Sunday, August 28, 2016
Mount Talamitam, Nasugbu, Batangas 630+ MASL
Jump-off point: Sitio Bayabasan, Brgy. Aga, Nasugbu (KM. 83)
LLA: 14.1158° N; 120.7577° N; 630 MASL
Days required/ Hours to summit: 1 day / 1.5-2.2 hours
Specs: Minor climb, Difficulty 3/9, Trail class 1-3 with steep assault (100m)
http://www.pinoymountaineer.com/2007/08/mt-talamitam-630.html
It was a gloomy Sunday and we were really itching to climb. We are already in Amadeo, Cavite area and it will just be less than an hour bus ride from Tagaytay to Nasugbu.
After arriving at Sitio Bayabasan, we went at the registration site and paid Php40 and a required guide of Php300.
Talamitam has a reputation of being a hot mountain because of being treeless but I hope that the locality has its plan to rehabilitate the mountain and have trees planted.
After arriving at Sitio Bayabasan, we went at the registration site and paid Php40 and a required guide of Php300.
Talamitam has a reputation of being a hot mountain because of being treeless but I hope that the locality has its plan to rehabilitate the mountain and have trees planted.
The rain just poured to its most powerful level and we just stayed first for an hour at a roofed area and when the rain subsided, we proceeded with the hike...
My brother-in-law, Raymart, have hiked Talamitam before that's why even if it's raining, he said "Saglit lang yan akyatin!"
The rain temporarily stopped and we continued with the hike. The trail is so easy especially during cold seasons. It will only take you 2 to 2 1/2 hours to reach the summit.
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| crossing Talamitam River |
The first part of the trek is crossing the Talamitam River. The bridge is made of slippery bamboo so caution is advised.
There are plenty of cows and horses along the way. Be very observant on what you are stepping on.
Around 70 to 80 percent of the trail is just plain flat, the only thing that will make this hike difficult is direct exposure to sunlight because of the shade-less trek. You can bring umbrella to protect you from the unforgiving sun.
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| dad with Ayen and Marlon |
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Caviteño hikers we've met along the way, hello guyz <3
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At the half of the trek is a mini store selling coffee, bread, noodles, buko, softdrinks and chicheria. They sell coffee at Php25.
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| jump shot at the foggy mountain |
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| the most difficult part of the trek |
There is a little challenge along the trail. It is the 60-70 degrees slope summit assault and will take you around 20-30 minutes to reach it.
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| the family who hike together |
If it is not foggy you can see Mount Batulao to the southeast, Mount Pico de Loro and Mount Marami to the northwest . You can also see Mount Makiling from the peak.
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| Josh and JP at the foggy summit |
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| wet and rainy hike |
Going down will only take you one and a half hour. It was a very relaxing hike since we went on a rainy season.
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| wet but happy =) |
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| picture with Rey our guide |
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| enjoy the views by staying here for a while |
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| Team jayshelle <3 |
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| my second born, Josh, with an amazing view as a backdrop =) |
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| JP enjoying selfies at magpapicture sa mommy with Talamitam peak as a backdrop =) |
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| one last groupie pose |
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| one last shot na talaga =) |
Things to Consider:
- No water source throughout the trail
- Overnight is allowed
- trekking during dry season will drought you, bring 3 liters of water for a dayhike
- estimated budget is from Php700-800 if Mount Talamitam is your only itinerary
- cooked food can be bought at the jump-off
How to get to Kilometer 83, Sitio Bayabasan, Brgy Aga, Nasugbu?
Nasugbu bound buses are in Buendia and Coastal Mall. Tell the conductor to drop you at Mount Talamitam jump-off in Sitio Bayabasan. A/C bus fare is around Php 180.
We came from Tagaytay and from there we rode the bus up to Km 83, bus fare is Php40.
Dayhike Itinerary:
Nasugbu bound buses are in Buendia and Coastal Mall. Tell the conductor to drop you at Mount Talamitam jump-off in Sitio Bayabasan. A/C bus fare is around Php 180.
We came from Tagaytay and from there we rode the bus up to Km 83, bus fare is Php40.
Dayhike Itinerary:
6:00 to 8:00 - Coastal Mall to Brgy. Bayabasan, Nasugbu, Batangas
8:00 to 8:15 - Register and hire a guide
8:15 to 10:00 - Jump-off to Summit
10:00 to 10:30 - Stay at the Summit
10:30 to 12:00 noon - Summit to Jump-off
12:00 nn to 2:00pm - Nasugbu to Pasay
Proceeding to Mount Batulao for twin dayhike or a sidetrip to Tagaytay is a great idea!
