Its name is derived from the phrase "Mataas Na Bundok." Mt. Manabu has gorgeous flora and distinct fauna on its terrain, which is usually composed of tall hardwood and fruit-bearing trees, coconuts, shrubs, and grasses. This type of terrain serves as a paradise for the civet cats that produce expensive coffee. In addition, its summit has a wide view of the mountain ranges from afar and the nearby villages and a cool and refreshing sea breeze.
Mt. Manabu difficulty and the trails: The first part is walking on a trail by the village, where the terrain is covered with grass, fruit-bearing trees, bananas, coconuts, and animals like horses, cows, and goats. Though the trail is considered a simple to moderate type, the soil is dusty during dry but sticky and slippery during the wet season. Like the other mountains of Laguna and Batangas, the hikers are being serenaded by the lullabies of the birds. To descend, you can choose either the back trail or the circuit passing by the different stations. The circuit is longer than the back trail, and the terrain is covered with thick grass, shrubs, and trees. The trail has uphill and downhill parts.
Introducing the Alamid Coffee (Civet Cat): Every time I hike Mount Manabu, I always make sure that I have time to take a rest at the house of Tatay Pirying to drink a few cups of civet coffee. Civet coffee is said to be one of the most expensive coffee in the world – well Batangas has that! What happens is that coffee beans are eaten by civet cats, digested, and poopz. The digestion helps make the coffee beans refined. Tatay is always hospitable to all the hikers passing by his house.
Height: 760+ MASL. Hiking this elevation to the campsite and summit: It has a wide and open space for campers. If you prefer a spot that’s hidden, you can explore the forested different sides. The campsite is covered with grass, and it is like a park or a playground. From afar, the Malipunyo ranges, Susong Dalaga and other mountains nearby are visible. The air is cool, fresh, and relaxing. On the other hand, on its summit, there is a cross erected.
How to Get to Mt. Manabu: From EDSA-Cubao, we rode in a bus bound for Lipa, Batangas, where we chartered a tricycle to Brgy. Sulok. Registration fees are to be collected at the jump-off; toilet and bath facilities are available.
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