One of the best attraction of the Batangas is the towering mountain of Maculot. At 830 ASL it one the highest mountain yet an easy climb. The mountain has three destinations, the Grotto , Summit and the Rockies(being the most popular). According to several legends Maculot was named after a giant that saved the a village from the eruption of Taal Volcano. Another tale on the other hand tells that dark skin and curly haired aborigines settled mountain thus the mountain was called "Bundok ng Macuculot" and later simplified as Bundok Maculot.
My fellow climbers. my sister was taking the picture
Majority of climbers go to Rockies, the climb can take about an hour an a half or less. Climbers can choose two trails, the old trail and the new trail. The new trail is considered to be difficult yet adventurous. This trail was created back in 2009 by Philippine Air Force Flying School. But still climbers preferred the old trail. At the camp site there is a Sari sari store called by mountaineers 7-11. Here you buy Halo halo, canned sardines , bottled water , etc.
Rockies is five minute climb from the camp site. Back then the trail going to Rockies had a temporary stair made wood, later this was dismantled probably after the 1994 incident.
Taal Volcano seen from Rockies
View from Rockies
In order for climbers to know if they are on the right path going to rockies here's my guide. First stop at the Barangay out post of Brangay 7 Cuenca, Batangas. Here climber must file there names and pay the P 10 fee. Then proceed to Mountaineers Store this is a ten minute walk from the out post. Then going down the street will be the street sigh of "To Makulot Rocky Road" here is start of the walk going to the mountain. This path is both concrete and gravel. Going down one will see a path going down to the left and the path to the right. The left path is the old trail and the right is the new trail. Since my companions use the old one this will be my analysis.
"Lumang Ilog"
Going left is the old trail as one go down one will see the carved way , then you will see what I call "Lumang Ilog" in my opinion this was originally a stream that later dried out yet during the Monsoon season water runs through. Passing this follow the path going up then turn right, this is what I call "Bato-bato" part is is filled with rocks and ferns. Next is the what I call "Ugat Lupa" this section is literally filled with roots and soil some part have rocks. This is also the longest. Next is the "Bato Cogon" this section is a mix of rocks, soil, and cogon grass. And finally is the "Cogon" this part is covered with cogon grass and mixture of soil and rock. In this segment climbers must take caution, the path is slippery both in dry and wet season. The problem is that there are lose rocks and pebbles. Also when going down there are parts which I call "Biglang dungaw" this are open areas which climber might fall if not taking risk.
"Ugat Lupa"
Rockies
A "Biglang dungaw"
The best time to climb Rockies is during weekends, this is also to have companions in the climb plus meeting new friends. The best time to go to Rockies(the rocky formation in the west) between 6am-8am here one can see Taal Lake and Volcano. In a very clear day the mountains of Mindoro, Tagaytay Ridge, Mt. Makiling. Mt Batulao, and Laguna de Bay are visible.
No comments:
Post a Comment