#batolusong

1759 – Rangyas Peak 883 masl

Yesterday we went on a day hike up Mt. Batolusong. As usual we left home later than planned (my fault) so by the time we got to the third peak (Rangyas at 883 metres above sea level) it was noon and roasting hot. There were fantastic views though – this quick sketch is of Laguna lake with Talim island in the middle. Behind this is the southern part of Metro Manila. It was worth it, but…

After a six month hiatus, I finally found time to get into hiking again. As I was a bit doubtful of my strength and stamina, I chose to hike Mt Batolusong with my friend. This was her first hike, and when she asked me about my thoughts on the mountain, I told her that it would be a simple hike. I forgot that it was her first hike so it was a bit of a challenge for her, especially the height of the mountain. This is my second hike using my own car. It was uneventful despite being a drive through a mountain road in the middle of the night.

The trail was easy and took us through some houses, across some streams, and through rice fields. From there, a moderately steep climb ensued. Being an early morning hike, the air was cool which lessened our fatigue. There were also two water sources at Phase One and Phase Three, which I am very thankful for. The trail here is very forested, and there are a lot of bamboo handrails for an even easier ascent. After some time, we arrived at the first of three peaks of Mt Batolusong, which is Duhatan Ridge (442 m | 1,450 ft).

After taking a lot of pictures with our tour group, we pushed on to the second peak, Mapatag Plateau (645 m | 2,116 ft). The trail here is reminiscent of Batanes’ Vayang Rolling Hills, which I visited sometime last year. We took more daring pictures at Mapatag Plateau as it provided you a near-360° view of the Sierra Madre Mountain Range and Laguna de Bay.

From Mapatag Plateau, the third peak of Mt Batolusong can be seen, so we headed there next. After passing by some campers, we entered the bamboo forest. Here, nature taught me a lesson: the brown outer skin of bamboo plants can be very itchy when touched, so remember to hold only the green parts of bamboo when using them as handholds. Also in the bamboo forest, my thigh became cramped. I thought I couldn’t push through to the summit anymore, but a member of our hike group, and take note that she’s in her 60s, offered me a soothing muscle balm. I was a bit sceptical of its effects at first, but right after I applied it to my thigh, the cramps were gone. So, we all continued with the hike at a more leisurely pace. We then came face to face with a rock wall. Apparently, there was a scrambling segment in the trail. My friend, having fear of heights, had a difficult time climbing, but being the master of her mind, she willed herself to conquer her fear and continue with the hike.

After a few more steps, we finally reached the third peak, Rangyas Peak (883 m | 2,897 ft). Our group rested for a while and I took a nap under a tree, lying down on my right and using my arm as a pillow. After everyone took their pictures at the peak, we headed back to Duhatan Ridge to go to Kay-Ibon Falls. However, we all stopped at a store first to rehydrate and eat. Being a vegetarian, I only had a grilled vegetable sandwich (which I ate during our ascending pass), and got instant noodles (which I ate during our descending pass). We then proceeded to the trail to Kay-Ibon Falls which seemed to take forever. As we were walking down, the topic of our conversation turned to the elementals, and how some members of our hike group saw elementals all throughout the hike. It was magical to hear it from different people, and goes to show that it’s really important to respect and love nature as if it’s your own home. After descending for about half an hour, we reached Kay-Ibon Falls. I was so eager to jump into the cold water and let it heal me, which it did.

After enjoying the therapeutic powers of the falls, and observing members of the Dumagat tribe, we headed back up the trail to Duhatan Ridge, and down to the jump-off point. We drove back to Manila afterwards and once we got home, we crashed on the couch and fell asleep.

It is a really good exercise and it keeps your body active and fit.  You have to bare in mind that trekking requires enough energy so you have to compose yourself first before starting the hike.  Mt. Batolusong is a minor climb and a good place for beginners in mountain climbing.

Things you should have:

Headlamp/Flashlight

Water (You can refill your bottle with the fresh water from the mountain along your way)

Extra shirts

Backpack

Foods

Sport Shoes

Sunblock

Cameras

Extra Money

You can buy food along your way to the peak, there are two stores that sell good food for energy.  But to cut your costs, you can bring your own crackers or bread.  Do not bring a very big backpack since it is just a minor climb to ease the struggle.

At the PEAK

It was nice and very relaxing place.  I wasn’t able to witness the sea of clouds but I felt the magic of two rainbows right at every peak.  The peaks were named Mapatag Plateau, Duhatan Ridge and Rangyas Peak.