Hiking Talks #05: A quick trek to Talamitam ~ Mt.Talamitam

MINOR CLIMB| This Mountain was named after the “Talamitam” trees that used to grow on its slopes. Sadly however, at present, it is a bald slope but efforts are being taken such as tree planting and other initiatives in order to rehabilitate the mountain. It is covered with verdant cogon grass during the rainy season and it turns golden brown during dry season. It is also known for its challenging upward 60-degree-angled-trail going to the peak.

The Trail to Talamitam is quiet easy. It takes 1.5- 2 hours to complete the trek and since Mt. Talamitam does not have much trees, hiking up under the sun is extremely exhausting. The open land along the trail is a division of farms. During wet reason, Corn fields are evidently rich. It is also a ground for Cow’s and Carabao’s even up in the summit. The summit has a campsite but it however has no water source so better bring along plenty of bottled water with you.


HIKING
Trek starts at KM 83 at Sitio Bayabasan, Brgy. Aga,(just pass by the School). From thence, notice a cemented road proportion from the highway going to Nasugbu. 

Register.
The Trail head starts at the end of the rough road, a portion of cemented road descending to Talamitam river. Cross a cemented bridge then cross again the bamboo bridge. From there, take the short woodland upward trek that connects you to the grassland slope.

Observe for many trail variations along the way but most of these trail leads you to the plateau where the peak sits. Never go side wards. You might lose it.

At the summit, there is a nice view- The town of Nasugbu, Calatagan,Batangas and the Maragondon mountain range. On the other side, the Mt. Batulao peaks, Pico de Loro and the Tagaytay highlands as well as the plains of Cavite is very visible on a clear day.

 

Descending  takes half of the time trekking up. It is important to remember which trail you took going up, so you won’t get lost on your way down.

 

Though it is a short hike, it is very rewarding especially when you do hiking on the late afternoon, because the sunset is amazing.

As of the present, hiking to Mt.Talamitam is alarmingly expensive. The Concerned Citizens of the Environment Movement, led by Ted Calimag, has thus imposed a strict guide partnership among hikers (Guide and a sweeper) and it rates 200-300php/trek in a group and registration is 20php. 

The author of this article is neutral and maintains openness. We respect the locals and parties involved.

TRANSPORTATION
Take a Bus bound to Nasugbu either in the South Integrated Bus Terminal (Coastal Mall/Paranaque or EDSA taft or the most convenient in Buendia Taft, DLTB bus (140php) which takes 2 hours to travel.

Stop at KM 83, at Sitio Bayabasan, Brgy. Aga(just after the School at the right side)

 DETAILS

Jump off point| Sitio Bayabasan, Brgy. Aga, Nasugbu (KM. 83)
LLA| 14.1158° N; 120.7577° N;
630 MASL
Days required| Hours to summit| 1 day | 1.5-2.2 hours
Minor climb, Difficulty 3/9, Trail class 1-3 , steep assault at 100m

ITINERARY
I don’t post a detailed itinerary because I believe such should be experienced by nobody else but you yourself. General time frame in every stops are shown in the transportation and hiking part of the article.