MT. NAGUILING: TRAILING THE TWISTS OF LOBO's HIGHEST PEAK

By: Ramon Q. Gayas Jr (Ser Montaineer), Co-contributor: Alan James Saldana (cityboytripper)

Acknowledgement: “We the climbers from All-Top Mountaineering Society ( AMSOC ), Bundokerong Walang Grupo ( TEAM BUWAG ,) and Walang Atrasan Sa Akyatang Kabundukan ( WASAK OUTDOORS ) did a successful Exploration Climb at Mt. Naguiling Lobo Batangas last February 16-17, 2013 (1st Visit ), May 18-19, 2013 (2nd Visit), and February 15-16, 2014 (3rd Visit). We are very thankful to all the people who helped us in making our exploration climbs possible especially to the following people: Prof. Anacleto M. Caringal of Batangas State University, Sir Romeo Delen, Chairman of Brgy. Jaybanga Lobo, Batangas, Pransism, a blog writer who featured the beauty of Lobo, Batangas, and to our guides namely Allan Magnaye, Alvin Magnaye, Freddie Dilay and JR Dilay.”

“I, Ramon Gayas Jr. would like to extend my gratitude to my co-author Alan James Saldaña, Aira Robellon, Drew Amon, Rolven Ciriaco, and Hanna Pechon for their full effort and hard work for joining me in searching for the jump-off area and for the patience and perseverance in exploring the said mountain during our First Exploration Climb. I would also like to thank all who participated our 2nd Visit (Tree Planting Climb) and 3rd Visit (1st Year Exploration Anniversary Climb), as it would have been close to impossible to have succeeded without your support.”

OVERVIEW

Apart from being famous as the “Sugar Apple (atis) capital of the Philippines” and home to the famous Tamarind Wine, the town of Lobo, Batangas is also an emerging potential destination for tourists, mountaineers and outdoor lovers. The mountain range surrounding it offers an attractive environment to people visiting the place. Mountains in Lobo such as Mt. Banoi, Bangkalan and Patong Peak have been pursued many times by different mountaineering groups and are now some of the most favorite hiking destinations in the said town. But the adventure never stops as there are still mountain peaks that are yet to be explored and are equally suitable for hikers and campers alike. One of these is Mt. Naguiling. The name “Naguiling” or “Nagiling” had been used since the olden days because of its grinding trail feature. Some locals called it Mt. Lobo in general and “Tilos” (Tuktok or Top) when referring to the mossy summit. It is also originally coined due to its shape and features apparently does not change despite being viewed from different vantage points, making it look like it “twists” or “grinds” in order to face it’s viewer.

Previously, the team of students led by Prof. Anacleto M. Caringal (Sir Clet) of Batangas State University climbed the said mountain countless times from 2001-2007 for some forest vegetation research. In 2009-2010, some UST students did the same to study pitcher plants in the mossy summit. According to Sir Clet many experienced and non-experienced climbers attempted the summit of Mt. Naguiling but they ended up only in Mt. Daguldul in San Juan Batangas. Mt. Naguiling is always mentioned in some internet blogs and articles about Mt. Daguldol and is commonly referred to as the “nearby peak” and “next target” for exploration. 

TULAY NA BUSOG

Mt. Naguiling is part of the Lobo San Juan Mountains (LSJM) which is situated near the border of two Batangas towns: Lobo and San Juan. This hidden beauty is also considered by the local residence as the highest peak in the coastal province of Batangas (1007+ masl). It is particularly located at Barangay Jaybanga, Lobo Batangas which is accessible via Lipa-Rosario Batangas and Balagtas–Lobo Poblacion routes. 

Lipa- Rosario route - The Lipa-Rosario route is found to be the easier one being 2 to 2.5 hours travel time (From Lipa City) and it is directly accessible riding the local jeepneys in the location. Be prepared though for a long rough road ahead. 

