Mt. Maculot. A lot has already been written about this mountain. Including grim details about how a seasoned hiker went missing and then found dead near the lake. His body was found below the famous cliff, the Rockies, where climbers usually have their pictures taken. Indeed, this mountain, though not very difficult to climb, could be very treacherous if one is not careful. But, these stories do not shadow the wonder and beauty of Mt. Maculot.
It was my first time there two weekends ago, and finally, I understood why many would ignore the danger. The view from the Rockies is just beautiful!
Travel Notes:
Bus to Cuenca, Batangas
Bus: Jam liner in Kamuning
Fare: Php 155
- Ask the driver to drop you off in Cuenca, jump off to Mt. Maculot. They already know the place.
- From the bus stop, take a tricycle to the registration center/jump off point.
Fare: Php 20/person.
Registration: 20/person
- Hike is about 2 hours, but it depends on how fast you are. It could take less or more.
- Hike is fine, as there is a canopy of trees, so it is not very hot. It's steep enough to get you dizzy if you are not fit or not into cardio sports.
- The mountain could get crowded on weekends, so get there as early as you can.
- The Rockies do not have trees, so it is very hot if you take pictures at noon. It is also not something to take lightly, as you could fall off if you are not careful.
- In Cuenca, there are stores and carinderia where you could buy your food to bring to the mountain. I think it would be better to stay there overnight if you want to take pictures of the sunset. We were there only for a day, so we had to start going down at 3pm.
Gallery
I finally checked out Pasig City's rainforest park (Rave of Pasig) to learn some more about taking pictures, and of course, to enjoy the scenery, too. I have always been curious about this park, and since I didn' t have anything planned that Saturday, I figured, I should go.
Pasig City's rainforest park wasn't a difficult place to get to. I only had to take a jeepney from Ever Cainta, get off at Jenny's (Robinson's Supermarket), then take a tricycle to the bridge that I had to cross to get to the park. I heard that if you are coming from Mega Mall, you can take the FX with Angono/Binangonan/Floodway sign board.
I got there at 2pm, a bit late for taking as many pictures as I want and go around for fun. At the entrance, I asked about the different zones to visit, since you need to decide which you would like to enter or do among the following before going in (fees below are for Pasig residents, who are asked to show ID or cedula; I think you have to add 5pesos if you are not):
Flower field (Php 10)
Train ride (Php 10)
Mini zoo (Php 10)
Maze (Php 10)
Butterfly garden (Php 10)
Water park (pool; Php 40)
Boating (No idea)
Adventure park where the zip line is (no idea)
I decided to go to the first 5 listed above, since my main goal was to take pictures. Why the train? Hell, who would want to miss that?! Besides, I would like to see the entire park, so it is best to get on it. Don't worry, I gave my seat to the families and kids, since I wanted to be on deck outside and take photos comfortably.
Park opens from 5am to 5pm, but the zones have different operating hours:
8am-11am, 2pm-4pm (Mini Zoo/Butterfly Garden)
9am-11am, 2pm-4pm (Train)
7am-6pm (Swimming Pool)
5am-5pm (the rest of the park)
This place is good for families, lovers and groups of friends who want to do something on weekends. The canopy of trees blocks the heat from the sun, so kids can run around even at noon. It is ideal for everyone who wants to experience nature but can't go far from the city.
The park staff (students who work there part time) are very accommodating!
Interested in traditional Kalinga tattoo? Find out how here.
Check out other places I have been to here.
Gallery
 |  |
 |  |
 |  |
 |  |
![]()
 |  |
 |  |
 |  |
 |  |
