"The mountains are calling and I must go." The phrase is almost a cliche to mountain goers but honestly the feeling is real. Been longing for a quite sometime for some climb and I was lucky this time that the craving was satisfied yesterday.
And of course, an easy climb is always my first consideration. Together with Lara and Mitch, we went to Nasugbu, Batangas for Mt. Talamitam and Mt. Apayang. I contacted a guide I found on the internet and inquired for some details. He was prompt in answering all my queries thus, I was able to finish the itinerary in no time.
Our day started with a meet-up schedule at 7-11 South Station Alabang. We found out there is no direct bus going to Nasugbu from Alabang, so we opted for a van in-front of Padis Point South Station. There used to be a direct van going to Tagaytay before but as per the van driver they only did a test run but it didn't work for them. He suggested to drop us at Robinson's Pala-Pala in Cavite where van and buses to Nasugbu are available.
We left Alabang around 4:30 AM and arrived at Pala-Pala around 5:30 AM. From Pala-pala, we saw a bus bound to Nasugbu. We told the driver to drop us off at KM. 83 Sitio Bayabasan, the jump off to Mt. Talamitam. I already checked it out on Google Streetview and the landmark is the Ang Dating Daan signage, where the registration area to Mt. Talamitam is located.
Around 6:30 AM we are at the jump-off and met Kuya Felix. We immediately registered and started the trek.
After a few trek there's a river you need to cross, I've seen some people washing their clothes in the river, that indicates that their water is clean enough for household use. Kuya Felix said that their water also comes from the mountain.
Moving up continuously, our guide was entertaining us with information about Mt. Talamitam and his personal stories, including his love life haha! I am glad I chose Kuya Felix among other contacts I've searched on the net. Mt. Talamitam was named after the abundant tree around the area way back, which is Talamitam. They said the mountain before was covered by trees unfortunately it was abused and damaged by Kaingineros.
I think the Talamitam trail is really easy, I was just not conditioned enough prior to the climb so I find some assaults difficult. The challenge here would be the open grassland. Its a good thing to have your climb early in the morning to avoid direct heat from the sun. There's a short trail going up before we saw the open camping field.
We saw some cows, horses, dogs in the field. There's also a vegetation in the area. We found a group camping on the foot of the mountain who did an overnight stay. There's also a store and some vendors selling buko juice, quail eggs, halo-halo, ice candies etc. The open field is a good spot for photo opps, from there you can shoot a 360 degrees with mountain views around you.
As per Kuya Felix, there are different trails going up to the summit. You can check it with your guide which trail you prefer. It depends on the difficulty level that you're willing to take. As for us, of course we took the easiest trail. There's a straight assault trail for those who are seeking for more adventures.
It took us two and half hours to reach the Mt. Talamitam summit. It was of course a slow pace, some could get it in just an hour and a half.
We asked Kuya Felix if there's a good lomihan nearby. He suggested Christine's Lomi Haus, a one jeepney ride from the exit point. Since we are heading to that, Kuya Felix went to a different trail that will skip the registration area at KM. 83. He also showed us his big humble home where we met his wife and kids before we headed to another Talamitam jump off at Km. 84, along the highway. In front of the exit is Kuya Felix sister's house and store.
At 12:00 PM, our climb journey ended. We washed off and refreshed at his sister's home along the high way before we took a jeepney ride. Kuya Felix patiently waited for us and even instructed the jeepney driver to send us off to the lomihan. There, we bid until me meet again to our kind and helpful guide. We'll try to be back hopefully when the new Mt. Lantik open its trail to the public soon; and hopefully by that time we are strong enough to finish the traverse and opt for a trilogy - Mt. Talamitam - Mt. Apayang - Mt. Lantik, haha we wish!
Here is Christine's Lomi Haus. I was so hungry and my taste bud was so satisfied that I was able to finish the whole bowl. The lomi as per Kuya Felix will be cooked as soon as you order. There's no ready Lomi waiting for you. It's always a hot serving. So if you're that hungry and you wish to have your meal here after the climb, please manage your hungry expectation hehe.
There ended our Nasugbu trip. Infront of the Lomi Haus, we waited for Manila bound buses and dropped off at Rotonda Tagaytay for another side trip to Dreamland Arts and Cafe.
There ended our Nasugbu trip. Infront of the Lomi Haus, we waited for Manila bound buses and dropped off at Rotonda Tagaytay for another side trip to Dreamland Arts and Cafe.
Here's the itinerary summary:
4;30 AM - Left South Station Alabang via Van to Robinsons Pala-pala - Php 50.00
5:30 AM - Left Pala-Pala, Bound to Nasugbu via Bus to Km. 83 Sitio Bayabasan - Php 75
6:20 AM - Arrived Mt. Talamitam jump off - Php 40.00 registration fee
- Guide Fee Php 800.00 for Twin Hike (Php 267/ share for a squad of 3)
- Guide Fee if Talamitam only is Php 500*
6:30 AM - Start Trek
9:00 AM - Arrived Mt. Talamitam Summit
9:15 AM - Start Trek to Mt. Apayang
10:00 AM - Arrived Mt. Apayang Summit - Php 20.00 registration fee
12:15 PM - Arrived KM. 84 Exit / Washed off - Php 20.00
1:00 PM - Arrived Christines Lomi Haus, Jeepney Ride - Php 7.00
1:22 PM - Lomi arrived in our table haha - Php 40.00
1:45 PM - Left Lomi Haus, Bound to Rotonda Tagaytay via bus - Php 49.00
3:00 PM - Arrived Dreamland Arts and Cafe Tagaytay
*From Tagaytay Rotonda, its just 2-3 minutes walk
5:00 PM - Departed Tagaytay via van bound to Festival Mall, Alabang - Php 75.00
Total travel cost - Php 643.00 (Without the Dreamland Arts and Cafe Meal)
If you wish to do the same, you can contact Kuya Felix as your guide.
This is Kuya Felix - 0909-936-8900
Happy LNT Travel!
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