Mt. Talamitam: The Mountain I Didn't Climb, and It's Okay

It's been a while since I last posted in this travel blog. The last time was in 2018. Since then, I have been tied down with caregiving for an aging parent. My perspectives about travel have also changed. No longer do I run after the latest travel hot spot or be consumed by my bucket list. In fact, there seems to be just 1 or 2 things left in my bucket list. It's not that I lost a zest for life. True, caregiving responsibilities makes me think twice before I plan for a vacation. But aside from that, I am no longer enticed by the pursuit of new locations. Instead, I now much prefer to stay and soak in meaningful experiences. I also prefer a slower pace of seeing the world. I guess that's just how life is. Our preferences change as we age. 

I guess this became even more apparent to me in my recent hike to Mt. Talamitam. I have had a growing longing to spend more time in nature, to breath in fresh air and enjoy the cool breeze. When colleagues  broached the idea of having some rest and recreation, we entertained  suggestions for either a nature walk or a hike. One of our colleagues, JT, guides small groups on mountain hikes. He suggested Mt. Talamitam, which is in Nasugbu, Batangas, only a two-hour ride from Metro Manila. It was supposedly a "beginner's" hike. 

The grasslands of Mt. Talamitam
with the Nasugbu "trilogy" in the background
(Mt. Apayang, Mt Talamitam, and the smaller Mt. Lantik) 

Thus, on March 22, 2026, our group of five met up at 3:30 am in the Shell station along C5-Julia Vargas. By 4:00 am, we were off. One of our colleagues was kind enough to offer her hybrid SUV for our transportation, allowing us to save on some gasoline and van rental expenses. It took us about 1.5 hours to reach our destination, which is the home of our local guide, Ate M, at the base of Mt. Talamitam. To get there, our navigation map was pinned to Bayabasan Elementary School, located along the Tagaytay-Nasugbu Road since it is near the jump-off point for the hike. 

We began hiking at 6:00 am or thereabouts. We first paid an entrance or pass-through fee of P20 per person. The start of the hike was pretty romantic, as we walked to a lovely flowing stream and crossed a steel bridge. 

After that, the ascent begun. Usually, guides led hikers through a path with steadier, less steep incline. For some reason, however, Ate M, guided us through a "shortcut" which entailed climbing over boulders and a steep incline through the mountain forest. I was right behind Ate M who walked ahead of us. While I could keep up with her, I noticed my heart rate going up fast and my breathing becoming more laborious. Behind me, my friends were also silent. Everyone was focused on finding their footing. From time to time, we reached a piece of level ground where we could stop and catch our breath. While the hike was steep and demanding, the environment gave us a welcome shade. The mountain forest had lush vegetation and towering trees. The ground was covered with decaying leaves. 

Walking up through the mountain forest
(Picture taken by JT - I couldn't even think of taking pictures at this point!) 

I no longer knew how much time had passed. At a certain point, we gained glimpses of what they called the "grasslands" which promised a respite from the hard climb. Reaching the grasslands, we already had a wonderful view of the neighboring Mt. Batulao on one side and Mt. Talamitam's peak on the other side. We could also see the Nasugbu trilogy, which refers to the three mountains which lay side by side: Mt. Apayang, Mt. Talamitam and Mt. Lantik. We could also see the towns lying below us. Here in the grasslands, there were few trees. As its name suggested, grass stretched out in all directions. Scattered across the place were grazing cows and a few horses. Dotting the landscape quite literally were mounds of cow manure, which had hardened under the sun. There were also two makeshift huts here where locals sold drinks or food to hikers. 

Here we are, pointing at Mt. Batulao. 
Is this a sign of our next hike?
(Picture taken by our local guide) 

I think it might have taken us another hour to go through the grasslands. We stopped for the usual photo opportunities, took in the views and enjoyed the animals we saw. It was about 8:30 am when we reached the base of Mt. Talamitam's peak, which is the third leg of the hike. Here, there was a simple rest stop. There was a small store selling snacks and water, an area where hikers could rest and a bathroom to use. This was also where hikers pay another set of fees (P60 per person) for hiking this mountain. 

The rest stop is a simple hut
where refreshments are sold and where a place for rest beckons. 

It is here that a decision point came to us. One could continue on to hike to the peak of the mountain, or one could just stop here and rest. For me, the decision came easily. I wanted to stop here and just wait for the others to come back. I had no interest in seeing the peak. I had never been one to enjoy a sense of accomplishment in reaching the mountain top. Instead, I knew that I wanted to spend more time soaking in the view, enjoying the fresh breeze and taking lots of pictures. If I could lug more stuff, I would have brought food and a mat to have a picnic there! 

I was happy that I was with a group which was respectful and non-judgmental of one another. We all knew that each person has their own experience, strengths, limitations, and preferences. There was no shame or pressure when one decided to stay. Two of us stayed at the grasslands while the three others trekked to the peak. 

Oh, how I enjoyed that rest time! I bought coffee from the small store and sat down just marveling at nature while sipping my hot coffee. In this area, one could pitch tents and spend the night as well. I saw a group of hikers with colorful tents, just waking up after a night of fun. I also enjoyed the animals there. There was a roost of hens running after their chicks. The store owner also had a bird which kept chirping at us. Dogs laid down lazily on the dusty ground, soaking in the sunlight. 

At the base of Mt. Talamitam's peak
A group of hikers pitched their colorful tents and spent the night here. 

After about an hour or so, our companions came back. They reported that the peak was crowded, with everyone lining up for a picture with the signage for the summit. They enjoyed their experience and we enjoyed ours. 

At around 9:45 am, we began our trek down the mountain. We passed through the length of the grasslands again. Here, one can actually hire a motorcycle which will bring one to the base of the mountain. We decided to keep walking. I didn't notice it during our ascent, but the walk through the grasslands reminded me so much of my camino in Spain. 

This reminded me of the camino when we walked through the plains of Spain. 

When we reached the mountain forest, Ate Mayet led us down a path which had a gentler slope. Our pace was steady. Nevertheless, there were points along the walk where I really felt my knees quivering. I was reminded of my companion during the camino, whose knees became so weak that she could no longer walk. She was about 50 years old then. I am 50 years old this year. As I walked down Mt. Talamitam with trembling knees, I was reminded of that incident. I realized that this must be what aging felt like. I was glad that I stopped for a rest and did not push myself to climb the peak this time. 

This is not to say that aging persons cannot climb mountains. Our guide was 61 years old! But it is about knowing and respecting where you and your body are at in the present moment. For me, I had just started embarking seriously on my health journey. I had just started training in the gym regularly for a few months. I was happy to note that I had acquired the stamina to climb the mountain without being too exhausted. But I also knew that I still have to strengthen specific muscles to support certain areas of my body, like my knees. Will I ever climb the peak? I do believe that if there were another trip in the near future, I would climb that peak! But I would also probably try that motorcycle ride down the mountain. For me, that would be a perfect balance and it will be a whole new experience!