Mt. Maculot [Trek Experience]

Our Group

My first hike is at Mt. Maculot located at Cuenca in Batangas Province, Philippines. 

So how was my climb there? At first it was so tiring but the view is worth it! 

Number 1 rule when you’re about to climb: always prepare your body by doing a 1 hour jog (at most) a week before the climb. 

At our Campsite

That’s what I failed to do so climbing turns really hard for me, I’m just glad one of my groupmates help me on this. Going back, we did a lot of rest so it took us almost 4 hours to get on the campsite, it was almost dark and the weather is not that good – a slight rain – we find  good place to build our tent and make some food. Good thing some of my groupmates are a pro on this (they have the proper tools and equipment). They cooked Sinigang for dinner (I am not a good cook, I don’t even know how to cook actually so I let them do the cooking) and finish our fill. There is a small store at the campsite, funny right? I don’t expect a store at the top of the mountain. Ha-ha! We bought water there then get back on our tent since it’s so cold outside. I even have a jacket inside a sweater (just how cold is that?) and I still feel so freezing cold! We did a small chit-chat and some of my groupmates had their “small drink” – on of their best way to get their body heat. It was about midnight they called it a night. 

On our way to Summit

The next day we decided to hike at the summit of Mt. Maculot, it was a long rocky walk and climb plus the strong blow of wind but we still manage to get there safe. I could say that it was one of the amazing view I saw! Plus the excitement you get when you’re there and the adrenaline rush! The fresh air, the beautiful sight and the strong gust of wind – the experience I would really want to feel over and over again. We get back to our camp and get some food and pack our things. 

Rule number 2 of Climbing: always take your trash with you. 

At the Summit

That’s what we did and before I forgot all the campers there will always greet you like you were their comrade, helped you and even have some information exchange like what’s the best way to get there or a good mountain to hike for beginners. After saying our goodbyes, we finally went down, travelling down was easy, it took us almost 2 hours since we took some rest to enjoy the view. The rest of the travel was smooth and amazing. When we arrive at the foot of the mountain, we took a quick bath then get ready for home.

I could say that my experience climbing Mt. Maculot is definitely worth it! And the feels it makes me feel is something I will always look for, because climbing is an activity that would really make you feel…alive.