The Road Trip: Vigan, Pagudpud, Tuguegarao, Santiago

I drove for a hundred or so kilometres (6 hours) with my car’s hood unlatched. I noticed this only when we stopped at a gasoline station for a stretcher, halfway into our destination. I was lucky the hood did not fly open towards our windshield or someone else would be writing this story. Excitement can really get the better of anyone, but I am glad that even with that major safety blunder, I still went ahead and tick this to-do off my list. 

I had been curious about driving to Pagudpud and back. I never thought I would muster the courage to finally do it, being a fairly amateur driver. I got my first car seven years ago. It was a 15-year old automatic Accord, which I had to have fixed before driving. It would take three weeks including the repainting, so I had time to enroll in a driving school for a 10-hour session. This was enough for me not to be a threat to my life and others. For four years, I was a “good” driver, very defensive, not going beyond speed limit, letting pedestrians go first, and not violating traffic rules (except for the two times, when I did not see the signs). Driving was fun, but it was also a stressful endeavor, since one wrong move could spell the difference between life and death. This is not to mention the possible breakdown that I would experience on the road, which my old car gave me a lot of (overheating and starting problems).

From Catanduanes To Caramoan And Back

Binurong Point, Catanduanes

First Day
Chance is risk positively interpreted. And when it comes to chance, I could be stubborn to the point of irrationally ignoring the risks. I would ignore reason in exchange for a chance to see another beautiful place. And, I should have to rethink this.
This was a struggle during the trip to Catanduanes. It always is when you go for places barely touched by destructive progress. Still.
Lucky would be the best word to describe how things worked for me and my friends. We left on a Sunday evening, as two separate groups. We were to meet in Legaspi City, where we'd have breakfast before leaving for Tabaco to take a ferry going to either San Andres or Virac in Catanduanes. But since it was vacation period, with the Holy Week starting in just a few days, it was almost impossible for anyone to get bus tickets to anywhere. The other group could not chance on any bus going south, so they took the van, which got them to Legazpi 2 hours later than our group. So breakfast became lunch.

La Trinidad

Before the summer starts raising blood pressures, I thought it would be good to go to the coldest
region of the country and have an excuse not to take baths. Baguio would be tacky. With the crowd, I couldn't feel the cool air. Sagada would be too far and I'm not in the mood for camping. So, I called a friend in La Trinidad, Benguet, and asked if I could crash his place for two nights.

La Trinidad is about 30 minutes from Baguio, and besides the cool climate, it's got its own share of beautiful sites to visit. Unlike Baguio, La Trinidad is not crowded, though the smell of diesel coming from the vehicles is still hard to ignore. 

Mt. Binutasan and How Grannies Made Us Eat Dust

When things get too difficult, cry and you’ll get a horse.

I had never thought this to be possible until I went on a hike to Mt. Binutasan in Rizal. I tagged along with fifteen others to see the famous sea of clouds that form below the peak of the mountain from dawn to 8:00 a.m. It was an easy hike, which we started at five in the morning. We had planned to start two hours earlier, so we could climb Mt. Sapari (These two mountains form the Maysawa circuit, so hikers go to Sapari summit, then Binutasan), as well. But we left Cubao too late, so we ditched that or we would have missed the sea of clouds at Mt. Binutasan.

Sambawan Island

It was not easy finding a boat that would take us to Sambawan on Holy Thursday. For a moment, I feared I would postpone going there again. The last time I had planned on being in Sambawan, I had run out of time and decided to go for Kalanggaman instead, which is one of the best change of plans I have ever made. Kalanggaman island is beautiful. But, that did not diminish my curiosity about this island in Maripipi, Biliran. I just had to see it for myself.

Biri Island

Biri is a statement. I can't be adding anything to its name if I use beautiful as a predicate because after seeing the island, Biri cannot be anything else but that. 

It is a respite after traveling for over 20 hours. From its people, to the view, and the simplicity of life, everything is a relief from the tiring trip and the numbing stress at the office. The island provides a sense of calm and an avenue for thinking about things that we try hard to ignore every day. 

Not Just Passing By Baguio

Baguio City

Even with a little hangover, I forced myself to get up earlier than usual on Christmas day to turn off the fan. It was cold.

I had to get my first cup of Benguet’s finest. And in the middle of my musings over coffee, I must have decided I wanted more of the cool air for twelve hours later, I found myself adjusting my seat on a bus bound for Baguio.

