Hiking Adventures #5: Mt. Tibig Exploration- The Breezy Experience at the Top

Before our day hike to Mt. Maculot, we already planned a climb as requested by Irish Cruz, my former officemate with her bestfriend, Alyssa Dedell. We looked for a mountain where they can hike easily but with stunning views as well, and then we arrived on choosing Mt. Tibig.

Mt. Tibig

Mt. Tibig is located in Sitio Hulo, Brgy. Banalo, Lobo, Batangas. It's a sub-mountain of Mt. Banoi that is good for easy hiking. The difficulty of the moutain is 2/9 with Trail class of 1-3. Mt. Tibig was opened for hiking few months ago according to our guide and Gideon Lasco, the sole author of PinoyMountaineer.com with his companion were the first group to climb the mountain. The views on the top was stunning. You'll see the overlooking view of Lobo Beach and Isla Verde (Verde Island).

We're only 9 who joined for this climb, supposedly 10. We rented a private vehicle to take us in Lobo, Batangas. We went straight to Police Station to log our names and we had been taken a group picture before we leave. Then we proceeded to the jump-off, we followed the signs that can lead us to Brgy. Banalo. We also asked some of the residents the right way to Mt. Tibig jump-off.

Group Picture at the Police Station

Unfortunately, we arrived in a wrong jump-off. Maybe, we should have asked where is Brgy. Banalo located instead of the jump-off of Mt. Tibig. I think we were going to Brgy. Tibig that people might thought (This is my fault, because I was the one who asked some residents. Hahaha). To assure that we're going to the right jump-off, we hired a tricycle that would guide us to Brgy. Banalo, and thank God we found the right way. The road was so rough before reaching the Sitio Hulo.  We immediately looked for Mang Gabino (Please see below for the contact number) who was already guiding a group when we arrived, but he already assigned 2 guides for us. It is required to have a guide according to the wife of Mang Gabino. I asked why we have 2 guides, and the reason was there are some cases that a hiker went back to the jump-off without informing the guide, and they want to avoid it. The guide fee is P500 per guide, and it would increase when they stay overnight.

When you see this post, enter the rough road.

START TREK

We started hiking at around 3:45pm. We are hoping to witness the sunset in the summit since the trek can consume only 2 hours. The initial part was already the toughest because it was already an assault. The trail was not properly establish yet, though it was clean. The guides were very nice and helpful. They offer to carry some of our things without extra payment for them. The scenery along the trail overlooking Lobo Bay was awesome. The weather was on our favor that day though I was expecting that it would rain because of the clouds at the summit of Mt. Banoi. Few meters away from the summit, we noticed that it was windy at the top because the grass called kugon were waving. We felt the breeze when we reached the summit and unfortunately, we failed to witness the sunset.

Jump-off

Starting point

Along the Trail

Bahay Kubo along the Trail

Mt. Banoi

Zaldy Santos - The Lone Hiker :D

Few meters away from the Summit

The camp site was also on the summit. It was too small, and can only occupy by approximately 7-8 tents. Since, we're the only group on the top, we had a lot of spaces but Mang Gabino, called to notify us that there would be another group will come. We pitched the tents immediately to cook inside because of the strong winds, we felt like there's a typhoon coming. The master chefs for this climb were Irish, Alyssa and Cindy with the assistance of Aldrin and Edmund. They cooked Pampanga-style Pork Adobo that has carrots and potato. After they cooked, we had are dinner and prepare for socials.

The wind was still strong, we were hoping that it will stop before midnight. I was worried about my tent because it catches first the strong winds before reaching the other tents. We tried to block the air before reaching my tent using a groundsheet hoping that it would reduce the impact. After our socials, we forced ourselves to sleep while the wind got more stronger. We allayed the fears of the 2 newbies, Irish and Alyssa because they might be afraid of whats going on. In the middle of the night, rain showers started to pour.

Socials

After the rain, some of us went outside the tents because it was really hard to sleep because the wind was still blowing strong. It was already 3 o'clock in the morning and some of us still having a hard time to sleep. Moments later, 2 tents were down and my tent was the last standing. I was hoping that it will remain pitched until decamp.

Breezy Group Picture

The Aftermath

We visited the cliff near the camp site to take photos. The views at the cliff was awesome, also overlooking the Lobo Beach and the Lobo River Delta. The ambiance was nice and relaxing even if the wind was still strong. We didn't know who brought the wind for this adventure. Since, it was our first time to experience that kind of condition at the top, I conclude it was the first timers who brought winds. HAHA!

View at the Cliff near the Summit - Overlooking Lobo Beach

The Rocks at the Cliff

Girls at the Cliff

The Group at the Cliff

The Group at the Cliff

Group Shot

The Hugot Moments of Alyssa Dedell

The Brush up Hair of Edmund Milanes waving like the Kugons :D

The Bestfriends, Aly and Ish

A Possible Traverse to Mt. Banoi at Mt. Tibig Summit

The Author at the Cliff with his Favorite Pose

This is how they roll :D

Descent

To make the adventure more worth it, we had a side trip at Gerthel Beach at Lobo before going back home.

At the Beach

The Super Twins at the Beach, Aly and Cindy

While going back in Manila, the group asked me where they can try a Batangas delicacy since I am a Batangueño.  So, I brought them to my hometown in San Jose, Batangas to try Loming Batangas. :)

Loming Batangas of Salaban's Best

MT. TIBIG (563+)
Lobo, Batangas
Difficulty: 2/9
Trail Class: 1 - 3

Photos By:
Aldrin Valentona
Alyssa Dedell

Mang Gabino's Contact Number: 
09264916824/09194403941