Rockies Trail at Mt. Maculot + Tips for First Time Hikers (Photo Diary)

I got to say this, but Mt. Maculot is the most difficult mountain I climbed so far among the five mountains I climbed before that includes Mt. Manalmon and Mt. Pamitinan. I’m gonna give it a 7.5 out of 10 in terms of difficulty. It just felt like climbing a rugged ladder that goes steeper as you gets nearer the top.

Located in Cuenca, Batangas – Mount Macolod or popularly known as Mt. Maculot is a popular hiking destination near Metro Manila. According to locals, most people visits the place on a weekend but gets to be more populated during Lenten Season.

Me and my friends started the climb a bit late, a few minutes before 12 noon to be exact. Trekking the Rockies trail, we reach the top at around 2:30 in the afternoon. The two and a half hour walk passes some rocky roads, dangerous cliffs, and 14 resting camps (where you can buy cold buko juice). But also rewarding as you reach the top to view  the remarkable Taal Lake.

I could say that the hardest part of the climb was when we needed to depend our lives at a dangling rope for us to reach the other side of the mountain. Check out the photos of our trail. 

(1) The team with Jeff, Joel, Anne lining at front. (2) At the registration area where you will be asked to pay Php 10 (3) Group shot of our hiking seal!

(4) This way to Mt. Maculot (5) Coconut always feels like summer (6) Trail introduction

(7) With Sheng leading the pack (8) Resting station with Mikechell, Onats, Laiza, Anne & Bec (9) Laiza buying coconut juice for everyone (10) Have you seen the guy at my back? That’s how I got there (11) And this was the extended view of picture #9

(12) Some trees (13) Camping site (14) the trail going to the other side of the mountain

(15) The goal (16) The view at the mid-part of the summit (17) Worms-eye view (18) Birds-eye view

(19) Literally – Blogger at the Top! lol (20) mid-view (21) My moment at the rockies

What to bring in the climb? Aside from water and snack, bring some sun-protectors like visor, caps or wear rash-guards to protect your skin. Bringing a DSLR camera for climb documentation could be a bit difficult, handy cameras like action cams or phone cams are the best one to bring . I brought my mirrorless camera and got bump for a few times while it hang on to my body while climbing.

Remember, the terrain is quite hard for beginners but I honestly suggesting you to try it! So for the tip…

#NoggyTips for First Time hikers at Mt. Maculot

1. Do not bring heavy stuff (not unless your camping) and wear light and easy to dry clothes. 
2. Don’t wear slippers or running shoes.  
3. Bring water. If you cant bring water just bring enough money for you to buy a cold drinks or snack along the terrain.
4. Don’t forget to do some stretching before and after the hike.
5. You may opt to bring a staff (tungkod) or buy one along the way. You can get it for only Php 10, this would be very helpful specially going up.
6. Play on some music and enjoy the rest of the hike!

Until our next discovery in the City!

またね Mata ne!