Difficulty Level: 3/9 (minor climb)
Hike Duration: 5-7 hrs
Location: Nasugbu, Batangas
The Nasugbu Trilogy Hike in Nasugbu, Batangas is a popular hiking adventure that covers three stunning peaks: Mt. Lantik, Mt. Talamitam, and Mt. Apayang. This hiking trilogy offers a variety of terrains, breathtaking views, and a challenging yet rewarding experience for adventurers. It is more or less 2 hours drive from Manila.
I climbed the Nasugbu Trilogy on February 9, 2024.
I searched online for a tour guide and found the page of Kuya Ron on Facebook.
Tour Guide: Kuya Ron
Contact Number: +639705961146
Guide Fee: Php 1,800.00 (for 5 person)
Overall Registration Fee: Php 205.00/head
Parking Fee: Php 150.00/car
Best Time to start the hike: 4:00AM
I left home around past 3 am. I’m from Indang, Cavite, so the travel took me a little over an hour. I arrived at the meet-up area before 5 am. We met at Bayabasan Elementary School in Nasugbu, Batangas. He accompanied me to the parking lot, and then we went to the registration area. After settling the payment, we started the hike. The guide was quite talkative, so you wouldn’t get bored while hiking. It was still dark when we started, which was a good thing so we could finish early.
At first, we walked on a paved path with houses along the way, until it turned into pure soil. It took us a little over an hour to reach the first mountain, Mt. Lantik. This mountain is relatively new; one of the famous ones included in the trilogy is Mt. Batulao. At the summit of Mt. Lantik, there’s a hut where you can rest and some spots perfect for taking pictures. The beautiful view makes all the effort worthwhile.
After resting for a while and taking some photos, we started hiking again. We descended and then climbed up the next mountain, which is Mt. Talamitam. This mountain is a bit more famous compared to the first one. It took us less than an hour to reach the summit. Similar to the first mountain, there is a resting area at the top where you can find some shade because it was starting to get hot as the sun came out. There are stalls selling cold water, Gatorade, soft drinks, and halo-halo (a shaved ice dessert).
The summit of Mt. Talamitam offers a refreshing and picturesque experience. You can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, including rolling hills, neighboring mountains, and lush greenery. You can also see the distinct peaks of Mt. Batulao from the summit.
We took a short break to eat before continuing the hike to the last mountain, which is Mt. Apayang. It is said to be the highest among the three. We passed through areas of tall grass and high, thick vegetation, and it got quite hot, so you needed to cover up to protect your skin from the harsh sun’s heat.
Just like the two earlier mountains, the peak offers stunning panoramic views. I took a lot of photos and enjoyed the peaceful ambiance. After some rest, we started to descend.
On the way down, I couldn’t tell if I was just extremely tired combined with the blazing sun, since the path was now in an open area, or if it was really that far from the jump-off point where we started. I felt like I was about to collapse, as if a single poke would make me fall over. But I managed to push through, using trekking pole since I could barely support myself. The descent felt incredibly long, and I really don’t want to do it again.
We finished past 2 pm. My body was shaking, and walking was painful. But all the effort was worth it. As you descend, you can see the mountains you climbed and feel proud to say, ‘I climbed that’.
Hiking Tips:
- Be prepared physically.
- Pack light and bring only the essentials.
- Wear comfortable footwear.
- Stay hydrated.
- Dress appropriately.
- Start early to avoid the heat of the sun.
- Carry trekking poles.
- Know your limits—if you can’t continue, speak up.
- Enjoy the experience.
Must wear/bring:
- Water
- Flashlight
- Sunblock
- Cap
- Umbrella
- Hiking Jacket
- Comfortable hiking clothes
- Hiking shoes/sandals
- Light snacks (nuts/chocolates)
- Trekking pole
- Extra Money
- Emergency medicines
Overall, while the hike can be demanding, with physical exertion and exposure to the elements, the effort is more than worthwhile. The stunning landscapes, the satisfaction of reaching each peak, and the camaraderie with fellow hikers make every step of the journey rewarding. The experience not only tests your endurance but also offers moments of tranquility and reflection amidst nature’s beauty.
Whether you’re an experienced hiker or a newcomer looking for a challenge, the Nasugbu Trilogy promises a memorable adventure. Just remember to prepare adequately, pace yourself, and savor the incredible views along the way. The sense of pride and fulfillment from completing this trilogy will stay with you long after the hike is over.
