Mt. Talamitam-Interlink Beach

MT. TALAMITAM
Nasugbu, Batangas
Jump-off point: Sitio Bayabasan, Brgy. Aga, Nasugbu (KM. 83)
LLA: 14.1158° N; 120.7577° N; 630 MASL
Days required/ Hours to summit: 1 day / 1.5-2.2 hours
Specs: Minor climb, Difficulty 3/9, Trail class 1-3 with steep assault (100m)
Source: Mt. Talamitam - Pinoy Mountaineer

December 23, 2012

The whole group met up at EDSA-Taft at around 6am and rode the Crow bus from there. The call time was too early for me and my friend who invited me so we did an alternative route and met up at EDSA-Shaw Blvd in front of Starmall/Megamall at 7am and rode a van going to Lemery. Just ask the barkers there for a van going to Nasugbu/Lemery.The van left at around 7:30am and it was approximately a 2-hour ride. We alight at the fork going to Lemery and Nasugbu; a little bit before Evercrest/ at the arc written with "Welcome to Nasugbu." A lot of carinderia and sari-sari store are located there so my friend bought some food first. We rode a jeepney going to Nasugbu and alight at kilometer 83 (KM83) but it's better to tell the driver to drop you off at the school in Bayabasan. Alternatively, you may ride any bus going to Nasugbu/Calatagan to reach the jump off point of Mt. Talamitam. From the school, walk a little bit forward at the right side of the road and then you'll see an eskinita with a sari-sari store on the left side. This is the jump off point.




We arrived 10mins after the group has arrived at the jump off point. We registered and applied some sunblock. When everyone was ready, we embarked on our trekking journey.

Many say that Mt. Talamitam is just a "walk in the park" mountain but for someone who has been in a hiatus for 2 months and did not have any form of "physical activity" to keep me fit, I had a little bit of a hard time with this mountain. It was very windy on our way uphill and I was literally "nadadala ng hangin." I don't know if it's just me for being lightweight or the fact that I wasn't carrying a backpack but I was being blown by the wind. Talamitam is known for having no trees on its trail so just imagine the violent winds passing through its plateau and us being blown by it. But I guess I should be thankful for that windy day than a humid weather with scorching sun above me.

The view of the summit at the first clearing

Bare but windy trail of Mt. Talamitam

Take 5 photo op. ala meteor garden before the assault

Batulao ridges are very visible in the background

The 60-degree assault to the peak was supposed to be short and easy(approx.30mins) but it was here when I actually said, "ayoko na." I was really not in the condition for it and it became a bit hot towards the peak due to the tall grass around. I was also feeling so itchy from the grass around as I was wearing shorts because I thought it would be hot and humid. Wrong move. Then again, I still pushed myself until we finally reached the top.

 

Jumpshot at the peak!

 
We were at the peak at around 11:30am just in time for lunch. We ate our lunch there, enjoyed the 360-degree view and of course took some photos. Pico De Loro and Batulao are very visible from the peak. There is also a grotto at the top.

After resting at the peak, the group wanted to do a Twin-Dayhike to Batulao. I wasn't sure about this since I was actually a bit tired and there's limited time but I agreed anyway. On our way down, I checked my phone and received a text from my cousin. He was inviting us to eat at their house in Camatchilihan, Nasugbu. I told this to my fellow mountaineers and suggested that we can go to the beach after eating. Instantly, they opted for the "kainan" part than climbing another mountain. Talk about pigging out! :p

When we arrived at the foot of the mountain, we suggested the beach-kainan to other members of the group and they agreed to our suggestion.

 


When we arrived at the sari-sari store at the jump-off point, we had some drinks and then rode a jeep to "Nasugbu" and alighted in front of my cousin's house.

After eating, we rode my dad's pick-up and headed for the beach at Brgy. Wawa, Nasugbu.











Our driver dropped us off at the "Bagong Parola" and then we rode a small boat towards the other side of the breakwater. Little boats are available at the pier and you can talk to any bangkero there and ask them to pick you up at a specified time.

 

If you're commuting to this beach from Talamitam/Bayabasan, ride a jeepney/bus with a signage of "Nasugbu" along the National Highway then alight at 7-Eleven in Nasugbu/Bayan. Jeepney fare might be approx. 30php. There's a queue of tricycle across 7-Eleven. Ride one of those and tell the driver "sa interlink." I'm not sure how much it is if you're riding solo but if there are at least 2 passengers, tricycle fare costs 10php/person.







It's been a while since I've been in this Interlink Beach and I guess that was a factor for me to enjoy this place again.

When we arrived, we basically had the place to ourselves. It felt great bumming out in the beach after a climb.

Sunset at the beach

Breakwater

 The sun was already setting down and we had to head back home. After fixing ourselves in my cousin's house, the driver took us to "bayan" where we ate at Jollibee for dinner. Alternatively, there's a Mang Inasal beside it and the bus station is also just beside Mang Inasal. Last trip for the bus to Manila is 8pm.









I haven't gone out of town for the whole month of December due to the hectic holiday season and I'm glad that I was able to join this climb at such a short notice. Even though I wasn't at my best condition during the climb, I was still able to enjoy it. It's the company that I enjoyed more I guess. :)

I'm also happy that even though we were unprepared for this beach escapade, we were able to enjoy the simple beach of my "hometown." It's also a mini achievement for me to have finally climbed at least one of the mountains that I always see whenever I go to Nasugbu. Next up, Mt. Batulao! :)

Fortune Island at dawn

The bus ride via BSC

Practical tips:
1. Wear leggings/pants because of the usual "talahib" of the mountains.
2. Bring cap/anything that will shade you from the harsh sun.
3. Bring water. Lots of it as there is no potent water source in that mountain.
4. Bring packed lunch as there are no nearby carinderia in the area.
5. Start your trek as early as possible so that you wouldn't have to endure the sun and you can do a twin-dayhike in Batulao.
6. The trail of Talamitam might be confusing so it's better to hire a guide. Also, there are lots of cows and horses' dung. Take precaution.
7. Here's a contact number of San Agustin Bus if you have inquiries on bus schedule - 0943894151. But you can ride any bus heading to Nasugbu/Calatagan (i.e. Crow, GoldenDragon, BSC). Most terminals are located in EDSA-Taft.

Credits to Al/Elmer, Ozcar and Anthony for some of the photos :)

Expenses: 494php
Van - 180
Jeep from Batulao to Bayabasan - 15
Registration fee - 20
Guide fee - 300/10=30
Jeep to Camatchilihan from Bayabasan - 20
Gas - 20
Boat to Interlink v.v.- 10
Dinner - 49
Bus from Nasugbu to Manila- 150