Mt. Talamitam (630+)

MT. TALAMITAM
Nasugbu, Batangas
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 / 2 hours
Specs: Minor climb, Difficulty 3/9, Trail class 1-3 with steep assault (100m)

BACKGROUND
The same terrain of Mt. Batulao gives rise to its ‘younger sister’, Mt. Talamitam, on another side of Nasugbu, Batangas. Although it lacks the cool breezes and grand landscapes of Batulao, it is a surprisingly wondrous mountain on its own right, with verdant cogon grass during the rainy season, and a challenging, 60-degree trail before the peak.

Talamitam is a mountain that had a more glorious past. It was named after the talamitam trees that used to grow on its slopes – a reminder of the time when Talamitam had lush vegetation and untarnished ecosystems. Right now, kaingin and irresponsible garbage disposal have obliterated this serenity. As if to testify to the mountain's woes, the statue of the Virgin Mary - which has been described as "the guardian of Nasugbu" - has been literally decapitated. Although the statue has since been restored, it was not a welcome sight at the summit. Sir Nick, formerly the caretaker of the mountain, has spearheaded efforts to heighten awareness of this problem, but it remains to be seen if his efforts will be supported by authorities who are in a position to rectify curb the misguided local practices.

The trail to Talamitam is easy, taking just 1hr 40mins to complete up to the summit. Sir Nick, formerly the caretaker of Mt. Talamitam, gave the following instructions: “Take the two footbridges, turn left, walk 65 steps straight along the treeline then turn right into the woods. From there, it is as smooth as an MRT ride." Indeed the trails were easy to follow. At the peak, Mt. Batulao’s presence looms large. Going back will take less than an hour, and after that, just like Mt. Batulao, a visit to Tagaytay is a relaxing finale.

ITINERARY
0400 ETD bus terminal in EDSA-Taft via Crow Bus Lines to Nasugbu, Batangas (P104.00)
0700 ETA Sir Nick’s place (see directions below; entrance fee P20.00)
0730 Start trek
0910 Arrival at summit
0930 Start descent
1115 Back at Sir Nick’s place, head to Tagaytay
1215 Lunch at Tagaytay
1330 Head back to Manila
1530 ETA Manila

SPECIAL CONCERNS
As of May 2008, registration for Mt. Talamitam is done at thebarangay hall of Brgy. Aga, with a fee of P25/person. This change is the outcome of a protracted conflict between Sir Nick Wijangco, who used to be the caretaker of the mountain albeit without legal footing, and the local officials.

Transportation. Take the Crow Bus or any bus bound for Nasugbu, Batangas. The terminal of Crow is in the intersection of EDSA and Taft Ave; this is the same bus that you take to Evercrest, the jumpoff of Mt. Batulao. Alight at KM. 83 - tell the bus conductor. Look for the barangay hall and register. There is no organized guide service but among the locals it is possible to secure guides. Prepare 300-400/day per guide.

Near the peak there are several trails. Most will eventually lead to the summit, but be mindful of your trails so it is easy to backtrack. There is no tree cover is Talamitam, so prepare accordingly. Also, there are no water sources. Camping for a small group is a possibility at the summit, although preparations for strong winds must be done. Before the 60-degree assault lies another potential campsite. Cellphone signal is good throughout the trails.

TRIVIA
Sir Nick, the savvy caretaker of Mt. Talamitam, organized a “Talamitam River clean-up” last March 2007 which was featured in RPN-9. Several mountaineering groups participated. He likewise launched the "Mt. Talamitam Debut" in May 2008 to highlight the environmental concerns regarding the mountain.

An optical illusion creates the impression that the peak on the right side of the summit is higher ground. This is not true; the highest point in Talamitam is where the burnt Statue of Virgin Mary (as well as a white flag) is located.