7 Mountains for the 1st Timers

Pinoy Outdoor Planet has selected 7 mountains that is a must for every newbie in mountaineering!

Have you climbed any of these mountains yet?

Mt. Batulao – Nasugbu, Batangas - tops our list for the mountains for the 1st time climbers due to its location and ease of the trail. Although mistakenly thought to be in Tagaytay City, a quick trip to the city's popular destination is a must after a successful hike in Batulao. From Tagaytay proper, one can take a bus or a jeepney going to Nasugbu and ask the driver to take you down in Evercrest Golf Club, from then you can start the trek all the way to the summit. The trail is very straightforward and guides can be optional. Batulao is a favorite for photo ops because of the dramatic effects of the peaks. A daytrip is well recommended but the sunrise and sunset is great prize if you decided to do overnight. Nowadays, for those who are into extreme climb, a twin dayhike to Batulao and its neighbor Mt. Talamitam located also in Nasugbu is now gaining popularity.

Mt. Gulugod-Baboy, Mabini Batangas  - Another mountain located in Batangas is well recommended for the first timers. From Manila, one can take a bus going to Batangas City Pier then ask the driver to take you down to the Diversion Road, from there you can take the jeepney to the town of Mabini, if you are with a large group, you can even ask the driver to take you down directly to Philpan Dive Resort which is the jump-off for this mountain, in case of 2 or 3 pax, you can just take a tricycle from the town proper. Guides is optional, since the trail is very straightforward and there are locals that you can ask for directions. The view in the summit is spectacular, with slopes of grass that makes you just lie back and relax plus it gives you a refreshing view of the ocean. Since it is facing directly with the sea, the wind is likely to be strong so secure your tents. Back in the jump-off, one can soothe your aching muscles and take a plunge in the numerous resorts. You can even go and dive in one of the best dive spots in the country-Anilao!

Mt. Pico De Loro, Ternate Cavite – another mountain that is dramatic and challenging and the same time is Pico De Loro in Cavite. Dramatic because there are rock formations in the summit that can play around with your imaginations, such that photoholics cant resist to take pictures everywhere. Another great feature of this mountain is that it has a rock column near the summit, that all adventure seeker mountaineers can’t resist to climb this column. I might say though, that it is more advisable to climb Pico in summer days because during rainy days, the rock climbing is not advisable because it is very slippery. From Manila, one can take a bus going to Ternate via Cavitex, and then from the town proper, you can hire a tricyle going to the DENR office in the magnetic hill which is the jump-off. Unlike the 2 mountains previously mentioned, POP will be recommending to secure guides prior to climbing Pico, because there are numerous forks in the trail, blogger himself experience being lost in Pico when they climbed it last 2011.

Mt. Cristobal. Dolores Quezon – if there is a mountain that has a negative notion prior to climbing, maybe Mt Cristobal is likely to top the list. Dubbed to be the “Devil’s Mountain” newbie in climbing think twice before hiking this mountain. But as per the blogger’s experience last 2012, climbing this so called Devil’s Mountain will bring Heaven to your heart and mind. Of course you should take all normal safety precautions into considerations, to make sure. Climbing Cristobal is a mix of feelings and emotions, just like its terrain, a combination of rainforest, grasslands with swamps that swells during rainy season. A view of 7 lakes of Laguna is a prize you can achieve once you arrived in the summit in a bright and sunny day. A guide is a must for all 1^st timers. Likewise it is advisable to start your trek early in the morning, since the trail is quite long. What special for a Cristobal hike, is that after you completed it you can visit the village wherein you can see and buy stuff like gayumas, anting-anting and the like that can bring shiver in to your veins, you can even dip into the cold and equally famous healing waters of Banahaw, near the village. From Manila, one can take a Lucena bound bus and ask the conductor to take you down in San Pablo, then ride a tricycle to the town proper, from there ride a Dolores bound jeepney, that will take you directly to the jump-off.

Mt. Maculot, Cuenca Batangas – Climbing Maculot is an easy one, so easy that climbers usually forgot all the safety precautions resulting to untoward incidents just like recently. There are two known ways on how to climb Mt. Maculot, Commonly people climb the “Rockies” part which also serves to be the campsite, once settled, you can go directly and climb the rock formation on the right side. People usually do horseplaying that leads to accidents. The blogger usually say to his friends that if there are rain drizzles for a couple of days prior to climbing, do not attempt to climb the rockies, because it may get so slippery. For those season mountaineers, they opt to climb the summit and do the traverse on the grotto on the other side. From Manila, one can take a Taal bound bus that pass the town of Cuenca, from there, you can take a tricyle directly to the jump-off

Mt. Tagapo, Binangonan, Rizal – How will you feel if before you can climb a mountain you may take a boat ride first? That’s the Mt. Tagapo experience! From Manila take a jeepney to Binangonan, Rizal and then take the boat going to the island. You will navigate with the largest inland lake in the Philippines which is the Laguna De Bay, the duration which is about a 30-40 minutes ride of which you can see fisherman lifting their nets and birds roaming around waiting for their prey. From Binangonan, the trail towards the summit is about 1.5 hours only, but if you will start your climb in the other parts of the island, the trail is quite difficult and requires a lot of strength. Indeed if you are in the top waiting for the sunset in the bay is an awesome experience!

