Being a very accessible mountain from Metro Manila and Southern Tagalog, Talamitam is one of the most favorite destinations of hikers. For some, it may not have the altitude but this mountain in terms of summit view is equally appealing with its neigboring rough terrains.
Simply ask the drivers of Nasugbu (or Tuy and Lian) bound buses from Metro Manila to drop you at KM 83 or to Sitio Bayabasan, Barangay Aga in Nasugbu and presto, you are now to experience the beautiful mountain. Just few hundred steps from the junction is the registration where you will be required to pay Php 20.00 (current registration fee may be higher – needs verification). As far as I remember, before, this mountain is under the care of the passionate Nick Wijangco but at present, at this is now being taken care by Concerned Citizens for Environment Movement which was probably designated by the Barangay Council.
Also, there was a news that the Barangay is mandating a guide. I hope not… but if it is true, it is a bit “overkill” since the trail is not that complicated (although quite confusing when descending from the mountain due to some “trail forks”). In all of my climbs since 2008, although I always find myself descending in a different trail but the good thing is… I always end in the river bank where the bridge that will lead me back to the registration center was noticeable.
Talamitam is not as difficult as other mountains in the region considering that the summit could be reached in just two hours from the trailhead. From the registration center, it won’t take a long walk along the barangay road to reach the trailhead which is visible upon crossing the small bridge on the left tributary of Talamitam River. Initially, the trail will shortly pass through the woodland and coconut farm and eventually in a large gradually inclined farmland plateau. In the plateau, trail up to the summit is totally exposed; thus, hikers should prepare the necessary protection from the scorching heat of the sun especially during summer. The last part of the trail is the challenging and knee-breaking 60-degree assault to the summit campsite. There is a spectacular 360-degree view of the plains and farmlands, coastlines and nearby peaks such as Batulao, Pico De Loro, Mt. Gonzales and Mt. Marami.
Simply ask the drivers of Nasugbu (or Tuy and Lian) bound buses from Metro Manila to drop you at KM 83 or to Sitio Bayabasan, Barangay Aga in Nasugbu and presto, you are now to experience the beautiful mountain. Just few hundred steps from the junction is the registration where you will be required to pay Php 20.00 (current registration fee may be higher – needs verification). As far as I remember, before, this mountain is under the care of the passionate Nick Wijangco but at present, at this is now being taken care by Concerned Citizens for Environment Movement which was probably designated by the Barangay Council.
Also, there was a news that the Barangay is mandating a guide. I hope not… but if it is true, it is a bit “overkill” since the trail is not that complicated (although quite confusing when descending from the mountain due to some “trail forks”). In all of my climbs since 2008, although I always find myself descending in a different trail but the good thing is… I always end in the river bank where the bridge that will lead me back to the registration center was noticeable.
Talamitam is not as difficult as other mountains in the region considering that the summit could be reached in just two hours from the trailhead. From the registration center, it won’t take a long walk along the barangay road to reach the trailhead which is visible upon crossing the small bridge on the left tributary of Talamitam River. Initially, the trail will shortly pass through the woodland and coconut farm and eventually in a large gradually inclined farmland plateau. In the plateau, trail up to the summit is totally exposed; thus, hikers should prepare the necessary protection from the scorching heat of the sun especially during summer. The last part of the trail is the challenging and knee-breaking 60-degree assault to the summit campsite. There is a spectacular 360-degree view of the plains and farmlands, coastlines and nearby peaks such as Batulao, Pico De Loro, Mt. Gonzales and Mt. Marami.
I was experiencing series of anxious days when I decided to try to climb Mt. Talamitam on the cloudy day of April 19-20, 2008. I was trying to run away from the “the voice that calls within”. That time, I can’t sleep well, eat properly and focus on my work. I was afraid to face the challenge of trying to give up all that I have and try to answer His invitation to deeply discern on His plan for me. I kept on saying no but there is something persistent in my mind telling to try… just try. I went up on Mt. Talamitam to be in solitude to be in prayer mood.