The Crater, the Sea and Taking Chances

(This is an account, a very long one, of my trip from Bulusan's crater to Southern Leyte's Limasawa, then to Kalanggaman Island in Palompon.)

We weren't late for the bus ride.

We had three minutes before departure, but somebody had already taken my spot. He asked if we could switch seats so he could be seated next to his wife. I didn't mind, for I was just happy I made it on time. Besides, he looked like he had drooled over the place. So, I took his seat, took off my shoes, pulled up the leg rest and reclined. The bus slowly started off seconds after. Eight hours was a real long time to travel on a bus, but I was glad for the lazyboy seat.

I ran through my itinerary again. I had to be sure I had enough time and budget for the 9-day trip. From Bulusan Volcano, we would head for Carigara through Samar and Tacloban, then to Limasawa, and finally back up north to Sambawan island before heading for Cebu for some barbecue. This was going to be difficult. I would have to be on the run, skip some meals and probably sleep at terminals to realize the plan. I palpitated, but not sure if it was because of anxiety or excitement.

Kalanggaman Island and Her Stories

I didn't mean to see Kalanggaman. At least, this was not what I had in mind when I planned my trip.

I was going for Sambawan island in Biliran, Leyte. But while in Limasawa, I figured I would not make it in time for the last ferry that would leave for Maripipi (the jump-off to the island).

But with only two nights left before vacation is over, I crammed searching for other places and considered going for Kalanggaman again. I excluded it from my itinerary, since there are no passenger boats going to the island. Hiring a boat would would cost me at least Php 3000 (see travel notes below). If I were with a group, this would be fine.

Limasawa: Beyond Beaches and History

History class must have been ages ago for I could only remember that Magellan had landed in Limasawa in the 16th century. I didn't know that he'd landed on a Holy Thursday and celebrated the first mass on an Easter Sunday. And I had no idea that this claim is being contested by two other provinces.

But I did not go there to dabble in history (see travel notes below). I went there to be away from the city into a place that’s not frequented by people on vacation. And, that is not to say this was a trip for the birds, either. Limasawa is a place that does not need to have white beaches or interesting tourist spots for anyone to love it. Being there is the reward.

Mt. Bulusan: Through a Lake, Mossy Forest, and Leeches

I had never been stressed hiking until I climbed Bulusan volcano (see travel notes below). Hiking is something that I do whenever I feel like taking some time off, so the stress I felt on the way to Bulusan's crater was something unusual. But it was also expected.

Years ago, I read up on Bulusan and found out it is the 4th most active volcano (after Mayon, Taal, and Kanlaon) in the country. It last erupted in 2011 and is closely monitored by volcanologists. Climbers are not allowed to stay longer than 15 mins at the crater for safety reasons. Even with the latest technology, it is impossible to predict when the volcano will erupt again. It has an elevation of 1565 masl, and, therefore, no easy climb. Based on the pictures I had seen of it, hiking it would be a treat. With Bulusan lake at its foot and the smaller Aguinay lake at the camp site, nature lovers would have a great time.

My Top Ten Summer Destinations

If the weather is not enough to whisper summer into your ears, I suggest going to any gym and see how packed it is. Around this time, people start trying to lose the pounds they have gained since Christmas. And in a few weeks, it will not just be the gym that's crowded but beaches and other summer destinations, as well.

There really is no better time that's best for traveling than during the summer months. From March to May, the likelihood of a typhoon ruining a much-awaited vacation is almost 0%. But it's not just storms we should avoid during vacations but the hassle of having to be in a very crowded place, as well. And, if you are allergic to a big crowd, never plan your vacation during the Holy Week.

Mt. Daraitan and the Stunning Tinipak River

View from the summit

If you are looking for a destination that is good for a weekend, Mt. Daraitan is a great choice. From Starmall in Crossing, it only takes around 3 hours to get to. This place in Tanay, Rizal has a lot to offer: caving, swimming and of course, hiking (for more information on how to get there, see travel notes below the story).

I did not expect much when I signed up for this hike with a group organized by a friend of a friend. Rizal is too near Metro Manila to still have interesting things to see. I had thought that this was another overrated place.

Minalungao National Park

I could think of at least 5 ways to ruin a trip:
* Go on a trip with an idiot
* Go on a trip without checking the weather
* Go on a trip without knowing some things about the destination
* Get robbed or lose my baggage
* Miss the flight

And it is purely to satisfy my curiosity that I have experienced almost all, ok all, of the above. Really just because I was curious. But I never thought I would be adding to that list until last weekend when I went to see Minalungao National Park.

