TRAVEL: Day Hike at Manabu Peak

Manabu, or what people call "MAtaas NA BUndok" is located in Sto. Tomas, Batangas. For a two-hour climb to the peak, it is considered a great location for beginner hikers; though some experienced hikers keep coming back to this place more than once a month.

*details in this post are based on own travel experience

Date/Duration
May 27, 2012 (Day Tour/Hike)

High Level Itinerary

0600-0700		Meetup at Buendia; Breakfast; Some reminders for first time climbers
0700-0845		Travel from Buendia to Fiesta Mall (JAM Liner - 120Php)
0845-0915		Tricycle to Manabu (100Php/tricycle); Registration (20Php/person)
0915		Start hiking
1105		Reached the Peak marked with White Cross
1350		Back at the jump-off
1500		Tricycle to Bus Terminal (it rained just right after we got back to the jump-off point so we rested and waited for a while)

Accommodation

None, since this is a day tour

What to do

hiking, trekking, picture-taking, rest

Where to go

Mang Pirying's Hut - I've read about Mang Pirying and how he offered kapeng barako. Not really sure if we were able to pass by his house, but sadly, we didn't get the chance to meet him.

Grotto - We passed this by on our way back to the jump-off. This is one of the landmarks here in Manabu.

Specialty/Souvenirs

Batangas is known for their kapeng barako, lomi, and bulalo. Grab some if you have the time.

Other comments

I am not in the position to assess the difficulty of the climb as it is my first time. But I can say that the trail is organized and one can hardly get lost with it. There are several resting areas along the way. I like the culture of greeting those who lived in the place as well as the fellow hikers.