Mt. Talamitam

This was the Anniversary Climb of Batang Hamog Mountaineers. Planned during our Climb for the Independence at Mt. Gulugod Baboy last June 8, 2013.  Original plan was Mt. Maculot, but two days before the climb, it was changed to Talamitam.  At first, I was hesitant about this mountain, because according to some friends, it’s not advisable to camp on the summit/camp site because it’s an open area. Since we love challenges, those negative feedback we heard were set aside.

This mountain is situated and one of the mountains of Nasugbu, Batangas. It reaches 630+ MASL with a gorgeous ambiance.  Mts. Batulao and Pico de Loro were just two of the well known nearby mountains in the world of mountaineering.  This mountain also gives an amazing experience because of its 100 meters assault before reaching its summit.

Doing a night trek to this mountain was remarkable for me because a lot of first time happened here (maybe because it’s my second night trek, after Mt. Gulugod Baboy.)   Its difficulty is 3/9 but it wasn’t easy because of the mud that sticks on my slippers and that’s the reason why I didn’t use my shoes.

TRANSPORTATION DETAILS: Our group met at the bus terminal beside MRT Taft/EDSA and took a bus going to Bayabasan and paid 124 pesos per head. Took a break and late dinner at the Bakery near the highway where we got off the bus. Took a walk going to DENR for the registration and paid 20 pesos per head. Hired two guides for 500 pesos each.  Going Back to Manila: After the climb, we hired a jeep going to Tagaytay Crossing for Bulalo break and paid 700 pesos for the whole trip, we have 18 participants. Then after Bulalo break, we chartered a jeep going to Olivares to take a Van going to Alabang. Van fare going to Alabang was 75 pesos per head.

Time Check: 10:22PM - The photo above was taken at the registration area.  And as what you can see, Batang Hamog was still fresh this time, but as you read our journey here, you’ll see how this people look after few hours. To make our story short, 10:50PM we crossed the river; 12:35AM, we reached the assault; 1:20AM we reached the camp site and pitched our tents.  When everything was set up accordingly, SOCIAL TIME.

the BOYS at nahihilig sa BOYS of BHM, with Sir Aris (on the left, with scarf) and Sir Noel (on the right, yellow)

the GIRLS of BHM

Look at the photo above, another worst part in mountaineering is leaving the garbage on the camp site.  We have no idea if who are the people involve leaving this trash on the camp site, but I can only say: MAGING RESPONSABLE PO KAYO MGA MA’AM AND SIR! Bitbitin nyo kalat nyo pababa, kung hindi nyo kaya, lunukin nyo; wala na kayong kalat, busog pa kayo! Nakakapang-init kayo ng bangs.

Another challenge is the tall grasses along the trail with Mt. Batulao on the background.  We didn’t recognize it when we’re going to the summit because it was too dark, but this time I saw how gorgeous this mountain is. 

the group taking a long rest while waiting for the others

Another part of Mt. Talamitam is the river with crystal clear water, although when we were here, it wasn’t clear due to bad weather.  But, I saw this old lady washing her clothes just beside the river and I am curious if she knows that using detergent/soap is not allowed to any bodies of water. I am just hoping that we have more time to discuss this matter with her.

1PM, we reached the registration area and prepared our lunch.  While the others were cooking, the others were taking a bath and packing our stuff in the bag.  So right after eating our lunch, it’s time to go back to same topic. For taking a bath, we paid 20 pesos per head.

4:52PM we left the registration area. The road was still wet because of the rain drops fell for few minutes and it made our foot dirty.  We chartered a jeep going to Tagaytay Crossing for a break (please refer to transportation details above.)

Our destination was the Bulalo Point along the high way.  I was here last time during our climb in Mt. Batulao and the bulalo in this resto is really amazing. Two thumbs up!

On the photo above, you can see the gorgeous Mt. Taal while sitting beside the window. LET’S EAT

This anniversary climb was remarkable; it was full of laughter and fun.  We also thank our new friends from Team BA, @Sir Aries and @Sir Noel for joining our group.  It was unintentional to be with them, because according to them, their plan is Mt. Batulao.  They were 8 participants but due to some circumstances the other 6 didn’t make it to the terminal, so when we met at the terminal, they approached then joined   us.  I know that they enjoyed and BHM did the same.

My next climb for this month are Mt. Banahaw in Quezon and then the 9/9 Mt. Halcon of Mindoro.