Hiking Talks #10: Town to Town Day Hike Traverse ~ Mt. Makiling Traverse

 Los Banos, Laguna - Sto. Tomas, Batangas

MAJOR CLIMB|Makiling traverse is often called in its short term, “Maktrav” . A more difficult and challenging trail descending into Sto. Tomas, Batangas. There are two exits and one entrance when going for a traverse. The legendary UPLB trail is the entrance and commonly known Sipit trail (east) and Palanggana trail (west) are the exit points. The location of the traverse trail beginning the summit is uneasy and dangerous. The wild boar trail and melkas ridge are the challenging parts of the trek. 

However there are some colorful wild flowers, mossy trees, and pitcher plants along the way. During wet season poison ivy and limatiks sprout alot in the forest. When traversing Mt. Makiling, a good action is done on a day hike and since the trail is difficult, consider the difficulty carrying heavy backpacks may bring.

HIKING
Two girls and three boys setting their minds for a day hike traverse. We logged our names at the Rangers Station since we chose to take the entrance at the commonly know UPLB trail. We started trekking to flat rocks and following through the hot spring. The weather is accommodating, a perfect day for hiking. We trekked at a moderate pace reaching the summit 15 minutes before 12 noon. We settled and had our lunch way down from the summit, since it was a sunny day and the peak has no shade for comfort.       

It is my second successful attempt in Mt. Makiling but  was a first timer to attempt for a traverse. The rest of the members in the team have a sufficient experience regarding the traverse to this mountain. We had no guide at all but only referred to HIM above. From the summit we descent into the wild boar trail (14ooH). Indeed, as people say, it is difficult, and it is true we trekked like a wild boar. As a seeker of challenging hike this trail is amazing.

After an hour of trail blazing, we stopped at Peak 3 to take a break. We then had a descent to Melkas ridge and to Palanggana peak. The trail signs are very visible, one was a steel plate signage that is in orange color.

From this point a nipa hut serves as a landmark. One can follow the Sipit Trail (east) and Palanggana trail (west), but as for us, we opted to take West trail which we think was short and easy. Just ask permission from locales when passing by this trail because there are plantations. We walked down into the cemented road and caught a tricycle (15php fare) going to Sto. Tomas Public Market (1730H). Tidy up and head back to Manila.

TRANSPORTATION
Take a Bus bound to Santa Cruz, Laguna either in Cubao Bus Terminals or in Buendia, Gil Puyat Taft (fare 90phpas of 2013.) Stop at UPLB crossing, wait for a jeepney going to UP College of Forestry (7php fare), then walk upwardly going to ranger station. From Sto. Tomas, Batangas take a bus bound to Buendia or Cubao just across the public market.

DETAILS
Major Jump Off|UP Los Banos/ Forestry Department
Hours to Peak 2|days required|1-2 days|7-6 hour
Major Climb| 6/9 Difficulty, Trail Class 3 with roped segments
 

SPECIAL CONCERN
It is better to have dinner first before leaving Sto.Tomas because the travel time will take 2 hours back to Manila. Hence, you may grab some from fast foods and restaurants along the highway.

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.