During my last visit in Mt. Batulao, our guide told me about Batulao's neighbor mountain named
Mt. Talamitam. It is just across the highway and very visible from Mt. Batulao. I google searched it and found out that it is already attracting a lot of climbers especially on weekends! I read blogs and viewed images of it that made me eager and interested to go and check it out!
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| A peek at Mt. Talamitam from Mt. Batulao. |
And because I realized that I was so late I planned a hike and on November 2018, I got the chance to climb Mt. Talamitam. I thought this mountain is viewable from the main road but it's not. It is situated within the proximity of a small community of Sitio Bayabasan in Nasugbu, Batangas. Mt. Talamitam is often called the younger sister mountain of Mt. Batulao. And I don't know why. Maybe there are somethings that only Mother Nature can explain. By the way, the name Talamitam was derived from the talamitam trees which grew in the mountain but disappeared leaving only the ground that kept them which is the mountain itself.
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| Breathtaking! |
Standing at 630+MASL, the way to the peak is a little challenging due to its 60 degree slope but climbers will be rewarded with an amazing view of Batangas and Cavite as soon as they reached the summit! The trail is easy and is already established so beginners wont struggle much. It gets really hot on sunny weather, so it is advisable to start the climb early in the morning, like before sunrise. While it gets muddy and slippery during the wet season, safety precautions should be followed to avoid untoward incidents.
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| View of Mt. Batulao |
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| View of Cavite. |
In the beginning of our trek, we passed by a small village named Sitio Bayabasan. We also passed through a bamboo bridge crossing the Talamitam river, there is a part of the river where tourists sometimes take a dip to wash after the trek. The trail ascends after passing the bridge and we stopped by a huge banyan tree to rest and take some pictures while the guide tells us supernatural stories about the tree which seems to be interesting but we have to move on before the sun shows up. A campsite is along the way where a store selling young coconut juice distracted us and made us stop again for refreshments. Dog guides are around and always available to guide climbers just make sure to give them some treats as token for their obedience.
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| Ang balete sa Talamitam drive. |
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| Greg the guide crossing the bridge. |
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| Dog guides waiting for clients harf harf harf. |
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| Buko juice is a blockbuster. |
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| Mt. Apayang summit! |
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| Cool descent. |
In addition, there is another mountain peak connecting Mt. Talamitam named Mt. Apayang so it is possible to do a twin hike like what we did. It will only take less than an hour to get to the peak of Mt. Apayang just tell the guide. Descending from Mt. Apayang is preferable than Mt. Talamitam because the trail is cooler and shaded with trees that dominates the area. So there you go! What are you waiting for? The mountain is calling and you must go!
Some reminders before you go:
1. Don't forget to hydrate, bring water.
2. Apply sunblock you will get toasted if you'll not.
3. It is advisable to hire a guide for your safety.
4. Pay the registration fee - 50pesos.
5. Guide fee 500 for a group of 5. You can contact our guide . (Greg Rosel @ 09752612425)
6. Please observe "Leave No Trace" policy.
7. Camping is allowed.
The jump off point is at Km. 83 along the national road in Baraangay Aga, Nasugbu, Batangas.
Just past a school building there is a small signage "Mt. Talamitam", stay awake and watch out for it!
THANK YOU FOR READING.
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