- Mt. Maculot is the jewel of the municipality of Cuenca in Batangas, Philippines.
- Mt. Maculot is being tagged as beginner’s mountain
- The ascent was moderately steep although the trail itself was quite easy.
One of the most popular day trip destinations and scenic mountains in the province of Batangas is Mt. Maculot. In fact, it is where Taal Lake is the most beautiful to be seen from.
The mountain is located the middle of Batangas and is known as a landmark for many locals, mountain enthusiasts, and travelers.
Mt. Maculot is easy to be identified because of the mountain’s east side that forms a cliff, making it breathtaking to look at and is challenging mountain to climb for many rock climbers.
However, the mountain also serves as a mystery for many people. It is enchanting for many locals and stills fear and curiosity for many mountaineers. Although there are several deaths recorded in the past, Mt. Maculot still serves as a favorite among climbers.
With the height of 930 MASL, Mt. Maculot has three spots: the Grotto (510m), the popular Rockies (706m), and the summit (930m). These three destinations can be all reached even via day hike. However, many mountain climbers head to the Rockies, making the mountain ideal for those who want an easy hike.
Only a few hikers go to the summit since it’s the forested side of the mountain.
The Rockies, a rocky formation hence the name, stands beside Taal Lake. It gives a picturesque view of Batangas’ famous landmark. You can also view the Taal Volcano as well as the Tagaytay Highlands and Mt. Makiling.
The climbing time may vary from one climber to another. Experience mountaineers can reach the Rockies in less than an hour. If you want to have a more relaxed pace, it might take you up to two to three hours. Since Mt. Maculot is a popular trail, there are many locals selling drinks at the rest stops.
At the campsite, which marks the end of the trail, you will see a big store, popularly called 7-11. This big store sells everything from halo-halo to hard drinks and is open during weekends and in peak seasons. If you are seeking peace and serenity on the mountains, the campsite offers a space for more than 20 tents.
For those who are seeking for more adventures and want to have a day or two of hiking, Mt. Maculot offers a lot more. From its campsite, you can hike up to the peak or go to the Grotto located on the other side of Mt. Maculot.
The trail going to the summit is mostly forested. Most of the trail may have overgrown plants but it is not difficult to climb. From the Rockies, it may take an hour or more to reach the summit.
On the other hand, there are stations of the cross at the Grotto that follow you until you reach the trail’s end. The traverse is a straightforward climb.
Sample Itinerary
If you are looking for an itinerary, here is a sample one for you:
ROCKIES
0600 Board Lemery-bound bus from Cubao or Buendia
0900 ETA at the Cuenca Poblacion-Highway. Walk or take a trike to the jump-off.
0930 Start the trek
1115 Arrival at the Campsite. Head to the Rockies
1130 Arrival at the Rockies. Take photos.
1200 Return to the Camp Site for lunch
1230 Start descent
1400 Back at the jump-off. Tidy up then head back to the highway to take a Manila-bound bus.
TRAVERSE (Rockies-Summit-Grotto)
0500 Board Lemery-bound bus from Cubao or Buendia
0800 ETA at the Cuenca Municipal Hall. Walk or take a trike to the jump-off. Pay P10 registration fee.
0830 Start the trek
1000 Arrival at the Campsite. Head to the Rockies.
1010 Arrival at the Rockies. Take pictures
1110 Leave for the Summit
1230 ETA at the Summit of Mt. Maculot. Eat lunch.
1300 Start descent to Grotto
1430 Arrival at the Grotto. Take some rest.
1445 Resume descent.
1600 Arrival at the Exit Point.
GROTTO
0600 Board Lemery-bound bus from Cubao or Buendia.
0900 ETA at the Cuenca Poblacion-Highway. Take a trike to Grotto at Brgy. 5
0930 Register and start the trek.
1100 Arrival at the Grotto. Explore the area and eat lunch.
1145 Start the descent.
1300 Arrival at the Exit Point.
How to Get To Mt. Maculot
There are two ways on how you can get to Mt. Maculot: via commuting or using a private vehicle.
By commuting: Take a bus from Cubao or Buendia going to Batangas. Ask the conductor to drop you off at Tambo Exit. The fear is P116 if you’re coming from Buendia and P140 if you rode from Cubao. Ride a jeepney going to Lemery and tell the driver to drop you off at Cuenca. The jeepney ride will cost you P22. Once you’re in Cuenca, ride a tricycle going to the main jump-off point and pay P20 per person.
By private vehicle: Take SLEX and the Star Tollway to Batangas and take the Tambo exit. Turn left in the Lisa-Tambo Highway all the way to Banay-Banay. Turn left before you reach the Phoenix Gas Station. Follow the National Highway going to the Cuenca Town Proper. Once you reach the market area, take the first right.
Whether you do a regular climb or a traverse, Mt. Maculot is a nice climb. Once you get to the peak, make sure to pick up some garbage as there are many climbers who casually throw garbage anywhere. Always remember: Leave nothing but footprints. Take nothing but pictures. Kill nothing but time.
