Sea of Clouds in Mt. Batolusong + Kay-Ibon Falls

sayaramae

Major jumpoff: Brgy. San Andres, Tanay, Rizal* LLA: 645 MASL / 780 MASL Days required / Hours to destination: 1 day /1.5h (Mapatag); 3-4 (Susong Dalaga Peak) Specs: Minor climb, Difficulty 3/9, Trail class 1-3 Features: Grassland slopes, views of Laguna, Rizal, and Quezon Source: Pinoymountaineer.com

Mt. Batolusong is one of the most popular mountains for hikers who wish to witness sea of clouds. Though there's no guarantee for every visit, but there's a great chance for it. The mountain is in Tanay Rizal. The trail is composed of rice fields near the Mapatag Plateau and a continues trail to Susong Dalaga Peak. Plus, an option to take a dip in Kay-Ibon Falls as a side-trip.

This mountain was on our top list as we looked for a minor climb (near Manila) with a chance to witness sea of cloud.

How to go there?

We left Manila at 2 AM. We took a jeepney from Cubao bound for Cogeo Gate (Php 25.00). Then at Cogeo, Antipolo, we took another jeepney to Brgy. Sampaloc(Php 40.00). From there, we rented habal-habal for Php 50.00 one way to get to the Brgy. San Andres for the registration and local guides. (Php 500.00 for a group of 5)

After the preparation, we started the hike.

The challenge started as we came to an ascend up to the mountain.

It rained the night before our hike so the trail was really muddy. We also passed by a water source which according to our guide is safe to drink.

That's Maine and Albert taking a quick rest. We can do this guys! :)

As we continue, we came to an open grass field that lead us to a beautiful rock formations.

Moments later, we finally reached the summit. The view offers a rewarding scenery and the sea of clouds that we wanted to witness.

Of course, endless photo-shot happened. We really took our time until the sun was up and the sea of clouds was gone. We found out that there were group of hikers who spent a night. Cool!

This guy turned into a monkey. haha

The sun is already up when we decided to descent. We followed the trail going to Kay-Ibon Falls.

After having our brunch, we enjoyed the cold water at the falls.

After swimming, here's the trail going back to the highway where we rode a tricycle going to the jump-off.

A little remembrance. I was wearing a sandal that's why I got a little cut from the grass leaves.

Itinerary

0130 Assembly at Jolibee, Cubao. 0200 ETD to Antipolo (Cogeo Gate 2). 0300 ETA Cogeo Gate 2. Take jeepney to Brgy. Sampaloc. 0330 Drop off point, Take habal habal to Bgry. San Andres. 0400 ETA Brgy. San Andres. Registration. Acquire guides. 0430 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.