MT. PULOT ITAAS: "Hiking the Top of Mt. Honey Top, A Peek from the Peak of Dela Paz, Batangas City"

MT. PULOT AS VIEWED FROM THE ROAD TO JUMP-OFF

MT. PULOT ITAAS

"Hiking the Top of Mt. Honey Top, A Peek from the Peak of Dela Paz, Batangas City"

By: Ramon Q. Gayas Jr. (Ser Montaineer)

Acknowledgement: I Ramon Q. Gayas Jr. would like to extend my gratitude to all the people who helped in making this article possible especially to the following persons: Honorable Chairwoman Benita D. Zapata, Secretary Rufina Arellano and Panaligan Family who served as our host in Brgy. Dela Paz, Pulot Itaas, and to the local guides assisted us in exploring Mt. Pulot. I would also like to thank my team who joined me in the exploration: Monna Policarpio, Jep Erenio, and Michael Schwarz, as it would have been close to impossible to have succeeded without their support.

OVERVIEW

BCMR AS VIEWED FROM TIBIG-BANOI RANGE

A panoramic landscape commonly seen from the coast and peaks in the southernmost tip of Batangas. Stands near the span of Verde Island Corridor, resembles a twin peak image aligned with the foothills of Mt. Tibig-Banoi Range, and impressive to behold coupled with clouds and twilight illumination. Introducing --- a beautiful peak nestled in Batangas City Mountain Range (BCMR), Mt. Pulot Itaas. The place formerly use for "kaingin", but more remarkable as source of the sweet medicinal "honey" locally known as "pulot" - where the name of the mountain and its neighboring communities was derived - is a great potential hiking destination which offers blissful sights and adventure; from challenging road to pleasant community, exciting trails up to rewarding viewing point.

JEP, MONNA, MIKE AND THE BLOGGER

Mt. Pulot was frequented by some tree planters from the University of the Philippines Los Banos (UPLB) a decade ago. While the past three years of progressive hiking scene in Lobo Batangas gives exposure to it, which eventually piqued the interest of many hiking enthusiasts, especially those who climbed the Mt. Tibig-Banoi range, where it is largely overlooking along with the highlands of BCMR including the Mt. Pinamucan. In December 2016, the Lobo Batangas-based research team lead by Batangas State University Professor Anacleto M. Caringal made consecutive visits at the community of Brgy. Dela Paz, Pulot Itaas and studied the existing Philippine Teak (Tectona Philipinensis) forest. The blogger is part of the research team, and that event made him able to check out the Mt. Pulot's hiking potential. Furthermore, last February 11 to 12, 2017 he and his hiking team conducted an exploration climb and scribed the exploratory trail, viewing point and bushy summit of Mt. Pulot.

The Entry point and Jump-off

The community of Dela Paz, Pulot Itaas, Batangas City serves as the jump-off point in climbing Mt. Pulot. However, take note that there are communities in the location which bear the name "Dela Paz" and "Pulot" to avoid confusion, these are the Brgy. Dela Paz Proper, Brgy. Dela Paz Pulot Aplaya and Brgy. Dela Paz Pulot Itaas, or the jump-off itself. This is accessible via Batangas City-Tabangao Road and Poblacion, Lobo Batangas, which is approximately entail 3 to 4 hours travel from Manila. Passing whichever route will bring the trip along the coastal road leading the way to De Lapaz, which eventually detours to community road locally dubbed as "Pulot Ibaba" (Entry Point), near the notable Elementary School of Brgy. Dela Paz, Pulot Aplaya. As of February 12, 2017, there is no regular means of transportation passing at the road connecting Pulot Ibaba and the Jump-off. Taking tricycle might be inappropriate as the road is steep. However, those who have four-wheel vehicle service may directly proceed to Pulot Itaas. While commuters alight at Pulot Ibaba has an option to ride through rented single motorcycle, or trek the road which will take 1 hour up to the Jump-off point. Though challenging and almost similar with the first leg of hiking Mt. Gulugud Baboy via Philpan, the trek up via community road is manageable. There are several rest stop point and views ahead. In fact, there is waiting shed along the way and several open areas that gives way to see the closer view of Mt. Pulot, portion of Verde Island Passage and Islets of Calapan Mindoro.

In Pulot Itaas' community, trekkers are required to drop by at the Brgy. Hall or house of Chairwoman Benita D. Zapata, for courtesy call, registration, and get local guide assistance. The well-known mountain guide in the place is Geminiano Ebora, a longtime resident in Pulot Itaas and popular harvester of honeycomb in Mt. Pulot. He might assist hikers in climbing the said mountain. Interestingly, the village of Pulot Itaas was recognized as one of the Livable Place in Batangas City in year 2015. There is also a "heart-shaped" rock formation located along the community trail prior to the last houses in the area.

