Mt. Maculot (+ the Rockies) Revisited

this mountain is Ecology's Club adoptee, a high school club where i was a member, and the first time they brought us here, i enjoyed the bonding of the group more than i appreciated the oneness of nature with us. After 11 years, i finally came back. there was a kick in me aside from the excitement. it was an awareness of how connected we are to the environment and how we live coindependently.

Mt. Maculot (830MASL) is a fairly easy hike, with moderate ascents except for the hot cogon area up before the shoulder. With well-threaded paths and easily identifiable markers, this mountain is witness to many mountaineer wannabes' initiation, it being safe for beginners even on a night climb.


The hike began with registration at the brgy post, then at the mountaineers store for last minute buys, then through a dirt road. It was actually a leisure climb. Along the path were many resting stops, some just poles placed atop small branches, and others complete with make-shift tables which I had of course taken advantage of.

Of the highlights of every Maculot climb is the superb vista on the ROCKIES (635 MASL). From the campsite on the shoulder it was only 10-15 minutes toward these rocky hill, but beware since the slope was steep and the rocks were hard to navigate. Once you got here, you will be taken by the scenic and breathtaking Taal Lake protecting the tiny Taal Volcano.


To get here:
1.Take the Lemery-bound bus from Cubao (Php 150) on to Cuenca Municipal Hall or a Bus to Lipa (Php 130) then to a jeepney from lipa on to Cuenca (Php 30)
2.Take a tricycle from Cuenca Municipal Hall to the registration post then to jump-off (Php30)
Others:
there is a mini sari-sari store on the campsite by the shoulder were you can have one 1.5L coke ice-cold at (Php90), sadly, the trash were not managed properly and you can see candy and snack wrappers all around the area.

"TAKE NOTHING BUT PICTURES, LEAVE NOTHING BUT FOOTPRINTS, KILL NOTHING BUT TIME." Practice leave no trace policy, we all want to enjoy nature. Don't be selfish with the coming generations, do not abuse our environment.