Mt. Batolusong: A Jolly Hiking Experience

Mt. Batolusong is situated in Brgy. San Andres Tanay Rizal, with an estimated elevation of up to 670 meters above sea level.

Mt. Batolusong (Rangyas Peak)

How to get there

From Cubao head to Antipolo City, particularly to the Cogeo Gate 2 terminal. The Cogeo Gate 2 jeepney is the same jeep that hikers take to Mt. Daraitan or Mt. Irid. Get off at ‘Batangasan’ junction and take a habal-habal ride to San andres (Major jump-off Point). 

Itinerary
Day 1 – February 7, 2016 (Sunday)
0400am Assemble at Cubao Gateway, Mcdo
0430am ETD to Cogeo Gate 2
0530am ETA Cogeo Gate 2 / Take Jeep Going to Brgy. Sampaloc
0700am ETA “Batangas” Take Habal-Habal going to Brgy.San Andres
0730am Brgy. San Andres / Register at Brgy Hall and Secure Guide
0800am Start Trek
0930am ETA Duhatan Ridge
1030am ETA Mapatag Platue 
1130am Resume Trekking Going to Susong Dalaga
1230pm ETA Susong Dalaga / Lunch
0200pm ETA Mapatag Platue; Set-up Camp
0300pm Activies: Basic Knot tying Discussion
0500pm Dinner
0700pm Socials
1000pm Lights Out

Day 2 – February 8, 2016 (Monday)
0600am Wake up Call
0700am Breakfast
0800am Break Camp
0900am Start Descend going to Kay Ibon Falls
1100pm ETA Kay - Ibon Falls / Lunch / Swim
0200pm Resume descending to Exit Point (Marcos highway)
0430pm ETA Highway / Wait For Jeep
0545pm ETA Cogeo Gate 2
0630pm ETA Cubao
0730pm ETA Manila

Journey

Day one - Stoked of the result of our hike at Mt. Batolusong in San Andres, Tanay, Rizal that was attributed with bountiful of fun, laughter, smiles, and happiness. Our team was composed of people that came from different walks of life with invaluable admiration of hiking mountains who vanquish their own fear by means of achieving their goal to arrive at the summit.

The hike was originally planned as a tune up day hike for our upcoming Purgatory trek, but due to unknown circumstances and sporadic decision. We adjusted our itinerary to overnight. Inviting some of our friends along with their friends of friends to join us. And able to come up with seven jolly and energetic participants. 

  Toploading experience with the crew

We were able to commute from Cubao to the jump-off - San Andres in Tanay, Rizal.  We arrived early at the information area to settle all the fees, and hired a guide for our hike to the mountain. 

We were surprised to find out those posted bulletins at the registration area regarding the increase in the guide fee. And unfortunately the effectivity of the said price hike fell exactly on the day of our visit. It was a bit saddening but it didn't matter that much because I have weird and funny friends who are more concerned about the adventure rather than those fees.

The hikers along with their guide

We started our hike scaling the wide road and some creeks that we pass through. Along the trail, the girls halted momentarily to take pictures of the flowers and trees. They were attracted of the intangible beauty it holds while the boys stood in admiration and curiosity gazing the  Sangab cave.

Creek crossing

Resuming the hike, we started to walk on a gradual and gentle ascending trail with bamboos and grasses side by side, until the water source area. Along the way we started out to chat with each other even saying our hello's to other hikers. It was a good thing  that Tatalino, a firefighter we met and became friends with from our previous hike, joined us again this time. He became the clown of the group  throwing jokes and doing funny stuff and even showing off to the other fellow lady hikers along the trail. Indeed he had been an important ingredient to our wacky group making the trek bearable especially to our beginner friends.

It was a non-stop conversation and discussion as we resume the hike up to Duhatan Campsite. They mingled with each other; they laughed so hard in every topics discussed; Oblivious of the surrounding, some would rather sleep at the trail in every stop of our hike. 

The group along the trail

At Duhatan Campsite, we took pictures and videos as groups and individual. Certain pose were executed during our stay – a fake proposal, a sweet stare of fake couple, a fake couple holding hands, and almost every poser pose were captured. 

  At duhatan campsite

In spite of the wind lashes, we were able to overlooked the different landmarks and homesteads; partly peeking Mt. Sembrano area and the Masungi Rock Formation including the scenery of the grasses moving in different direction that entails a unique sound of Mother Nature. 