Balagtas-Lobo Poblacion route - If you choose to take the Balagtas-Lobo Poblacion route, it will be a 2 to 2.5 hours travel (From Balagtas) to reach the boundary between “NAGTOCTOC ROAD” and “TULAY NA BUSOG”. From there, expect additional 2 hours with rafting and trekking via Tulay na Busog or 1 hr travel via Nagtoctoc road. Friendly tricycle drivers from Lobo Poblacion may be willing to cross the river in Curba, Brgy. Nagtaluntong to directly drop visitors at the said boundary.

Tulay na Busog - The “Tulay na Busog” of Brgy. Nagtoctoc is one of the nicest spots mentioned in Lobo Batangas’ Eco-Tourism Campaign. This is a river that serves as water source for the local residence and also offers a beautiful view of clear and pristine water and interesting rock formations. “Tulay na Busog” is an alternative way that connects Brgy. Jaybanga to Brgy. Nagtoctoc as well as Curba, Brgy. Nagtaluntong. The local people passing here used raft to cross this river especially during rainy season. Getting assistance from locals is highly needed to ensure your safety. However, the “Tulay na Busog” is only 10 minutes away from the boundary in case rafting is not possible or if you only want to visit this as side trip; backtracking to the boundary is not much inconvenient anyway. You may also use the Nagtoctoc road to reach Jaybanga.

AS VIEWED FROM NAGTOCTOC ROAD

Nagtoctoc Road - In early 2012, some locals usually allotted 2 to 3 hours for trekking or horse riding to pass the Nagtoctoc road going to Jaybanga. However, in the present time, because of the improvements of road condition in the location, they can now easily connecting their travel from Nagtaluntong to Nagtoctoc as well as Jaybanga even the other way around. Indeed, the ordinary four wheel vehicles like van and jeep can now pass through to the steep cemented road of Nagtoctoc. As of February 16, 2014 the Nagtoctoc road is accessible by public Jeepney, but very limited / irregular, always consider private vehicle to pass this entry point. On the other hand, passing through Nagtoctoc road is also an opportunity to see the beautiful view of Mindoro’s “ISLA VERDE”. Moreover, the view of Nagtoctoc Hills along the way and even the view of Mt. Naguiling at the boundary of Nagtoctoc and Jaybanga road are spectacular.

BOUNDARY OF NAGTOCTOC AND JAYBANGA ROAD

Jump-off -The view from the jump-off point is equally breathtaking as you will see the Mt. Naguiling with lush green rice fields on its front, the Jaybanga's Rice Terraces. Locals are quite proud of their only version of “RICE TERRACES”, a product of their hard work. Jaybanga’s Rice Terraces is also one of the main attractions in Lobo Batangas` Eco-tourism Campaign. This beauty is also one of the main sources of income for the locals and is considered as one of the “wonders” of the said municipality. Visiting the rice terraces is also a good opportunity to see the wide range view of LSJM. It will take about 10 to 15 minutes to trek through from the main jump-off.

LSJM AS VIEWED FROM MINI-RICE TERRACES

Trail to summit - The trek up the mountain officially commences at a spot near the house of Brgy. Chairman Romeo Delen. His house also serves as temporary base and resting place for folks visiting the area. The first part of the trail is perfect for warm up and you will pass by interesting sceneries as the area is surrounded by small rice fields and houses of Sitio Manggahan. After an hour of trekking, the next landmark is the house of Kuya Allan Magnaye (Last House) where you can rest and refill water. While going through the trail, you will be rewarded by beautiful views of Batangas, Laguna, and Quezon mountains; Mt. Maculot, Mt. Banoi, Mt. Makiling, Mt. Banahaw and Mt. Cristobal. This is a very good culmination of what is ahead on the trek. Just like the other mountains in Batangas, you will also pass through a coconut plantation (473 masl) and the trail guides may be willing to pick some coconut for you and the group.

