hiking, Dito Kay Shellan

Mt. Pulag Overnight Itinerary: Mighty and Spectacular Sea of Clouds

Mt. Pulag, having an MASL of 2,926, is considered as the highest mountain in Luzon and third in the whole country. And although there is a trail specifically made for easy climb, called Ambangeg, please bear in mind that it is a major climb and not for the faint hearted. The very reason why though we picked Ambangeg trail, we still set an overnight climb. Another primary reason is we want to experience an overnight camping at the Mighty Pulag (Camp 2).

We have seen many majestic photos of the sea of clouds at the summit of Mt. Pulag that left us awestruck on social media but being able to witness it personally is not a 100% assurance. Just like the gamble of riding for miles to witness the beauty of Mt. Mayon hoping to let her perfect cone be seen is not a 100% assurance. I am deeply humbled by God’s permission to allow me and my husband witness both.

I’ve list down important things you should know before climbing Mt. Pulag Overnight, particularly with Ambangeg Trail:

1. There are 3 trails available, Akiki being the hardest and Ambangeg the easiest, you can traverse using either of the two trails available or according to your preference. Here is the video documentation of our trip, containing much more information regarding the trails of Pulag, also to help you visualize it more: Mt. Pulag Overnight Itinerary: Mighty and Spectacular Sea of Clouds

2. Medical clearance stating you are fit to climb is required. You can either bring your own or get one along the way going to Pulag. There is a designated place for getting the said certificate.

3. The start of Ambangeg trail, which is at the Ranger Station, is already elevated by more than 1000 MASL.

4. The trail is easy and is not a continuous ascent, also not too steep, but as you go higher the air thickens and expect grasping for air.

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5. Don’t forget to look around, up, and down. You might miss the beauty of the rain forest and the small details. Sayang naman ang punta kung mamimis-out mo ‘yun. ☺️

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6. Baguio itself is cold during the 4th Quarter of the year, so expect 100% colder experience at Pulag and bring winter jacket, gloves, bonet, thick socks.

7. Water sources are available. As for me, it is safe to drink.

8. There are two camping areas, Camp 1 and 2. We stayed at Camp 2 for overnight and from there went to the summit.

9. There are available insulator at the Ranger Station for rent, P100 each. This will be a big help to keep you warm inside your tent. Because man, I tell you, the coldness at night to dawn is no joke.

10. No store along the trail and at the camping areas. The only stores where you can buy stuff you have forgotten is at the orientation area and at the Ranger Station.

11. You can cook at the camping areas. Here at Biyahe ni Jhas, he even served us buffet dinner and buffet breakfast, only using butane. Please be extra careful with your butane. We don’t want to harm the environment with the things we bring, ayt?

12. Toilet/CRs are available at the camping areas.

13. Bring down your own trash.

14. If you would like to avoid crowds, schedule your climb on weekdays.

15. Habal is available at the trail near ranger station.

And, here are the photos we took during the climb up to reaching the spectacular sea of clouds at the summit:

Have a safe and wonderful trip. Message or comment below for the info regarding the recommendable travel tour for your trip here. To witness a much spectacular sea of clouds watch our video documentation until the end here : https://youtu.be/prOfWBgwYEk?si=IOFMnK8hu12yh6g6

I know you are looking for the itinerary and budget breakdown, so here:

Itinerary

8:30 PM – left Bacoor, Cavite

4:30 AM – Medical Certificate Station / Breakfast

7: 00 AM – Registration / DENR / Orientation

9:30 AM – Ranger Station / Early Lunch

11:10 AM – Start of Trek

12: 00 NN – Camp 1

3:00 PM – Camp 2 / Tent Pitching

4:00 PM – Tower

5:00 PM – Dinner / Clean-up

6:00 PM – Free time

7:00 PM – Sleep

4:00 AM – Coffee

4:30 AM – Trek to Summit

6:00 AM – Summit

8:00 AM – Camp 2 / Breakfast / Clean-up / Wrap-up

9:30 AM – Descent

12:00 NN – Ranger Station / Clean-up

1:00 PM – Going back to Manila

11:00 PM – Bacoor, Cavite

Budget Breakdown

4500 – Transpo / Registration / Tour Guide / Event Fee / 2 Buffet – Dinner and Breakfast

