How to get to Mt. Batulao

Via Bus

Take a bus that is bound to Nasugbu – Lemery. Drop off point is Evercrest Golf Course in Lemery, Batangas. Just tell the conductor that you’ll be going to Mt. Batulao then they’ll know that already. Travel time is roughly 2 to 3 hours.

Once you get to Evercrest, you can either walk or take a tricycle going to the jump-off point which is PHP 20.00 per head. In our case, since we ran out of budget (Jam Liner conductors fooled us and dropped us at the other side of Batangas), we have to walk from Evercrest going to the jump-off point.

Via Car

Follow the route to Tagatay until you see Evercrest.

Violet – Mt. Batulao; B mark – Evercrest Golf Club

Things to Bring

For day hikers

•  1.5 to 2 L of water
• Energy drinks (Pocari Sweat or Gatorade)
• Hiking or trekking shoes. Sandals aren’t recommended. It’s very dusty.
• Sun protection (hats, sun block, headgear, sunglasses)
• Hiking gloves (optional but recommended)
• Food (Snack and Lunch)
• Picnic mat
• Huge size Umbrella (optional if you don’t have tent)

For ones who will stay overnight

• Tent of course
• Cooking equipment
• Prepare PHP 30.00 per head for the camping fee

Mt. Batulao Itinerary sample (Day Hike)

04:00 a.m. – ETD Jam Liner bound to Nausgbu
06:30 p.m. – ETD to Evercrest
06:35 p.m. – Breakfast
07:00 a.m. –Tricycle to the jump-off point
07:10 a.m. – Start of trek
10:00 a.m. – Summit conquered; Lunch
12:00 n.n. – Start descent
02:30 p.m. – Reach jump-off point
03:00 p.m. – Freshen up; ETD bus to Cubao or Pasay
06:00 p.m. – ETA Cubao or Pasay

Expenses

PHP 132.00 – Cubao to Evercrest Lemery, Batangas via Jam Liner (one-way)
PHP 106.00 – Evercrest to Pasay LRT (Taft)
PHP 14.00 – LRT Pasay to Cubao
PHP 25.00 – Buko Juice
PHP 25.00 – Mountain Dew
PHP 100.00 – Food and water
PHP 20.00 – Registration
___________________
PHP 422.00 – Total expenses

Other expenses which you may spend

PHP 30.00 - Overnight fee
PHP 25.00 - Shower
PHP 10.00 - Tae (Poopoo)
PHP 5.00 – Ihi (Urinate)
PHP 300.00 – Tour guide (for the whole group)

Author’s note

In our case, even if it was our first time hiking (ever) to Mt. Batulao, we didn’t get a tour guide because as I have said, we ran out of budget. Surprisingly, we were able to hike Mt. Batulao without hiring a tour guide. We got lost a lot of times, but thanks to the friendly locals living in the area, we were able to ask them from time to time.

Tour guide costs PHP 300 for the whole group. From there, we were able to save PHP 43.00 each.

Useful FAQ

Do you recommend hiring tour guide?
Yes and No. Yes, if you’re a beginner and not confident of hiking Mt. Batulao by yourself. And by hiring tour guide, you contribute to the lives of children who happened to be your tour guide. Tour guides are aged 9 to 14 years old.

No. Trail is very visible and easy to follow. It’s impossible to get lost once you started ascending. You can just possibly follow other hikers with tour guide.

Which trail is harder, the old or new?
Old.

What is the difficulty level?
4 out of 9.

Photos from the climb

On our way to the summit

It was very windy and we have to keep our balance

The controversial Peak 8

Cousins having fun descending

Careful not to fall

Looks familiar?

We’re on the top of the world

Goofing with the friendly locals

For more photos, you can check out my album at my Facebook profile.