DIY Day Hike Mt. Batolusong + Sabang Cave 2024

3rd time's the charm! Today, I'll be sharing our DIY hike to Mt. Batolusong in Tanay, Rizal. You might be wondering why I keep returning to this place—it's simply majestic, especially when you catch the sunrise. Let me walk you through how we tackled this DIY trip. My boyfriend and I opted to use a motorcycle for faster travel, while some of our friends commuted. 

Here's our itinerary:

From Cubao, walk a bit further near Mercury in Aurora to find jeepneys headed to Cogeo Gate 2 since there were no available FX at 3 am. It took less than 30 minutes to reach Cogeo around that early hour.

Alight at Cogeo Gate 2, in front of Jollibee. You can use Waze or Google Maps to track your location. From there, you have two options: either rent a tricycle, which costs 150 to 200 pesos per person, or wait for the first jeepney trip to Sampaloc, which leaves the terminal at 5:30 AM. The jeepney terminal is near the market in front of 7-Eleven; just ask around the area.

From Cogeo Gate 2, alight at Batangasan or Barangay San Andres. From there, rent a tricycle to the registration area, which costs 50 pesos per person. But if you're going to the registration via your own vehicle just pin the Brgy. San Andres Tanay Rizal in Google maps or Waze, if you are an IOS user download the map since there's no signal in Brgy. San Andres.

At the registration area, pay 100 pesos each and 750 pesos for the guide, with a minimum of 6 pax. If you are 7 pax, you'll need to pay for 2 guides. If you are planning for an overnight, guide costs around P1250.

Around the area, there are some carinderia where you can buy food packed for your lunch.

The hike takes around 2-3 hours depending on your pace. We started our hike a bit late (7AM) since we took the first jeepney trip that leaves Cogeo at 5:30 AM. So if you are planning to catch the sunrise better rent a tricycle from Cogeo to Brgy. San Andres.

The hike consists of 5 phases. Phase 1 typically takes around 40 to 60 minutes, phase 2 about 30 minutes, phase 3 around 15 minutes, and phase 4 approximately 10 minutes. However, the duration may vary depending on your pace. (did not pursue phase 5 due to heat)

Starting the hike

This is Phase 1

Phase 4

We weren't able to snap more pictures since we were focused in the trail (assault trails) and some kwentuhan.

At the ridge

We reached the ridge at around 9 AM (including some take 5 or pahingas) and decided not to go to the summit due to the scorching heat. It would have been more enjoyable if we arrived earlier for the sunrise. Since it was our third time, we simply relaxed on the ridge and ate our packed lunch at the tindahan (store) there. It was so refreshing to take in the breathtaking views of the mountains.

After our meal and some relaxation, we opted to start our journey back around 11:30 AM. While traveling, we hoped to find spots like waterfalls or rivers to freshen up. Unfortunately, the waterfall we planned to visit as a side trip was closed due to ongoing reconstruction. However, our guide recommended Sabang Cave, a spring, which piqued our interest, so we decided to explore it instead. The entrance fee at the gate is just 50 pesos, Sabang cave is near the registration area, no hiking needed. You have another option there beside the cave, a resort with a pool but not sure how much is the entrance.

The Sabang Cave may not look inviting, but it offers a refreshing experience. The water is cold and clean, despite some leaves floating around which makes it more natural. As we swam, more locals joined us. Inside the cave, it's pitch dark, and we hesitated to explore further due to the eerie atmosphere. However, the dip was enjoyable and revitalizing. Afterward, we showered at the guard's house, which has four shower rooms. To return, my friends opted to rent a tricycle to Cogeo Gate 2 for 150 pesos each since it was already 3 p.m., and we anticipated difficulty catching a jeepney that might already be full.

Expenses:

Cubao to Cogeo Gate 2 - P50 

Jeep to Sampaloc - P50

Tric from Batangasan to Registration - P50

Registration - P100

Guide Fee - 750/6 = P125

Food (optional) - P100-200

Tric to Cogeo Gate 2 - P150

Cogeo to Cubao - P50

Sabang Cave entrance - P50

Total:  P725