Mt. Makiling Traverse (MakTrav)! A day hike that lasted for more than 10 hours (socials, selfies, and many more included)! Mt. Makiling is quite a famous hike spot – not because its rumored to have the ghost of Maria Makiling, but probably because of it’s challenging trail. And now that it’s open (again), it will probably gain more popularity. Unlike most hikes I had so far (and they’re only a few. lol), this one proved the journey is already a destination in itself. I have probably enjoyed the trail more than I did on the summit.
As a non-hardcore hiker (if there is such thing), I find this climb a little more challenging than others. Not that it has slippery slopes (since it rain) and rope segments, but maybe because the trail is full of leeches. It may seem harmless at first, but after hearing them talking about these getting into the eyes, ears, and nose is really quite a pinch. These lunatic bastards are silent assassins which you won’t even notice jumping on you.
So to get you guys going, find a short video below I did to cover the trail. Rediscover Mt. Makiling!
HOW TO GET THERE
Private Vehicle
The recommended way is probably renting a van (w/c is what we had) that will take you straight to the Jump-off point at Barangay San Felix, Batangas (Sipit Trail) and wait for you on the exit at UP Los Baños Laguna (Makiling Trail). I’m not really sure about the directions but I think it would help if I paste the coordinates here: Hike start @ 14.104888, 121.188796 Hike End @ 14.151187, 121.233664. Well when you reach the “Agila Base” (trust me you’ll know it when ou see it), walk a little further and you could take a habal-habal ride to the UPLB exit. But you could also walk (your choice)!
Public Vehicle
Though it’s possible to commute here via bus going to Sto. Tomas Batangas (either from Cubao or Buendia terminals). Get off at Barangay San Felix then probably take a tricycle up the jump off point at Sipit Trail. The cons is that you should hike fast as you don’t want to be on a scary mountain late in the night would you? And you still have to walk out of UP Los Baños as well just to get to the main road. Buses are rare late in the night. (As per advise not experience)
WHERE TO STAY
It’s a day hike, so no need to set up camp. You could however camp on Makiling’s Peaks (though limited space).
THE BUDGET
If you would rent a van, here is our quotation, we paid 500each (13people) which includes all toll fees and will drop off and pick us up as well.
If you’re on a private car, the better (just be sure the one waiting does have patience).
If you’re travelling via public transport, then you would spend bus fare (???) going to Sto. Tomas, and then tricycle ride (???) to jump off. Could not help on this part as I had active hikers with me so they did all the dirty work 🙂
Guide fee will depend up until where they would guide you. We paid 135php each (11 people) to take us until Station 18 (just after the rope segments before the peak). I had the luxury of guys who already know the way so we did not have to secure a guide from there.
KEEP IN MIND..
Wear clothes that will cover your arms and legs as leeches are expected everywhere. It’s good to have a cloth to cover your ears and mouth as well. There will be rope segments so you would need a little bit of strength as well. Not to mention you would hike for hours, so bring at least 3 liters of water and only pack light.
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