MT. TILOS: A PEEK TO THE UNSEEN PEAK OF MALABRIGO POINT

SOMBRERO PEAK AND TIBIG-BANOI RANGE AS VIEWED FROM KOGONAN RIDGE

MT. TILOS: A PEEK TO THE UNSEEN PEAK OF MALABRIGO POINT

By: Ramon Q. Gayas Jr. (Ser Montaineer), Co-author: Prof. Anacleto M. Caringal

Acknowledgement: I Ramon Q. Gayas Jr. would like to extend my gratitude to all the people who helped us in making our climb possible especially to the following persons: Professor Anacleto M. Caringal of Batangas State University, Sir Nicasio Duenas Chairman of Brgy. Malabrigo Lobo, Batangas, and to our guides Rolly Magtibay and Elmer Magtibay, I would also like to thank my team who did the said climb: Drew Amon, Lhaine, Rolven Ciriaco, Monna Policarpio, Jep Erenio, Atoz Monroyo, Jelson Tolentino and Randy Amos, as it would have been close to impossible to have succeeded without their support.

OVERVIEW

A precious piece of nature concealed at the southwest corridor of the stunning Lobo San Juan Mountain Range, is Mt. Tilos, which stands near the seaside community of Brgy. Malabrigo in Lobo Batangas. The landscape use by the lowland folks for grazing cattle and farming sugar apple and tamarinds - by which this town of Lobo is famous - is also a great potential hiking destination. Mt. Tilos is an impressive peak that is secluded and rarely explored. It is just one of the many peaks continuums of Mt. Naguiling which provides an excellent viewing opportunity and adventure for every trekker. Thrillingly, this mountain also offers bouldering challenge downstream, and is near to other tourist destinations such as beautiful beach resorts and historical lighthouse.

BSU' PHOTO: BRANCH OF DUNGON / MT. TILOS

In the past three years, the research team of Lobo-based Batangas State University frequented the said mountain to document the existing rare Philippine native plants such as Philippine teak (Tectona philippinensis), “dao” (Dracontamelon dao) and “dungon” (Heritiera sylvatica), Jurassic plant (Cycas) and some  palms of the genus Calamus. They also did studies about the wilderness refugia of remnant herds of Philippine’ deer and wild boar, and Lobo’s last intact hallmark trees along the deep stream channel of the mountain. 

AT THE ROCKY CHANNEL

The journey to Mt. Tilos leads to two destinations which entail 3 to 4 hours climb up to “Kogonan Ridge” and at least two hours towards “Tilos” or the forested summit and the entire adventure is doable within a daytime. The ascent commences at Purok Malvar, particularly in front of the waiting shed near the Malabrigo Spillway, the initial trek begins smoothly and you will pass by some houses, rocky channel and agricultural land with patch of fruit bearing trees such as sugar apple, banana and tamarind, which will eventually lead to slanted woodland trail up to the tropical dry forest. While passing through the forest, you will see some rocks formation, nice trees and small spaces good for rest stop. Afterwards, you will pass through grassy slopes which then lead you up to “Kogonan Ridge” (610+masl), the long-established pastoral land locally known as “Mataas na “Kogonan” (high cogonales). 

VERDE ISLAND AND ILIJAN-LOBO COAST 

Once you‘re on the top of the ridge, you will be able to see the coast of Ilijan-Lobo presents an impressive lineup of mountains which includes; views of Mt. Pulot Itaas, Mt. Tibig and Mt. Banoi Range. The nearby grassy hill called “Sombrero Peak” is clearly noticeable and the view combination of Lobo river delta, green lowland of Lobo and coastline formation looks astounding too. Looking into the northern coast of Mindoro will give you a glimpse to some islets and prominent mountains (i.e. Mt. Halcon and Mt. Malasimbo) on a cloudless time. And at the middle of the panorama; you can behold a remarkable wonders, the Verde Island rise over the sea passage. Perhaps, the view of “SombreroPeak” may capture every trekker’s interest, it seems a great viewpoint to overlook the features which can see and unseen from the top of kogonan ridge. 

NALAYAG AS VIEWED ALONG THE TRAIL TO SUMMIT

In the continuation of the trek to the summit, hikers will have a chance to capture the other sceneries in the area. In fact, as you continue the trek you will be rewarded by beautiful views of some hidden spots of Lobo San Juan Mountain Range. One of these is the charming "Nalayag Rocks". The view of Nalayag is fantastic as you can see it nestled between the two peaks which possesses a lush green forest. Interestingly, the “towering block” among the rocks is apparently comparable to the famed monolith of Mt. Pico de Loro in Maragondon, Cavite. Just like the Sombrero Peak and Nalayag Rocks, the other peaks in the range are equally pristine and promising hiking destination. One would also appreciate the views of notable historical lighthouse, magnificent coastline formation and blue seascape of Malabrigo Point while trekking the way to summit. While ascending to the summit, take time to observe on some interesting cliffs along the way, these are situated on the left side of trail at around 570+masl and climbing up one of the cliff will give you a closer view of Nalayag and deep forest on its beneath. The summit (640+masl) is densely forested; it is gifted with unique average-height tropical trees. It might be a good place for you to stop by to rest and to take an observation to some interesting trees before going down to the jump-off.

