“Travel and Pray – a One-stop Climb”


“Kain, Tulog, Repeat”. This becomes our routine since Enhanced Community Quarantine has been implemented. We are down to the second month of this kind of life and no one knows when it will end. Social media platforms now are full of posts like “after this quarantine, we all deserve this blah, blah, blah…” Some people already planned for their travels, while some wanted to visit churches to thank God. We can do these things both, we can travel and pray at the same time. If you’re looking for adventure, excitement, and peace of mind you better read this blog.
“The hardest climb will give you the great view”. This quote summarizes the things that we should expect if we are planning to include Mt. Maculot on our bucket list after this quarantine. It is one of the most popular day trip destinations not only for beginner but also by seasoned hikers because of its possessed beauty and the breath-taking scenery. This mountain has three different destinations, the Grotto, Summit, and Rockies. Are you ready? Let’s start this adventure!
  



  

Grotto (510 MASL)
This is also known as “Our Lady of Lourdes”. Approximately, it took almost 1 and a half hour before we reach the Grotto. It consists of 1000 stair steps with 14 stations. Each station represents the passion of the Christ or a final period in the life of Jesus leading to his crucifixion on Mount Calvary. We can have a little prayer in every station before heading in to “grotto”. Since there are cemented stairs all the way up to the grotto, it is quite easy compared to the other two destinations.


Summit Point
Were about to take our second destination which would require more stamina since it is the way towards summit is no longer cemented stairs. The first part of the trail was a flat surface surrounded by grasses and trees. There are some segments of the trail is still rocky. In addition, there are also segments in the trail that you need to use rope especially before we reach the summit point. Tour guides call it rappelling, the series of ropes helps you to move yourself upward. The trail is steeper and there are no more rest stations along the way.





Rockies (706 MASL)
This is the last destination of our adventure in Mt. Maculot. The trail going up this peak is the steepest compare to the other two destinations. It will require you stamina and confidence to reach the top. What’s more challenging is that the trail is dusty which makes it so slippery. If you are not careful enough, you might slide down until the base. After that descent, you will be challenged by a short rock-climbing course. This climbing course will really enhance your rock-climbing skills. Local tour guides will support you on your way up and instruct you where to put your hands and feet next. After the hardest climb, the breath-taking view of Taal Lake and Taal Volcano will greet you.






This Mt. Maculot is located in Cuenca, Batangas, a thirty-minute travel from the City of Lipa.






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