Mount Manabu (Sto. Tomas, Batangas)

After our last climb on November 16, 2013 at Mount Buntis, since the “Christmas air” was just around the corner, we once again decided to scale another nature’s product last December 7, 2013, which was Mount Manabu, located in Sto. Tomas, Batangas. 

Since most of us have not eaten our breakfast yet, we first took a quick breakfast at the KFC branch near the LRT Gil Puyat Station to fuel ourselves for our journey, and then proceeded to the JAM Liner bus terminal, which was just minutes away, rode the Lemery-bound bus, which departed at 7:25 AM. Fare to Sto. Tomas was Php 91.00. 

Breakfast @ KFC (Gil Puyat branch)

We alighted at the Sto. Tomas market area and rode a jeepney going to Barangay San Pedro. Arriving at the said barangay, we all rode a tricycle, which would bring us to a place called “Sulok” in Barangay Sta. Cruz.

Barangay Sta. Cruz Welcome Marker

This place was not the jump-off point yet, but we were required to list-up at the Registration Center (Php 20.00 per head) as well as hire a mountain guide. 

Registration Center

As we rode the same tricycle once again, we finally arrived at the jump-off point, and paid the driver Php 300.00. Out trek officially started at 10:54 AM. 

The Jump-Off Point

Just a few walks from the jump-off point and we all knew that this entire trek would once again be a muddy one. Even though rains barely come at this time of the year, since the area was surrounded by trees, which block the sun’s rays, it would really be expected that the soil would not be drying up that fast. 

The entire trail consisted of six stations (obviously we chose the shorter route hehe), and after we went past Station number 4, we started our assault to the summit after we saw the “This Way” sign pointing towards our target destination.

Trail Guide

Station 2

Station 3

Station 4

The assault begins here.

After more than 20 minutes of majority uphill climbing, we rested at a huge hut (Station 5), owned by Mang Tino, one of the so-called guardians of Mount Manabu. In here, you would be happily welcomed by the guy and would be offering you a taste of his Alamid Coffee for free. Now, just in case you would want to purchase the coffee, the small bag costs Php 100.00 and the bigger bag at Php 500.00. These prices were way cheaper than the ones being sold in some areas in the country. When I went to Sagada, a cup would fetch an amount worth Php 200.00. 

Arrival at Mang Tino's Hut

Enjoying the Alamid Coffee beside Mang Tino

Mang Tino explaining the manufacturing of Alamid Coffee

Station 5

Alamid Cofee, which is also called Kopi luwak, or civet coffee, refers to the beans of coffee berries once they have been eaten and excreted by the Asian palm civet. A civet is a small, lithe-bodied, mostly nocturnal mammal native to tropical Asia and Africa, especially the tropical forests. 

Civet Coffee Beans

According to avid coffee drinkers, this type of Coffee’s taste is very unique, which justifies the high cost. 

Another uphill climb once again greeted us, but now there were ropes tied to trees, which would effectively aid the climbers. This portion was called the Lubid Trail. 

The Lubid Trail

Nearing the summit, we passed by two grassy areas, which we believed were being used as campsites, and at 12:39 PM, I was now at the summit at 765 metres above sea level. 

Grassy area...great for campsites!

Summit of Mount Manabu

At the summit, you could see Mount Maculot and Laguna De Bay in the horizon, and to add another feature on the summit, there was a huge cross situated on the top. This was Station 6.

Station 6: The Cross Marker

Several minutes have past, descending now from the summit, we were all back to Mang Tino’s place for another round of his unique coffee.  

Resting at Station 5

Another round of Alamid Coffee beside Joel, our guide.

Kodakan with Mang Tino before we departed from the hut.

The delicious taste of it, coupled with the very attractive price, readily prompted us to buy some packs to bring them home. 

We returned to the jump-off point at 3:45 PM, refreshed ourselves at a nearby shower area, bought souvenirs, and finally paid our guide a total of Php 500.00. 

Back at Jump-Off Point

Souvenirs

Our lunch/dinner (yes…we have not taken our lunch yet) venue was at the famous Rose & Grace Restaurant along Maharlika Highway, Sto. Tomas, Batangas, and we ate at around 5:30 PM. 

Rose & Grace Restaurant

For me, Mount Manabu is one of the best places for starters or for fun climbs. Majority of the entire trek was covered with trees, before you hit the summit, there were two great campsite areas, once at the summit, you could marvel at the 360 degree view of nature, and finally the Alamid Coffee experience. 

Explore Pinas!