Contact our guide Reynaldo Yu at 0975-6236917
10:00 to 10:30 - Stay at the Summit
10:30 to 12:00 noon - Summit to Jump-off
12:00 nn to 2:00pm - Nasugbu to Pasay
Proceeding to Mount Batulao for twin dayhike or a sidetrip to Tagaytay is a great idea!
Contact our guide Reynaldo Yu at 0975-6236917
Sunday, July 17, 2016
Mount Ulap, Itogon, Benguet (1846 MASL)
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| JP and Josh's 14th mountain to hike |
Itogon, Benguet
Entry Point : Brgy. Ampucao, Itogon
Exit Point : Brgy. Sta. Fe, Itogon.
LLA : 16.2904 N, 120.6312 E, 1846 MASL (Mt. Ulap)
1814 MASL (Gungal Rockies)
Days required/Hours to summit: 1 day/ 2-3 hours
Specs: Difficulty 3/9, Trail class 1-3,
Features : Grassland and pine ridges, scenic views of the Cordilleras, burial caves
http://www.pinoymountaineer.com/2015/11/mt-ulap-1846m-in-itogon-benguet.html
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| if it wasn't for the rain, Janelle and James are also with us....#kulang |
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| ocean eleven |
I've been to Baguio City a lot of times since my youngest years. Everytime we go on a vacation and it's going to be in Baguio, ah okay Baguio again... But it is only when a dayhike in Mount Ulap was organized that I became so excited going to Baguio. I've been wanting to hike this so much aside from the famous Mount Pulag <3 <3 <3
Mount Ulap is located in Itogon, Benguet. Itogon is located at the southeast end of Benguet Province, forming a border with Nueva Vizcaya (on the west) and Pangasinan (on the south). The town is bounded by Baguio City and the municipality of Tuba on the west, La Trinidad, and Tublay on the north-west, Bokod on the north-east, Kayapa and Santa Fe on the south-east, San Manuel and San Nicolas on the South and Sison on the south-west.
Itogon is the largest municipality in Benguet by land area. It is known as mining town, being the site of the large-scale mining operation in the country. Major mining companies in town include Benguet Corporation, Philex Mining Corporation, Atok Gold Mining Company, and Itogon Suyoc Mines.
Mount Ulap Eco-Trail was officially launched in October 2015. It was previously known as the Ampucao-Santa Fe Ridge Trail. The whole trail can be accomplished in 5 to 6 hours.
Mount Ulap Eco-Trail was officially launched in October 2015. It was previously known as the Ampucao-Santa Fe Ridge Trail. The whole trail can be accomplished in 5 to 6 hours.
Before proceeding to the trail, register at Ampucao Barangay Hall. There is a registration fee of Php 100/person and guide fee of Php400 good already for 10 persons. If you will stay overnight, there is a camping fee of Php400 for a group of 10. Hiring a guide is mandatory though the trail is easy to follow.
Don't worry if you were not able to bring packed lunch, drinks, noodles. Everything can be bought at the barangay hall at affordable prices.
Don't worry if you were not able to bring packed lunch, drinks, noodles. Everything can be bought at the barangay hall at affordable prices.
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| the native house along the trail |
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| the kid who sells tungkod for Php10 and Php30 |
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| stop over at the pine trees |
Mount Ulap Eco Trail is a very easy climb for the usual hikers but can be challenging for beginners. The first part of the trail is uphill climb through slopes. You will pass through several pine trees and some unusual plants and species. The views are extremely rewarding.
We climb Mount Ulap in May and we were so lucky that the weather is just fair. Most of the blogs I've read is that their hike was so hot that you have to bring sun protection and apply sunblock because the sun may be unforgiving.
I enjoyed this hike so much coz I can feel the freeze on my cheeks. I will always want to return here with the same weather condition. It is literally like walking in the clouds...
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| lahat sila may picture dyan, pati si Mark =) |
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| Carlo and Kheng |
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| the wooden gate |
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| On our way to the first peak, the Ambanao Paoay peak... |
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| This is really Mount Ulap... |
Mount
Ulap trail consists mostly of pine trees and grassland ridges. I saw in
Mount Ulap the mixture of views of Mount Marami in Gungal Rockies,
Mount Pulag in its sea of clouds and freezing temperature, and a little of Mount Makiling Traverse for the variety of plants and trees that you'll encounter the whole trek. It is also known as "mini-Mount Ugo" which showcases a taste of Cordillera...
