Traverse at Mt. Maculot | July 2015

"I TRAVEL NOT TO ESCAPE LIFE 

BUT FOR LIFE NOT TO ESCAPE ME."

After experiencing hiking last 4th of July, I have this hunger for climbing again. I have these moments of longing for mountains, longing for fresh air and longing for nature. Thank God Pnoy announced that July 17 is a holiday so I immediately packed my things, call my adventure buddy and jump to Cuenca Batangas.

Located at the heart of Batangas, Mt. Maculot is very popular for day hike adventure because of its breathtaking view. The mountain is divided into three parts (Rockies, Summit and Grotto) and its optional if you're going to hike all of them. 

My friend and I decided to join with the other group of hikers to spare some money for the tour guide fee. The officials required to have at least 1 tour guide every group of 10 maybe because of the incident happened before. This policy is for the safety of the hikers especially beginners and first timers. P500 are being collected if you're going to Rockies only, but if you decided to hike to Summit until Grotto, they will charge you for P1000. 

So yeah, this is the group we joined. Starting from the left, this is Jeff, Adrian, Jayvee, Erness, Benjo and Don. We are so blessed to join them because they're very nice people. Their welcome is very warm like we already know them even before this. I am so thankful to God for these new found hiker buddies.

 First destination is the Rockies (760 MASL), This rocky formation stands beside Taal Lake, creating a scenic and magnificent view. Most climbers chose to hike just the rockies because of the satisfaction they get. The wind and view is very refreshing. Experience climbers can reach this in less than an hour but for a relaxed pace, it could take up 2 to 3 hours. 

 This is the left side of the rockies, I must say that the view here is better than the Mt. Tarak. Can't help but be amazed by how God created and designed this. I am so blessed to witness this awesome place.

With my adventure buddy!

Another lesson learned, do not forget to bring gloves.

Next destination is the Summit (930 MASL). Some hikers chose not to climb here because its view is not as nice as the Rockies. But we are not just for the view, we are here to overcome every mountain that goes in our way. We are here to see and appreciate the whole creation of Maculot.

And finally, we reached the summit. Another achievement.

Then we went to Grotto.

After this, we just went to the another direction which is there is already a stairs (cement).


All in all, Traverse in Mt. Maculot is great. This hike is better than my first one. The weather is very nice also that day. Thank God for this experience. To God be the Glory! :)

Below is the short clip of our traverse. Enjoy watching!

EXPLORE. DREAM. DISCOVER.  

"If you can dream it, you can achieve it!" 

Breakdown of Expenses.
Bus from Cubao (Jam Liner) to Cuenca P155/each
Tricycle To Jump off P20/each
Tour Guide P125/each (P1000/8persons)
Jeep from Cuenca to SM Lipa P25
Bus from SM Lipa to Cubao P130
Total P455