150 – Habal-Habal

150 – Medical Certificate

100 – Insulator for rent

Mt. Mariglem Traverse Dayhike x 3 Rivers: What to Avoid

Posted on October 8 by shellan

Mt. Mariglem has an MASL of 576, and perhaps the very reason why many hikers, mostly beginners, presume that she is an easy climb. Well, if you categorized yourself as beginner in trekking and hiking, you would not tag Mt. Mariglem an easy climb. Why? I’ve list down the reasons below:

1. The trail is a continuous ascent and vice versa. Mt. Batulao is 100-200 MASL higher but I can confidently say that Mt. Batulao is easier because the trail is a mix of “up and down”.

2. There are literally no trees along the trail to give you shade. Trees are 50 percent lesser than Mt. Batulao. So don’t try to start your trek later than 5:00 AM, especially if it’s summer. Otherwise, bring umbrella and put cool fever strips on your forehead and nape.

3. It’s either bring a lot of extra money or bring a lot of water. The smallest bottle of mineral water and sodas amount to P60. I know we should expect them to be that pricey because of the effort these locals do to bring their refreshments at the peaks but there’s a line that separates being greedy and taking opportunity.

4. Wear trek sandals because there are 3 rivers you’ll be crossing. There is a store at the jumpoff where you can buy a pair in case you did not wear/bring yours. We did our hike on October (rainy season) and we crossed the rivers measuring just above the knees, I stand around 5’5″ tall.

5. You can cook, tambay and swim at one of the rivers. Bring your own matt because there are no cottages near the area.

But although there are things you need to avoid, there are also things you’ll be grateful for trekking Mt. Mariglem, to which I’ve listed below:

1. Awestruck panoramic mountain view. It’s like you are infront of an IMAX theater only this time you are watching a live and real panoramic beauty of the nature.

2. The river is magical to look at because it is crystal clear in the shade of aqua blue.

3. If you are looking for an extra thrill, ride kolong-kolong/habal-habal and thank me later. It cost P100 per person and can accommodate up to 4 to 5 passengers. But yeah, it’s optional.

4. There are four peaks before the actual summit, showcasing different perspective of the beauty of the mountain range.

5. There is a community that feels like you’re being transported back to the 90s where our fences are made of woods, trees, and plants. I cannot completely explain it so here are the photos:

And, here are the photos we took during the climb and at the river:

To help you visualize more our trip at Mt. Mariglem, visit this video documentation: Mariglem x River

It is always more beautiful to experience the place first hand and be amazed with the proofs of the greatness of God.

Have a safe and wonderful trip. Message or comment below for the info regarding the recommendable travel tours for your trip here. Here’s a proof that this travel tour is recommendable:

I know you are looking for the itinerary and budget breakdown, so here:

Itinerary

9:30 PM – left Bacoor, Cavite
4:00 AM – Breakfast at Zambales
4: 40 AM – Registration
5:30 AM – Start of Trek
9:30 AM – Summit
10:00 AM – Descent to River 2
12:00 NN – Arrived at River 2 / Buffet Lunch (provided by the tour) / river swimming
2:00 PM – Back to Registeration Area
3:00 PM – Registration Area / Clean-up
4:00 PM – Back to Cavite / Manila

Budget Breakdown

1600 – Transpo / Registration / Tour Guide / Event Fee / Buffet Lunch
25 – Bathroom use
60 – Refreshments

100 – Kolong-kolong / Habal – Habal (per pax, per ride)

Rewarding Scenic Beauty at Mt. Batulao

Posted on August 26 by shellan

Of all the beginner-friendly mountains these climbers tagged, Mt. Batulao is one of the few that really is a beginner-friendly. If you are looking for your first mountain to climb, you might want to consider Mt. Batulao. Truly, with less physical effort, a rewarding scenic beauty at Mt. Batulao awaits you. It is so far, based on my experience, the epitome of a “chill climb” next to Gulugud Baboy. Although, I don’t remember claiming these words on our first and previous climb here which can be read here: Up and Down to the top of Mt. Batulao

Anyway, I’ve listed down the best qualities and reasons to climb Mt. Batulao:

1. As I have mentioned, with less physical effort, a rewarding scenic beauty awaits you. Of course, assuming that you are physically active. If not, then, it can still be exhausting on your part.