Add: Travel drunk or nurse a hangover the whole day.

So, over the weekend, I left a party at 4:30am after I got a call from friends I was taking the trip with. We were supposed to take the first bus at 5am, but they were running late, so we ended up taking the third one.

Finding Home in the Mist of Sagada

Pathway beside the church leading to the cemetery and
to Echo Valley

I wouldn't say I was soul-searching when I went on this trip to the north. I was really just sick of my couch at home. No, really. It was light brown when I first got it, but now, no matter how hard I try to clean it up, it's gotten so dark. I needed to be thinking about something else or my obsessive-compulsive behavior would finally get the better of me. So, I took off and got inked.

After getting my traditional tattoo from Bang-od in Buscalan (read Buscalan story here), I headed for Sagada (see travel notes below). The thought of hiking again in this misty town had seemed inviting. The cool fresh air was what I needed. This was going to be my third time here, but would be my first hiking around alone.

Getting Lost in Buscalan, Kalinga

Buscalan, Kalinga

I traveled sixteen hours northward without a particular plan in mind  (see travel notes below). I had no idea how many days I would be there or where I would be in the next couple of days. No expectations, just the hope of finding peace, of again appreciating the world in silence, as it changes from second to second. I had imagined patiently minding the sound of drops of water while recalling smiles. I just wanted a break from a maelstrom of pressure of going beyond mere survival, towards realizing a dream of a purpose-driven life.

I was, at least, clear about one destination- Buscalan, but where after that would be dependent on what I'd feel like doing. I thought, "Bahala na". For sure, things will just unfold, and I would be quick to seize opportunities if worth taking.

Pico de Loro - Mt. Talamitam

On the way down to Nasugbu

Without sleep, we pushed through with our plan to climb three mountains in one day. Our performance would let us know how much more we can push our limits in terms of climbing mountains. I imagined it would be fun to have the tales to tell about how I climbed Pico, Talamitam and Batulao in one day.

And we failed.

Like wet fledgling attempting flight for the first time, we failed. But this is probably one failure I will always look back on with pride. 

To Pico de Loro

At 12 midnight, we left for Ternate, Cavite to get to Pico de Loro's jump off point early (see travel notes below). With three mountains in our list for the day, we could not waste time. After napping for an hour and a half (I didn't, though, as I was busy tinkering with my headlamp, and chatting with the DENR officer. I also found out, thanks to Rosie, that my TNF bag has a whistle!), we started our climb. The way we trekked truly brushed off any thoughts of sleep, as we only took two to three breaks on the way up. We were determined to get to the peak before sunrise and start the traverse as early as we could. Sadly, the sun rose earlier than we hoped, so we had breakfast and coffee when we got to the campsite, instead. 

The peak was just 15 minutes away, so we went for it. This was no walk in the park. Getting to Pico's peak is like going up the stairs to your office on the 20th floor, maybe more challenging. But the view is spectacular! Even for the second time, I was still in awe. 

Our breakfast: Goto

We stayed at the campsite longer than we should have, and started our traverse at 7:30am. The first time I had done the traverse to Nasugbu, we had followed the trail from the peak, which passes by the famous monolith. This time we took a different trail, so I thought we were headed for another place. 

I should have asked more about where exactly in Nasugbu we were going, so the group could have saved one and a half hours of useless trek through an almost impossible trail. But this was fun. It felt like real adventure getting through thick bushes, cutting through branches of fallen trees.

We gave up.

We headed back to the campsite. Pretending like we had just gone looking around (it was embarrassing to say we got lost after we told the guide we could find the way on our own), we told the guide we were finally hiring him to lead the way down to Nasugbu. To my surprise, he took the trail I had gone through 8 years ago. And boy, was it a clear trail down! We could have made it ourselves! 

My lesson? Mind where you're going. Simple.

I have heard that Pico is considered a minor climb. Yes, probably. But that really depends on which trail you are talking about. The one coming from Nasugbu is heaven. That is if you are fond of pouring ethyl alcohol on your deep cuts. The steep descent from the peak to Nasugbu is a curse, though, for people who just want to climb three mountains in one day. It was 2 hours of pure agony, as it is simply not fun to support the weights of your body and your bag going down. If you want to know what I mean, try loading your backpack with a good 8 kilos of stuff, then take the stairs from the 30th to the ground floor of your office building. Multiply that by about 10 times. You will know what I mean.

