Sometimes you plan a “chill hike.” Somehow you end up carrying a full pack like you’re auditioning for Survivor. Yeah, that was us at Mount Manabu.
After several days of playful (and sometimes heated) debates, Team Manabu emerged victorious against its worthy rival, Mount Tarias. With the decision made, we assembled a crew. The crew was equal parts hilarious and adventurous. It was a mix of first-timers, seasoned hikers, and a couple of wildcards.
Ten of us set out DIY-style, armed with sheer enthusiasm and questionable fitness levels. Our itinerary was part adventure, part military operation.
The plan? A chill overnight circuit hike. The reality? A mix of sweat, laughter, breathtaking views. Here’s how it all went down.
Not Escaping, Just Returning to Where We Belong
Mount Manabu is not the tallest mountain in the Philippines, not even close. But it’s one of those trails that unexpectedly captures your attention. It’s like a song you did not know was a banger until you caught yourself humming it all day. From the moment I started walking, the world I left behind—emails, deadlines, bills, the grind—faded, but not because I was escaping it. No, I was stepping into something deeper.
The trail felt alive. It breathed with the rhythm of the unseen wildlife. I heard the occasional chatter of fellow hikers. There was also the satisfying crunch of dirt under my shoes. And let me tell you—Mother Nature knows how to flex. There were towering trees that made me feel like I’d wandered into some enchanted forest.
But let me keep it real—Mount Manabu isn’t a walk in the park. Okay, it is at first, but the incline creeps up on you like an unexpected plot twist. My thighs were burning. My back was aching. I was carrying personal and community water, my sleep system, food supplies, clothes, a camera, and other essentials. Yet every bead of sweat felt like a badge of honor.
About halfway up, I caught my breath at one of the famous rest stops—Manabu’s Alamid coffee. Yes, coffee. On a mountain. It was like stumbling into a café in the middle of nowhere, equipped with freshly brewed, strong-as-your-worst-ex civet coffee. Sitting there, sipping that liquid, courage, it hit me: This wasn’t escapism. It was realism. Every step felt grounding like my feet weren’t just walking but replanting me where I truly belonged. Ah, the joy of hiking. After finishing two cups, I felt energized again.
The view from the summit was wide and wild, a patchwork of greens and blues that made me gasp, reminding me of how different it was from my city. I stood there, catching my breath, only to lose it all over again in awe of the beauty surrounding me. The wind wasn’t just a gentle breeze; it felt like the mountain was saying, “You’re here. You’re home.”
The Itinerary: Our DIY Overnight Circuit
Our group of 10 set out on what we thought would be a “chill” hike. Spoiler: “chill” is subjective when you’re hauling a full pack. But it was the kind of adventure you’d look back on and laugh about, even as your thighs were crying mid-trail.
Note: The timestamps below are based on our pacing, group size, and the activities we enjoyed along the way (like random TikTok breaks and extended photo ops). These may vary depending on your group’s dynamics, load, and fitness level.
Day 1
- 0600H: Assemble at Jollibee, LRT Buendia. Breakfast was non-negotiable.
- 0700H: Hop on a bus bound for SM Lipa (₱188).
- 0930H: Arrive at SM Lipa. Stock up on snacks we didn’t need but couldn’t resist.
- 1000H: Stop by the barangay hall for registration and payment of the environmental fee (₱30). This is mandatory before proceeding to the jump-off point.
- 1030H: Tricycle ride to Sulok Manabu Jump-Off Point (₱250 per ride, good for 3-4 pax).
- 1131H: Start trekking the traditional trail. Warm-ups? Just a TikTok dance.
- Stations 1 to 4: Steady progress with water and coffee breaks, occasional assaults (steep inclines), and even a mini rope segment for extra fun.
- 1414H: Reach the summit. Station 5, marked by a cross, greets you at the top with stunning views and a well-earned rest.
- 1617H: Set up camp. It was cozy chaos.
- 1718H: Watch the sunset at the camp site. The glow made every step worth it.
