BATANGAS | Mt. Makiling, Traverse Trail

Coming from peak 2, ascended via UPLB trail to the mystical mountain of Mt. Makiling, we continued our descent via traverse trail, right path. It was dense of cogon grass and trail markings (pink, blue and green straws) are quite unnoticeable.

After approximately 3 hours, we finally reached peak 3. Same as the previous peaks, the whole area was mostly covered by cogon grass and lots of limatics creeping around.

Photo taken at peak 3

This view of towns was seen at peak 3, cloudy yet beautiful.

Again continued our journey to Batangas jumpoff where trail was so dense you have to battle your way through, bended forward and a huge leap from a certain rock to another. Upon approaching to Melkas Ridge, we engaged three rope assisted areas, one is which 90 degree assault.

This 90 degrees descent was really buwis-buhay especially if it's rainy. Steps and ropes would be totally slippery.

This ridge is the only part where you can see panoramic view of towns and rock formations.

Upon continuing, we noticed Limatics were gone, maybe because of the humid temperature in this particular area.  Trail was still dense and not well defined you have to engage in long cogon grass battle again. Then we reached a very steep area where you can just hold on to grasses around or just decide to do that power slide all the way down.

Also, in our way down, we noticed this cute plant known as Pitcher plant,are carnivorous plants whose prey-trapping mechanism features a deep cavity filled with liquid. And then pokemon character came in to my mind, "Victreebel".

After 5 hours from peak 2, we reached finally the jump-off. We're really dirty and so thirsty due to absence of water supply along the trail. We thought we could get water immediately as soon aoctobers we got there.. But unfortunately, there were nobody. After 30 mins, the care taker of the only house came and allow us to get water and clean ourselves. After cleaning up and gulp plenty of water from the mountain source, we then off to meet other members of the group and eat a lot! As in a lot, because we haven't took our lunch and miryenda for the day.

ITINERARY

MOUNTAINEERS at the jump-off (from left to right), Jasmin Balingit, Aldai Clifford Benito, Raymond Rotairo (bf), Karl Kevin Hizon, Mikel Arcinue, Ryhan Rinon Carascal, April Joie Ramirez, Michael Halog, Jay Adrian Evidente, Eric Joseph Balingit, John Vincent Balingit, Jacqueline Salmorin, Aime Maranan (me) and Fil Angelo Haveria

CHECKLIST

BUDGET

My 4th mountain climb started at UPLB trail (October 22, 2011) and continued through traverse trail for descent (October 23, 2011) which was totally "trahedya", tragic! We experienced los of cuts, limatic bites, grass irritations and buwis buhay rope assisted assault. However, If you're planning to have Mt. Makiling Climb, I suggest you start with UPLB trail for ascent (easy) and Traverse Trail for descent, because it is so steep it is much more harder if you you'll do it in your ascend. Moreover this trail has some parts that were eroded, so bring rope and knife so you can arrange it for yourselves. But if you are planning to experience side trips in UPLB like mudsprings and flat rocks, you might choose Traverse trail to start or ascend and descend via UPLB trail.