MT. PULOT AS VIEWED ALONG THE ROAD TO JUMP-OFF

TRAIL ILLUSTRATION COURTESY OF JEP ERENIO

HEART-SHAPED ROCK FORMATION

Trail to Bigaan Campsite/View deck

After passing the community, the trek to Mt. Pulot recommence inside the typical environs; which holds intermittent stream channel and woodlands with occasional presence of bamboos and fruit bearing trees, mostly Mango and Tamarind. Surveying through this way will bring the adventure to upslope and exposed terrain that is widely conquest with shrubs and many thorny plants. Nevertheless, one may feel the excitement while taking the way up, as it gives initial sightings to the combined landscape of Batangas City-Lobo and span of Verde Island Corridor, which is also impressive if viewed from the view deck along the forest of Mt. Pulot.

COASTLINE OF BATANGAS CITY-LOBO

The trail leading to the forest is quite challenging. It gives trial of steep ascent and hindrances cause by shrubs and thorny plants, yet will further headed to "Bigaan". One place in the forest of Mt. Pulot that is formerly rich in "Alocasia Macrorrhiza" otherwise known as "Biga". A nice rest stop point which require 2 hours of ascent from the Jump-off, possess potential campsite good enough for 3 to 5 tents, has a small viewing cliff (500+masl, unverified) which may accommodate 8-10 persons, and offers splendid scenery. However, hiker must give careful attention to ensure safety while exploring the "Bigaan View deck". At this point, one can see the magnificent coastline formation lining beneath the combined landscape of Batangas City-Lobo; from Pulot's foothills to the highlands of Talahib Pandayan, Mt. Tibig-Banoi Range to Lobo-San Juan Mountains (LSJM). While the Islets of Calapan Mindoro are looks looming decors rises over the Verde Island Corridor.

MT. TIBIG-BANOI AS VIEWED FROM BIGAAN VIEW DECK

COAST AND LSJM AS VIEWED FROM BIGAAN VIEW DECK

THE PANORAMIC SCENERY FROM BIGAAN VIEW DECK
MT.TIBIG-BANOI, LSJM AND COAST OF BATANGAS CITY-LOBO

SUNRISE VIEW FROM BIGAAN VIEW DECK

The Summit and other viewpoint

On the other hand, climbing the summit (Sta. Maria Peak, 655+masl, unverified) is optional. There is no clear view on top as it is entirely obstructed with trees and full of overgrowth. But the 1 hour climbing distance of it from Bigaan may add enjoyment, considering there are slopes to pass which opens up for views and enable to feel refreshing coastal wind. Thrillingly, the hike to Mt. Pulot will be more rewarding if one is able to explore the other potential viewpoint (optional, exploratory). Indeed, there is another viewing cliff (564+masl, Unverified) aside from "Bigaan View deck" – requires an hour of trek from "Bigaan" but off the trail to summit - where one can glimpse to the extensive view consists of; Verde Island, Southeastern Batangas City Marine Corridor, Islands of Batangas Bay such as; Culebra, Tingloy, Maricaban and Sombrero, and slope of Mt. Gulugod Baboy.

Overall, Mt. Pulot is a pleasant sampler of rarely explored peaks in Batangas City Mountain Range. Together with the other attractions in the range that are yet to reveal, the resplendent sceneries, and exploratory spots within it, makes it an interesting peak to discover.

