RECONNECTING WITH NATURE - MT. MANABU

Thinking of a chill hike and not so crowded mountain? Well, I recommend Mt. Manabu. This mountain is located in Barangay Sta. Cruz in Sto. Tomas, Batangas. It is also known as Mataas na Bundok which means "alp" or "high mountain" though it is not even that high because it only takes 2 hours to reach the summit. It is an ideal hiking destination not just for professional mountaineers but also for nature lovers who are not into hard-core climbing like me. It is also a must-climb for beginners.

Nature makes me feel alive and fills my soul.

HOW TO GET THERE

By Public Transportation

1•  From Alabang take a bus in South Station bound to Lipa, Batangas. Ask the conductor to drop you in SM Lipa. There is also a terminal bus in Buendia if you are from Manila.

1• Take a tricycle and tell the driver that you’re heading to Mt. Manabu. The tricycle driver will drop by at Barangay Hall for registration and environmental fee. 

    Recently, we went to Mt. Manabu with my sister and friends, it was unexpected. Actually, the original plan was to climb Mt. Maculot with my officemates but I decided not to come because I am the only person who will be coming from the South and I just can't imagine traveling from Laguna at around 2:30 AM, all by myself.

So we are all girls and we started the hike around 8:30 AM and the weather was mild and cool. 

Running water from the mountain.

The most exciting part, which was also my favorite was the trail itself because it looks like a rosary. There are 8 stations to reach the summit. You can follow the stations from 1-8 but my friends and I decided to start from 1-4 then 8-5 because of little assault. The tour guide said that many people visit here during Holy Week. You can also do overnight camping but be sure to bring a waterproof mat for your tent in case it rains. There is also a signal even at the summit.

"Let's take a picture or selfie muna" is my way of saying "Can we take a 5-minute rest?" hahaha

   

You will pass an open area with tall grasses and it's getting hotter because the sun is already up.

So after 2 1/2 hours of having conversations, laugh trip and taking photos while climbing, we finally reached the summit of Mt. Manabu. I can say that this is one of the easiest I've ever climb.

I think it's been months since my last hike and yes, I really miss this.It feels so good to be back. This is my first climb this 2017 and I'm looking forward to more hiking and nature trips this year.