We’ve been longing for a climb for quite too long now, hence we suddenly decided to check mountains to climb on. We didn’t actually plan to check on them, it just so happen that one mountain was closed for climbing and the other too. Not only that, as if the heaven forbids us to wind up with the nature and also a park which happened to be our last resort as day-off destination was also closed that day.
If you are wondering which mountains and park I am talking about let me list them one by one together with their 2022 update.
1. The first one is Mt. Buntis, located in Maragondon, it should be an easy climb as of what I have read about it, but the only activity they offer is camping on the campsite, which is also open for an overnight stay, and RTV.
Budget wise: They offer a nipa hut cottage room for P1,500 including the entrance fee. Or you can opt to bring your own tent and just pay P150 per head and P350 each if overnight.
Activity: They offer RTV activity that ranges from P1000 to P3000 depending on the trail you will choose. According to the caretaker, since it is heavily raining, climbing Mt. Buntis is not allowed and we should wait for the weather to be sunny at least 3 days. So we told them, that we’ll be back when hiking is allowed because that is the activity we are looking for.
2. We then headed to Pico De Loro (Mt. Palay-palay) without knowing if it’s finally operating. It was close during Pandemic and still is not operating since then. But perhaps we need to see it for ourselves if it’s now open or not, we headed on. And since it is on this list, yes, Pico De Loro, which is also in Maragondon, is still close.
Update: According to the staff we have inquired, it will be operating soon this year we only need to wait for an update on their fb page. I’ve climbed it twice already but it’s no big deal to climb it for the third time. I’m sure they changed some trail.
3. Buhay Forest in Magallanes is the park I am talking about which also happened to be closed that day. Which is why I have no idea how much should be the budget because we haven’t spoken to anyone except to the other couple who mistakenly thought, like us, that it is open today.
Update: They are close every Monday and Tuesday to give way for their disinfection.
View: Anyway, since some part is open for the public even if they are closed, I got the chance to take photos with the view…
I’m sorry I forgot to get contact details to make it easier for you to inquire. But I’ve put all the important details here which could help you in your plan and itinerary, if you choose to go on one of these.
All in all, although we weren’t able to fully enjoy the nature, we were still satisfied by the road trips and we still spent quality time together so yes, the day off was still awesome.
Thank you and God bless on your trip!
Meanwhile, here are the photos we’ve taken along the way (and you may click this link https://youtu.be/NKTAMVY9hzo for our video documentation):