AT THE OTHER VIEWING CLIFF

PANORAMIC SCENERY FROM THE OTHER VIEWING CLIFF
VERDE ISLAND PASSAGE AND BATANGAS BAY

THE BLOGGER'S TEAM WITH CHAIRWOMAN BENITA D. ZAPATA

3D MAP ILLUSTRATION: MT. PULOT ITAAS AND IT'S RELATION TO THE OTHER PEAKS IN BCLSJM

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Destination’s Profile	Major Jump-off: Brgy. Dela Paz, Pulot Itaas, Batangas City Elevation: 655+masl (Unverified) Hours of Climbing: 3-4 hours Days of Climbing: 1 or 2 days Alternate trail: N/A as of February 12, 2017 Specs: Minor Climb Difficulty: 3/9 Trail classes: Cemented road, woodland, farmland, forested trail Features: Scenic view of coast and landscape of Batangas City-Lobo, Verde Island Passage, Batangas Bay, Exploratory
Transportation (As of February 12, 2017)	For commuters: P127 - BUS - Manila to Lipa Bus Terminal  P120 - VAN – Lipa Bus Terminal to Lobo Poblacion First Trip of Van from SM Lipa: 0630 Last trip of Van from Lobo: 1700 Last trip of Bus from SM Lipa: 2000                  For private transportation: Head out your trip to Batangas City Diversion Road via SLEX Star toll-way, take the road heading to Batangas City-Tabangao-Lobo road and go through the way passing Dela Paz, Batangas City. Afterwards, detour the ride to Pulot Ibaba road near Dela Paz, Pulot Aplaya Elem. School. Ask the local folk about parking area. Approximately 3 hours travel time from Buendia, Taft Avenue. For jeepney rental from Batangas City to Pulot Itaas: You may contact Kon. Reynaldo Ronquillo at 09465654255 For tricycle and jeepney service from Lobo, Poblacion to Dela Paz Pulot Ibaba: You may contact Romel Casilihan at 09077722052
Contacts and Coordination	Brgy. Chairwoman Benita D. Zapata 09295515662 Brgy. Secretary Rufina Arellano 09093370155 Brgy. Konsehal Reynaldo Ronquillo 09465654255
Registration	Register at Brgy. Hall of Pulot Itaas or at the house of Chairwoman Benita D. Zapata. No registration fee as of February 12, 2017
Guide fee / Guide assistance	Guide is highly recommended (new hiking destination) P500 per guide recommended for day hike P700 per guide recommended for overnight Local Mountain Guide: Ben Panaligan 09074494337 Rudy and Geminiano Ebora 09292939117 Kon. Reynaldo Ronquillo 09465654255
Water source	Available at the Jump-off area and at the trail above the community
Hiking notes and Precautions	Hiking trend status – Potential hiking destination with minimal record of hiking activities as of February 12, 2017 Reservation and Limit - There is no implementing ruling about reservation and limit as of February 12, 2017. Avoid mass climbing though Prerequisite – 4 hours day hike experience is an advantage Day hike – Highly recommended Night trekking – Coordinate night trek plan before proceeding Cell phone signal – Sporadic at the Jump-off but present at around 400masl Amount of water to bring – 2 to 3L for day hike, 4-5L for overnight Sun exposure – At the community road and above the community River Crossing – Nothing major Terrain condition – Gradual to upslope and slippery when wet. The trail from Jump-off to Bigaan is established, but exploratory up to the other viewpoint and summit (As of February 12, 2017) Thorny Plants – Many prior Bigaan Bladed Grass – Minimal Rope segment – None Limatik – None Honeybee - Many during summer season as per local guide
Campsite / Camping notes	There are many potential campsites above the community, while Bigaan Campsite may accommodate 3-5 tents. Coordinate your camping plan before proceeding and bring enough water (4-5L).
Side Trip and Facilities	Beach at Dela Paz, Pulot Aplaya (near entry point) and Banalo-Masaguitsit Lobo, Batangas Sing-sing na Bato coastal rock formation (along the coastal road heading to Lobo, Batangas Shower area – At the Jump-off Sari-sari store  – At the Jump-off
Estimated Budget	P1000

SAMPLE ESTIMATED BUDGET COMPUTATION

(For manila-based commuters passing Poblacion Lobo, Batangas)

Number of participants	4 persons
Duration	Overnight
Transportation	P254 - BUS - Manila to Lipa Bus Terminal (back and forth) P240 - VAN – Lipa Bus Terminal to Lobo Poblacion (back and forth) P150 per person – Tricycle service from Lobo, Poblacion to Dela Paz, Pulot Ibaba (back and forth)
Guide fee	P175 per person
Registration fee	Voluntary
TOTAL	P1000 (w/ P181 contingency fund)

SAMPLE ITINERARIES

Day Hike: For group with private vehicle

0330 Assembly at Buendia near LRT Gil Puyat Station, Breakfast

0400 ETD to Brgy. Dela Paz Pulot Itaas, Batangas City (Jump-off), Via Batangas City-Tabangao Road

0700 ETA Pulot Ibaba road (Entry point), head out the ride to Pulot Itaas

0715 ETA Brgy. Hall of Dela Paz Pulot Itaas (Jump-off), Courtesy call, Ask for parking, Register, Arrange guide

0730 Start trek up to Mt. Pulot

0915 ETA Bigaan View deck, Explore

Option: Trek to summit or explore the other viewing deck which may consume 1-2 hours (exploratory)

1300 Descent to Jump-off

1500 ETA Jump-off, rest and wash

1630 Head back to Manila

2000 ETA Manila

Overnight: For commuters passing Lobo, Batangas

Day 1

0530 Assembly at Buendia near LRT Gil Puyat Station, Breakfast

0600 ETD to SM Lipa

0800 ETA SM Lipa-Lobo Van Terminal

0900 Take van to Poblacion Lobo Batangas

1030 ETA 7-11 Poblacion Lobo Batangas, Buy Supplies

1100 Ride rented trike to Dela Paz, Pulot Ibaba road (entry point, near Elementary School of Pulot Aplaya, Batangas City)

1130 ETA Pulot Ibaba, Lunch and Preparation

1300 Start trek to Brgy. Hall of Dela Paz Pulot Itaas (Jump-off)

1400 ETA Jump-off, Courtesy call, Register, Arrange guide

1430 Resume trek up to Mt. Pulot

1630 ETA Bigaan Campsite/View deck, Explore, Set Camp

1800 Dinner and Socials onwards

2000 Lights out

Day 2

0500 Wake-up call, Sunrise viewing at Bigaan, Breakfast

Option: Trek to summit or explore the other viewing deck which may consume 1-2 hours (exploratory)

1100 Lunch and Break camp

1200 Descent to Jump-off

1400 ETA Jump-off, rest and wash

1500 Descent to Pulot Ibaba

1530 ETA Pulot Ibaba, Ride rented tricycle to Poblacion Lobo Batangas

1600 ETA Poblacion Lobo Batangas

1630 Take van to SM Lipa (5PM: last trip)

1830 ETA SM Lipa, Take Bus to Manila (8PM: last trip)

2030 ETA Manila