Mt. Pulag Benguet – Mt. Pulag being the highest peak in Luzon might scare the 1^st timers, but for the blogger experience its more of a time, travel and financial constraint that may hinder the climbers to experience this majestic mountain in the north. Because of the high altitude, you may think that you are not in the Philippines anymore, with its stout mountains, ferns and exotic flora and fauna that is looming wild and over the horizon that you can see. The sunset and sunrise view is priceless. Why, because as the sun rises, you are sitting over the sea of clouds! An experience that you can treasure over your lifetime! Just remind yourself to pack a lot of jackets, and everything that may protect you from extreme colds, don’t worry about lifting heavy loads! Manong Porter is just around the corner to help you out, with a fee of course!:)

Now POP adventurers are you ready to start your climb?

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Trending Destination for 2013 – Extreme Adventures in Albay

Nakaduman ka na ba sa Albay?

Maybe your last trip for this summer will be your best trip so far. Oh yes, I can say that still Boracay is the ultimate Summer getaway, and I also say that It’s a must for every Filipino, to set foot on Boracay’s white sand Beach and pristine waters. But Pinoy Outdoor Planet has discovered the new “IT” Destination that offers a more adventurous, family oriented activities, That sure everybody will enjoy. ALBAY, BICOL!

Its more than Mt. Mayon’s world famost perfect cone volcano in Albay. POP has handpicked 3 activities that will sure fire your summer 2013.

1. All Terrain Vehicle (ATV) Ride – Past Mayon’s volcanic activity has greatly affected the landscape of the surrounding towns. This changed in landscape leads to perfect ATV Ride. One famous trail is the “Cagsawa Trail” passing along Small rivers, rock formations and around the famous Cagsawa Ruins. Alas, if you are lucky, on a cloudless sky, The shy Mt. Mayon picture perfect cone is ready to be captured. Cost: From 600 to 3500 pesos per ride from 30 to 1 hours duration, also depending on the vehicle type. 

2. Edge Walk and Zip line Zipline – There are two popular destinations for Zipline Ride in Albay Bicol, One is from the “Lignon” Hill, Of which there are also an observatory to view the Mt. Mayon, and the other one is from the Newly built entertainment and shopping haven in Legazpi, - “Embarcadero de Legazpi”. Both are ranging from 250 per ride. POP recommend to try the both ziplines. Edge Walk – Although the edge walk in Embarcadero is lower than its Cebu counterpart. The view is Spectacular creating a 360 view of the city, the bay and of course Mt. Mayon, truly your nerves Will eat you on this ride, but don’t worry, Safety precaution is very notable.

3. San Miguel Islands Tour - San Miguel is a group of islands, off the coast of Tabaco City, Albay, the corals is very refreshing Since, its still new for the tourist, you can go for island hopping, and swimming on the secluded beaches of the islands. A scuba diving is a must recommended, but for non divers, just enjoying the view and the serenity of the islets is already rewarding On itself. Average cost per island tour is around 3500 per group.

*Important note: All pictures used in this article, are randomly selected based on google search.

Taal! - not just wow, Its SUPER WOW!

Taal ! - not just wow, It's SUPER WOW!

Now, what to expect from the world's smallest volcano?

I do not know whether we have a "super wow" word, but I cant help to use it, whenever I got the chance to visit Taal Lake and Volcano!

For a mere 1 hour walks from our simple abode in Batangas as part of the Coastal protected Barangay in Tanauan, you will soon have a wonderful glimpse of this majestic creation. You will notice that you are getting nearer, when the road has started to have its turns and sharps curves. I remember when I was a kid, (tumatakas from our lola) the road towards the lake is a bit dusty during summer vacation and muddy even for a slight rain. But now, progress is very evident even from this part of the province.

As i walk towards the shoreline, Im thinking "How can this be a budding tourist destination for a plain view of the volcano. Although the view is spectacular, still you may soon find it to be boring.

But I was wrong!! Indeed, my years of absence has done a lot of things to Taal Lake for the locals and foreign tourist as well.

Now what are the new activities to be done in Taal Lake and Volcano:

1. Visit to Taal Volcano Crater - for a 2500 per boat, you wil have an upclose encounter in this sleeping beauty. Quite costly, that is why it is advisable if you will go to the crater in groups.

2. Horse Back Riding - one may opt to walk until the crater, but they say, it feels more energetic, if you can experience the bumps of the rides less the fatigue for walking. Cost - 500 per person

3. Jet ski and Kayaking - Not all resorts offers Jetski and kayak for thier guest, so its still quite expensive, but are you going to pass the chance to ride on a jet ski with a picturesque background?. Cost 2500 per person.