Sort-of dramatic picture of a man and the nature

Continuing our ascent, we scaled the eroded part of the trail extending to its grassland. We arrived after 15 minutes long. The wind lash was very overwhelming and strong comparable of the wind lashes I experienced in Tarak ridge a year ago. Our guide decided to put us in a secure area which they call as the cover area. We cooked our food and took a rest for few minutes while the others were concentrated on sightseeing of the endearing beauty of the mountain. 

  Our tent being pitched at the lower campsite (covered)

We ascended to the Rangyas peak after we had our lunch, scaling the grassy part area with the welcoming lash of the wind.  Near the peak, the trail is partly filled with bamboo and rocky at some parts. There are two alternatives reaching the summit - you either scale the short and steep way or the long and gradual trail.

I chose the shortcut trail without hesitation and invited my friend to come up with me since they were staggered of the dangers of it. Fearful that they might fall off of the cliff, I began to encourage them to relinquish their own fears which they eventually did.

At the summit, we began to take pictures and enjoy the spectacular view of different landmarks. The good weather gave us the audacity to prolong our stay at the peak but the strong wind wouldn't let us. It was windy that time making us to be more careful especially at every edge of the peak. 

At Rangyas Peak

We were all tense descending from the Rangyas peak especially in the forested area helping each other not to slide down or fall off the edges. A little scared of the oozing sound of the bamboos whispering to my ears I hurried back to the grassland where we spent most of our time.

  Rainbow appears as we descend to the campsite

One of our activities during our first day is a discussion about knot tying; “Tatalino” was able to impart his knowledge about the fundamentals. I was able to learn how to execute overhand, double overhand, fisherman, and Siberian knots. It was very educational regardless of the short time. 

The good thing is I was able to perform the Siberian knots when our neighbors are struggling to set up their tent due to the wind. I applied the Siberian knot for the first time. It was an amazing experience to be able to perform what has been taught. 

One thing that made our stay  worthwhile is the benevolent view of the sunset. We may had view it in a nick of time but it spangled our inner spirit when we witness the beauty out of it. 

Sunset view at the campsite

As the night came, we dine and took booze, with the presence of laughter all throughout the conversation. All my companions began to tackle the topics about “Susong Dalaga” referring to the mountain near Rangyas peak, and “Itlog” referring to the male genital organ. Seeing their hilarious faces made me wonder it would be nice if our world will just be like this with no sorrow and pain that obliterates each individual. Indeed, that happy moment is the most remembered part of our hike.  

As the booze continues, some of my fellows began to sleep inside the tent and outside the tent. Some would rather socialize with our neighbors, and I simply prefer talking and mingling with our guide.

During that night, we repeatedly look up above and gaze the stars that evidently light up in the sky including the city light as seen from our position that night. We may have stayed in the woods with less light but the view gazed by our naked eyes afar shines like a diamond. 

The night was still young when we say our good nights to rest our exhausted body for the journey on our second day. 

Day 2 - Around 1 am in the morning, I was able to wake up due to the loud sound and noise of hikers arriving at our area. It was probable that they trekked at night since they arrived at dawn. There was a non-stop loud conversation as if no one is around with them until 4 am in the morning, which triggered me to entirely wake up and prepare our breakfast. 

 

What I enjoy in the mountain at morning is the silence and the darkness. Darkness still eluded the surrounding that time, so I was not able to gaze anything letting me to just sit, zip a coffee, and enjoy the sound of silence. 

They all woke up around 6 am and began to ascend in the higher area of our campsite which is the Mapatag Plateau to patiently wait for the sun to rise. Nevertheless, they came back with gloomy face and I began to silently laugh (in a nice way) at them. No sun rise due to the blockage of the clouds. 

But what comes interesting is when I alone witness the sun rays extending down the lowlands, I had called their attention to see what I’m currently witnessing which left them with awe and amazement. 

Sun rays extends as viewed by this beautiful woman

To the extent of our hike and camping at Mt. Batolusong, we were able to do side trip at Kay - Ibon Falls which is accessible when hikers do traverse. It will take you an hour to reach the said falls. 

  At Kay-Ibon Falls

Rarely you will see the falls with few people, our guide implied that most of the space are consumed by all hikers especially on the afternoon. We’re lucky enough to swim in the falls with less people around. 

Kay - Ibon Falls is the most popular side trip after coming from the hiked at Mt. Batolusong. It stands at 15 ft with a small basin which is good enough for swimming. We had our lunch and took a bit of rest at Kay - Ibon Falls before heading back to the highways where a queue of tricycles are available. 

Specials thanks goes to Kevin, Joyce, Jhomar, Maan, Jhen, and Laica for the camaraderie and companionship. Let's travel together next time. 

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