After passing the coconut plantation you will encounter many trail variations, most of them leading to the trail going to the campsite and the summit. The right most trail is going to Balatikan Peak Campsite (Balatikan is derived from the word “balatik” a hunter’s trap and it was used before as hunting ground for wild boars) and the left one is going to Tilos Peak / Mossy Summit. Some parts of the trails leading to campsite are steep but manageable and it takes about 2 to 3 hours trekking from the main jump-off site. Mt. Maculot, Mt. Makiling, Mt. Banahaw, Mt. Cristobal and Mt. Banoi are also visible at the campsite particularly at “Balatikan Bato” coupled with scenic views of Mt. Malipunyo Range, Imoc Hill, Mt. Prinza, Mt. Kalisungan, Mt. Atimla and a closer view of Mt. Naguiling. Brgy. Jaybanga look like a catch basin from this stand point and the view is just captivating. 

The summit assault takes about 3 to 4 hours from Balatikan Campsite and it is best to start the trek early morning. Mt. Naguiling is gifted with rich bushes and trees, comparable to Mt. Makiling. It is also a good opportunity to observe the flora and fauna along the way---you will see interesting colonies of ferns, orchids, moss and pitcher plants. One of the most valuable memories you will take out of the climb to Mt. Naguiling is the lingering sound of wildlife like monkeys, hummingbirds and wild boars. You will also encounter forest snails (bayuko), snakes, and wild boar’s trail and pool. There will be priceless moments too when you catch a glimpse of broad scope beach of Tayabas bay below while trekking up to Tilos Peak (summit). On the other hand, the shrubs at the summit of Mt. Naguiling are normally obstructing views; however, through the efforts of the local guides/officials in trimming its overgrowth, viewing at Tilos Peak became possible. Indeed, it has been verified by the blogger during its day hike adventure with Pinoy Mountaineer last August 09, 2014 (See this Link) that the newly trimmed viewing deck gives rewarding views of nearby Nagpatong Peak, Bangkalan Peak and Mountains in Batangas City. This is also a nice spot in viewing the Lobo Beach, Verde Island passage and Verde Island itself. Furthermore, the special presence of majestic Mt. Halcon and dome-shaped Mt. Malasimbo of Mindoro Island is another interesting sight to behold from the highest peak of the coastal province of Batangas.

According to our guides, a traverse climb connecting Bangkalan Peak, Patong Peak, Mt. Naguiling and Mt. Daguldol is also possible, considering all those peaks are part of the Lobo San Juan Mountains (LSJM) which is interconnected and has a potential traverse with each other. More information is needed for LSJM Adventure, but it is definitely exciting and challenging traverse.

One interesting anecdote during the trip is that our group spotted a turtle along the trail near Balatikan Campsite. Simple joys like that can wipe your tiredness away.

Traverse / Sidetrip - An additional feature of Mt. Naguiling is the traverse trail from Balatikan Peak to Sitio Bagong Pook. Just take the trail facing Mt. Banoi. It is more scenic but steeper (50-60 degrees) and exposed to sunlight compare to the trail of Sitio Manggahan. It is advisable to take this for descend than to ascend. After 45 minutes to 1 hour of descend you will be rewarded by very refreshing water of “TALON” Mini-Falls; with a nice pool where you can swim and relax. It is also offers interesting rock formations and numerous small pools in the area. All these combined makes a very fruitful climb experience. (see additional informations and suggested itineraries below)

BALATIKAN PEAK

BALATIKAN CAMPSITE

AS VIEWED FROM BALATIKAN

AS VIEWED FROM BALATIKAN

AS VIEWED FROM BALATIKAN

TILOS PEAK / MOSSY SUMMIT

LOCAL GUIDES AT THE SUMMIT

TRAVERSE TRAIL

TALON MINI-FALLS

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Note: Cell phone signal in the Jump-off area is sporadic, take this into consideration when communicating to the locals/local officials of Brgy. Jaybanga.

