This post was most recently updated on December 17th, 2017
Mt. Batolusong trail offers a challenging yet beautiful opportunity to explore what it is known for—the Batanes-like grassland slopes. The mountain’s open landscapes will fascinate you for hours as you journey towards the summit. This trek is a challenge and a reward rolled-into-one unforgettable adventure.
Following the trip to Mt. Marami, my friend Airra and I organized a sunrise hike to Mt. Batolusong. This time she went with some of her office mates and college friends. Since this is my second hike, I already know the essentials and have prepared them, to include: a tough pair of shoes that will help me tackle off-road terrains, a dependable and comfy backpack capable of carrying a lot of weight, and a headlamp to light up dark trails.
Go check out my list of must-haves for a day trip.
One of the most popular hikes in Tanay, Rizal area, Mt. Batolusong trail winds up the south tail end of the longest mountain range, the Sierra Madre. It offers a view with a sea of clouds if you’re lucky enough to catch it. The initial section of the hike is composed of rice fields, near the end of the trail is the Mapatag Plateau, with an estimated elevation of 645 meters above sea level. For more challenge, you can continue up the trail to Susong Dalaga peak at 780 meters above sea level where you can possibly catch a glimpse of Mount Banahaw.
The Hike Experience
As early as 2am we were already settled in Cubao to depart for Tanay, Rizal. Around 3:30 am, we reached Brgy. San Andres where we paid registration fees, DENR fees and other applicable such as fee for local guide. The trail begins with straightforward roads with some river crossing, a great indicator of things to come. Immediately, the path switchbacks steeply on the ascent up the mountain. We passed wooded areas and beautiful rock formations. After almost an hour of hike, we finally reached Duhatan Ridge, its name came from the duhat trees that grow in the area. Unfortunately, since it was still dark, we never had the chance to take any pictures of the place as well as the ones we already passed.
Mapatag Plateau
Moments later, the trail was clearer and we were rewarded with a glimpse of the scenery because the sun has started to rise. We got more inspired to keep going. After a few river crossings, a touch of rock formations, and plenty of calories burned, we finally made it to the summit. Emerging from the woods, we found ourselves feeling cold atop the exposed grassland slopes known as the Mapatag Plateau.
Our arrival in Mapatag plateau unveiled spectacular sunrise view of the town. This place is also excellent for camping and picnics. This is where we met a solo hiker, Mark, who happens to be a drone master. Thanks Mark for allowing me to post your video here on my blog site! You can check his Instagram here and his drone shots at the end of the page.
On our descent, we chose the trail to Kay-Ibon to see the falls and because it was nearer to the jump off point in Sitio Kay-Ibon. During the dry season, there is less water. The water is almost green so we just took our “brunch” here with a great view of the falls in front of us instead of taking a dip. Just be careful with the stones which can be very slippery.
We decided to go home already after that and we went straight ahead to the jump off near Marcos Highway where the van was waiting for us. I got home that day before 2pm. That’s just how fast the climb in Mt. Batolusong.
How to Get to Mt. Batolusong
Take a jeep from Aurora Blvd. Cubao bound for Cogeo Gate. The jeepney ride takes around 2 hours depending on various stops and delays and costs around P25 one way. Once you arrive at Cogeo, Antipolo, take another jeep to Brgy. Sampaloc. From there, you can rent a habal-habal for P50 one way to get to the Brgy. San Andres for the registration and local guides. Due to uncertainty of the availability of jeepneys during off-time we opt to rent a van instead since we wanted to reach the summit by sunrise.
Sample Itineraries
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When commuting
2300 Assembly at Mcdonald’s Auro Blvd, Cubao.
0000 ETD to Antipolo (Cogeo Gate 2).
0100 ETA Cogeo Gate 2. Take jeepney to Brgy. Sampaloc.
0230 Drop off point, Take habal habal to Bgry. San Andres.
0300 ETA Brgy. San Andres. Registration. Acquire guides.
0330 Begin trek.
0500 ETA Duhatan Ridge.
0530 ETA Mapatag Plateau. Sunrise.
0630 Start descent.
0700 ETA Kay-ibon Falls. Breakfast. Swimming. Tidy up.
0900 Proceed to Sitio Kay-Ibon, Marcos Highway.
1130 ETA Antipolo. Take bus/jeepney to Manila.
1330 ETA Manila.
Estimated expenses
Cubao to Cogeo – P25
Cogeo to Sampaloc – P40
Habal-habal to San Andres – P50
Registration fee – P20
Guide fee – P500 (group of 5)
Habal-habal to Sitio Batangsan – P50
Sitio Batangsan to Cogeo – P40
Cogeo to Cubao – P25
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When renting a van (budget is P550 for 14pax, inclusion of transpo and guide fee)
0100 Meet up at Jollibee Farmers Cubao.
0130 ETD to Tanay, Rizal.
0300 ETA Brgy. San Andres. Registration. Get guides.
0330 Begin trek.
0530 ETA Duhatan Ridge.
0600 ETA Mapatag Plateau. Sunrise photo op.
0730 Start descent to Kay-Ibon Falls.
0830 ETA Kay-Ibon falls, swim eat breakfast.
1000 Proceed to Sitio Kay-Ibon, Marcos Highway.
1100 ETD to Manila.
1300 ETA Manila.
Good break up of the itinerary. It sure helps when you visit for the second time, you are well prepared.
The climb took very less time and another trip there you end up setting records. 🙂
I’ve never hiked at night before – but it must be SO worth it for the sunrise! How far is it to the top of Mt Batolusong? I know it only took you 2 1/2 hours, but maybe a slow hiker like me would need extra time!
