Bato Springs

Located in San Pablo City in Laguna, Bato Springs is often described as a resort amidst in the middle of a jungle which makes it truly one of a kind. According to the locals, it was originally a series of flowing river and spring which came from Mt. Banahaw. It was then developed into a resort in 1981 together with its unique artificial waterfalls and river-fed cold swimming pools.

Because of its proximity from Manila (2-hour drive without traffic), Bato Springs has become a perfect getaway, especially during summer because of its crystal clear and refreshingly cold water making it an ideal retreat at an affordable price and commune with nature at the same time.

Selfie is life most especially if you are a lone traveller

Tents are also available for rent

How to Get There:

1. From San Pablo City (Cathedral)

2. Ride a tricycle to Goldilocks, or you can walk (jeepney terminal bound to Brgy. Cristobal).

3. Ride a jeepney going to San Cristobal. 

4. Tell the driver to drop you at Bato Springs (You still have to walk several meters).

Mt Kabunian

This blog post was already more than a year overdue, but now I just had the time to write our Mt. Kabunian hike which happened last December of 2017, so here it goes.

Mt Kabunian is part of the Bakun Trio mountains which is popularly known as the "home of the kankana-ey god, Kabunian." According to a local legend, "Kabunian", the legendary head of the gods always left golden plates of meat and rice on the trail to feed the tired and hungry people scaling the mountain. Duligen, who has been a recipient of this kindness, stole some plates, which he surmised would command a handsome price in the market. But Kabunian learned about his evil intention. Out of anger, the chief god embedded him on a rock and only had Duligen's now monstrously large phallus protrude as a reminder that evil never wins.

Some parts of the huge rocky mountainsides were used as a burial grounds, hence the presence of box coffins with human bones can be seen in some parts of the trail. Mt. Kabunian may not be that high but the trail can pose a great challenge to beginners most especially to those with serious acrophobia. With all honesty, it's one of the most dangerous trails I've ever been to. In fact, three of our colleague in the hike aborted the climb haft way through considering that they were all experienced hikers. 

The trail has a total distance of 7km from Poblacion to the summit (14km for backtrail). The hike starts with a 900ft descent to a flight of cemented stairs which then leads to a gorge. It signifies the gradual ascent passing through stairs hewn from a rocky portion of a mountainside with some safety railings placed to aid the hikers during ascend and descend since most part is a ravine. Upon further hiking, one will reach a rocky portion with loose rocks, and one can only imagine how perilous the trail can be during rainy days. From there on, one will pass a very narrow mountainside trail which is actually less than a foot in width composed of loose rocks and soil with nothing to cling on. It was just pure guts to cross this route because one wrong move and you'll be hurtling down the mountain. Then comes the stairs hewn from the rocks which are very steep, thus safety railings were also placed to help the hikers which are approximately 200ft ascend where it features steep cliffs and rock drop-offs. It then leads to a hanging bridge that leads to the final 500ft steep assault to the summit that passes rocky mountainside trail for a total of 2400ft elevation gain from the jump-off point. Throughout our hike, there was a strong gushed of winds that were constantly challenging our every step which was comparable to 80km per hour (It was both scary and creepy as if the winds were mystical in origin. It miraculously stopped when decided to descend from the summit).

The very scenic trail

The summit at the other side 

Team Una ng LAQBAI at the summit (Photo credit: Ron Dubois)

The final 500ft assault to the summit

The short hanging bridge before the final assault

Photo credit: Ron Dubois

The perilous trail which is less than a foot wide

The descent going back to jop (Photo Credit: Kiko San Luis)

Groupie muna s trail  (Photo credit: Kiko San Luis)

#GwapoBeLike (Photo Credit: Ron Dubois)

@The summit: Emer, TenTen, Erwin, Ron & Kiko

Hike date: Dec 15, 2017

***Special thanks sa mga nakasama ko sa hike na ito: Sir Emil, Mam Rita, Ate Bing, Mommy Daisy, Ten-Ten, Erwin, Reigner, Kiko and Ron Dubois and the rest of LAQBAI.