Mountains Profile

Major Jump-off: Brgy. Jaybanga, Lobo Batangas Entry Point: Via Lipa-Rosario Batangas or Balagtas- Lobo Poblacion (Curba Brgy. Nagtaluntong / Tulay na Busog / Nagtoctoc road) Exit Point: Via Rosario-Lipa Batangas or Lobo Poblacion-Balagtas Elevation: Balatikan Peak (500+), Tilos Peak (1007+) Days required: 1 to 2 days Hours to summit: 6 to 7 hours Specs: Major Climb Difficulty: 6/9 Trail classes: agricultural terrain, community trail, woodland trail, grassy trail, forested trail, intermittent river bed Features: Clean Community, Rice fields, Exploratory, Scenic views, Mossy forest, Fauna and Flora, Mini-Falls

Environmental concerns: Our group had conducted a Tree Planting activity at Sitio Manggahan of Mt. Naguiling last May 18, 2013. The said activity is our own initiative for Native Forestation using indigenous flora of the Philippines. We are also encouraging mountaineers and visitors to Plant Philippine Native Trees and protect the remaining natural forest in the said mountain. On the other hand, We are strictly following the “Leave No Trace” Principle. We do not want Mt. Naguiling and Barangay Jaybanga to suffer from waste produced by mountaineers and visitors. Please do not leave your garbage and bring it outside Mt. Naguiling and Barangay Jaybanga as well.

Eco-Tourism concerns: The features of “Tulay na Busog” at Barangay Nagtoctoc and “Rice Terraces” at Barangay Jaybanga are included in this article/Itineraries as support and to simply help promoting the Eco-Tourism Campaign in Lobo, Batangas. If you are interested to experience the other spots in Lobo (Eco-Tour) you may contact Prof. Anacleto M. Caringal of Batangas State University at 09369365887 or email him at prince_tectona@yahoo.com.

Safety concerns: Take special note of the entry points going to Brgy. Jaybanga. They are sometimes not accessible during extreme weather conditions and during the rainy season because of slippery roads and strong river currents. There are reported flash flood incidents in Nagtaluntong and Jaybanga River during the year 2012. It is best to coordinate with a local before proceeding.

Registration and Guideship: Since Mt. Naguiling is not a popular hiking destination, coordination with local official is required. Ask permission first from Chairman Romeo Delen (Brgy. Jaybanga) prior to your climbing schedule; he can be reached at 09293159513 / 09302766986 / 09177575186. The registration is requested in his house; and he can assist you to forward your registration at Brgy. Hall and Jaybanga’s military detachment and arrange local guides. On May 18, 2013 we started a voluntary nominal fee of P20 per hiker.

However, if you are planning to take Balagtas-Lobo Poblacion route (see transportation below), hikers and visitors are also encourage to register at PNP Lobo Poblacion and Military detachment in Curba Brgy. Nagtaluntong. 

Getting a guide is required because the trails may be very tricky. Local guides can be hired at Jaybanga for P500 fee per guide (recommended for day hike). The Dilay and Magnaye brothers are the popular guides at Mt. Naguiling; they are based in Sitio Manggahan of Brgy. Jaybanga. If interested to acquire their help, you may contact them at 09123158600 / 09193763311 (for Kuya Freddie Dilay and JR Dilay) and 09555802488 / 09488572737 (for Kuya Allan Magnaye and Alvin Magnaye).

Transportation: As mentioned above there are two different routes to reach the major jump-off area it’s up to you and to your group to choose the most convenient way. 

Via Lipa-Rosario route - To reach the jump-off via Lipa-Rosario route; take bus from Buendia and alight at bus stop Lipa. As of February 15, 2014 the bus fare is P124 each. Take passenger jeepney going to San Juan and tell the driver to drop you at Public Market of Rosario (P25 each) and then walk to GIRDER TRADING where the jeepney terminal is located. From there, take another jeepney ride going to Jaybanga (P80 each) and ask your driver to drop you at the front of the house of Brgy. Chairman Romeo Delen. Always consider a jeepney rental if you want to reach the jump-off early because jeepney in Rosario going to Jaybanga leaves depends on the number of passengers. You may also contact kuya Andoy Balmes at 09295536232 for jeep rent or ask him regarding his time departure in Rosario and reserved seats for your group. Take note that only the local "monster jeep" from rosario can pass through the long rough road and streams in this route. Also, there is no regular trip going back to rosario, so consider jeep rental for your exit. Lipa-Rosario route is advisable entry and exit point for climbers from metro manila. 

