Start:	Mar 8, '08 04:00a
End:	Mar 9, '08 5:00p
Location:	Lucban, Quezon

MT. BANAHAW DE LUCBAN
Lucban, Quezon
Major Jump-off: Brgy. Ayuti, Lucban, Quezon
LLA: 14°04'N 121°30'E 1875 MASL
Days required / Hours to summit: 2 days, 5-6 hours
Specs: Major climb, Difficulty 5/9, Trail class 3

BACKGROUND
Mt. Banahaw de Lucban is one mountain where the challenge does not lie in the steepness or length of the trails, but in the flora and fauna thereof. Its misty forest has an immaculate quality when viewed in pictures, but it is actually a wild jungle: trees and views grow in an anarchic fashion, obstructing the trails and creating a obstacle course, decked with infinite thorns and spikes. Meanwhile, different species of blood leeches pose a constant menace: the green-striped leech (seen in photo) is known as bulalangwan and is notorious for attacking soft tissues. Wild boar, deer, and monkeys have been sighted in the forest; its rich biodiversity has gained scientific interest. This environment is uninterrupted from the basecamp to the summit; the trees obstruct not only movement but vision: there are no views atop this mountain, making it appreciable only to true enthusiasts who will enjoy the '4x4 trekking' in a less-frequented, pristine mountain trail.

This mountain is part of the Banahaw complex, together with Mt. Banahaw and Mt. Cristobal. Contrary to some reports, it is actually not covered by the DENR ban on climbing in Mt. Banahaw. From Los Baños and other towns, it is perfectly conical in shape, giving it a Mayon-like appearance. Although it does not have the rich culture and mysticism of its more popular counterparts, its abovementioned jungle gives it a unique and notable characteristic. Set in the highland town of Lucban, Quezon (525 MASL), it is bounded to the southwest by the town of Majayjay, Laguna, whose famed Taytay Falls has become part of the ideal Banahaw de Lucban itinerary, because of its proximity and accessibility from the trail.

The first part of the trek is a one hour walk from Brgy. Ayuti, Lucban to the ranger station of Southern Luzon Polytechnic University. The rough road here is spacious, and leads to the PLDT relay station with its towers. Beyond this is the ranger station, where you can spend the night before proceeding the next day to the summit. Here there is electricity and you can spend the night inside the station. Very early the next day, you can start the assault. With a light pack, it takes 4-5 hours to reach the summit; the trails are virtually unchanged except for a part where a river runs along an old magma flow uncovered by a landslide (~1100 MASL). This counts as a water source. Tree ferns, rattan-like vines and spiked palms dominate the scene throughout. Periodically, elevation markings can be seen posted in the trees.

There is a clearing at the summit that counts as a campsite. The atmosphere is similar with that of the crater campsite of Cristobal. A water source is available here. A nearby area is referred to as After returning to the basecamp, the trip to Taytay Falls in Majayjay requires another 2-3 hours. This waterfall has exceedingly clear waters, and is further discussed in a separate article.

It has become a local saying in Lucban that whenever somebody climbs Mt. Banahaw de Lucban, it rains in the mountain. When the author asked if this is true, one local quipped: (pinoymountaineer.com)

Day 1
March 8, 2008

02:00 am assembly at LRT Buendia via Green star Bus
03:00 am ETD for Sta.Cruz,Laguna
05:30 am Take jeepney trip to sta.cruz-lucban
07:00 am ETA Lucban, Take trycycle to barangay ayuti
08:00 am ETA Ranger Station
08:00 am Organize Campsit/Breakfast
09:00 am Start Trek/Summit Assault
10:00 am ETA old magma flow
11:00 am Major stop/rest area
12:00 pm ETA Mukha
01:00 pm ETA Summit/eploration.lunch
02:00 pm start descent to rangrer station
05:00 pm ETA Ranger station
05:00 pm prepare dinner
07:00 pm dinner
08:00 pm socials
10:00 pm lights out

Day 2
March 9, 2008

06:00 am wake up call/prepare breakfast&lunch
07:00 am breakfast and breakcamp
08:00 am start trek/descent to taytay falls
10:30 am ETA Taytay Falls/Prepare Lunch
11:30 am lunch
02:00 pm Departure to manila
03:00 pm Take bus bound for LRT Buendia or Cubao
06:00 pm Back in Manila