2. Ridges are pretty awesome and will be more cinematic if one will do drone shots here. I can say that it can be likened to the mountain ridges we see on tiktok and fb reels.

3. There are 12 peaks, which will help you anticipate how much more or long you need to go through before reaching the top. It’s like a countdown.

4. As for now, it is underrated, or probably because most don’t know that Mt. Batulao is open again after closing for rehabilitation for several years. So yeah, there ae less tourist on the location even on weekends. Well, if I were to compare Batulao to other famous mountains, such as Pulag and Rizal’s. This also means, less waiting time for the opportunity to have decent photos on the beautiful spots. And imagine on weekdays, you’ll get “wantosawa” photo opportunities.

5. Refreshments and food are available on the trail and on the top on weekends and holidays but they are closed on weekdays. So pack your own if you’re going to sched your hike on weekdays.

6. You have the option to use the new trail or old trail or both by doing a traverse. Numerous pass-through fees are still implemented here (P20-P30) probably because some part are privately-owned.

7. If you are fond of rapelling, then Mt. Batulao is perfect for you. Some part of the trail require rapelling or rock climbing but the difficulty level is very low.

8. Most part of Mt. Batulao, including on the summit, the network signals are available.

9. Here is the video documentary of our climb here to help you visualize your climb here: Mt. Batulao (Mountain Ridges, Rapelling, etc.)

And, here are the proofs of the scenic beauties at Mt. Batulao, crafted by the most creative and gracious God who allowed us to witness these, though the weather forecast told us otherwise:

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Have a safe and wonderful trip. Message or comment below for the info regarding the recommendable travel tours for your trip here.

I know you are looking for the itinerary and budget breakdown, so here:

Itinerary

2:00 AM – left Bacoor, Cavite

4:00 AM – arrived at Brgy. Kaylaway / Registration / Breakfast

4: 40 AM – start of trek

6:00 AM – witness sunrise / rest

7:20 AM – Summit

8:00 AM – Descent to Peak 8

9:00 AM – Peak 8 / Early Unli Lunch (provided by the tour)

10:00 AM – Descent back to jump off

11:00 AM – Registration Area / Clean-up

12:00 NM – Back to Cavite / Manila

Budget Breakdown

1500 – Transpo / Registration / Tour Guide / Event Fee / Unli Food

25 to 100 – Bathroom use (depending on how much water you are going to use)

Mascap Trilogy Dayhike turned Twin Hike: Espadang Bato and Mt. Ayaas

Posted on August 6 by shellan

This is a must read Mascap Dayhike experienced so you can avoid your plan of trilogy hike to becoming a twin hike, that is if you still have the energy after Espadang Bato and Mt. Ayaas.

Many article or content found on social media claimed that Mascap Trilogy Hike is beginner-friendly and can be categorized as minor. Don’t believe those claims, especially if it’s your first time climbing a mountain, unless you went through proper training beforehand. Aside from that, I have listed below what to expect and know about Mascap Trilogy aside from the basic hiking ethiquette:

1. Don’t wear sandals. Part of the ascend to Espadang Bato is rocky, and can cut skin.

2. Do cardio exercises days before your climb.

3. Arrive at Brgy. Mascap not later than 4AM or if you really want to experience the trilogy hike do it on weekdays so there will be less tourists or set your hike to an overnight instead.

4. You are about to wait 2 to 3 hours at Espadang Bato to have a wonderful photo at the spot.

5. Prepare extra money (P 200) for drone shots on Espadang Bato.

6. Meals and water are available at the campsite but they are quite pricey.

7. Some important details can be viewed here: https://youtu.be/5_LUelV1Ma0?si=fLT_HY2QsZFXKNPh

Meanwhile, here are the instagrammable photos we have taken at the place, showcasing how wonderful and magnificent God’s creations are:

Have a safe and wonderful trip. Message or comment below for the info regarding the recommendable travel tours for your trip here.

