after it. The magnificent view of the Southern Luzon landscape delighted our eyes as we gaze upon the surroundings. The towering Mt. Banahaw and Mt. Makiling played hide and seek beyond the fast moving clouds. Mount Tagapo in Laguna de Bay is also visible from where we stand. The Pililia Windmills and Mt. Sembrano of Rizal are also seen from afar.
On the other side, is an exciting view of the Sierra Madre mountain range. Mt. Irid and Mt. Tukduang Banoi are towering side by side along the range. Truly, this spectacular view is more than worthy of the challenge of going up the Rangyas Peak.
We made it on top in no time. I think it might be hard to climb this wall during the rainy season when the rocks are slippery and the trail is muddy so I'm glad the day is sunny during our climb.
A flag is situated at the top of this peak. Rangyas Peak is considered as the summit of Mt. Batolusong but there are also maybe three to four more peaks after it. The magnificent view of the Southern Luzon landscape delighted our eyes as we gaze upon the surroundings. The towering Mt. Banahaw and Mt. Makiling played hide and seek beyond the fast moving clouds. Mount Tagapo in Laguna de Bay is also visible from where we stand. The Pililia Windmills and Mt. Sembrano of Rizal are also seen from afar.
On the other side, is an exciting view of the Sierra Madre mountain range. Mt. Irid and Mt. Tukduang Banoi are towering side by side along the range. Truly, this spectacular view is more than worthy of the challenge of going up the Rangyas Peak.
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| Pililia Windmills as seen from Rangyas Peak |
We decided to go back to our camp after a few minutes of picture taking and savoring the feeling of reaching the peak. We started to sweat while trekking down the hot trail as we approach noon time. There was a young boy selling ice cream along the trail. The ice drop that we've bought from him really was a thirst quencher. Upon arriving at the camp, we packed up our things and prepared to go to our next destination, the Kay-Ibon Falls.
The camp site is usually crowded during summer and weekdays. Kuya Buboy and Jomel were very accommodating and helpful to us on our whole stay. The registration fee is quite reasonable but the guide fee of 1250 is more expensive compared to the guide fees to the other mountains we've been in to the past. None the less, it was a fun and exciting climb. The magnificent landscapes, the sea of clouds, newly met friends and delicious food; all in all it was an experience worth remembering.
The camp site is usually crowded during summer and weekdays. Kuya Buboy and Jomel were very accommodating and helpful to us on our whole stay. The registration fee is quite reasonable but the guide fee of 1250 is more expensive compared to the guide fees to the other mountains we've been in to the past. None the less, it was a fun and exciting climb. The magnificent landscapes, the sea of clouds, newly met friends and delicious food; all in all it was an experience worth remembering.
Killed Bills
Here is the list of how much we've spent on our trip to Mt. Batolusong and Kay-Ibon Falls
17.00 - Jeepney ride from Jollibee Ligaya to Cogeo gate 2
42.00 - Jeepney ride from Cogeo to Batangasan
40.00 - Tricycle ride from Batangasan to brgy. San Andres (120 for 3 pax)
50.00 - Registration fee
20.00 - Another registration fee for Rangyas Peak
278.00 - Local Guide Fee (1250 per guide for overnight [2 guides for a group of 9])
250.00 - Food budget (Dinner, Breakfast, Lunch and Snacks)
40.00 - Tricycle ride from highway back to San Andres
20.00 - shower room fee
40.00 - Tricycle ride from San Andres to Batangasan
42.00 - Jeepney ride from Batangasan to Cogeo
17.00 - Jeepney ride from Cogeo to Jollibee Ligaya
TOTAL - 856.00 Php
Here is the list of how much we've spent on our trip to Mt. Batolusong and Kay-Ibon Falls
17.00 - Jeepney ride from Jollibee Ligaya to Cogeo gate 2
42.00 - Jeepney ride from Cogeo to Batangasan
40.00 - Tricycle ride from Batangasan to brgy. San Andres (120 for 3 pax)
50.00 - Registration fee
20.00 - Another registration fee for Rangyas Peak
278.00 - Local Guide Fee (1250 per guide for overnight [2 guides for a group of 9])
250.00 - Food budget (Dinner, Breakfast, Lunch and Snacks)
40.00 - Tricycle ride from highway back to San Andres
20.00 - shower room fee
40.00 - Tricycle ride from San Andres to Batangasan
42.00 - Jeepney ride from Batangasan to Cogeo
17.00 - Jeepney ride from Cogeo to Jollibee Ligaya
TOTAL - 856.00 Php
hi! did you secure a permit from the tanay municipal office and did you submit a medical certificate prior to your climb?
ReplyDeleteHello! we didn't. Permits and medical certificates aren't required at that time. I'm not sure if it is now. We just paid the necessary fees and registered in their log book. :)
ReplyDeletehi sir koie, is it safe to drink the water from the water source? thanks 😀
ReplyDeleteSafe naman po siya ma'am. Nagamit din po namin sa pagsaing. :) Siguro hindi ko lang po siya irerecommend sa mga may sensitive stomach po.
Deletethank you sir 😀😀😀
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