Mt. Talamitam

Jump-off point: Sitio Bayabasan, Brgy. Aga, Nasugbu (KM. 83)
Summit: 630 MASL, Days required/ Hours to summit: 1 day / 1.5-2.5 hours
Specs: Minor climb, Difficulty 3/9, Trail class 1-3 with steep assault

Mt. Talamitam is a mountain in Nasugbu, Batangas rising to about 630 meters above sea level. It is often
called the "sister mountain", or the "twin mountain" of Mt Batulao, partly due to the close proximity between the two mountains, and because both can be hiked in tandem in a single itinerary, as a "twin dayhike".

Mt. Talamitam was my first real mountain hike. It is named after the Talamitam trees that used to be plentiful in the area. Now, the mountain is close to barren, although recent efforts are being done to help bring back its former ecosystem such as tree planting activities. Mt Talamitam offers a river cross, a hike through upland farms, and a 60 degree assault, which marks the final stretch towards it's peak. Once at the summit, the mountain boasts of a 360 degree view of Batangas allowing one to see Mt. Batulao (SE), Tagaytay (NE), the towns of Nasugbu, Calatagan and other nearby towns.

Left: Mt Batulao as seen from the summit.

Right: 360° At the peak

The beginning of the hike starts at the end of a road, a descent to the Talamitam river. From here, a semi-assault through tree covered slopes will lead trough the upland farms. There are numerous trails along the way where most of them leads to the plateau and farmlands. It is easier to just follow whichever trail leads to the peak. Just remember which trail you've used to avoid confusion.

A river cross now marks the start of the trek.

The bamboo bridge has since been damaged.

Directions and Significant hours

• Bus ride (Nasugbu): 3
  - Take the bus at Coastal Mall bus terminal and get off at KM. 83 at Sitio Bayabasan, Brgy. Aga
• Hiking hours: 2.5

Itinerary

0600 ETD Coastal Mall bus terminal to Nasugbu, Batangas
0900 ETA Registration area at Sitio Bayabasan, Brgy. Aga (KM. 83)
0930 Start trek
1130 Arrival at summit, prepare for lunch
0130 Start descent
0300 Back at registration area, wash up
0400 ETD Manila
0700 ETA Manila

*Optional Side trip to Tagaytay - adjust the time accordingly. It is best to depart Manila by 4AM.

Expenses

Bus: Manila - Sitio Bayabasan (KM. 83): P124 one way / person
Registration - P25 / person
Guide (mandatory) - P350-400 / day

Special Concerns

• The trail is easy and can be completed in 1.5 to 2.5 hours, however it can be very exhausting if the sun is high up due to the minimal tree cover
• Stock up on water as there are no water source in Mt. Talamitam.
• There are several trails near the peak. Remember to take note of the trail you have used to get to the summit.
• Mobile signal is present all through out the hike.
• It can be very hot especially during summer, hence proper preparation is advised.
• Expect to see cows. Some curious, some aggressive (usually with a newborn calf), hence try to keep your distance.

Contact Information
Ted Calimag, Care taker, can be reached at +639477118513

Post script: My ascent to Mt Talamitam did not require us to have a guide at the time as the mandatory guide was only implemented in the last quarter of 2012. The implementation was in response to the fatal incident at Mt. Batulao.

Mt. Talamitam as seen from the jump-off

~ City Boy Tripper