Mount Batulao
Guide to Hiking and getting to Mount Batulao
Difficulty - 5/10
Distance - 12kms
Elevation - 420m / 1381ft
Time - 3-5 hrs
Cost - 500 php (9$ USD)
Directions
To reach the Mount Batulao hike it is a 30 min drive from Tagaytay and 2 hours from Manila. If you are planning on leaving from Manila you can get there by bus too. Any bus going to Hillcrest Hotel and Golf Club will be right near the trailhead. There are also busses leaving from Tagaytay. If you google "busses to Mount Batulao" from your location tons of results will appear. Busses from Manila cost around 70php (1.5 USD).
If you are driving here the trailhead is located at "1128 Batulao Rd, Calaca, Batangas, Philippines"
Upon arrival to the trailhead there will be guides waiting. The cost for the guide is 500php (9$ USD).
Background
Mount Batulao is an inactive stratovolcano in the Calabrazone region of the Philippines. It sits at an elevation of 811m.
Its a very popular hiking destination due to its close proximity and how easy it is to reach from populated centers near Manila and Tagaytay.
It is a relatively easy hike with amazing views from the summit as well as along the way.
What To Expect
Mount Batulao is an easy straight forward hike. There is only one trail to follow!
The trail will bring you along steep ridge lines with beautiful vistas from the summit where you will have 360 degree panoramic views.
The trail is non technical trail and has one steeper section with a rope to assist you up. The trail has a lack of overhead vegetation and you are exposed to the sun so be sure to pack lots of water as it can get very hot! Same goes for snacks once you start the hike there is no where to get snacks and water.
It takes approximately 1.5 hours to 2 hours to summit and the same to go down. There are plenty of photo worthy spots along the way of the beautiful ridges and grasslands!