- 1743H: Prep dinner. Adobo, stir-fried tofu and beans, never tasted so good.
- 1843H: Dinner and socials.
- 2230H: Lights out.
Day 2
- 0600H: Wake-up call to catch the sunrise.
- 0700H: Breakfast with lots of coffee because caffeine = survival.
- 0800H: Break camp, ensuring we left no trace.
- 0900H: Descend via the Grotto Trail. It’s a steeper but scenic path.
- 1147H: Back at the JOP. Quick wash-up, with stories flowing about who slipped where.
- 1400H: Tricycle back to SM Lipa, then a celebratory meal.
- 1700H: Return to Manila, tired but fulfilled.
What to Expect: Mount Manabu’s Trails and Summit
Mount Manabu stands at 760 MASL (meters above sea level). While that might sound modest, don’t underestimate it. The traditional trail has gentle ascents. It also has sections that make your legs burn in all the right ways. It’s a well-marked path surrounded by lush greenery and occasional wildlife (snakes, birds).
Mount Manabu, is part of the Malipunyo or Malepunyo Mountain Range in Batangas. Its name is a shortened version of Mataas na Bundok, meaning “high mountain.”
Alamid Coffee Stop
Halfway up, you’ll come across a famous rest stop that serves freshly brewed alamid coffee. It’s an iconic Batangas experience, and yes, it’s free (though tips are welcome).
Station 5: The Cross at the Summit
The summit, marked by a large cross, offers a 360-degree postcard-worthy view. On clear days, you can see:
- Mount Maculot
- Taal Lake
- Mount Makiling
- Mount Banahaw
The summit wind is nature’s version of a hug, a reminder of why you started the hike in the first place. One of my favorite moments was sitting there, looking out at the horizon. There’s something about standing on a peak that makes all the noise of everyday life feel so far away.
How to Get to Mount Manabu
From Manila to Lipa City:
- Take a bus bound for Lipa City from terminals like JAM Liner, ALPS, or DLTB in Cubao or Buendia. From Buendia Terminal: ~₱188 one-way.
From SM Lipa to Barangay Hall:
- Hire a jeepney or tricycle to the barangay hall for registration and payment of the environmental fee (~₱30).
From Barangay Hall to Jump-Off Point (Sulok, Manabu):
- Proceed via jeepney or tricycle. Tricycles cost ₱200- ₱250 per ride (good for 3-4 pax)
Back to Manila:
- Reverse the journey: tricycle/jeep to SM Lipa, then a bus back to Manila.
Budget Breakdown
Transportation:
- Bus (Manila to SM Lipa, round trip): ₱376
- Tricycle (SM Lipa to JOP, one way: ₱200-250 (group sharing)
Registration and Fees:
- Barangay hall registration and environmental fee: ₱30
Food and Snacks:
- Trail food: ₱100-200
- DIY packed meals: ₱200-300
Wash-up fee at JOP: ₱25
Estimated Total Budget: ₱1000-1200 per person
Why You Should Hike Mount Manabu
Mount Manabu isn’t just a mountain—it’s a reminder. A reminder that life isn’t something to escape; it’s something to walk through, one step at a time. You don’t hike to leave your worries behind; you hike to return to where you belong.
Here’s what I realized on Mount Manabu: Life gets messy, and the world tells us we need to hustle harder, go faster, and do more. But hiking flips that script. It reminds us that we’re not here to outrun life; we’re here to walk through it. The outdoors doesn’t distract us from reality; it’s the most honest version of it.
Between the camaraderie, the views, and the grounding power of nature (plus coffee), Mount Manabu feels like a homecoming. So yeah, if you ever feel like you need to “escape,” maybe you just need to come back. Back to where the earth hums, the air tastes fresher, and life slows to the beat of your own two feet. Just remember: pack light, bring your sense of wonder, and maybe save a little room for alamid coffee and laughter along the way.
And if that place happens to be Mount Manabu? Trust me, you’re in for a revelation.
