It was March 29, 2014 when my friends (churchmates) and I started our summer getaway by conquering mountain. Ate Leslie Habla ( our engineer- mountaineer friend 🙂 ) decided to take us on Mt. Manabu. I was so blessed I have been invited as they planned for this adventure.
Mt. Manabu is located in the town of Batangas. It stands at 720 MASL and considered to be a good climb for newbies (in hiking, like me!) because of its relatively light trail. Mt. Manabu derived its name from MAtaas NA BUndok which means “alp” or “high mountain”. There are 8 stations in order to land on top of Mt. Manabu and trekkers have 2 options to reach its peak. One of which is the normal trail wherein you’ll be following the stations numerically. While the other one (which is also the path we choose) is you’ll be taking stations 1 to 4 then take the trail straight to the grotto which is in Station 8. Please see the map below:
We reached the jump off point of Mt. Manabu around 8AM. We asked for a guide who will lead and direct us. Right after we registered at the barangay, we waste no time and started to trek.
The first 4 stations were easy and light.
I liked the trail of Mt. Manabu because of the shade that the forest provided.
The mostly forested trail was a welcome relief from the heat.
After almost 2 1/2 or 3 hours, we finally reached the summit! and YES we survived! We made it! It was located between Station 5 and 6.
The summit provided a spectacular view of the countryside and other mountains in the area.
“And God said, “Let the water teem with living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth across the expanse of the sky.” So God created the great creatures of the sea and every living and moving thing with which the water teems, according to their kinds, and every winged bird according to its kind. And God saw that it was good.” – Genesis 1:20‑21 NIV
We descend Mt. Manabu at 11AM. Going down from Station 5 becomes more complex, steeper and challenging. Some part of the trail have “lubid” installed. These ropes are located on sharp angled and steep trails. We swing to these ropes in order to help them continue on trekking. It was also fun because it added flavor or twist to Mt. Manabu. 🙂
I now appreciate the environment even more. The shades of the trail are very evident. Shades that come from its rich forest. The trail is surrounded by trees and plants. Nature is really being take care off at Mt. Manabu.
My first mountain experience with Mt. Manabu was definitely a fun climb! Pretty tiring but you always get to see views that just take away all the pain. I just hope fellow trekkers and people around the area maintain the cleanliness of this mountain for future generations. Kudos!
“For through him God created everything in heaven and on earth, the seen and the unseen things, including spiritual powers, lords, rulers, and authorities. God created the whole universe through him and for him. Christ existed before all things, and in union with him all things have their proper place.” – Colossians 1:16-17 NIV
Praise be to God!
Photos by: Sarah Jane Ruiz and Ate Leslie Habla
Your sweetest Melody, ❤
the sweetest Melody 
It’s always nice to read about others’ adventures on the trails. I hope you get to climb other mountains. 🙂
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Thank you @angelocrux 🙂 I’m preparing for the next climb. It’s really a great experience and achievement of course.
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kindly try the makiling via sipit trail its more breathtaking experience
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Thank you for the idea! 🙂 Will try that soon. 🙂
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