Elevation: 811 masl
Difficulty Level: 2/9 (minor hike)
Hike Duration: 4-5hours (New Trail)
Location: Nasugbu, Batangas
Mt. Batulao: A Refreshing Hike Back to Nature
I first climbed Mt. Batulao back in June 2022. Looking through my old photos, I admired the breathtaking summit views but realized I could barely recall my experience on the trail. So, last holiday—April 1, 2025—I decided to hike it again. It was the perfect opportunity since my brother was also off from work, so I took him along for the adventure.
Pre-Hike Preparations
I already had a reliable contact for a tour guide—Kuya Rod—who also guided me during my Nasugbu Trilogy hike (see full details of my Nasugbu Trilogy hike here: https://mjtravels.blog/nasugbu-trilogy-mt-lantik-talamitam-apayang/). I messaged him at 09705961146, and he quickly confirmed his availability for April 1. His guide fee was ₱800, good for up to five people, and he didn’t require any down payment—convenient and hassle-free!
Getting to Mt. Batulao
My brother and I left home at 3:30 AM, making our way to the meet-up point at Arillo Land, near Caleruega Church. We arrived around 4:30 AM, where Kuya Rod was already waiting at the corner leading to the jump-off point. He was on his motorcycle, so we followed him to the parking area, which was about 15 minutes away.
Parking fees were ₱150 for four-wheeled vehicles and ₱50 for motorcycles. Before starting our hike, we made final gear adjustments and used the restroom, which charged ₱10 per visit, with a bucket of water included.
The Start of the Hike
At 4:52 AM, we began our ascent, relying on flashlights to navigate the dimly lit trail. The first section had houses and some paved paths before transitioning to dirt roads. After about 30 minutes of relatively easy walking, we reached the first registration point, where we paid ₱120 per head.
Kuya Rod explained that “Batulao” comes from the way the sun illuminates the mountain’s rocks, making them appear as if they’re glowing. The mountain features 12 peaks, but each one is only 10-15 minutes apart, making the trek feel manageable. The entire trail is approximately 5.5 km round trip.
The Trail Experience
The terrain involved moderate ascents and descents, nothing too difficult. Since we started early, we got to witness the twinkling city lights of Batangas in the distance—a stunning sight. The trail was quite dusty, making some sections slippery, but overall, it was flat and manageable.
Mt. Batulao has two main trails: the Old Trail and the New Trail. The Old Trail is said to be more challenging and requires additional fees. Since we weren’t in the mood for extra difficulty, we stuck to the New Trail—a more beginner-friendly option.
As daylight broke, the sky turned a gorgeous shade of orange, and the surroundings felt peaceful. We frequently stopped to take photos and videos, unable to resist capturing the beauty of the sunrise over the mountains.
The Challenge Begins
From Peaks 1 to 7, the hike was easy and relaxed. However, at Peak 8 (Diana’s Peak), the trail became significantly steeper. According to local stories, a hiker named Diana tragically fell here years ago—though it remains a hiking legend. At this point, there was another registration fee of ₱30 and a small store selling drinks and snacks.
The trail became drier and dustier, making it even more slippery. We reached sections where ropes were necessary for support, so having gloves would have been helpful. A trekking pole was also useful, especially for the descent, but at times, I found sliding down on my butt more comfortable and knee-friendly!
Certain parts of the trail had steep drop-offs, making it essential to tread carefully. Despite the added difficulty, the stunning scenery kept our spirits high.
Reaching the Summit
By 7:00 AM, we reached the summit—a rewarding two-hour hike. Unsurprisingly, it was crowded. Being a holiday, many others chose to spend their time here rather than resting at home. At the top, there were small stores selling refreshments, including fresh buko and Gatorade (₱70). We took some time to rest, take photos, and simply enjoy the breathtaking views. The mountain’s rugged beauty, combined with the vast expanse of nature, made every step worth it.
Pro tip: Apply sunblock! The summit can get scorching, so it’s best to start the hike early to avoid the heat.
The Descent
We began our descent at 7:30 AM. Going down was more challenging due to the slippery, dusty trail. Thankfully, my trekking pole and Kuya Rod’s assistance made the descent manageable. We passed many hikers still making their way up, some struggling with the narrow portions of the path.
By 10:00 AM, we had successfully completed the hike—a total of around 4 hours round trip via the New Trail. During peak seasons or weekends, the trail can get congested, causing delays, but luckily, our timing was just right.
Final Thoughts
Revisiting Mt. Batulao was exactly what I needed—to unwind, recharge, and escape the stress of daily life. There’s something about being surrounded by nature that instantly lifts your spirits. The hike was fun, manageable, and perfect for beginners looking for a rewarding outdoor adventure.
If you’re seeking a scenic, beginner-friendly mountain with an incredible sunrise view, Mt. Batulao is highly recommended!
