20140223. Mt. Daguldol and Laiya Beach, Laiya, San Juan, Batangas

MT. DAGULDUL

The other side of Laiya beach less visited by tourist

Mount Daguldol and Laiya Beach Chronicles
This is our account on our descent to Mount Daguldol and a relaxing day at Laiya Beach.

You can view this link for our first day at Mount Daguldol and our Naambon Falls experience


Day 2 Feb 23 Sunday
0700 Wake up call. We missed the sunrise and we haven't prepared breakfast at all. But it was a nice and restful sleep and it was hard to wake up earlier than you should. And I'm on vacation! Kidding. I normally wake up before sunrise when I'm on the mountain because it's a view I never get tired of looking at. Unless there is zero visibility or the weather is cold and  perfect for hibernation. Today, there was a drizzle mixed with the soft winds that was just enough to keep you inside your tent and your dreams. Don't you just love camping?


0715 Chores. I didn't want to risk losing water for our descent so I went out to get 4 litters of water for cooking and for the girls to freshen up. Apparently, whether they wash up or brush their teeth before descending on a mountain is something that you have to take in consideration when fetching water. In any event, it was a nice and quiet walk to the water source. The fog was all around and the trees felt enchanted. It's a good thing my imagination weren't drifting to anything scary at the time or I might gone back to the camp and ask for someone to accompany me.

Path to the water source

Hut beside the water source

Water source

0900 Breakfast and coffee. We still had the half a kilo of chicken so we decided to cook this instead of our instant noodles and canned goods. It's a good thing we've already prepared our rice and we've already steamed the chicken the night before or it would take us a long time before we can pack up.

0930 Break Camp. Still, we were the last one to start the descent. We were too relaxed, and I don't really mind having that attitude. I like to enjoy every moment in a trek. But still, sorry and thank you for the people who waited for us at the jump off! And special thanks to Homer who waited for us and helped us in pack up to hasten our descent.
 

Traditional group photo before the descent

Joanne and Homer (Coordinator, Story Teller, Comedian, Cook and Photographer)

0945 Start descent. It was still raining at this time so some parts of the trail were a bit slippery, some parts were sticky and muddy and the fog was all around us. I'm just happy that the girls enjoyed this new experience. I've been blessed to be with Desiree and Joanne, they never seem to complain about anything and are just always happy even with new obstacles like this. These are people who are truly in love with nature and new adventures.
 

 
1200 In 2 hours and 15 minutes, we were able to reach the jump off. Everyone was hungry and was excited for the feast and barbeques at the beach! If you want a professional baseline on how long the descent should take, Homer took an hour and a few minutes to complete this. I took a mental note of this, it might be useful in the future in case someone needs to go down from the campsite to the town on an emergency or other circumstance.

Jump off. En route to our beach front picnic tables

The good and friendly people who waited and even offered to take photos of us. Thank you guys!

1215 Resort with floating huts. This part is a bit rocky but they do have nice floating huts.

We had a lot of time and we spent this taking a lot of pictures and enjoy the view around us. And not to mention the cool breeze and the scent of the sea and those nice rock formations.

 

 

1240 ETA. Rock formations. The rocks were just asking to be climbed. And it held a nice view of Laiya Beach too!

 

View of Laiya Beach on top of the rock

 

View of Laiya Beach on top of the rock

View of Laiya Beach on top of the rock

1300 ETA beach front picnic table. Lunch and rest.

1430 Swimming time. Poor Desiree. Since she's the best photograph in our group. She doesn't really have a lot of shots. But thank you very much for your kindness! We will always treasure your company!

1530 My main principle in life is simple: Never let an opportunity pass you by. If you want to do something, do it. That's why when I saw the huge rocks earlier, I simply just dropped my bags and just went ahead and climb it while my companions rested and just watch me. Now, far from the rocks. They realize their mistake and wanted to go back there to enjoy it. It's a good thing it was only 15 minutes away from were we are. And did they enjoy their time there! Just think of it as a suggestion for your next profile or cover pictures when you go here.

 

1600 Prepare for departure.
1700 ETD Brgy Hugom.

Final Group photo before leaving

1900 ETA Lucena Grand Terminal. We just went to the rest room and bought souvenirs. There were a lot of food to choose from. Some of us went inside SM Lucena to buy their dinner. I just bought Rice cakes, corn, ube and pastillas for pasalubong. Some of them ended up as dinner though.

Desiree and Joanne, very much happy with their new adventure and already excited for the next

2130 ETA Cubao.

Expenses in Peso:
850 - Event fee (includes all transfers, guide fee, registration fee, 2nd day lunch barbeque at the beach, use of cottage and comfort rooms)
165 Food and Supplies 
38 Breakfast
80 Pack Lunch
20 Coconut
25 Halo Halo
110 Pasalubong na naging Dinner na din
__________________________
1,288


Original itinerary was lifted from Hommer Pernia's Event Page
Day 1 Feb 22 Saturday
4:30 AM Meet up ALPS EDSA TERMINAL # 721 EDSA Southbound, Fronting Nepa Q-mart Brgy. Pinagkaisahan, Quezon City
05:00 AM ETD. Cubao. Bus. The ALPS Cubao Edsa Terminal
08:30 AM ETA San Juan, Batangas. ETD Brgy. Hugom. Chartered Jeep.
09:30 AM ETA Market Place. Breakfast
10:00 AM ETA Brgy Hugom. Secure guide and brgy fees
10:30 AM Start trekking
12:00 AM Naambon Falls (Lunch)
02:00 PM ETA Mang Lizardo's place
04:00 PM ETA Niyugan Campsite, Set Camp
05:30 PM Summit photo ops sunset
07:00 PM Dinner
08:00 PM Socials
11:00 Lights OFF???????

Day 2 Feb 23 Sunday
05:00 AM Wake up cal
06:00 AM summit photo ops sunrise *optional*
06:30 AM Breakfast
07:00 AM Break Camp
07:30 AM start descend
10:30 AM ETA Brgy Hugom
11:00 AM swimming time
12:00 PM Lunch (Hosted meal)
01:00 PM swimming Ulit
04:00 PM Prepare for departure
05:00 PM ETD Brgy Hugom
05:30 PM ETD San Juan Batangas. Bus
09:00 PM ETA Cubao
10:00 PM Home sweet Home!!!!!