Cut the long and painful story short, we got to Nasugbu 2 hours later, took a tricycle to the Nasugbu town proper, then had lunch. We were already hesitating whether to still go for the next climb. I guess our lunch gave us happy energy,and decided to go for the next mountain on the list.

Travel Notes

Bus Terminal: Coastal Mall
Fare: Php 81
Travel Time (to Ternate): 1.5 hours (12am; there is a bus every hour)
- Get off at Ternate municipal hall (tell the conductor you are going to Pico de Loro).
- At the municipal hall, there are tricycles you can take to DENR (jump off)
Tricycle fare: Php 225 (we took two tricycles, so we haggled for Php 200)
Registration (DENR): Php 25
Registration (at the house on the way up): Php 25
Trek up: 2 hours
- There is a store at the campsite where you can buy water, food and some supplies (a bit pricey, though, since the goods are delivered from Nasugbu- a very difficult trail)
Trek down: 2 hours (to Nasugbu)
Guide fee: Php 500 (from the campsite) Php 1500 (from DENR)
- There really is no need for a guide since the trail is not difficult to find, but if you are not confident, you can always hire one.
- There are tricycles once you get to the driving range in Nasugbu.
- According to the tricycle drivers there, they would be the only mode of transportation allowed there. If you arrange for a jeepney or a van to wait for you there, the vehicle will not be allowed to park anywhere.
Tricycle fare (to the town proper): Php 500
Travel time: 30 mins

To Talamitam

View from Mt. Talamitam. I believe that's Mt. Batulao.

The 40-minute bus ride to Bayabasan (our jump off to Talamitam) was a welcome one, as we needed the nap to get us more energy for the hike. When we got to Bayabasan, our guide was already waiting for us (Talamitam can only be trekked with a guide). 
And with him was the rain. 

It was not a surprise that we would be trekking wet. First, who could trek and remain dry? Second, it's the wet season, so even if it is not raining, it will. My bag's been water-proofed, and my outfit's just ready. 

What was not ready was my feet. They are tired of the hike, yes, but that's expected. What I did not expect, which is stupid, was the blisters. I am not comfortable wearing trekking shoes, so I wear sandals when I hike. I could not remember getting blisters during my other treks before, so I thought I would never have them. 

Lesson? Learn to wear shoes.

At this time, I was already worried, as we were just on our second mountain, and my toes were beginning to spell disaster. Of course, I brought my first-aid kit, but the band-aid would not do sh-t as I would soon learn.

Talamitam is considered a fun climb. It's a mountain that beginners should try out first (arguably so). It took us 2 hours to get to the peak, and that's pretty fast, relative to another group that went ahead of us. They took as long as the time we spent up and back down. Kidding. But they were slow. And wobbly.

I thought that without the rain, that hike would have killed us or worse, our dreams of ever reaching the mountain peak. Talamitam is all grassy and...grassy. With the sun high up in the sky, you would probably swear off climbing mountains for a long time. The farmers have cut all trees for their vegetables and crops. But the hike up is easy if not for the slippery trail, the most slippery being the paved way near the jump off (very mossy concrete). All of us were told to stay in the middle, but a girl got courageous, and took the leftmost part, so off she fell bum-first.   

We were lucky it was raining, indeed. Luckier, since when we got to the peak, the rain let up, offering us a magnificent view of Mt. Batulao- our last mountain for the day.

We rested for a bit at the saddle, where I nursed my blisters and covered them with band-aids. It was here when we decided that yes, we could still make it to Batulao, but with the following consequences:
1. We would be trekking with hatred. Hatred for going for it, for each other, for the mountain, and for ever deciding on this weekend craziness.
2. We would miss the last bus trip back to Manila and hire a jeepney that will cost as much as a brand new pair of trekking pants.
3. With the strap of my sandals constantly brushing my blisters, I would not only be singing happy melodies like a mad dog, but will leave the mountain with my toes' flesh all gone.

So, we thought for a while. 
We came to a logical conclusion that maybe, it was not a good idea to go for it.

