2025 Year-end Hike in Mt. Manabu, Yet Again!

It has become an annual tradition for my brother and I to do a quick year-end hike on the very last day of the year.  Fortunately, Mt. Manabu in Lipa, Batangas makes this possible for us. Since my brother was driving, traveling early on the morning of December 31 was quick. It only took us  1.5 hours to get to the jump-off, including a brief stop at the registration area (Google map link here) in Barangay Sulok (30 Pesos each). On regular days, taking a bus to Lipa usually takes around 2.5 hours, stops included.

From there, we headed straight up the trail and reached Station 5 (Manong Pirying/Tata Tino's old hut) after about 1.5 hours.  Along the way, we passed a small store at Station 2 run by one of Tata Tino’s relatives. Just like old times, they were offering free, freshly brewed coffee to hikers. I always make it a point to grab a cup and pick up some of their fresh harvest on our way back.  This year, I was able to buy some guyabano and ginger, 

This year however, the trail felt different. Unlike in previous years where we had ran into people along the trail,  my brother and I had the mountain to ourselves. For a moment I worried that this mountain had been forgotten but seeing a nice new signage at the summit probably meant there were more visitors than ever. 

Fortunately, the sky was clear, and while having lunch, we were treated to a beautiful view of Tagaytay and its surrounding lake.  Most of the time I had visited, clouds had covered the entire view, which made this hike extra memorable. 

We were back home by late in the afternoon, just in time for the new year celebration with family.

Thank you, 2025! You had been an interesting year.