Via Balagtas-Lobo Poblacion route - If you are taking Balagtas-Lobo Poblacion route; take bus from Buendia and drop at Balagtas. As of June 29, 2014 the bus fare is P157 each. Take jeepney ride going to Lobo terminal (2 rides, P10/ride). From this terminal, you have to take another jeepney ride to reach the Lobo Poblacion (P56 each). From Lobo Poblacion, take a tricycle going to the boundary of Tulay na Busog and Nagtoctoc Road (P40 each). Take note that you have to cross the river in Curba Brgy. Nagtaluntong to reach the said boundary. However, at this point, there is no regular trip going to Jaybanga, it is also advisable to use private vehicle or rent a jeep at Poblacion to bring you to Brgy. Jaybanga via nagtoctoc road.

The last trip from Lobo Poblacion to Balagtas leaves at 1700 while the buses going to Manila from Balagtas Bus Terminal and Bus Stop Lipa leaves between 2000 and 2100 in the evening. It is helpful to take this into consideration when planning your itinerary.  

Camping notes: There are plenty of water sources in Mt. Naguiling and many folks at Sitio Manggahan will be hospitable enough to allow you to refill your water containers in their houses. Another water source is near the Balatikan Campsite (bukal) but the location is a little off the trail. Ask your hired guides for directions. Bringing 3 to 4 L of water and trail water is still recommended for overnight staying. It is also possible to camp near the houses along the trail but camping at Balatikan is highly recommended. Not only it has more scenic views, the site can also accommodate more tents. Before balatikan lies another potential campsite. Preparations for strong winds must be done. Remember that cell phone signal can be sporadic starting from the main jump-off and throughout the trails.

Hiking notes: Climbing Mt. Naguiling is very challenging considering that this is not a popular hiking destination. The first part of the trail is gradual and manageable except the trail going to summit because there is no established trail. There are slippery spots along the mossy forest and climbing Mt. Naguiling during the rainy season would be extremely difficult. There are also a lot of thorny plants along the forested trail, usual precaution is advised. If you are planning to take the traverse trail from balatikan allot additional time for you to stay and refresh at Talon Mini-Falls. A day hike is possible but this requires fast pace and it is best to ensure that your group plan to start the trek from the main jump-off (Jaybanga) as early as 0700. If this is strictly followed, you will be able to go back at the jump-off site before 1700.

SUGGESTED ITINERARIES

Option A: Via Lipa-Rosario, Batangas 

Day 1

0630 Assembly @ Buendia Taft

0700 ETD to Lipa City

0900 ETA Lipa City / Take Jeep to Rosario

1000 ETA Rosario Batangas (GIRDER) / Buy supplies / Take Jeep to Brgy. Jaybanga

1230 ETA Jaybanga / Look for Brgy Capt. Romeo Delen / Register / Get Guide / Lunch / Visit Jaybanga’s Rice Terraces  

1400 Start trek 

1430 ETA Sitio Manggahan

1500 ETA Last House

1700 ETA Balatikan Peak Camp Site / Set Camp / Take pictures @ Balatikan Bato / Sunset Viewing

1800 Prepare Dinner / Dinner / Socials

 2300 Lights out

Day 2

0430 Wakeup call / Heavy breakfast / Prepare packed lunch, trail food and trail water

0600 Start ascend to Summit

0700 ETA Inabutan Forest / Bayukuan (770 masl)

0800 ETA Mossy Forest

1000 ETA Tilos Peak / Explore / Picture Taking

1100 Start descent to campsite

1200 Lunch along the trail

1330 ETA Campsite / Breakcamp

1430 Start descend via Sitio Manggahan or Traverse Trail to Talon Mini-Falls (OPTIONAL)

1600 ETA Jaybanga / Logout/Rest

1700 ETD Exit to Rosario-Lipa Batangas (rented "monster jeep")

1930 ETA Lipa City/ETD to Manila

2200 ETA Manila

Option B: Via Balagtas-Lobo Poblacion (Curba, Brgy. Nagtaluntong / Tulay na busog) 