My hubby and I were chatting while on the trail that this is one great mountain that can be hiked over and over again. Provided that going here is cheaper than Mount Pulag. I didn't notice a number of assaults that resulted in some breathless moments because I really enjoyed hiking Mount Ulap. Next time, we knew that our little ones who are 6 and 10 year olds can make it. I would love to bring them here because I know they will keep on telling this story that they really are walking in the clouds....
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| at 1788 MASL - Ambanao Paoay Peak with zero visibility |
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| balancing rocks |
At Gungal Rock Formation (1846 MASL)
We then arrived at the most photographed location in Mount Ulap eco-trail, the Gungal Rock Formation. It is also one of the reason why this mountain became so famous and popular that also trended in social media.
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| our chicks expert, boss Andy =) |
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| the ocean eleven at the rockies |
The queue to Gungal Rock formation can be really long and will consume so much time so be really early to trek...
Be extremely careful at this side coz if your foot tripped, you will fell 1,846 meters from the ground and the rescuers will find it difficult to get you, hehehe... Exercise caution all the time...
Where is the best location to shoot at Gungal?
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| so near the clouds like I'm tasting a piece of heaven =) |
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| Bantog brothers |
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| with my love at the Gungal Rockies |
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| a flower specie |
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| edible wild berries |
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| pitcher plant |
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| Mount Ulap Peak |
We reached Mount Ulap peak 3 hours from the jump-off. The photo ops took most of our time =)
This is the most relaxing peak I've ever experienced... Reaching the peak like a walk in a mall, haha! Every step is just awesome with 360 degree view of an uphill terrain. The amazing views are endless.
This is the most relaxing peak I've ever experienced... Reaching the peak like a walk in a mall, haha! Every step is just awesome with 360 degree view of an uphill terrain. The amazing views are endless.
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| jump shot at the peak! |
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| the family who always hike together <3 |
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| da boys |
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| selfie with the cows |
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| peak with cows =) |
The trail is composed of acres of grasslands so don't wonder if you'll encounter a number of grazing cows and grazing cow's manure, hahaha!
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| unlimited view of breathtaking sceneries |
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| jump shot with our mountain tropa! |
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| one final shot at the end of the trail with our guide |
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| one of the 5 hanging bridges at Sta Fe before reaching the end of the trail |
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| tarpaulin of Mount Ulap at one of the stores near the exit |
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| one of the souvenir shops selling shirts, bag tags, ref magnets and mini balisongs |
We spent almost two hours descending the 80-degree steep trail. A little tired already but there are a number of stores selling refreshments, snacks and souvenirs before the end of the trail. I have counted five hanging bridges before reaching the exit. There are jeepneys bound to Baguio after the hike with Php50 fare.
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| our great photographer and tour guide, ate Rosaria |
How to get to Brgy. Ampucao, Itogon, Benguet:
Make a way going to Baguio City and look for Shopper's Lane in Lakandula St., near Center Mall and Jollibee. Ride a jeepney going to Ampucao. Jeepney fare is around Php35.
Sample Itinerary for a dayhike:
12:00mn to 4:00 am - Cubao to Baguio City
4:00 am to 5:00 am - at Baguio City (take an early breakfast)
5:00 am to 6:00 am - jeepney going to Ampucao-Philex
6:00 am to 7:00 am - arrival at Ampucao Brgy Hall, Registration, Briefing
7:00 am to 9:00 am - jump-off to Gungal Rock Formation
9:00 am to 10:00 am - Gungal Rock Formation to Mout Ulap peak
10:00 am to 1:00 pm - Mount Ulap peak to Santa Fe Exit
1:00 pm to 1:30 pm - lunch at any stores near Santa Fe exit
1:30 pm to 2:00 pm - wait for jeepneys going to Baguio City at the exit
2:00 pm to 3:00 pm - Ampucao to Baguio City
3:00 pm onwards - side trip to Baguio City
take a night trip going back to Manila.
Be a responsible mountaineer. Always bring with you that "Leave No Trace" (LNT) Principles.
1. Plan ahead and prepare.
2. Travel and camp on durable surfaces.
3. Dispose of waste properly.
4. Leave what you find.
5. Minimize campfire impacts.
6. Respect wildlife.
7. Be considerate of others.
www.lnt.org
There are cheap accommodations in Baguio City if you plan to spend the night before or after your hike. Check them here.
Be a responsible mountaineer. Always bring with you that "Leave No Trace" (LNT) Principles.
1. Plan ahead and prepare.
2. Travel and camp on durable surfaces.
3. Dispose of waste properly.
4. Leave what you find.
5. Minimize campfire impacts.
6. Respect wildlife.
7. Be considerate of others.
www.lnt.org
There are cheap accommodations in Baguio City if you plan to spend the night before or after your hike. Check them here.
