Mt Batulao

Mt. Batulao is an active hiking destination in Nasugbu, Batangas, located near Evercrest Golf Club. If you are a beginner hiker trying to test your stamina, this mountain is practically a rite of passage. Its rolling peaks and jagged ridges look incredibly dramatic, but the trails are fairly friendly for first-timers, offering some of the coolest, windiest views you can find just a couple of hours away from the city.

• Exact Barangay/City: Barangay Don Jose, Nasugbu, Batangas
• Best For: Day hiking, ridge walking, and mountain scenery
• Average Spend: ₱500 - ₱1,000 per person
• Power Outlets & Wi-Fi: Absolutely no electricity or public Wi-Fi on the trails. Keep a power bank handy. Mobile signal is surprisingly decent on the peaks, though it vanishes in the deep valleys.

Old Trail vs. New Trail: The Peak Collector's Choice

Mt. Batulao has two main paths: the Old Trail and the New Trail. Most hikers prefer to do a traverse, going up one way and down the other. The New Trail has a lot of open ridges with very little cover, so you will get absolutely baked under the sun if you do not start before dawn. The Old Trail is slightly more technical with steep rocky scrambles where you will need to hold onto ropes. The soil can be extremely loose and dusty, which means you will likely end up sliding on your butt at least once. It gets muddy and dangerously slick during the rainy season, so bring good shoes and a lot of water.

The Commuter Route to the Trailhead

Getting here via bus is pretty straightforward. Head to the bus terminal in Buendia or Pasay, and hop on a bus heading towards Nasugbu or Lian. Tell the conductor you need to get off at Evercrest in Nasugbu. The ride takes around two to three hours depending on the traffic. From the highway drop-off point near the golf club, you can hire a tricycle to take you to the actual registry office or trailhead. The tricycle ride is bumpy, and the drivers will definitely charge you a premium if you look like a city tourist, but it saves you a long, boring walk on concrete.

Updated on Jun 19, 2026 by George Gemson