Mt. Talamitam is one of the mountains of Batangas. It lies in between Mts. Batulao and Pico de Loro but separated by vast flat lands like rice fields, farmlands and grazing lands. If you are driving your way to Nasugbu, this is the mountain visible from your right side after passing by Mt. Batulao. Mt. Talamitam is not a public park and within its slopes lies plantation areas and farmlands. During the trek, the trail passes by private lands so observe proper courtesy and conduct. The summit is also not that far from the villages within the slope of the mountain so any loud noises should be avoided especially during the night.
The mountain was christened "Mini-Pulag" by the group since it’s peaks are also covered by grass lands but not the dwarfs one like the ones in Pulag, instead, Cogon grasses abounds the summit area. Because of that, the summit commands a clear 360 degrees full view of the Batangas region including Taal and Tagaytay City, Mt. Batulao, portions of Cavite, and South China Sea within the Nasugbu area. This is one mountain where you will definitely feel that you’re "on top of the world".
Mt. Talamitan can be hiked any time of the year but since there are very few trees especially near the summit, the place is really hot during the summer months. During those periods, it is advisable to hike to the lower portions of the mountains with tree cover till late in the afternoon before making your summit assault and leave the summit before the sun rises high the next day. December is also hot during the day, although winds sometimes make the hike comfortable. During this season, the temperature drops during the night giving you a cool and comfortable sleep. September to December is also the month when the Cogons are flowering making the summit a bit whitish in color giving you a different kind of environment. Atop the summit also stands an image of the Blessed Virgin Mary facing Mt. Batulao where another statue similar to this one stood as if guarding the towns of Batangas.
To go to Talamitam, ride a bus bound for Nasugbu Batangas. Ask the driver to drop you off at Barangay Kayrilaw or Barangay Bayabasan in Nasugbu Batangas. From there you can ask for directions within the village that lies along the hi-way. Talamitam can be scaled in one full day but it’s advisable to camp on the summit area. The summit is a bit small and can only accommodate around 3 tents though there is another campsite located at the shoulder of the mountain which can hold around 4 to 5 tents.
On your way home, you can wait for buses bound from Manila along the same hi-way where you have come from but if you are in a hurry, you can catch jeepneys going to Tagaytay and from Tagaytay, it’s easier to get a bus bound for Manila.
Permits are not required in climbing Talamitam. Water sources are not available along the trail so bring enough water for the two-day trek. When the sun is up, the trails are exposed thereby bring proper gears for sun protection. Cogon grasses are also itchy when it comes into contact with the skin so long pants and long sleeved shirts are advisable. There are also carabaos along the trail so be careful some of them are not that friendly.
| "The Complete Wilderness Traveler is always prepared with adequate clothing, heat conserving survival techniques, and food reserves that require no cooking." -- Mountaineering - The Freedom of the Hills |