"Since I was the only one at the peak, I did not hesitated to express myself boldly and verbally… I stood on top of the rock at the peak, raised my two hands and shouted over my voice asking Him on what He wants me to do. Of course, I did not expect any miraculous voice that would echo from the thick fog. The answer came not from above the clouds but down below! When the thick fog subsided, I saw two mountaineers assaulting the steep slope of the mountain… upon reaching to top, I was astonished! One of the mountaineers was wearing a shirt with “The word TRY does not mean GAMBLE, it is an attempt to discover something better” while the other one is wearing a shirt with the picture of our founder. "
- My Personal Journal, April 22, 2008
"Since I was the only one at the peak, I did not hesitated to express myself boldly and verbally… I stood on top of the rock at the peak, raised my two hands and shouted over my voice asking Him on what He wants me to do. Of course, I did not expect any miraculous voice that would echo from the thick fog. The answer came not from above the clouds but down below! When the thick fog subsided, I saw two mountaineers assaulting the steep slope of the mountain… upon reaching to top, I was astonished! One of the mountaineers was wearing a shirt with “The word TRY does not mean GAMBLE, it is an attempt to discover something better” while the other one is wearing a shirt with the picture of our founder. "
- My Personal Journal, April 22, 2008
At 4:00 PM of March 5-6, 2011, Ritchie and Emil convinced me to join them in climbing Mt. Talamitam. It was a fine day, the afternoon sky was very clear, the sun was very bright and the string wind was very refreshing. It took us 3 hours to reach the newly burnt grassy summit. The downhill view and the dramatic sunset was enjoyed by everyone specially Emil, a first time hiker. To further ensure that the climb will be memorable to Emil, Ritchie and I prepared adobo, steamed fish, laing, mushroom soup and brown rice for dinner and “daing na bangus”, corned beef, hotdog fried egg and brown rice for breakfast. Upon descending, Emil further enjoyed swimming on the river while Ritchie and I prepared the lunch. After enjoying the lunch, we went back to Dasma… Ritchie and I was very sure that the first time hiker who joined us enjoyed the experience.
On August 13-14, 2011; I went back to Mt. Talamitam, this time with a large group of students. The climb is a joint project of DLSU-D Student Welfare Center, DLSU-D Mountaineering Society and my Office (I was then the Associate Dean of our college) which aims to uniquely promote good academic performance. The weather was fine and the student enjoyed the trekking. The most astonishing experience then is the very beautiful and bright early morning sky. That was the first time I saw both the moon and the sun both respectively sharing lights few degrees above the west and east horizon! It was so fascinating that one of our students cried out of joy upon experiencing the natural occurrence.
On March 6, 2012; I never expected that I will be in Mt. Talamitam… all the while, we are in Suarez Canteen, enjoying our late afternoon snacks when he abruptly decided to try night trekking. With only 30 minutes to prepare, we rushed in our house to get some stuffs. Since everyone was not prepared, some simply check the things that they could borrow from my pile of outdoor gears, clothes, shoes and equipment. I took two old half-filled canisters of butane gas, gas-lantern light, flashlights and headlamps, first aid kit, and all possible trail food in my refrigerator including fruits. After quick preparation, Bob, Justin, Roan, Ritchie, Ayn and I left Dasma and reached the jump off at around 7:30 in the evening. We immediately registered and proceed with the climb using the butane fuelled lantern to light the trail. To be sure that we won’t get lost, we used the foil of the potato chips that we consumed while trekking as trail mark. Every 20 meters, we ensure that there would be mark which we will then follow in trekking back to the jump off. Through “bayanihan” we systematically placed the marks until we reached the starting point of the final steep assault. The trekking took three hours and ten minutes. We stayed at the peak for thirty minutes enjoying the beautiful city lights downhill. Upon descending at the base of the steep trail, we were astonished to see the marks that we placed along the trail… it was reflecting in our lights! Our way down was very easy because we are as if walking in an airport runway following guide lights… of course as we went down, we picked up the foil and left no traces of our hike. For the very first time in Talamitam, we went down to the trail that we used in ascending… for the first time, although in the dark, we were never lost! We reached the jump off at 2:45 AM and immediately proceed to McDonalds Tagaytay and enjoyed some burger before going back to Dasma.
