Four years ago, a friend of ours organized a hike in Mt. Batulao in Nasugbu, Batangas. Being the sure-why-not person I am, I said "Sure. Why not?". I got ready for the hike and went.

It was horrible.

We weren't even at the jump off yet and I was already exhausted. Every ascent to a peak is a nightmare. The rocks, rain, and mud, even more so. At the summit, the weather did not even have the decency to reward me with a view. Everything was obstructed with thick fog. I was cold and wet, not sure if from the rain or from my own tears and sweat.

Four years and eight hikes later, I've finally decided to return. This time, it was entirely a different story. I loved it.

The three of us met at Evercrest around 8 in the morning. After a quick bathroom break, we begin the adventure that would hopefully change our bad memories of Batulao.

We all had bad first time experiences at Batulao. I guess we were really that weak back then

We walked all the way to the jump-off. You can opt to ride a tricycle though or if you have a car, you can drive until the nearby parking lots.

It would  be nice if someone would give us a car

Along the way, you'll find the locals selling walking poles made out of bamboo. You can get yourself one for php20.

This kid is just one of many who were selling these

We arrive at the jump-off at around 9:00 am. The official hike begins.
The first two peaks sort of jump started our system. We took a couple of minutes after an ascent to catch our breath. But after that, our body was 100% ready to take on the mountain. No more dizzy, hingal kabayo moments.
The best thing about Batulao is that there is no shortage of beautiful views wherever you are. Taking breaks is even more revitalizing when you are surrounded by such beauty,

And the fact that you were there a couple of  minutes ago boosts motivation

Taking a much deserved break

A few peaks later, we arrived at the camp site. We paid the php30 registration.

Allaine registering our names

Took a break while waiting for the sun to hide behind the clouds

This was the rock where a crazy companion of ours took a jump shot at our first hike here. Rem says it's not that rock though.

The first time I was here, it was raining so we had to deal with mud. This time, it was dry and the weather is good so there was no mud to battle with. What we had to deal with, though, is very, very loose soil. Even Rem who's gone there his second time (this is his third) don't remember the soil being that loose.

The dirt is swallowing my feet

There was a moment when I couldn't get a good foot hold and I slid down the dirt on all fours. I tried to crawl up but when I found that the situation was hopeless for me, I shouted for help from my giggling companions. Lucky for me, no one else had a camera to take a photo of it so have a photo of Allaine looking at the distance like a boss instead.
There are a lot of stands along the trail so you shouldn't worry if you're low on hydration. You should worry though if you're low on funds because the refreshments are quite pricey.

You can have fresh coconut water

After much dirt-crawling, we finally reach the summit. And only 11:15 in the morning!

Awyiss!! No fog in sight!

The view that I was denied of during my first climb here

We found a good spot to enjoy the scene

We took out our lunch boxes and had our meal.

The best seats in the house

When our stomachs are filled and we've chatted all that we could chat and when Rem returned from wherever the hell we went, we got ready for the descent.

Time to go down

We began the descent at 12:20 pm but we had a hold up by the rappel.

We waited for the people to get down

Finally. We were about to run out of topics to talk about

The descent continues when we all got down the wall of rocks.

The two chatting while I do obligatory photo shoots

The old trail seemed more "friendly" to me than the new trail. Maybe it's because of all the campsites. 

Souvenir shop

T-shirts

AGAIN? How many times are we suppose to register? And what are we registering for anyway? If it's for maintenance, can't we just call it maintenance fee?

Why do we have to keep logging our names? It's not like you're going to validate it for anything anyway. Except for maybe computing the fees you've collected for day that will be used for god knows what.

I remember when this was just all mud

WE HAVE CONQUERED BATULAO. We are no longer weaklings.

There is a new cheaper bath nearby but we chose to go here anyway

Steaming hot bulalo. YUMS

Crispy shrimp

In your face, Batulao!

How we got there:

• To Evercrest

• From Evercrest to Jump off point

How we got back:

• From Jump off point to Evercrest

• From Evercrest to Mahogany Market