After enjoying the view at the peak and a little more rest at the saddle, We started our climb down with renewed energy, now that Batulao was off the list. It only

Trekking in the mist

took us about 1.5 hours down, but not without difficulty. We trekked through the mist, then in the dark, with a little bit of rain. The trail was so muddy a lot of the mud would get between my foot and my sandals and some into my blisters. The band-aids were taken off. The pain was terrible, but I was more busy minding my balance. In the middle of the trek, I laughed like crazy, since the pain was too much. My sandals were slipping off my foot in a fashion that I can only imagine (since it was dark) is like wearing them as anklets. It was that painful.

But even difficulties end. 
We finally got back to our guide's home, where we had dinner and a quick wash. Chicken soup is good after a wet hike, that's for sure.

We still could have made it to Batulao, but we knew that we were deciding for the best not to. It is necessary to know how failure sometimes needs to be decided on to be victorious. This was not about winning, but I did feel like we won.

I am glad that the people I was doing this memorable trek with were smart besides having endurance like that of a camel and speed of a horse. 

Travel Notes

From Nasugbu
Bus fare: Php 31
Travel Time: 40 mins
Guide fee: (no set price) Php 375
- Before the trip, we asked the guide to cook dinner for us. Food, and 1.5 liters of soda, and use of their bathroom cost us Php 625, so we gave them Php 1000 including guide fee.
Trek up: 2 hours
Trek down: 2 hours
- The trek could be longer depending on your pace. If you could avoid the sun, do so. This mountain does not have trees to shield you from the heat of the sun, so it is a good idea to trek really early or at night.
- Buses to Manila are only till 8pm.
Bus fare: Php 124
Travel time: 3 hours (depending on traffic)

Gallery

Attempting traverse through the bushes

Mt. Talamitam Summit

Night Trek

Trekking in the rain to Talamitam

On the way to Pico's summit

Pico de loro's peak

Campsite at Pico de Loro

Pico de loro

Cagbalete

Cagbalete is an Island off the coast of Mauban, Quezon, and a great destination, especially, for those who do not want to be with a big crowd at the beach. It is not as impressive as the beach in Calaguas or El Nido (not as white or as fine), and the water disappears during low tide. But what I like about the place is the peace and quiet. I also hear that sunrise is beautiful here, but sad that we missed it.

Accommodation could still be improved in Cagbalete, but that's nothing if all you want is respite from stress. There are lot of resorts to choose from, where camping is also allowed. We stayed at Villa Noe, where we paid Php 1000 for the cottage and Php 200/tent for the pitching fee (They also rent out tents). It was a good deal for the price. The cottage has a dirty kitchen where you could cook your meals. Just don't forget to bring your cook set and stove.


How to get there:

Bus Terminal: Jac/Jam liner (or any bus passing by Lucena) 
Fare: Php 220
Travel time to Lucena: 3 hours (but on long weekends, that could go up to as long as 6 hours)

- From Lucena, take a mini bus to Mauban (1.5 hours; Php 50~). You may also take the van, which is slightly more expensive, but also 30 minutes faster.

- From Mauban, walk or take a tricycle to the port.
- You can either look for private boats (we got ours at Php 3500) that will bring you to Cagbalete and back or take the public one (Php 40~). First trip to the island is at 10 am, and the next one's at 4pm.

Gallery

Dampalitan - Borawan - Kwebang Lampas

Manila to Padre Burgos

To get to Padre Burgos, get on a bus to Lucena. That will take about 3 hours. Then from Lucena, take a bus going to Unisan and ask the driver/konduktor to drop you off in Padre Burgos.

To Lucena
Bus/Terminal: Jac Liner, Kamuning Quezon City
Travel time: 3 hours
Fare: Php 218 (as of 4/16/2014)
Lucena to Padre Burgos
Bus/Terminal: Lucena Grand Terminal (we took the bus going to Unisan, but you can ask around for buses that would pass by Padre Burgos)
Travel time: 1 hour
Fare: Php 40

Padre Burgos to Dampalitan

We got off at a waiting shed in Padre Burgos. We bought supplies at the store along the highway and had brunch at a nearby eatery. The sales lady at the store offered to help with the boat. Apparently, the boat fare to the Islands has already been standardized.
Php 800- one island (Either Dampalitan or Borawan)
Php 1200- two islands(Borawan and Dampalitan)
Php 1800- Borawan, Dampalitan and Kwebang lampas

Dampalitan 

We decided to visit two islands, camping overnight in Dampalitan. From mainland Padre Burgos, the boat ride takes about 15 to 20 minutes. It is not a rough one, so you can really enjoy it.
Dampalitan is nothing like the beautiful beaches I have been to. The sand is coarse and its color not impressive. I was told that there is a lot of jelly fish (sometimes box jelly fish), though they have put a net enclosing the swimming area.