July 8, 2015; due to bad weather condition Gov. Jonvic Remulla suspended the classes in Cavite. The suspension took effect at an hour before lunch... immediately I decided to climb Mt. Talamitam. While sharing my plan to some friends, Kristianne, one of my recent climbing buddies persuaded to join and try an adventure under the thick fog and heavy rain. At 2:00 PM, we met in SM Dasma, bought some stuffs, and eventually proceeded to the jump off at Sitio Bayabasan (KM 83) at Barangay Aga, Nasugbu.
We arrived at Sitio Bayabasan at around 4:15 PM and immediately registered at Pol Bausas' store. It was good to know that the management of the mountain was far better than before. The competing parties in controlling this beautiful rough terrain had series of discussions to settle the issues. The concerned parties decided to collaboratively manage the mountain, and mutually as well as equally enjoy the income from ecotourists and hikers. Likewise, the two elementary schools within the periphery are now also enjoying the fruit of the ecotourism. Furthermore, guide is no longer being obliged... and should mountaineers intend to have a guide, the fee is very reasonable.
After asking Kuya Pol (he could be contacted @ 09169337668) to guide us, we started trekking at around 4:20 PM under intense rain. The road leading to the trail head was watery and the river on the trail head was flooded. But such situation did not hamper us to experience the thrill of trekking under thick fog and heavy rain. We reached the farmland plateau after only 40 minutes of non-stop trekking. At 5:05, we were at the base of the steep slope of the mountain, the final phase of the trail to the summit. Psychologically, since we can't see the terrain ahead, we were able to do a "one-step at a time" approach, thinking of the present and visually obvious situation of the trail rather than looking forward and thinking of the whole challenges ahead of us. In short, there was a sort of relaxed moment in every step we take as we journey to the summit.
In just a while, after reaching the base of the steep slope, we reached the summit with ease of mind. Our journey from the jump off to the peak is only 1 hour and 17 minutes! As expected the summit is covered with thick fog, there was no downhill view but we enjoyed the relaxed and cool journey and the feel of being at 730 MASL.
After taking souvenir pictures, we started descending and reached the jump off after 48 minutes!
Our journey inspired me to be always calm and to always be mindful with the present than giving much attention on the "far ahead" things which may simply cause anxiety and stress. Living with the present will let us develop self-awareness and sensitivity... we could do a task with inner joy and full of satisfaction.
We arrived at Sitio Bayabasan at around 4:15 PM and immediately registered at Pol Bausas' store. It was good to know that the management of the mountain was far better than before. The competing parties in controlling this beautiful rough terrain had series of discussions to settle the issues. The concerned parties decided to collaboratively manage the mountain, and mutually as well as equally enjoy the income from ecotourists and hikers. Likewise, the two elementary schools within the periphery are now also enjoying the fruit of the ecotourism. Furthermore, guide is no longer being obliged... and should mountaineers intend to have a guide, the fee is very reasonable.
After asking Kuya Pol (he could be contacted @ 09169337668) to guide us, we started trekking at around 4:20 PM under intense rain. The road leading to the trail head was watery and the river on the trail head was flooded. But such situation did not hamper us to experience the thrill of trekking under thick fog and heavy rain. We reached the farmland plateau after only 40 minutes of non-stop trekking. At 5:05, we were at the base of the steep slope of the mountain, the final phase of the trail to the summit. Psychologically, since we can't see the terrain ahead, we were able to do a "one-step at a time" approach, thinking of the present and visually obvious situation of the trail rather than looking forward and thinking of the whole challenges ahead of us. In short, there was a sort of relaxed moment in every step we take as we journey to the summit.
In just a while, after reaching the base of the steep slope, we reached the summit with ease of mind. Our journey from the jump off to the peak is only 1 hour and 17 minutes! As expected the summit is covered with thick fog, there was no downhill view but we enjoyed the relaxed and cool journey and the feel of being at 730 MASL.
After taking souvenir pictures, we started descending and reached the jump off after 48 minutes!
Our journey inspired me to be always calm and to always be mindful with the present than giving much attention on the "far ahead" things which may simply cause anxiety and stress. Living with the present will let us develop self-awareness and sensitivity... we could do a task with inner joy and full of satisfaction.