I know you are looking for the itinerary and budget breakdown, so here:

Itinerary

12.30 AM – left Bacoor, Cavite
4:00 AM – arrived at Brgy. Mascap / Registration / Breakfast
5: 30 AM – start of trek
7:00 AM – 1st Summit (Mt. Ayaas)
9:45 AM – Junction
10:30 AM – Start of trek to Eapadang Bato
12:30 PM – 2nd Summit (Espadang Bato)
2:45 PM – Start of photo op for our group
3: 30 PM – Start of trek back to Junction
4:30 PM – Rest at Junction
4:45 PM – Trek to Jump off
6:00 PM – Registration Area / Clean-up
6:45 PM – Back to Manila / Cavite
9:30 PM – Bacoor, Cavite

Budget Breakdown

1500 – Transpo / Registration / Tour Guide / Event Fee
200 – Drone shot
40 to 150 – Meal
50 – 1L mineral water
10 to 25 – Bathroom use

Mt. Pinatubo and its Adrenaline Activities

Posted on January 24, 2025 by shellan

Mt. Pinatubo is one of the destinations that climbers and non climbers would agree to put on their travel bucket list. It is coined as “A Beautiful Disaster” of the Philippines, and it seems that everybody wants to know why or perhaps to just simply witness its beauty first hand. And since we are at the age of social media, where we can easily view and be influenced by the hype and be enchanted by the beautiful sceneries world wide, Mt. Pinatubo has become more popular, especially to the youth.

But what should we really expect to experience by trekking Mt. Pinatubo? If you’re in a rush and preferred a motion documentation, here’s the link for it (⁠☞ﾟ⁠∀ﾟ⁠)⁠☞Mt. Pinatubo and its Adrenaline Activities Video Documentation you can view our adventure there.

Anyway, since here you are continuing to read my written blah blah blah, allow me to start lay down our adventure at Mt. Pinatubo with the instagrammable photos below:

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Now that you know that Mt. Pinatubo is really worth that booking/trip, you should also know that trekking it comes with not so-okay experience — perhaps, a beautiful disaster. Here, I’ve already made a list of the things you should know and consider before booking a trip:

1. If you live far from Tarlac, this will not be an easy trip. We were from NCR and Cavite and we left around 12MN to be able to arrive at the drop off / registration point in time. So if you’re not used to getting sleep on a moving vehicle, this will be a challenge. So might as well bring something that could help you sleep comfortable, like pillow neck.

We arrived at Capas, Tarlac around 4:30AM and start the registration process where we signed waivers. Also, 40 and above YO climbers are required to undergo blood pressure check-up before setting off.

By the way, there are several registration places.

2. Do not book your trip on weekends if you are not a fan of crowded area. And when I say crowded, I mean CROOOWWDEED. If you haven’t checked the link above, where you can watch our video documentation, here’s a short clip to help you visualize what I meant:

According to our source, we were more than 1,000 tourists that Saturday, where around 300 units of 4×4 vehicle were dispatched by the tourism office.

3. 4×4 vehicle is a required ride to get to the starting point of trekking. It comes on different models and can accommodate 4 pax at most. Many preferred a jeepney type where tourists can stand and feel the adrenaline rush of being tossed around since the ride is an off-road.

Please spare being brats and be picky with the 4×4 vehicle. Accept what is assigned to your group. Most jeepney owners are Katutubo (Indigenous people). Aside from that, being assigned with a closed 4×4 vehicle is a heaven on the way back. Because who wants to be tossed around when you are already exhausted. We learned that as we ride back at the jump off / registration point, sleeping like a baby.

Yes, you can bring your own 4×4 off road vehicle but you need to process its registration at the tourism office.

4. Most part of the off road areas are used for military trainings so there’s a chance to get stranded while you wait for the training to get done.

5. Katutubo. They are seen all over the municipality. They are the original locals of Capas, Tarlac. The local government has given them job opportunities by enlisting them as tour guides. Although, they are going to be paid by the LGU, be generous to your tour guide and tip them big time. And most especially, be respectful of them.

Also, I advice you to bring spare money or food so you can buy and give it away (though they don’t ask for it, they wait for tourists to initiate) to the katutubo who sells stuff along the trail.

I have learned, upon interviewing our guide, that their lands were taken away from them by the national government since former Pres. Ramos has declared their area non-inhabitant. They didn’t push for an uprise, though. Instead, they find other ways how to sustain their lives in their hometown.