Day 1

0330 Assembly @ Buendia Taft

0400 ETD to Balagtas

0530 ETA Balagtas / Take Jeep to Lobo Terminal and Proceed to Poblacion

0700 ETA Poblacion / Buy supplies / Breakfast / Register @ PNP / Take trike to Curba

0730 ETA Curba / Register @ Army Detachment and proceed to boundary of Nagtoctoc Road and Tulay na Busog

0800 Start trek 

0810 ETA Tulay na busog / use raft and trek

1030 ETA Jaybanga / Look for Brgy Capt. Romeo Delen / Register / Get Guide / Lunch / Visit Jaybanga’s Rice Terraces / Rest

1400 Resume trek

1430 ETA Sitio Manggahan

1500 ETA Last House

1700 ETA Balatikan Peak Camp Site / Set Camp / Take pictures @ Balatikan Bato / Sunset Viewing

1800 Prepare Dinner / Dinner / Socials

 2300 Lights out

Day 2

0430 Wakeup call / Heavy breakfast / Prepare packed lunch, trail food and trail water

0600 Start ascend to Summit

0700 ETA Inabutan Forest / Bayukuan (770 masl)

0800 ETA Mossy Forest

1000 ETA Tilos Peak / Explore / Picture Taking

1100 Start descent to campsite

1200 Lunch along the trail

1330 ETA Campsite / Breakcamp

1430 Start descend via Sitio Manggahan or Traverse Trail to Talon Mini-Falls (OPTIONAL)

1600 ETA Jaybanga / Logout/Rest

1700 ETD Exit to Rosario-Lipa Batangas (rented "monster jeep")

1930 ETA Lipa City/ETD to Manila

2200 ETA Manila

Option C: Via Balagtas-Lobo Poblacion (Curba, Brgy. Nagtaluntong / Tulay na busog-Nagtoctoc road) 

Day 1

0430 Assembly @ Buendia Taft

0500 ETD to Balagtas

0630 ETA Balagtas / Take Jeep to Lobo Terminal and Proceed to Poblacion

0800 ETA Poblacion / Buy supplies / Breakfast / Register @ PNP / Take trike to Curba

0830 ETA Curba / Register @ Army Detachment Rent Jeep and proceed to boundary of Nagtoctoc road and Tulay na Busog

0900 Visit Tulay na busog

0910 ETA Tulay na busog / Picture taking / back trail to boundary 

1000 Resume ride via Nagtoctoc  (rented jeep)

1100 ETA Jaybanga / Look for Brgy Capt. Romeo Delen / Register / Get Guide / Lunch / Visit Jaybanga’s Rice Terraces / Rest

1400 Start Trek

1430 ETA Sitio Manggahan

1500 ETA Last House

1700 ETA Balatikan Camp Site / Set Camp / Take pictures @ Balatikan Bato / Sunset Viewing

1800 Prepare Dinner / Dinner / Socials

 2300 Lights out

Day 2

0430 Wakeup call / Heavy breakfast / Prepare packed lunch, trail food and trail water

0600 Start ascend to Summit

0700 ETA Inabutan Forest / Bayukuan (770 masl)

0800 ETA Mossy Forest

1000 ETA Tilos Peak / Explore / Picture Taking

1100 Start descent to campsite

1200 Lunch along the trail

1330 ETA Campsite / Breakcamp

1430 Start descend via Sitio Manggahan or Traverse Trail to Talon Mini-Falls (OPTIONAL)

1600 ETA Jaybanga / Logout/Rest

1700 ETD Exit to Rosario-Lipa Batangas (rented "monster jeep")

1930 ETA Lipa City/ETD to Manila

2200 ETA Manila

TURTLE IN MT. NAGUILING

Special thanks to Alan James Saldana, Rolven Ciriaco and Jim Lester for the photos