January 19, 2014 – My fellow churchmates invited me the night before the event that they are going to Mt. Maculot in Batangas. Since the two are ladies (Era and Hanzel), they are looking for a guy to accompany them. Even though it was an unprepared day hike, I immediately informed them that I’ll be going without any second thoughts.  

 It was my first time in Mt. Maculot and it was so fascinating. The wind was so strong that it might blew us away from our stand point. Along the trail we met the couple, Jun and Bex Benavidez of Quezon City. Finally, we have another companions for our traverse over Mt. Maculot. 
There are four major areas in Mt. Maculot, the Camp Site, Rockies, Summit, and Grotto. The camp site is somehow dirty with some thrown garbage and food left-overs.  

 Above is the Rockies, the main attraction and the superstar in Mt. Maculot. I was slightly afraid of heights but I need to conquer it. The view in Rockies was really fascinating, the creates a scenic view, encompassing the whole of Taal Lake including Taal Volcano.
 

I accidentally bang my head on this rock. Be more cautious when you are going to climb at Rockies and try to look above.  

 I'm kindda afraid of heights but when I sat on this rock at the top of the Rockies, I then felt the sudden release of tension on my knees. As a result, I dare myself for something challenging more than this.  
It was Era's second time at Mt. Maculot. It was her comeback climb for a preparation for their Kinabungan Circuit Climb. We dare ourselves to go at the side of the Rockies to take a moment. However, we cannot stand on the rock due to strong wind.


The Summit was not frequently visited compare to Rockies. It was mostly forested with moist trail. As we were passing through the trail, we noticed that plastic wrappers and some garbage are also present even to the less visited summit. 

 What I love here in Maculot was the extra little challenge with the ropes. There are two rope sections and this is what a love aside from the Rockies. 

 The Grotto was also nice but very dirty. Lots of plastic wrappers.



My Actual Expenses:
House – Multi Jeep Terminal (Tricycle Special) –
Php30.00
Multi Jeep Terminal – Baclaran (Jeep) –
Php10.00
Baclaran – LRT Buendia (Bus) –
Php12.00
LRT Buendia – Tambo Exit, Lipa Batangas (JAM Bus) –
Php99.00
Tambo Exit, Lipa – Cuenca, Batangas (Jeep) –
Php21.00
Cuenca Proper – Rocky Road (Tricycle) –
Php20.00
Registration (Bring your ID) –
Php10.00
Buko Juice along the trail –
Php10.00
Lunch – FREE c/o Hanzel
FREE
Paanan ng Grotto – back to Washing area (Rocky Road) – FREE c/o Bex
FREE
Rocky Road – Cuenca Proper (Tricycle) –
Php20.00
Cuenca Proper – Lipa Bus Stop (Jeep) –
Php24.00
Snacks/ Sweets –
Php57.00
Lipa – Back to LRT Buendia (JAM Bus) –
Php99.00
Buendia – MRT Ayala/Glorietta (Bus) –
Php12.00
MRT Ayala – House (FX) –
Php50.00
TOTAL
Php474.00