What is great about the island, though, is that it is not crowded. There is enough space to pitch your tent comfortably. You can also make bonfires (you can buy a pile of wood from one of the caretakers for Php 50), though I personally think this should not be allowed. When we were there, the weather was not very good, so I was not able to see its famed sunset view.
I enjoyed my stay here since it was a very quiet place. We also found spots good for taking pictures. Just go all the way to the left (if you are facing the sea) of the island during low tide.
However, I don't think I will like going back there. The beach is not very inviting and I think the pitching fee is ridiculous.

Here is some information about staying in the island:
Php 60- entrance fee (I think this is dependent on the number of nights you stay in the island)
Php 200- Pitching fee (even if you bring your own tent, you still have to pay)
Php 500- tent rental
Php 35- beer (SML)
Php 200- Red Horse Beer
Php 30- charging fee (1 full charge of phone or camera battery)

Tips:
- Bring enough drinking water if you are camping in the island, as everything at the store is very expensive.
- Camping in Dampalitan is advantageous if you consider space, since Borawan is too cramped.
- Take advantage of the fact that it is still possible to make bonfires at the beach.

Borawan

If I am not mistaken, I stayed in this island for about 40 minutes only. We visited Borawan on our way back to the mainland.
Accordingly, its name is derived from Boracay, because of the sand, and Palawan, because of the rock formations. It did slightly feel like you were in Boracay and Palawan at the same time. However, I think it is a bit overrated. The sand is not as fine as in Boracay and rocks are much better in El Nido and Coron.
Still, this island is worth a visit.
Borawan Information:
Php 80- Entrance fee (I think it is a bit more if you stay overnight. Not sure about that, though.)

Kwebang Lampas

It was my second time in Kwebang Lampas. Considering that I don't usually go back to places I have been to, this means that this place really made an impression on me. I like the white sand (albeit not as fine as I would like it to be) and its blue green water that does not disappear during low tide. Sure it is nothing like Calaguas, Boracay or Palawan, but it is so much better than Dampalitan and Borawan...combined. I thought, then, this was a place I could go back to many times, if I want to go swimming at a beautiful beach not so far away from the city.

Kwebang Lampas

All that changed this time. Of course, the cove is still as beautiful as I remember, but the care taker just ruined everything. The caretaker does not seem to know much about courtesy and customer service. I know that it was such a busy time for them, considering that the entire Philippines goes on vacation during Holy Week, but that's not an excuse for treating visitors without respect. Cut the story short, I am not going back to this place, and I am not recommending it either (especially after my misadventure with a coconut).


Check out Cagbalete travelogue here.

Travel Notes:

Padre Burgos to Pagbilao
Trave time: 40 mins
Fare: Php 30
Pagbilao to Registration Area (Kwebang Lampas)
Travel time (tricycle): 1 hour (could be faster if taking a jeep)
Fare (tricycle): Php 400 (split by the number of passengers)
Fare (jeep): Php 30 (Tricycle at the junction to Bgy Polo will cost Php 150)
Entrance fee: 80/night (no pitching fee unlike in Dampalitan)
Ten Rental: ranges from Php 300 to Php 800 depending of the size

Tips:

- Bring enough drinking water. The store at the island sells drinking water but at a very expensive price, sometimes, they run out.
- Fresh water for bathroom use is also sold but when there are too many people in the island, they could run out of it, too.
- Bathrooms are available but sometimes, you have to wait in a very long line. It's not as clean as you would like it to be.
- If you are coming from Padre Burgos, you do not need to go all the way to Pagbilao market. You can just tell the van/bus/jeep driver to drop you off at the junction to Brgy. Polo. From there, you take a tricycle that will take you all the way to the registration area. That would cost you about Php 150.
- Make arrangements with the tricycle driver to pick you up on your way back, as tricycles are not always available, unless, of course, if you are going with the crowd during peak season (like Holy Week).
- Note that the entrance fee is per night. I am guessing that whoever is running this place would like people to enter the premises several times. :P
- From Kwebang Lampas, you can walk it out to the Jeepney terminal. That way, you can save the P150 fare. Note that the tricycle ride will not take you all the way to Highway-Polo junction, but just up to the jeepney terminal in Barangay Polo.

Kwebang Lampas

See more of my travels here.

The Rockies of Mt. Maculot

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.

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