Location: Tanay, Rizal
Major jumpoff: Brgy. San Andres, Tanay, Rizal*
LLA: 645 MASL
Days required / Hours to destination: 1 day /1.5h (Mapatag)
Specifications: Minor climb, Difficulty 3/9, Trail class 1-3
Features: Grassland slopes, views of Laguna, Rizal, and Quezon












Mt. Batolusong earned as one of the hiked mountains in the Philippines especially during weekends because its just near metro. One of the easiest getaway from the crowded and polluted Manila. But these days, mountains has been crowded too. But don't let it stop you from not enjoying the nature.




I am badly not in good shape lately and I need some climb to somehow jump back to life and I'm glad I chose this mountain to climb with my friends and some new found friends.




At around 2 in the morning me and my friends meet and head to Brgy. Andres, the jump off to Mt. Batolusong. I have this habit of climbing as early as possible not just to avoid crowds but for us to enjoy the mountain all to ourselves first and of course to witness sunrise. Sunrise has always been so nice and wonderful at the top.












After settling the guide and registration we started our climb. The first part of the trail is already steep and most of the trails are like that.Very few flats, mostly steep and open and I can't imagine myself climbing there during mid-day especially during summer, it will surely be a deadly one.



There are two stops as per our guides: Duhatan Ridge about 590 masl and the next one is the Mapatag Plateau about 645 masl the end point of the trail.







Reaching some elevation while climbing Mt. Batolusong you can say that it has a lot of resemblance from other mountains nearby as for the view from where you stand, obviously since its part of Siera Madre. At top you can actually see Mts Cayabu and Maynoba, Mt. Irid, and Brgy Cayumbay where Mt. Masungki is located.







Mt. Batolusong difficulty is perfect for any beginners and it has a perfect view. If weather permits, you can actually have sea of clouds here, the grassland is perfect especially when its windy. Just take advantage of climbing early.



During our descent we take the newly opened traverse trail. I think its wise to choose it especially the trail is narrowed for mostly only one can pass through making it hard for everyone catching up with their time and itinerary for traffic will definitely hit the trails with so much hikers climbing and descending.

Reference

Sample Itinerary

0200 MEET UP

0230 ETD TO BRGY SAN ANDRES TANAY

0500 Jump Off point: Preparation, Registration and acquire guide

0530 Begin Trek

0700 Duhatan Ridge

0830 Mapatag Plateau.

0900 ETA Summit | Late breakfast | Viewing

1130 Start Descent

1500 ETA Jump off point. Pack up. Logout. Head home

1700 ETA at Cubao

Tips

- Practice LEAVE NO TRACE
- Bring enough water, though are water source along the trails, just to be sure
- Heat can be deadly especially during summer so you may want to start early
- Wear proper climbing gear
- Respect other hikers