Mt. Batolusong - Duhatan Ridge; Mapatag Plateau; Rangyas Peak; and Sangab Cave

Just located within the fringe of Eastern Metro Manila, Mt. Batolusong has slowly gained a well-deserved prominence in the mountaineering circles. Conveniently located in Tanay, Rizal, Mt. Batolusong is actually part of the South-Western portion of the Sierra Madre Mountain Range.

Mt. Batolusong's Rangyas Peak...taken from Mapatag Plateau

Mt. Batolusong...just before the landslide

Itching to go on a hike despite their busy schedules, Skookums Oliver and Gani decided to go on a dayhike last March 29, 2015. Since the other Skookums were not available at that time (Skookum Allan was in Mt. Pulag for one of our Open Climbs this summer), we hiking buddies searched for a new tramping ground close to the metropolis. As we were already scheduled later in the day to watch one of the highly-anticipated movie sequels of summer,  we chose to scale Mt. Batolusong.

On board Goldie (one of our usual service vehicles), we left Cubao at 0515H and followed Aurora Boulevard to the East, going straight to Marcos Highway in Antipolo. After buying breakfast at Jollibee (located on the opposite corner of the intersection where Sta. Lucia Mall and Robinsons Metro East is located), we continued towards and went past Cogeo. As we reached the outskirts of Antipolo, we gained more altitude and passed by a number of highland resorts and subdivisions such as the Boso-Boso, Palo Alto and Garden Cottage. A few hundred meters after Kilometer Post 51, we arrived at "Batangasan Junction", which leads to Barangay San Andres.

The Welcome sign at the Batangasan...look for this on the left side of the road just after the 51-kilometer post

Marcos Highway going to Sampaloc...the Welcome Marker is on the left side of the highway

From there, we took a left turn and followed the concrete road that soon became a rough road. The Barangay Hall of San Andres is some 4 kilometers from the highway in Batangasan. To actually reach it, one needs to take a left turn just after the Barangay Chapel. After paying the mandatory registration (P20.00) and guide fees, we immediately put on our gears.


The Brgy. Chapel...located just before the road leading to the Brgy. Hall



The road leading to the Brgy. Hall...some 80 meters

The Covered Court and the Brgy. Hall

Vir (Virgilio), our guide told us to park our car at the compound owned by the President of organization of guides in Brgy. San Andres. The compound is located just after bridge and a few meters from the waiting shed that is adjacent to it.

We started hiking at 0745H. From the compound, we followed the road leading back to the Brgy. Hall but this time, we turned left on the dirt path opposite the waiting shed. A few minutes and we came to a small fishpond that is being nourished by free-flowing water. We went straight towards the makeshift bridge and tramped straight on a ricefield. We crossed a river by inching our way on rocks and boulders (I just wonder if this river swells and becomes impassable during the rainy season). After passing by the residential area, we reached the base of the infinite assault to the Duhatan Ridge at 0810H.

The Makeshift Bridge

The ricefield after the makeshift bridge

Yes, that is correct. While the initial hike is of the flat, winding, and rolling type, it is pure assault until you reach the Duhatan Ridge, onwards to Mapatag Plateau, and until the newly-opened Rangyas Peak. The trail is of the dusty and slippery type so hikers are advised to take extra caution. The good thing is that there is thick vegetation in the initial stages of the climb. Hence, we definitely enjoyed the forest cover in this part of the climb.



We arrived at the 1st watersource at 0840H (the water here actually tastes sweet). Remember not to cross the small creek / watersource and just continue straight (...this is the only fork that I remember in this part of the trail). At 0910H, we arrived and had a long break at the rest station (made by the guides) at the "Narrahan". After the rest station, the shady trees shall give way to the grassland. We then arrived at the 2nd watersource at 0920H.

The 1st watersource

After getting refreshed, we continued and arrived at the Duhatan Ridge at 0925H. The Duhatan Ridge, as the name implies is a ridge where Duhat trees abound. It is also considered by the locals as the 1st peak and is also an ideal campsite owing to its proximity to the 2nd water source.

As mentioned earlier, the Duhatan Ridge is a ridge where a lot of Duhat Trees are found. According to Vir, the locals are really like that, they name a specific place by referring it to what are usually seen in the vicinity. Like "Batangasan" (the area where the Welcome Arch / road leading to Brgy. San Andres is found), it was christened as such by the locals because most of the residents there actually hails from the province of Batangas. There are also areas called as "Narrahan" (a place planted with a lot of Narra Trees), "Bohoan" (an area where Boho [*a type of bamboo] dominates)and "Bangkaan" (because the mountain resembled that of a Bangka".

At 0940H, we continued our hike towards Rangyas Peak (our plan is to summit Rangyas Peak first, eat lunch there and just enjoy Mapatag Plateau on our way back to San Andres). Just before we entered the vicinity of the Mapatag Plateau, we saw traces of a barbed wire fence. According to Vir, there was previously a cattle ranch in the area but due to some controversy, they were actually made to leave the area. There are also huts, which according to Vir serve as shelter to the supposed owner of the land.

