Mt. Batulao in Nasugbu, Batangas is truly an appealing destination, referred to by some mountaineers as the ‘Mini Pulag’ because of its broad grassland and the spectacular view of the peaks while ascending and descending. The landscapes are quite remarkable and the scenery at the peak is breathtaking!

Here’s a quick guide to climbing Mt. Batulao.

Quick Facts on Mt. Batulao

MOUNT BATULAO (811 MASL)
Nasugbu, Batangas
Jump-off point: Evercrest Golf Course, Nasugbu

Offers two major trails, the Old Trail and the New Trail. Once you reach the summits, it offers The spectacular panoramic view of Batangas. These trails can be combined for a traverse climb.

It has become a popular destination for newbie climbers due to it’s proximity to Metro Manila as well as the level of difficulty which is 4/9 with 60-70 degrees assault, according to PinoyMountaineer.Com

You are required to hire a tour guide as of 2018. Fee is 500.00 PHP.

Mt. Batulao is generally safe specially for rookie hikers though there was an incident back in 2012, when a hiker fell to her death after she slipped and tumbled 250 feet down a cliff. She and her friends stopped to take a photograph at Peak 8 of Mt. Batulao’s New Trail when she lost her balance.

Mt. Batulao: The Trail

Day I (Hike to the Basecamp)

Day II (Scaling the Summit )

You get a taste of Mount Guiting-Guiting when you climb Peak 10 of Mt. Batulao. The slope is too steep but there’s a rope available just before the summit to assist you.

How To Get To Mt. Batulao in Nasugbu, Batangas

Mt Batulao is located in nasugbu, Batangas, approximately 3 hours away from Metro Manila.

Via Public Transportation

1. Take a bus from LRT Buendia station for Nasugbu, Batangas
   
   ▪ DLTB Bus Terminal (LRT Buendia Terminal) – 160.00 PHP
   
   
2. Alight at Evercrest Golf Club and Resort or inform the conductor to drop you off at junction going to Mt. Batulao.
   
   
3. From Evercreast, you may take a tricycle (100.00 PHP one way, good for 2-3 person) or walk towards the registration area (30 minutes).
   

Via Private Transportation

Manila, there are three ways you can reach Nasugbu: SLEX, Emilio Aguinaldo Highway, and Cavitex.

▪ SLEX (the fastest route)

South Luzon Expressway or SLEX, take Sta. Rosa Exit then continue the drive along Sta. Rosa-Tagaytay Road. When you reach a junction, it means you’ve reached the Batangas-Cavite boundary. Choose the road to the right (it is marked by an arc welcoming you to Nasugbu, Batangas). Continue driving until you reach town proper.

Sample Itinerary (Day Hike – New Trail to Old Trail)

0330 ETD from Manila
0530 ETA Evercrest golf course trail head, breakfast, briefing, warm-up
0600 Start of guided hike
0800 ETA Peak 6
0830 ETA Peak 12 (aka summit) – enjoy the view, take a snack, photo op
0900 Start of descent
1130 ETA trail head, proceed to Tagaytay for lunch
1200 Lunch, freshen up
1400 ETD from Tagaytay to Manila
1700 ETA Manila

Sample Itinerary (Camping/Overnight)

0330 ETD from Manila
0530 ETA Evercrest golf course trail head, breakfast (on clients’ account), briefing, warm-up
0600 Start of guided hike
0800 ETA Peak 6
0830 ETA Peak 12 (aka summit) – enjoy the view, take a snack, photo op
0900 Start of descent
1130 ETA trail head, proceed to Tagaytay for lunch
1200 Lunch, freshen up
1400 ETD from Tagaytay to Manila
1700 ETA Manila

Budget & Expenses

• DTLB Bus (from Buendia) to Evercrest, Nasugbu, Batangas – 160.00 PHP
• Tricycle to trail head (Optional) – 30.00 per person
• Guide – 500.00 PHP per group (day hike), 1000.00 PHP (overnight)
• First Registration – 20.00 PHP
• Second Registration – 30.00 PHP
• Third Registration – 30.00 PHP

What to Bring

• First Aid Kit, Personal medications
• 2L Drinking Water (for camping bring a 1 Gallon)
• Trail Food
• Toiletries
• Sun screen
• Extra sets of clothes
• Slippers
• Garbage bag

Tips and Reminders

• Check the weather before you go hiking.
• Bring extra drinking water.
• Plan your itinerary well.
• If going for a day hike: pack light and may only bring one small hand carry bag.
• Practice the Leave No Trace principle.
• Restrooms are at the jump off point. You can take a bath here after the hike.
• Sari-sari stores usually take an hour from most campsite (items are a bit overprices).
• At the time of our first climb, we passed by a shack that sells Halo-halo.

More Batangas Adventures

• MATABUNGKAY BEACH, BATANGAS: A Comprehensive DYI Travel Guide
• MT. TALAMITAM: Everything You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (Day Hike Guide + Useful Tips)
• MT. BATULAO: Everything You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (Day Hike Guide + Useful Tips)
• Mt. Gulugod-Baboy in Anilao, Batangas