I used to think that “hiking” simply meant putting on a sporty attire and walking on a straight path for an hour or two. Boy, I was proven wrong this weekend. The climb is tough – but indeed, the view is worth it. I have never done this before so Mt. Maculot is my first ever mountain to “conquer” – here’s how it went.
Here we go, Mt. Maculot!
In good hands! I was part of a big group organized by young professionals from Metrobank and we left Manila via bus around 5AM. It was so much fun to hike with a big number (around 40, I think) because each person has their own pace so you won’t get shy if you feel like you’d like to go slower. Haha! Everyone was cheering each other on whenever someone would feel tired – lots of encouragement.
Mt. Maculot, Cuenca Batangas
I honestly thought it would be a smooth, carved path up the mountain. There was a noticeable trail but I kind of panicked when it started to get steeper and the steps getting higher. We are so glad it didn’t pour or else the hike would’ve been really muddy and slippery.
Roxy backpack
For beginners, the hike was relatively easy. I took a number of breaks before reaching the top but all the activities were fun. The hike took around 2 hours going up and half the time going down. One thing I learned when going on a hike – STRETCH. Stretch well if you don’t want your body aching the next day. Lesson learned the hard way
Mt. Maculot checklist
What to bring:
1. Lots water
2. Small towel – to wipe the sweat and dry up when it’s shower time
3. Wet wipes for face and body – these come in so handy whenever you eat snacks or want to freshen up but no bathroom is in sight
4. Lightweight bag – and I mean LIGHTweight cos you’ll be carrying it for hours.
5. Meds – you never know when allergies can attack or a Bioflu will come in handy
6. Snacks and trash bag – the locals are doing their best efforts to keep the area clean, we should too! Clean as you go whenever snacks are consumed.
70% closer to the camp site of Mt. Maculot
Care for cold buko juice?
When going up Mt. Maculot, expect to see a number of vendors as you go along your way. Meet these cute kids selling pure coconut juice! I remember buying a number of times – the juice was SO good. Only Php10.00 per cup! At the end of the hike, there will be a halo-halo vendor and it will be SO tempting. Haha!
Namaste!
Mt. Maculot crew!
Finally at the top | with Regine Dennis
(L-R) Mccoy, Regine, Nikki, Marvin, Karen, Ken, Jio, Jolo and Leandro
Cue in: “Started from the bottom now we’re here”
Conquer your fears (safely!) | Skechers Demi Lovato Memory Sole Shoes
Hiking also needs to be paired with good gear. I’m glad I wore my Skechers pair with built in Memory Foam – I was so comfortable the entire time! A tad bit slipper down the mountains so on your next hike, make sure you wear shows with a sole grip or ala soccer shoes.
Zen Speaker bamboo sound amplifier | Filipinos cookies
What an experience – I had so much fun hiking with McCoy and his Metrobank group! It’s highly addictive to the point that you’d want to climb up another mountain SOON – do I hear Pinatubo? I’m so glad I tried this and I highly suggest this activity for those who are nature-lovers. I encountered sad news about an accident in Mt Maculot on Sunday. This gave me chills since we did this last Saturday. Be safe everyone and stay dry!
XO,
Style Cat
2 comments
My friend got addicted actually, she probably felt like what you feel after your first hike. When she first told me her experience she said she wanted to do it again ASAP. Hahaha! I experienced hiking before but in states, I think not this hard. Hope I could do hike here tho.
Hi!! i just want to ask what camera do you use?
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