ZOOMED PHOTO: NALAYAG ROCKS

AT THE ROCK BOULDER TRAIL

From the summit, aside from backtracking from where you ascended, another alternate route to take is the way to “boulders trail” or the deep stream channel (optional). Either way, the trek will end in the same point (Purok Malvar), but these have differences in terms of length and difficulty. The backtrack-descent may take 3.5 hours, while at the alternate route the trekkers will do a 1 hour descent (60-70 degree steep) to boulders section and then further proceed for bouldering which can be finished in 3 hours or more. Passing through boulders might feel “difficult”, “tiring”, “unending” and can be dangerous especially when wet. It is literally requiring use of limbs and there are times that you have to scramble in sitting and backward position and hold on roots and vine to be able to move forward, so give careful attention if you will pass through this area. However, the bouldering is still an added thrill on the trek; it might be a good training to those preparing for strenuous hike or bouldering challenge. Furthermore, the presence of tall and overshadowing evergreen canopy trees along this terrain would give hikers nuances of hidden tropical forest. Once you’ve returned to the jump-off point; you may proceed to take an enjoyable side trip. The jump-off is close enough to many beach resorts and to one of the Philippine’s famous colonial landmark – the century old Malabrigo Light House - both equally interesting places to visit before heading back to Manila. 

Overall, Mt. Tilos is a noteworthy hiking spot, with splendid views, distinct challenges, and sure access for side trip. Moreover, the exploratory features and scenery of its neighboring peaks makes it a compelling hiking destination - a highly recommendable day hike destination in the tourist-oriented town of Lobo, Batangas. (See additional information, sample estimated budget computation and suggested itineraries below)

JUMP-OFF / PUROK MALVAR

ROCK FORMATION AT THE FOREST PRIOR KOGONAN RIDGE

APPROACHING KOGONAN RIDGE

AS VIEWED FROM KOGONAN RIDGE

FEATURING THE SPATIAL RELATION OF NALAYAG (L) AND MT. TILOS (R)

AERIAL PHOTO OF MALABRIGO POINT: SEASCAPE, LIGHT HOUSE AND MOUNTAINS
PHOTO: PHILSCA, FERNANDO AIR BASE, LIPA CITY, 01-25-2013

PROF. ANACLETO M. CARINGAL (BSU RESEARCHER)
AT NAGPATONG, NEIGHBOR PEAK OF MT. TILOS

L-R: ROLLY MAGTIBAY (LOCAL GUIDE)
CLAIR ANN ELMIDO AND ROMEL U. BRIONES (BSU RESEARCHERS)

THE BLOGGER's TEAM (L-R)
DREW AMON, GHISLAINE BONGANAY, ROLVEN CIRIACO, MONNA POLICARPIO,
JEP ERENIO, ATOZ MONROYO, JELSON TOLENTINO,
SER MONTAINEER AND RANDY AMOS

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Mountain’s Profile	Major jump-off: Purok Malvar, Brgy, Malabrigo Lobo, Batangas Elevation: (610+MASL) Kogonan Ridge, (640+masl ) Summit Hours of Climbing: 5 to 6 hours Days of Climbing: 1 Day Alternate trail: Boulders Trail Specs: Major Climb Difficulty: 6/9 Trail classes: agricultural terrain, rocky channel, woodland trail, forested trail, grassy trail, boulders trail Features: tropical dry forest, scenic views, coastal view, exploratory, bouldering
Transportation notes (As of February 08, 2015)	For commuters: P157 - BUS - Manila to Batangas City Grand Terminal  P20 per - JEEP - Batangas City to Lobo Jeep Terminal (2 rides) P56 - JEEP – Lobo Terminal to Lobo Poblacion P60 -TRICYCLE - Poblacion to Purok Malvar Malabrigo Last trip: Lobo Poblacion to Batangas City -1700 / Batangas City Grand Terminal to Manila - 2030 24 Hours bus terminal:  Batangas Pier and Lipa                  For private transportation: Head out your trip to Batangas City Diversion Road via SLEX Star toll-way, then take the road to Lobo, Batangas (left corner of diversion). From Poblacion, proceed to Malabrigo coastal road and alight at the waiting shed of Purok Malvar (before spillway). Ask the locals about parking area. Approximately 3 to 3.5 hours travel time from Buendia, Taft Avenue. For Jeepney rental: You may contact Tatay Obet Valencia at 09398645306 (P1500 one way- from batangas city grand terminal to jump-off, vice versa)
Registration / Coordination	Coordinate your hiking plan to Chairman Nicasio Duenas Register at PNP Lobo, no fees collected
Contact Persons / Numbers	Jump-off’s Chaiman -  Nicasio Duenas 09174448011 For eco-tour in Lobo - Prof. Anacleto Caringal of BSU 09369365887 Lobo Hotline - 09983144867
Guide and Guide fee	Note - Getting guide is highly recommended (new hiking destination) Local guide - Rolly Magtibay and Elmer Magtibay - You may contact them through chairman Nicasio Duenas Recommended fee for day hike - P500-P600 per guide
Water source	Available at the Jump-off, no water source along the trail
Hiking notes and Precautions	Note - New Hiking destination Prerequisite -  5 to 6 hours day hike and bouldering experience is an advantage Day hike - Highly recommended Night trekking - Not recommended due to unavailability of campsite Bouldering - Recommended only for light packed descent, not for ascent and night trekking. This is doable for manual descent; however, using 10 to 15 meters rope might be helpful. Cell phone signal - Present at the jump-off, kogonan ridge and summit, sporadic at the boulders section Amount of water to bring - 2.5 to 3L for day hike Sunlight exposure - At kogonan ridge down to eastern grassy slope River Crossing - Nothing major Thorny Plants - Minimal Bladed Grass - Minimal Rope segment  - None Limatik - None
Camping notes	Mt. Tilos is not recommended for camping to avoid wild life disturbance, there is no established camp site, and no water source. However, you may camp in Malabrigo beach resorts if you wish to stay overnight.
Side Trip and Facilities	Malabrigo Beach - Some spots there is public and  free for swimming, however, ask the locals about resorts’ fees (entrance, cottage and camping) if you have plan to stay overnight Malabrigo Light House - Accessible by tricycle as per local guide Shower area - At local sari-sari store near spill way, P20 per shower Sari-sari store  - Near spill way
Estimated Budget	P900 - See separate sample budget computation below

