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.
"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
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.