Mt. Maculot Cuenca, Batangas

Last February 17, we climbed Mt. Maculot in Cuenca, Batangas with one of our favorite couple - Reuel and Jepay. Initially, the Boss planned this climb and thought of inviting Reuel and much to my delight, Jepay tagged along! So it's pretty much a double date 700+ meters above sea level. :)

We were pretty early when we arrived at Tambo exit so we grabbed breakfast in a local joint which is open 24 hours. We wanted to have goto (congee) but their Batangas version is 100% different from the ones we are used to so we just settled with fried rice, beef tapa, pork tocino, longganisa and eggs. After eating, we took a jeep to Cuenca and another tricycle before reaching the famous Ka Manuel's store where almost all of the climbers go to buy food, drinks and shower after the climb. It is a 5 minute walk to the jump-off point and after some stretching, we started our ascent.

Mt. Maculot is one of my hardest mountains yet. It is not easy as Mt. Batulao. Roughly on a 45 degree angle with big rocks where you need to get a grip on tree roots to hoist yourself up. I won't go into more of the "technical" details of the trail as I am no expert in that. The cool weather and constant wind made the climb a more enduring one and I was so thankful because if it was hot, my asthma will hinder me from going with the Boss' pace.

I was so happy because the trail became grassy, signalling us that we are almost there

goofy friends = happy climb!

3 hours and 5 minutes later, we finally arrived at the summit. It was foggy and misty! My legs were trembling and almost out of breath so I planted myself on the grass and stretched out while waiting for Reuel and Jepay who arrived 4 minutes later. Jepay's knee started to hurt on our assault to the base camp and they needed to go a bit slower.

base camp - the 711 (store) as they call it was still closed

We took our time and rested for a while before we went to the Rockies where the majestic view of Tagaytay and Batangas lies. What is noticeable in Mt. Maculot's trail to the base camp is the insurmountable amount of litter: water bottles, plastics, wet tissues and even candy wrappers. I mean seriously? How does one go to a mountain, enjoy its peace and serenity, make memories and trash it after? There is even a pen for empty water bottles which encourages climbers to leave theirs behind. I'm not sure how regular the guy from the store brings it down because it was close to full when we were there. So frustrating.

Anyway, moving on. We came across a huge centipede(?) on our way to the Rockies.

This is where cam-whoring began!

And because this is my blog, I can post more pictures of myself hehe!

Lunch was chicken from Ministop and chicken hotdogs. When you are tired, these normal food becomes mouth-watering and more delicious. Not sure why but whenever I eat on top of mountains, my taste buds seem happier haha! We started our descent at 12:55pm and arrived at the jump off point at 5:45. I felt really bad for Jepay because she can hardly walk anymore, her knee is a torture! But hey, she made it in one piece! (proud of ya!)

I had a lot of mosquito bites on my legs (I was just wearing leggings) so if you are not okay with that, use trekking pants instead and put some insect repellant lotion. 5 pails of water later, we were all clean and headed to Robinsons Lipa to have dinner and catch a bus to Manila. :)

Here is a video of our trip, thanks to Reuel for editing it overnight!

Mt. Maculot with the Boss and Friends from Gian Burayag on Vimeo.

Sadly, we don't have a Kid of the Trip this time so we're gonna save our school supplies for our next trip! :)

Hasta luego!