We passed by Mapatag Plateau and continued toward the Bohoan. The heat is actually so intense, good thing it was really windy at Mapatag at that time. At 1030H, we were already at the rest stop made by the guides enjoying the shade offered by the Bohoan (Bamboo Grove). This area is somewhat similar to the bamboo groves in Mt. Caoayan, Mt. Tagapo and Pico de Loro. Due to the cool breeze, we decided to have a long rest here.

Entering the Bohoan

The Rest Stop

Onwards, we reached "The Wall" after a 5 minute hike in the Bohoan. According to Vir, "The Wall" is the shortcut going to the summit (Rangyas Peak). But he advised us to take the longer route along the side of the mountain. We followed the trail and after a brief final assault once we got past the mountain wall, we finally reached Rangyas Peak at 1105H.

The Wall



The Trail on the Northern side of Rangyas Peak

Ayos Engr!

Model

You sometimes have to hug the wall as the trail is still new

The Forest before Summit 3

At the summit, we were welcomed by chirping birds and strong winds. Vir told us that we were probably only the 4th group of mountaineers to have set foot on the recently-opened Rangyas Peak. We really enjoyed the very beautiful views around us. To the east lies the Sierra Madre Mountain Range, Mt. Sembrano and the windmills of Pililla are in the South; Laguna Lake, Talim Island, Mt. Tagapo, and Mt. Makiling are in the Southwest.

The flag set by the guides in San Andres

Mapatag

Susong Dalaga Peak

Mapatag Plateau...taken from Rangyas Peak

Rangyas Peak

Sierra Madre is on fire

Masungi Rock; Laguna Lake; Talim Island / Mt. Tagapo; and Mt. Makiling

The windmills in Pillilla and Mt. Sembrano

After the usual photo-ops, we had lunch at the shady portion of the summit. It was already 1315 when we decided to descend Rangyas Peak.

It was relatively an easy hike from there as we were able to reach Mapatag Plateau in 15 minutes. After spending time there for photo-ops, we immediately continued tramping down to the plateau. As the sun was so intense, we decided to rest at the lonesome duhat tree near the Kay-ibon Trail. Another group of hikers passed us by while we were having a brief rest there.

Susong Dalaga Peak

Mt. Batolusong

It was already 1400H when we reached the Duhatan Ridge. We decided to again have a long rest there just to have a final glimpse of the view and enjoy the cool breeze of the summer wind. When we proceeded to descend the ridge, we tramped straight without taking time for another rest until we reached the Sangab Cave at 1500H.

Sangab Cave is within a private property located on the opposite side of the river which hikers ought to cross after the ricefield at the initial stages of the hike. The flowing water, which is also very clear, is really very cold. The water overflows freely into the river. Sangab Cave has a small opening but according to VIR, the explored portions of the cave is actually a 15-minute hike. Supposedly, there are also stalactites and stalagmites inside Sangab Cave.

Sangab Cave

Take a peek inside

Reflecting Pool

Don't be deceived....because the water is so cold

Fish abound in the pool

After more than an hour of swimming, we left Sangab Cave and proceeded to the Barangay Hall. Of course, we also gave P50.00 as donation to the owner of the property where Sangab Cave is located.

We then tried to look for something to eat, unfortunately, the carinderia owner did not prepare cooked food for the day. We then had to content ourselves with sandwich and liver spread. It was already 1700H when we left Brgy. San Andres, and we ultimately arrived in Trinoma at 1845H.


Traipsing Chronicles 018
003.029.015

Mt. Batolusong - Sangab Cave
Brgy. San Andres, Tanay, Rizal
Category: Minor Climb
Highlights: rolling grasslands; unobstructed views of the nearby flatlands, Laguna de Bay, Talim Island and Mt. Tagapo; Mt. Sembrano, Mt. Makiling and the Sierra Madre Mountain Range; and if lucky, there can also sea of clouds.

Actual Itinerary

0500H  -  Assembly - Five Star Bus Station - EDSA, Cubao
0515H  -  Departure for Brgy. San Andres, Tanay, Rizal
0545H  -  Buy Breakfast at Jollibee along Marcos Highway
0710H  -  Arrival at Batangasan Junction; take left turn to Brgy. San Andres
0720H  -  Arrival at Brgy. Hall, San Andres, Tanay, Rizal - Register / Secure Guide
0730H  -  Transferred to the Compound of Brgy. Kagawad / Put on gears
0745H  -  Commence Hike
0810H  -  Arrival at Trailhead to Duhatan Ridge
0840H  -  Reached the 1st watersource
0910H  -  Arrival at the Narrahan Rest Stop
0920H  -  Arrival at the 2nd Watersource
0925H  -  Arrival at the Duhatan Ridge
0940H  -  Commence Hike to Rangyas Peak
1005H  -  Arrival at Mapatag Plateau
1030H  -  Arrival at Bohoan Rest Stop
1050H  - Arrival at the Wall
1105H  - Arrival at the Summit of Rangyas Peak / Summit 3

