It’s no secret that there are various of beaches, diving spots, scuba activities and resorts available in Batangas but little did you know that there are local destinations where hiking and camping with friends are welcome. The mountains have their own beauty and aesthetics to offer as it has their own unique rock formations.
Batangas, a province in southern Luzon, has its own secrets to be discovered by those who are daring. Once the secrets are revealed, the environment will be peaceful and relaxing. Only a two-hour drive from Metro Manila, Batangas could surely help revitalize its visitors and relieve stress from their hectic lives. This article will provide a list of the best mountains to hike in Batangas so that you can avoid the time-consuming search for what is appropriate for your needs during your next visit to the province.
Read Also: 5 Activities You Don’t Want to Miss When Travelling to South Luzon
1. Mount Makiling
You read that correctly. Although hikers can only access it through Los Banos in Laguna, this famous mountain in the south is also located within Batangas’ borders. The mountain is steeped in urban legend, as the name derives from the goddess “Maria Makiling,” who guards the mountain’s life and treasures from intruders. The mountain is shaped like a lying down woman and is belived to be the goddess herself.
Mount Makiling, is a dormant volcano filled with lush vegetations. The mountain is the highest feature of the Laguna Volcanic Field, rising to an elevation of 1,090 m (3,580 ft) above mean sea level that offers a scenic view for hikers. Although no historic eruptions have occurred on the volcano, volcanism can still be seen through geothermal features such as mud springs and hot springs. The Makiling-Banahaw Geothermal Plant is located south of the mountain.
2. Mount Maculot
The name of the mountain is derived from the word “Kulot,” which means “curly” in English. It got its name because it was once home to aetas, which have curly hair. Furthermore, this is one of the best mountains to hike in Batangas because it has lush vegetation and a panoramic view of the Taal Lake and the Batangas countryside.
The summit of Mount Maculot is 930 meters (3051 feet) above sea level. It is a dormant stratovolcano and a major tourist destination in the municipality of Cuenca, Batangas, in the heart of Batangas. It is ideal for a day hike adventure for hikers of all levels. Mt. Maculot has three well-known destinations. The first is the Rockies, the second is the summit, and the third is the 510-meter-high Grotto. The Rockies are the most well-known of the three. By doing a traverse dayhike, you can reach all of these destinations in a single day. Most hikers, however, come to the Rockies solely for the breathtaking scenery.
3. Mount Batulao
The name “Batulao” was given by the locals and is derived from the phrase “Bato sa Ilaw” (illuminated rock) because the sun can be seen in the middle of the mountain crests every year, producing figures of light resembling a disc of red light. This mountain in Batangas is safe for hiking and camping all year because the climate is cooler but expect it to be extremely hot during the summer and the trail to be tree-less and covered in cogon grass.
Mount Batulao is safe for begineers as it is one of the easiest climbs, which is 811 meters above sea level and considered as a minor climb with 60 to 70 degrees assault. Moreover, the steep trail to the summit requires extreme caution. Because rock scrambling is required, hikers should be physically fit. It is also not advised for people who get cold feet at heights. The summit of Mount Batulao will be the most rewarding part of your journey. The summit provides a panoramic view of Taal Lake, Batangas and Cavite provinces, the South China Sea, and the mountains of Pico de Loro and Mt. Maculot. There is also an image of the Blessed Virgin Mary at the peak. Mt. Batulao residents are now urging hikers to return, claiming that the conflict that once divided the hiking community has been resolved.
View the spectacular Mt. Batulao right outside your home if you choose your affordable house and lot in Bria Homes Balayan, Batangas. Look up to the views of the mountain and quiet communities in the gated subdivision of Bria Homes.
4. Mount Manabu
Mount Manabu, which is surrounded by trees and plants growing high and low, is another great place for hiking and camping in Batangas. The name of this lovely mountain is a shortened form of the Tagalog phrase “Mataas na Bundok” (high mountain). It is a popular choice for both novice and experienced mountaineers. This hike in Batangas is relatively easy, giving you more time to enjoy the scenery along the way.
The mountain is 760 meters above sea level, and the hike to the top takes two to four hours. This trek is ideal for beginners due to the short distance and easy access to the peak. Because the mountain is relatively easy, you will have more time to enjoy the scenery. There are several rest stops and camping areas along the way to the summit. The trails on the easy traverse are interesting and covered in forests. Mt. Manabu’s highest point is marked by a white cross atop its peak, and the area around it resembles a park.
5. Mount Gulugod Baboy
The locals named it Gulugod baboy because the mountain’s curves resemble a “Gulugod baboy” (pig’s spine), and yes, trailing in this mountain will lead you to see not only cows, horses, and goats, but also pigs. Mt. Gulugod Baboy has long been a popular hiking destination in Batangas. It is one of the best mountains to hike in Batangas for beginners due to its easy trail that leads to rolling hills, grasslands, and panoramic views of the province’s coastal waters.
The mountain is located in Mabini, Batangas. It offers a 360-degree scenic view of Batangas Bay and nearby islands. It has an elevation of 525 meters above sea level. There are three peaks on the mountain. The Gulugod Baboy is located at 470 MASL. The second highest point is Gitna, which is 485 meters above sea level, and the third is Pinagbanderahan, which is 525 meters above sea level. According to its past history, a Japanese plane crashed on the mountain many years ago. Fortunately, some of the Japanese aircrews on board survived the plane crash. As a result, they raised a flag on the mountain, which became known as “Pinagbanderahan.”
6. Mount Daguldol
Last but not least, Mount Daguldol is the one of the best mountains to hike in Batangas. The mountain got its name from the olden days’ locals, which means fear and grandeur in Tagalog. It was named after the magnificence of the mountain range and the sharp rolling of its slopes.
Mt. Daguldol is not as well-known as other Batangas mountains such as Mt. Maculot and Mt. Batulao. However, it is a one-of-a-kind mountain where hikers can experience a variety of landscapes. There are three trails on Mt. Daguldol. The first is a trail that leads to the beach or seaside. The second trail runs through woodlands and forests. The third is the grassland trail at the top of the mountain, from which one can see the Batangas mountain ranges and coastal view.
