Mt. Manabu (760+ MASL)

Another mountain near Manila and Sariaya,Quezon is Mt. Manabu in Sto. Tomas,Batangas. At 760+ MASL, it is another ideal day hike destination for beginners because of the short hike and beautiful views. The climb is mostly uphill and is steep enough for a little challenge but not too steep that one has to crawl his/her way up to the summit. However, if the trails become muddy, the climb will be much harder-but don’t worry, there are lots of trees to hold on too and there are also roped parts after Mang Tino’s hut (Station 5).

From Sariaya, one can ride a bus to Tiaong (P35) and alight at Lusacan (or before the bus turn to the diversion road). After that, ride a jeepney with a signboard going to San Pablo city (P8), tell the driver to drop you off to any point where there is a jeep going to Lipa, Batangas. Then, ride a jeep going to Lipa (P 47.50) and alight at Mercury Drug at C.M Recto St. Ride a jeep going to Tanauan, Batangas and take-off at the tricycle terminal going to Fiesta Mall. At the tricycle terminal, drivers will offer you rides to Brgy. Sulok- the jump-off point to Mt. Manabu for P40 each person.

I have been at Mt. Manabu twice- first with Leigh and her friends Dixie, and JR who are both first time climbers. The second time was with my very cool parents who are just starting to climb mountains, too.

During my first climb (August 2, 2014), the trail had been harder to navigate as there were so many fallen trees caused by the havoc of typhoon Glenda. It was also very muddy because it had been raining the previous day. Though harder to navigate, the muddy trail added to the challenge and fun of the hike. We reached the summit after 2 hours of getting over logs and trying hard not to slip. Up there, we saw other mountains like Mt. Maculot, and Mt. Banahaw and the Taal Volcano. It was very refreshing at the summit as the wind was blowing so hard when we reached it. We had lunch near the campsite until 1:00 PM and were back at the jump-off at about 3:00 PM.

Hiking buddies (L-R): Leigh, Dixie, and RJ

Roped segments of the trail after Mang Tino's hut

The trail was much better during the climb with my parents on Aug. 21, 2014. The fallen trees have been cleared and the trail is not muddy and is more established than last time. We were also blessed with a very good weather (and good company of other hikers as well) as there were clouds to shield us from too much sun during the hike. Unlike during the first climb, though, there were no winds blowing at the summit when we reached it. We stayed at the campsite for lunch and lay down on the grass to rest and watch clouds pass by. Truly, the hike is the perfect way to spend the Ninoy Aquino day.

Labitoria Family at the summit of Mt. Manabu

In both hikes, we went through the trail that leads to Mang Pirying's hut (though now, Mang Pirying's brother , Mang Tino is the one who gives free coffee to hikers. According to him, Mang Pirying cannot climb to the hut anymore). I am hoping that I can take the Grotto trail on my next climb to this mountain.

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