I found myself trekking up another mountain trail today. This time, it was Mt. Maculot in Cuenca, Batangas. Maculot is a very popular day trip destination, especially for beginners. Like always, I didn't have much sleep the night before so I dozed off on the way. We passed by the STAR Tollway to Lipa and from there drove to Cuenca which is the next town
It was a really straightforward hike. Most of the trail is covered by trees but as you neared the campsite, cogon grass greets you. It was an unusually sunny day today after several days of non-stop rain so we were quite lucky. Although, it's more tiring hiking under the sun. That's why I always pray for cloud cover especially when the trail is not shaded by trees
At the campsite, one is afforded great views of Batangas and Cavite, Batangas Bay, and even Mindoro. You'd be surprised also that halo-halo is available in one of the sari-sari stores at the campsite. And along the way, there are enterprising locals who sell buko juice and other drinks
The best vantage point of course is that of the Rockies, a rocky formation which offers a panoramic view of Taal Lake and Taal Volcano. But you'll have to climb down and up a cliff to get there.
Going down was a breeze. And we were back on the road in no time. For detailed information about Mt. Maculot, check out Pinoy Mountaineer.