SAMPLE ESTIMATED BUDGET COMPUTATION (for manila-base hikers)

Number of participants	8 Persons	8 Persons
Duration	1 Day / Day Hike	1 Day / Day Hike
Transportation	Commute P314 per person: BUS - Manila to Batangas City Grand Terminal (back and forth P40 per person: JEEP - Batangas City to Lobo Jeep Terminal (back and forth) P112 per person: JEEP – Lobo Terminal to Lobo Poblacion (back and forth) P60 per person: TRICYCLE - Poblacion to Purok Malvar Malabrigo (back and forth)	Commuter with rented jeepney P314 per person: BUS - Manila to Batangas City Grand Terminal (back and forth) P375 per person: Rented Jeep – Batangas City Grand Terminal to Purok Malvar Malabrigo (back and forth)
Guide fee	P75 per person	P75 per person
Contingency fund	P299 per person	P136 per person
TOTAL	P900	P900

SUGGESTED ITINERARIES

Note: For option A, consider jeepney rental or private vehicle due to impossibility to catch the last trip in Poblacion. You may also modify the itinerary base on your group preference. 

OPTION A: DAYHIKE – Kogonan Ridge - Summit - Boulders (Major Climb)

0300 Assembly at bus station (Buendia, Taft Ave)

0330 ETD to Batangas City Grand Terminal

0530 ETA Batangas City Grand Terminal / Take rented jeep

0630 ETA PNP Lobo Poblacion / Register / Breakfast / Proceed to Jump-off

0730 ETA Waiting shed of Purok Malvar (near spillway) / Courtesy call to Chairman Duenas and Kuya Rolly Magtibay (Guide)

0800 Start trek

1100 ETA Kogonan Ridge (Mataas na Kogonan) / take picture / early lunch

1200 Resume Trek to summit

1400 ETA Tilos (forested summit) / take picture / proceed to boulders trail

1500 ETA “Kaumay” Boulders Trail

1800 ETA Jump-off / Rest and proceed to Malabrigo beach for night swimming (optional)

2000 Head back to Batangas City via rented jeep (At Pier and Lipa, bus ride is 24 hours)

2100 Head back to Manila

2300 ETA Manila

OPTION B: DAYHIKE - Kogonan Ridge - Back trail to Jump-off (Minor Climb)

0300 Assembly at bus station (Buendia, Taft Ave)

0330 ETD Batangas City Grand Terminal

0530 ETA Batangas City Grand Terminal / Take jeep to Lobo Jeepney Terminal (2 rides in the morning)

0600 From Lobo Jeepney Terminal, take jeep to Lobo Poblacion

0700 ETA Lobo Poblacion / Register at PNP Station

0730 Take tricycle to Jump-off

0800 ETA Waiting shed of Purok Malvar (near spillway) / Courtesy call to Chairman Duenas and Kuya Rolly Magtibay (Guide)

0830 Start trek

1130 ETA Kogonan Ridge (Mataas na Kogonan) / take picture / Lunch

1300 Back trail to Jump-off

1500 ETA Jump-off / Rest / Visit Malabrigo Beach or Light House (optional)

1600 Head back to Poblacion

1630 Take last jeepney trip going to Batangas City Grand Terminal

1730 ETA Batangas City Grand Terminal / Head back to Manila

2000 ETA Manila

---SPECIAL THANKS TO PROF. ANACLETO M. CARINGAL, GHISLAINE BONGANAY, ROLVEN CIRIACO AND ATOZ MONROYO FOR THE PHOTOS!!!---