The Backpack Adventures

Our mountaineering adventure today takes us back to Nasugbu in the province of Batangas. After conquering Mt. Batulao a few weeks back, we're back to the province to conquer its sister mountain - Mt. Talamitam . Mt. Talamitam Mt. Talamitam Details: According to our guide, Mt. Talamitam got its name from the talamitam trees that once grew at its slopes. Sadly,  these trees were cut down long ago leaving the mountain bald as it is today. Although there are plans to rehabilitate the peak, it still remains a plan to this day.   Registration area at Barangay Kayrilaw, Nasugbu Batangas Start hike Bye cemented road! That's Mt. Talamitam as seen from a distance Mt. Talamitam stands 630 meters above sea level (MASL) and is considered a minor climb. This made the mountain a favorite hiking destination of many, particularly beginners and weekend hikers. However, the mountain was closed for a few months in 2018 until early 2019 due to jurisdiction issues. It was r

I first hiked Mt. Batulao three years ago with my co-teachers during one of those long weekends that year . The hike was tiring but very rewarding in terms of the beautiful view from the peak.  Mt. Batulao Mt. Batulao Details: Mt. Batulao stands 811 meters above sea level (MASL). For a well-trained mountaineer, the mountain could be conquered in about an hour and a half or less. However, for leisure hikers like me, it usually takes 2-3 hours to reach the summit. What's nice about this mountain is its straightforward trail perfect for beginners. That's probably one of the reasons why the mountain receives hundreds of hikers daily, probably it even reaches a thousand during the weekend or holidays. What's saddening here was the tons of garbage many of these people leave behind on the trail. Well, that was my observation three years ago . We got to park beside this souvenir shop. They also sell bamboo trekking poles This new ordinance requires you to avail of the s