With the tectonic plates shaking the country more frequently. Epicenter originating in Batangas, I’ve been reminded to write this climb I’ve had with one of the most gorgeous view yet, Mt. Maculot.
As of this time, mountaineers were warned about the risks of climbing the mountain. Reaching the mountain top should serve you a different purpose, and not to (knock on wood) bring you to a perilous situation.
I’m sure a lot of people had plan to visit this place, but got hindered by mother nature’s unexpected outrage. So for now, just make do of this post to somehow make you see what Mt. Maculot has to offer.
For starters, here are some trivial things about the moutain:
MT. MACULOT
Cuenca, Batangas
Major Jumpoff: Mountaineer’s Store, Brgy. 7 “Siete”, Cuenca
Exit point (traverse): Brgy 5 (to Grotto), Cuenca
LLA: 13°55 N; 121°2 E; 706 MASL (Rockies) / 930 MASL (summit)
Days required / Hours to Rockies / summit : 1 day / 1-2 hr / 2-4 hr
Specs: Minor, Difficulty 3/9 (Rockies); 4/9 (Traverse) Trail class 1-3.
Features: Scenic views of Taal Lake, rock formations, forests
You can find out more about the mountain and its itinerary here.
Tour guide: 400
The most common destination of the trek is the trip to "The Rockies". This features the most scenic view of the mountains. Up there you can see the coves of earth against the deep blue sea. You can decide to visit The Rockies alone, or you can make the most out of the trek up to the summit, and the Grotto during traverse.
As we would during our normal climb, we always start at dawn so there wont be too many co-trekers, and avoiding the sun's harful UV rays.lol Browse along through this photo diary of how my trek went!
Enjoy!
The trek going to the first stop, The Rockies normally takes around 2 hours. And its steeper than other mountains I've been before. Compared to other moutains with a few assault, this one is mostly all assault!lol
As the sun begins to rise, the beauty of the surroundings started to manifest itself.
Finally, we made it through the Rockies! As you can see, people above are on queue awaitin for their 15-minute limelight. Our tourguide said they decided to allot that per group so photobombers for such a gorgeous seen are prevented.
Since we were the ones to ascend, it didn't take a long time for us to wait for our turn.
"Buwis buhay" was the term used by our tourguide to describe the areas of the moutain with the best view, with yourself included in the picture.lol And true enough, it's indeed nerve-shaking!!!
So, here we are! To the most "buwis-buhay" part. To ensure or safety, our guide instructs you where you go, and what steps to take. I mean no joke when I say it's really that dangerous!
Wew! Glad to make it alive!lol
The weather was quite gloomy as you can see, it would've been nicer to see all those coves more clearly. But well, it wasn't so bad. I have this thing about clouds and smoke that makes me think I'm in heaven.lol
On to the next spot, the peak of Mt. Maculot. Just after we took those nice photos from the Rockies, the clouds started to get thicker, and so did the drizzle.
The path towards the peak was sleepery enough, and the drizzle made it even worst. The estimated time to get to the summit would be another hour. I was quite embarrased to slip on my butt while trying to make fun of kuya selling ice candy in a weather so cold. Karma has its ways.lol I didn't have pictures of the trail because going up requires both hands for a steady grip. I also didn't like risking my phone to document. The photo below pretty much sums it up, though.lol
And here goes the summt with too little to show than fog and silhouette. Together with the board validating your achievement.lol
Just when you thought the trail down will be a piece of cake, came more challenges. A few ropes, and more rocks. I'm glad we didn't choose this trail to start with.lol
Last stop, the Grotto. Mummed a quick prayer and went ahead because the rain got heavier.
The weather was quite gloomy as you can see, it would've been nicer to see all those coves more clearly. But well, it wasn't so bad. I have this thing about clouds and smoke that makes me think I'm in heaven.lol
On to the next spot, the peak of Mt. Maculot. Just after we took those nice photos from the Rockies, the clouds started to get thicker, and so did the drizzle.
The path towards the peak was sleepery enough, and the drizzle made it even worst. The estimated time to get to the summit would be another hour. I was quite embarrased to slip on my butt while trying to make fun of kuya selling ice candy in a weather so cold. Karma has its ways.lol I didn't have pictures of the trail because going up requires both hands for a steady grip. I also didn't like risking my phone to document. The photo below pretty much sums it up, though.lol
For the last part of the traverse, we visited the Grotto.
So there goes the third mountain of the year!
Till then,
Poythowanders
