Sea of Clouds at Mt. Batolusong + Kay-Ibon Falls | Tanay, Rizal
I have always wanted to witness a sea of clouds experience but I failed when we climb Mt. Binacayan 5 months ago because we arrived late and the clouds are already gone. So when my friend Rio ask us again to join her to climb Mt. Batolusong and she said we can possibly witness a sea of clouds again, I never think twice and right away I said yes to her. It was so breathtaking the moment we finally saw the Sea of clouds. Another check sign to my bucket list, it was s fulfilling!
Here's a brief overview of Mt. Batolusong:
Major jumpoff: Brgy. San Andres, Tanay, Rizal*
LLA: 645 MASL / 780 MASL
Days required / Hours to destination: 1 day /1.5h (Mapatag); 3-4 (Susong Dalaga Peak)
Specs: Minor climb, Difficulty 3/9, Trail class 1-3
Features: Grassland slopes, views of Laguna, Rizal, and Quezon
Source: www.pinoymountaineer.com
It's another hike experience for me without enough sleep just like when we climb Mt. Daraitan because right after my work, Rio and I went straight to Antipolo to have a sleepover to my best friend's house (we arrived 11 o'clock pm) since Tanay, Rizal is approximately an hour and a half drive away from Antipolo. The original plan was actually we will just commute but luckily at the last minute when we contacted one of my workmate if he still wants to join us, he said yes and he told us that he's gonna bring his van. We thought it was already a pure luck for us but while we're on our way, we're being lost and even waze app don't cooperate with us. The only thing we do that time was to ask locals while we're on our way.
Thank God we finally arrived to our destination, Brgy. San Andres where Mt. Batolusong is situated. It's already 7 am and we registered first. Tour guide is required.
Time to hike! Foggy morning at Brgy. San Andres
Finally! I now present to you the majestic Sea of Clouds! We arrived at the Duhatan Ridge around 8 am and the sea of clouds will last until 9 am only according to our guide. Seeing this amazing view is like a dream come true! I was so overwhelmed with it's beauty.
The trail was kinda easy but I was already running out of breath and felt hungry a little bit, so we rested first, bag some air, ate my banana bread and sipped a fresh buko juice. When we all felt a bit rested, we carried on.
On our way to Mapatag Plateau. Good thing the weather was good, not so sunny and the wind was quite cold.
After 20-30 minutes, we finally arrived at Mapatag Plateau. It can be the final endpoint of the hike according to our guide and it is a grassland slope that serves as a scenic viewpoint and a possible campsite. We can still go on and reach the Rangyas peak (considered as the summit) but all of us agreed not to continue because we already feel exhausted and unfortunately I was on my monthly period that day and I can't continue no more because my waist and legs are already hurting. I still call it a day tho, a wonderful day!
So what's next? Traverse to KAY-IBON FALLS
This is the best part, a quick dip into Kay-Ibon falls after a tiring hike! It's just a small place but the water is cold and very refreshing. It's also close to the highway so you can just exit from there instead of going back to the starting point. That procedure was suggested by our tour guide, she told us that we will just ride a tricycle at the highway going back to the registration area.
Happy travels!
xo, esca ♡
BUDGETED EXPENSES
Php 100.00/person - Contribution for gas
Php 40.00/person - Registration fee
Php 500.00/group of 6 - Tour guide fee
Php 200.00/person - Food (Had our lunch at Cafe Katerina located along the road of Tanay, Rizal