I am a seasonal hiker. Beginners can actually climb Mt. Batolusong the same amount of time that it took me to reach 645 MASL.
I’m falling in love with hiking, never really done that much of it in the past, but I’m finding its a real thing for me to do. Hiking at night sounds pretty hard core though. Mt Batolusong looks amazing, I love your images too. Thank you for sharing.
Your pictures are so mesmerising! Is it the edit or the magic of the trek! 🙂 Love the tones! Thanks for sharing precious tips and info about the trek. Felt I was hiking with you when you described the walk in the dark and the first ray of sun!
Thanks for sharing this excellent guide to Mt. Batolusong. The views are quite fascinating from up there. Great for a group outing. Nice to read about mountains in the Philippines from the usual beaches I have read about most often.
We hiked this too hoping for the sea of clouds. Unfortunately we didnt catch it but loved the hike nonetheless
Looks like a great hike. Really pretty. Would never think to do this there.
Mt. Batolusong looks beautiful – the landscape is stunning in your photos – very windswept! 2am is an early morning though, wow! But what an experience to be among the grassland slopes known of the Mapatag Plateau. It looks magical, as if from a fairytale book.
Thanks for sharing your experience, photos and suggestions of itinerary 🙂
This sounds like it was an incredible hike. Leaving in the dark must have been quite challenging, I love the idea of the trail to Kay-Ibon to see the falls . I would really enjoy that!
Thanks for the great photos and sharing this.
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Hello, Good day! How can we rent a van po papunta sa bundok? 🙂
Thank you in advance 🙂
Hi Kenneth,
I think I have replied to you already via email.
Sir Kenneth, can you help me with van rental? mga ilang tao kakasya sa van?
Hi GB!
I know someone who arranges tour in Mt. Batolusong. You can contact him. Jeno Panganiban, 09171540424. I think nasa 3500 yung van that can accommodate about 12 pax.
Hi Kevin can I get the contact number of that someone who can arrange a tour to MT.Batolusong… PLease asap
Hi Chelle,
Sorry, we only did DIY so I don’t know anyone who can arrange a tour.
Hello Kevin. Thanks for sharing! Can I ask for the conract number for van rental? Thanks!
Hello Katherine! You may contact Jeno Panganiban through 09171540424.
Question? Do you have a contact for a tour guide + van rental?
Hi Vince!
I think I have replied to your inquiry on Facebook. Just let me know if you have additional questions.
Hello pwdeng makuha yung contact number ng tour guide ☺ Thank you.
Hi! I don’t have a contact for the tour guide, however, you can easily get one in the registration area.
Good day, sir! Pwede ko po bang malamang kung pwede maghike dun anytime of the day? Like pag pumunta po ba kami dun ng 5am may mag aaccommodate sa amin?
Hello! Yes it’s possible. We actually did sunrise hike. We started around 4 am.
Hi kuya kevin ask ko lng kung may jeeps or van ba sa cubao pa cogeo around 1-2am? And from cogeo to brgy sampaloc around mga 3-4am?
Hello Danica,
Yes from Cubao to Cogeo. Not sure for Cogeo to Sampaloc. As far as I can remember 5am ang first trip ng jeepneys dun.
Hi Kevin, do you happen to have a mobile number of a guide?
We are planning to hike this Saturday, staying overnight.
Unfortunately no. But you can just get a guide there in the registration area. The fee will just be a little higher than day hike.
Hi Kevin ! How to get a rental van po ? and is it one way trip lang po ba yung van ?
Hi! You may rent a van in Cubao area. It can be one-way or round trip depending on your agreement.
Hello, po sir Kevin pwedi po ba overnight don sir
Hi Albert! Yes, it’s possible.
100 na reg fee nila
Really? Registration fees in Rizal are getting more expensive. Thanks for the update!
Hi Kevin, I just want to ask since you rented a van, is there a safe parking space near the registration area or the jumpoff? Thank you 🙂
Hi, yes! We parked near the registration area. Didn’t have any problem.
Hi kevin. We are planning to hike the mountain. merun kayang jeep na available papuntang cogeo as early as 1am??? para makapag start kami ng hike ng 4am.
gusto kasi namin mawitness yung sea of clouds. thanksss sa response ???
Hi! I think jeepneys in Cubao are until 12am only, but that was a long time ago, I am not sure of the schedule today. Besides, you have to wait for the first trip of the jeepneys in Cogeo going to Sampaloc until 5 am. If you’re going to hike for the sunrise, I guess you need to rent a private car.
Hi kuya, may jeep na po ba mula cubao as early as 12am?
tapos from cogeo to sampaloc po, may jeep na kaya? kung wala man, may masasakyan po ba kaming tricycle?
thanks po sa respond niyo.
anyway. nice blog po. very informative
Hello! I think there are still jeepneys from Cubao, I doubt from Cogeo to Sampaloc. You may take habal in Cogeo or better if you can just rent a van from Cubao for safe and security reasons.
pwede po bang magstart ng hike ng mga 8pm or 9pm? then magstop po sa kalagitnaan ng bundok wherin pwede kaming magtayo ng tent for an overnight tapos gigising po ng mga 3am or 4am para maghike ulit papuntang summit to witness sea of clouds?
Hi Carlos! I’m not sure but I think it’s possible. Just bring flashlights and be safe.
Hi! I loved your blog! I just want to ask if we can also hike on Sundays? Thank you!
Hi Hailee! Thank you!
Yes, it’s open on Sundays.
Pwede ba pmunta dun anytime like for example mga tnghali ka n mg start
Hi! Thanks for your post! Question, we plan on taking a private car that’s somewhat low. Is the road paved going to the registration area or will there be some off road parts? Do we have to bring an SUV? Thank you in advance!