4. Swimming - Its for free.... You can just walk straight to the lake and feel its clear waters. Caution: There are reports of drowing, but if you are a swimmer and taking all the precautionary measures, then its the best.

Likewise, there are numerous river of which budget resort are present with 10 pesos entrance will make you wade in the cool waters

5.Food Trip - Yum Yum! The best way to explore Taal lake is by tasting the unique flavors you can only taste here, and what else is that!!! Sea Foods!.  Tawilis and Maliputo are two delicious fish that only in Taal Lake lives... so you can taste it only here in Taal. Best to buy in the early moring, when the fishermen just arrived in the shores. You can buy  Tawilis for about 80-100 pesos per batch nowadays, but for Maliputo

it even rises to 500 pesos per kilo.I can personally say that indeed these two fishes will make your meal appetizing and ubos with gusto.

I also informed that in San Nicholas, one of the coastal town, part of their tourism program is -Floating Restaurant in the middle of the lake. It was in Bohol where i experience that, and I cant wait to experience it soon.!!

Next Stop! - Floating Resto in San Nicholas

Loming Batangas - Serves Hot! Serves Right!

Share with us where is your favorite “Lomi House” in Batangas?

Aside from Balisong and Kapeng Barako, Batangas is also famous for its delectable dish – Lomi!

A combination of noodles, meat strips and vegetables wrapped in a thick sauce makes it a favorite dish to locals and tourist as well!

                If ever you can visit any town in Batangas (please do so!) Im sure, even triple sure (hehehehe) that you can find a lomi haus –(house) that will suit your appetite.

                For about 25 pesos for a regular servings to what we say “special servings”. Lomi Batangas will make your day one notch brighter.

The Soft Side of the Cordilleras – Mt.Timbac

Let’s experience the new destination in Benguet- dubbed as “The Soft Side of the Cordilleras”.

Background:

When we say Cordillera region, we often and always think of Mt. Pulag, And who will not? With it’s scenic view, cold weather

And the seas of clouds that envelope you along the summit as you wait for the sunrise and even sunset!!

Indeed, Mt. Pulag is a must for every POP mountaineer.

But Mt. Pulag is not just that, climbing Mt. Pulag also means, you have to endure long travel time and the high cost as well because

Of the transportation (you need to rent a jeepney) and the guides and entrance costs you will incur.

But wait, no need to fret, Pinoy Outdoor Planet has found a new destination for you to explore,

Mt. Timbac in Atok Benguet,  a fresh hiking destination in the north that is now gaining popularity as “The mountain in the Soft Side of the Cordilleras!

This mountain is possible to summit by a daytrek, with numerous activities as a side trip,

You can visit  Halsema Highway Highest Point – (highest higway in the Philippines)

And the Timbac Mummies.  Plus the usual sights of the Cordillera’s - pine trees, vegetables terraces, and of course the cool breeze.

Itinerary:

Day00 – Friday

22:00  - ETD Cubao going to Baguio via Victory Liner Bus

Day01 – Saturday

05:00 – ETA Baguio, then take a taxi to Dangwa Bus Terminal

05: 15- 05:45 – Breakfast

06:30 – ETD Baguio

09:30 – ETA Km 55 in Atok, Benguet

09:45 – Start Trek

11:30 – ETA Summit

12:00 – Back at Timbac Elementary School,

Then explore the Timbac Mummies(optional)

14:00 – ETA Jump-Off, wait for Bus going to Baguio

18:00 – ETD Baguio City, explore the city

22:00 pm – Go to your hotel or the bus terminal going back to Manila

Other Information:

Transportation: From the Dangwa terminal, there about two bus company that service to Sagada, of which

This will also pass by KM. 55 Jump-Off. Tell the teller that youre destination is Km 55 in Atok Benguet for the fare adjustment and remind the driver and

The conductor to stop on that. Going back to Manila, be sure you are in the jump-off before 3 pm, because the buses going

From Sagada is on hourly basis only, and you wouldn’t want to be stuck behind.

Food: Near the Dangwa terminal, are numerous cafes and fastfood chain wherein you can take your breakfast.

                Likewise, there will be a stop over near the KM 55 that you can buy your trail food and even lunch as well.

Guides and Entrance Fees: as of April 2013, there are no entrance fees neededto climb the Mt. Timbac,

The trail is very straightforward as it is being used also by the village people, so therefore no guide is recommended.

Budget Details:

1.       Manila to Baguio and vv = 455*2 = 910

2.       Baguio to Atok and vv = 81*2 = 162

3.       Food = 200

Total = 1272

Pinoy Outdoor Planet

Experience and Taste the Philippines, in most Exciting, Fun and Budget Friendly Way!!!! very soon!