L U N C H  - Photo - Ops

1315H  -  Descend Rangyas Peak - back to San Andres / Sangab Cave

1330H  -  Arrival at Mapatag Plateau

1400H  -  Arrival at Duhatan Ridge / Rest

1500H  -  Arrival at Sangab Cave

1600H  -  Back at the Brgy. Hall / Wash-up

1700H  -  Departure from Brgy. San Andres

1830H  -  Arrival in Trinoma, QC

***You may also find our previous climb interesting:
Mt. Batolusong-Rangyas-Peak-traverse-to-Kay-ibon Falls

Getting There:

Private Transportation

     From Cubao LRT2 Station, take Aurora Blvd. East Bound and continue straight to Marcos Highway. You will pass by Sta. Lucia Grand Mall, Masinag, and Cogeo. After Cogeo, you will traverse zigzag roads.

        You will pass by Palo Alto and Garden Cottages. A few meters from Kilometer Post 51, the Welcome Arch to Barangay San Andres is on the other side of the road (left side). This is actually the place that locals refer to as Batangasan or Batangas.

        Follow the road leading down to the valley that is Brgy. San Andres. The road will have rough portions. You will pass through two small bridges. Take the left turn after the Brgy. Chapel. The Brgy. Hall cum registration area is located 30 meters from the main road and just before the covered court. From Batangasan, the Brgy. Hall is more or less 4 kms in distance.

        Early morning travel from Cubao to Brgy. San Andres is 1 hour 20 minutes. Traveltime from Brgy. San Andres to Cubao (in the afternoon/early evening) is at least 1 hour 45 minutes because of the traffic.

Public Transportation

         From Cubao, take a jeep or FX to Cogeo Gate 2 Antipolo (Php 35). Once in Cogeo, proceed to the jeepney terminal adjacent to the market and take the jeepney going to Sampaloc/Tanay. Tell the driver to drop you off at Batangasan/Batangas. (1 hour travel time).

         Hire a habal-habalor tricycle to San Andres Baranggay Hall. (15 minutes travel time). You can ask the habal-habal/tricycle driver to fetch you at the Brgy. Hall on your desired time. The drivers would sometimes ask for advance payment. The guides at the Brgy. Hall can also make arrangements with the tricycle drivers in the area.

         Jeeps from Sampaloc/Tanay heading back to Cogeo Gate 2 usually pass by Batangas until 7pm (they leave Sampaloc at 6:30PM).

         Once in Cogeo, you can finally hail a ride (FX or jeepney) going to Cubao.

*In case you are doing the traverse to Kay-Ibon Falls, you may consider not going back to Brgy. San Andres anymore and just proceed directly to Marcos Highway, where you will hail your ride in going to Cogeo Gate 2

Registration Fee / Guide Fee

Hikers are required to register at the Baranggay Hall and pay the registration fee of Php 20 per person. It is mandatory to secure guides at the Barangay Hall. The guide fee is pegged at Php 500.00, which is good for 5 persons max. 7 hikers is the maximum number of persons that a single guide is allowed to handle, but an additional fee of P100.00 per person is charged. For overnight campers Php 750 is the guide fee. Hikers are of course responsible for the meals of their guide/s.

Take note that Rangyas Peak is just a new part of the hike. Hence, you need to pay an extra charge of P20.00 per person should you decide to scale Summit 3 / Rangyas Peak. You may pay it at the Barangay Hall when you register, or you can also give your payment to your guide after the climb.

Batolusong - The term was derived from a "Bato Lusong"  or "Batong Lusong", which actually refers to a big Stone Mortar used to pound rice and other agricultural products in the rural areas.

Campsite - Hikers may camp at the Duhatan Ridge or at the Mapatag Plateau. As of the moment, camping at Rangyas Peak is not allowed. Also, the nearest watersource is located 10 minutes more or less from Duhatan Ridge.

Mapatag Plateau - There was supposedly a community at the Mapatag Plateau but for some reason, they left the area. According to one account, it is a case that has become controversial in the area.

Sangab Cave - there is actually no entrance fee, but as a sign of respect to the owner of the private property where the cave is located, hikers who visit the place are encouraged to make a donation in favor of the former. According to Vir, there are also guides for the Sangab Cave Tour should you wish to explore its beautiful interior.

Vir mentioned that there are other waterfalls in the area that they are developing. He referred to it as Bangkaan Falls. This new attraction will surely draw added attention to this hiking destination.

Essentials - Take note that this hike is an open trail from the time you leave the forested area before Duhatan until you reach the Bohoan. So sunscreen, and other protection from the sun like hats/caps and rashguards are recommended.

 Sea of Clouds - According to Vir, it is very common for Mt. Batulosong to be foggy during mornings. Hence, you may witness a sea of clouds when you are lucky.