Getting there from Manila

• 4:00 AM
  🌙

  Meet at Buendia (Gil Puyat) terminal

  Gather the group; grab breakfast and supplies at nearby convenience stores.

• 4:30 AM
  🚌

  Ceres / Batangas Line bus to Cuenca

  Board a bus bound for Batangas City — alight at Cuenca junction. ~2.5 hrs. Alternatively take a Batangas City bus then a jeepney to Cuenca town.

• 7:00 AM
  🏘️

  Tricycle from Cuenca to jump-off

  Ride to Brgy. Maabog jump-off, ~₱30–50 per person. Register at the barangay and pay guide/registration fees.

• 7:30 AM
  ⛰️

  Start hike to the Rockies

  ~2 hrs to the famous Rockies outcrop. Trail passes through dense forest then opens to a dramatic rocky ridgeline above Taal Lake.

• 9:30 AM
  🏁

  The Rockies — iconic Taal Lake view

  Cliff-edge view of Taal Volcano and Lake. Eat snacks, take photos. Option to continue to the true summit (747 MASL) — an additional 1 hr up and back.

• 10:30 AM
  🔽

  Descend

  ~1.5 hrs back to the jump-off. Same trail on the way down.

• 12:00 PM
  🍽️

  Lunch in Cuenca town

  Carinderias near the terminal. Batangas is known for its rich bulalo and sinigang — worth spending ₱150–200 on a proper sit-down meal.

• 1:30 PM
  🚌

  Bus back to Manila via Buendia

  Arrive Manila ~4:00 PM.

Estimated cost per person

Getting there from Manila

• 3:00 AM
  🌙

  Meet at Buendia (Gil Puyat) LRT Station

  Assemble at the station; buy snacks and water at 7-Eleven. Bring at least 2–3L of water for the hike.

• 3:30 AM
  🚌

  Board JAM Transit / Tritran bus to Nasugbu

  Ride from Buendia terminal. Tell the conductor to drop you at the Batulao jump-off (near Evercrest Golf Club / Km 87 marker). Travel time ~2–2.5 hrs.

• 5:45 AM
  🏘️

  Arrive at Batulao jump-off (Km 87)

  Register at the barangay hall and pay the environmental/registration fee. Hire a habal-habal (motorcycle taxi) to the trailhead — ~₱30–50 per person.

• 6:15 AM
  ⛰️

  Start hike — New Trail

  2.5–3 hrs ascent along mostly open grassland ridges. On a clear day you’ll get stunning views of the Tagaytay Ridge and Taal Lake.

• 9:00 AM
  🏁

  Summit (811 MASL)

  Rest, take photos, enjoy your packed lunch. 360° panoramic views of Batangas and Cavite on a clear day.

• 10:00 AM
  🔽

  Descend via Old Trail

  ~1.5–2 hrs descent. The Old Trail is steeper and more forested — watch footing. Trekking poles recommended.

• 12:00 PM
  🍽️

  Lunch at carinderia near the jump-off

  Local eateries serve rice meals for ₱60–80. Take time to clean up and rest before the ride home.

• 1:30 PM
  🚌

  Flag down bus back to Manila

  Catch a passing Tritran or JAM bus at the highway. Return to Buendia ~3:30–4:00 PM.

Estimated cost per person