For those who who want to try hiking or mountaineering, start it with a minor climb. What I can recommend is Mt. Maculot in Batangas. It's 2-3 hours trek from the jumpoff to mountain's peak. It features the scenic views of taal Lake, unspoiled forest and amazing rock formations.
Mount Maculot is one of the favorite destinations of outdoor enthusiasts in Batangas. It's also one of the most popular daytrip destinations. The mountain has three destinations: the Rockies (706m), the summit (930m) and the Grotto (510m). While at the Rockies, you can find here the whole view of Taal Lake including the world-famous Taal volcano and the plains of Batangas. For some mountaineers or hiked take traverse part of the mountain to reach the summit and the Grotto.
For those who have no enough water and trail food, you can find along the trail some vendors selling buko juice and water. On the campsite, you can find here a mini sari-sari store, which dubbed '7-11' of the mountain. Goodies in this store are very pricey. I think the cooked pancit canton is around P30-P40. They are also selling alcoholic beverages like Emperador and Ginebra.
How to go to Mt Maculot.
If you will go there in a commute way, take a bus bound for Lemery, Batangas. The bus terminals are located in Cubao, Quezon City and Buendia , Pasay City. Tell the conductor to drop you off in an area where you can find a jeep bound for Cuenca. Travel time is around 2.5 to 3 hours. After that, drop off in Poblacion. From there, you can just walk or take a tricycle going to the jumpoff point, which is near to the Barangay Outpost.
For private car, take SLEX, then Star Tollway. Next, take the Lipa exit and head towards Cuenca via the highway to the left.You can ask people walking around the area about the exact location of Poblacion. The jumpoff is near the Barangay Outpost.
Travel Guide/ Tips
1) Guides are now being required by the local authorities. The guide fee is P500/5 persons/day and P1000 for the traverse to the Grotto trail.
2) There are two jumpoffs going to the summit of Mt. Maculot, one for the Rockies and the other is for Grotto.
3) There is a parking area near the jumpoffs.
4) The Trail going to summit is very steep. Take time to rest your feet especially for beginners.
5) Get an extra careful when going up to the Rockies. Some stones are sharp and pointed
6) Don't forget to bring sunblock or head gears that will protect you skin from the direct heat of the sun.
7) Don't forget to taste the famous Batangas Lomi near the jumpoff of Rockies.8) Travel early to get a good space for your camp tent during weekends and holidays
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