Hagarin Outdoor Guild Open Climb

MT. KALISUNGAN
Calauan, Laguna 17-18Jul2010
Jump-off point: Erais Farms, Brgy. Lamot, Calauan
LLA: 14° 08.790N; 121° 20.683E; 760 MASL
Days required / Hours to summit: 1 day / 2.5 hours
Specs: Minor climb, Difficulty 3/9, Trail class 1-2

BACKGROUND

In Laguna, there is a mountain that has many names. Some call it Mt. Calauan or Mt. Nagcarlan after the two towns it borders; others call it Mt. Lamot because it lies in Brgy. Lamot, and it may have been a mossy forest a long time ago. There is growing consensus, however, that this mountain, rising to 760 MASL, should be known as Mt. Kalisungan. Japanese guerillas, at the twilight of World War II, made Mt. Kalisungan their last stand in Laguna. Afterwards, locals erected a white cross at its peak. It has become a local Holy Week custom to climb the mountain. Throughout the year, Mt. Kalisungan receives ample rainfall, and because of its relatively rustic location, its great charm lies in its serenity. Verdant fields surround the slopes of Kalisungan. There are coconut trees, banana plantations, corn fields, citrus orchards, and vast grasslands leading to the summit. As one goes higher, the view becomes more distinct: directly in front of you, to the north, is Talim island with its Mt. Tagapo shaped like a young woman’s breast; you can also see Jalajala peninsula jutting into Laguna Lake like a ship, with Mt. Sembrano on its helm. Moving your eyes to east, the highlands of Caliraya appear. And once you reach the peak,
you will be able to glimpse upon the seven lakes of San Pablo, flanked by Mt. Cristobal and Mt. Banahaw. Then, from a distance there is Mt. Makiling, to the west, completing the circle.

ITINERARY

17Jul2010

0800 Board Green Star bus bound to Sta. Cruz from LRT-Buendia (P115)
1030 Alight at Victoria, Laguna (at the Duck junction). Take tricycle to Brgy. Lumot
1130 ETA Brgy. Lamot. Ask for the way up. You may park your vehicle here.
1200 Start trek
1500 ETA summit. It is marked with a white cross. (socials na!walang light off)

18Jul2010

0700 Start descent
0900 Back at Brgy. Lamot. Take tricycle to Victoria, Laguna
(pwede tayong mg side trip sa mga nearby resort) Open time ang uwian.

SPECIAL CONCERNS

Transportation. Two bus lines ply the Manila-Sta. Cruz route: namely Green Star with its terminal at LRT-Gil Puyat Stn (Buendia) and HM Transport in EDSA-Cubao. As of October 2008, the fare is around P115 to reach the Duck junction. Logistics. No registration fee or permit is required as of October 2008. The traditional jumpoff is the Erais Farms in Brgy. Lamot, though if it is closed alternative trailheads exist just near the Farms.

Reference: www.pinoymountaineer.com