Mt. Talamitam in Nasugbu, Batangas

MT. TALAMITAM (Day Hike)
Nasugbu, Batangas
Jump-off point: Sitio Bayabasan, Brgy. Aga, Nasugbu

Mount Talamitan is located in Nasugbu, Batangas and is considered to be the ‘younger sister’ of Mt. Batulao, partly due to the close proximity between the two mountains, and because both can be hiked in tandem in a single itinerary, as a ‘twin dayhike’. Before, there was an abundance of Talamitam trees on the mountain, hence its name. Now, the mountain is surprisingly bare and missing its once lush trees. Despite the sudden baldness of the mountain, it does not stop climbers from visiting. Mt. Talamitam boasts a quick hike of just about two hours, a challenging 60-degree trail to its peak and a view of Batulao, Tagaytay, Taal Lake and its neighboring towns.

Be sure to pack light and pack smart!!
PHILIPPINES PACKING LIST: WHAT TO BRING FOR YOUR NEXT DAY HIKE

Yup, we’re ready!

THE TRAIL
Mt Talamitam is a easy climb. Rated by Pinoy Mountaineer as a ‘minor climb’ with a difficulty of 3/9. There are very limited trees to cover you on this part of the trail. The sun could really beat you up during summer. You’ll pass by two footbridges, one concrete and the other one is made of bamboo.

Right after crossing the river, we ascended a woodland with crisscrossing horse trails. Locals take this trail regularly to access their fields up the mountain so don’t be surprised if you happen to bump into someone along the way, greet them to show courtesy.  Also, when you’re on the mountain’s shoulder be careful to stay on the trail because both sides of the trail are farms and we don’t want to upset the locals by stepping on their crops (the mountain’s shoulders are private lands only the peaks are public – this is according to our guide, Kuya Ely).

AT THE PEAK

Who’s the happy kid?

And of course, the mandatory group picture

The best part of the climb… Yes guys, there’s ice cream at the top of Mt. Talamitam

A view from the peak

At the shoulder  of Mt. Talamitam

Just a bunch of happy kids ‘walking in the park‘. #TeamTrupa #TeamTwoThumbsUp

OVERALL EXPERIENCE:
Mt. Talamitam is fairly an easy hike and and has a relatively flat and wide trail (and well marked too). The views are spectacular as well. Definitely worth your time, especially if you are a day-tripper and only have time to do one quick hike. I’d definitely recommend this to newbie climbers!

HOW TO GET THERE

Take a bus going to Nasugbu, Batangas.
– DLTBCo Bus (LRT-Buendia Terminal). The terminal is near Gil Puyat LRT Station at the corner of Taft Avenue and Buendia (Gil Puyat Avenue).
– BSC Bus (EDSA-Taft Pasay Terminal). It is right next to the MRT Taft Station (along EDSA), just behind McDonalds. BSC stands for Batangas Starexpress Corporation.

Drop off is at Brgy. Bayabasan. You can easily spot the registration point as it is just on the side of the road.

SAMPLE ITINERARY

0700 Bus from Mcdonal’s Buendia LRT to to Nasugbu, Batangas
0840 ETA Sitio Bayabasan, Brgy. Aga. Log-in at Monitoring Station
0900 Trek to Registration Station
0915 Start ascend
1030 ETA Summit. Rest/lunch/socialize
1130 Descend to Layong Bato
1230 ETA Layong Bato. Picture-picture/swim!
1430 Trek back to Monitoring Station.
1500 ETA Sitio Bayabasan. rest/clean up
1630 Early Dinner in Tagaytay
1830 Buss going back to Manila
2200 ETA Manila

EXPENSES

Bus fare going to Nasugbu: 160 php
Bus fare going back to Manila: 160 php
Registration: 40php
Getting a guide is optional but we gave ours 200 php for being so patient and for taking our pictures. 😀

Photo Credit: Artchel M., Melbourne L. and Polly A.