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| 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
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| MT. PULOT AS VIEWED ALONG THE ROAD TO JUMP-OFF |
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| TRAIL ILLUSTRATION COURTESY OF JEP ERENIO |
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| MT. TIBIG-BANOI AS VIEWED FROM BIGAAN VIEW DECK |
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| COAST AND LSJM AS VIEWED FROM BIGAAN VIEW DECK |
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| THE PANORAMIC SCENERY FROM BIGAAN VIEW DECK MT.TIBIG-BANOI, LSJM AND COAST OF BATANGAS CITY-LOBO |
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| 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.
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| AT THE OTHER VIEWING CLIFF |
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| PANORAMIC SCENERY FROM THE OTHER VIEWING CLIFF VERDE ISLAND PASSAGE AND BATANGAS BAY |
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| THE BLOGGER'S TEAM WITH CHAIRWOMAN BENITA D. ZAPATA |
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| 3D MAP ILLUSTRATION: MT. PULOT ITAAS AND IT'S RELATION TO THE OTHER PEAKS IN BCLSJM |
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Destination’s
Profile
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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
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Transportation
(As of February 12,
2017)
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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
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Contacts and
Coordination
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Brgy. Chairwoman
Benita D. Zapata 09295515662
Brgy. Secretary
Rufina Arellano 09093370155
Brgy. Konsehal
Reynaldo Ronquillo 09465654255
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Registration
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Register at Brgy.
Hall of Pulot Itaas or at the house of Chairwoman Benita D. Zapata. No
registration fee as of February 12, 2017
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Guide fee / Guide
assistance
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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
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Water source
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Available at the
Jump-off area and at the trail above the community
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Hiking notes and
Precautions
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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
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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).
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Side Trip and
Facilities
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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
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Estimated Budget
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P1000
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SAMPLE
ESTIMATED BUDGET COMPUTATION
(For manila-based
commuters passing Poblacion Lobo, Batangas)
Number of
participants
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4 persons
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Duration
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Overnight
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Transportation
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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)
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Guide fee
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P175 per person
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Registration fee
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Voluntary
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TOTAL
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P1000 (w/ P181
contingency fund)
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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