6. You can bring your own food / packed lunch if you are on a budget. But if you prefer to travel with less bagage, food and drinks are very much available along the trail. They even have inasal there.

7. The trail is somehow can be described as a walkathon rather than hiking. It is easy and very much beginner friendly but the walkathon is also tiring and exhausting. But worth it.

8. Remember your tour guide’s face and name, just in case you still picked weekend for your trip and got mixed with thousand of people at the crater. You will spot them after several minutes because he/she will also look for you.

Also, don’t fall in line at the crater unless you want a drone shot and pay.

9. The trail is a mix of rocky and shallow river trek. So, yeah, it’s better to wear sandals.

And, here’s our day hike itinerary to help you plan out your trip:

1:00 AM – leave Manila

4:30 AM – Regstration Point / Drop Off / Breakfast / Prep Up / Waiting in line

6:30 AM – Board 4×4

7:30 AM – start of trek

10:30 AM – Mt. Pinatubo Crater / Lunch / Rest / Savor the beauty of Pinatubo

11:20 AM – Descent

1:00 PM – Board 4×4

2:30 PM – Regstration Point / Drop Off / Breakfast / Clean Up / Waiting for the other group (since we booked a travel agency)

5:00PM – back to Manila

Budget breakdown:

Php 2,875.00 all in for:

Van RT

Parking fee

Guide fee

Environmental fee

Bagtag

Climb permit

4×4 Vehicle

Requirements:

Valid ID

Backlava Mask

Spare Coins (for the usage of CRs, which is also available along the trail)

If you are less than 8 pax, I suggest that you opt booking a travel agency instead DIY. It will be more budget friendly. Our tour is recommendable if you are looking for one. Message or comment down so I can provide you details.

To sum it up, indeed Mt. Pinatubo is a beauty. No doubt about it. But you have to go through a lot before you witness her beauty. And at the end of your trip, you will have no choice but to agree that it is indeed “a beautiful disaster” not only because of what you went through just to see her but mostly because of the devastation she has done to its surrounding places which perhaps has changed geography but has add to its beauty and providing tourism income opportunities to its locals.

I just hope that those thousands of people who went there not only came for awra photos showcasing their beauty and outfit but have also been overwhelmed by the majestic beauty of Mt. Pinatubo and the disaster that has shaped the lives of the locals and the municipality as well. And that she’s a beauty, but she can be danger as well.

Pico De Loro is now Accepting Tourists; Find out the New Things you Need to know Before Climbing

Posted on April 30, 2023 by shellan

Finally! A climb after more than 3 years has happened. We have been planning to climb a long time even during pandemic, but due to various circumstances, we always end up rescheduling our hike. But not this year, the wait is way too long already. Hence, we booked a climb to Pico De Loro.

If you are planning to hike Pico De Loro too, here’s their website where you can schedule: https://mppmngnp.com/

There are many changes on the site, one of those is the entrance fee, that now costs P200 each. I remember around 2015, it was only P30 and tour guide was not required, not unlike now, it is mandatory. Well, perhaps now, all of the mountains open for hiking require tour guides.

It was my third time on Pico de Loro, but it kind of felt like the experience is something new. There are new spots and new trail at the site. Here are the photos:

Aside from that there are more restrictions than before. Overnight camping is still not permitted, as well as traversing. Monolith is now close and will never open again due to the evaluation made by the DENR; cracks were found which made it unsafe for climbing.

But although they offer less activity now, I admire the management’s determination to protect and put first the nature than the adventurers’ demand. It was also a best decision that they closed Pico de Loro for several years to regenerate and heal itself from the constant human footprints it gotten over the years. Now you will see on our video (video documentation of our adventure) that the forest has been regenerated, indeed.

Before the climb, you will be watching an 8-minute avp about Pico de Loro, here you will know that you are actually going to climb two mountains: Mt. Palay-Palay and Mataas na Gulod. Both declared as DENR’s protected areas. But since people know the site as Pico de Loro, let’s call it that way.

At the summit, you now have stairs to help you reach it. Unlike before, you will only rely on the bushes to help you with the grip ascending and descending.

I will leave behind some information regarding the modified Pico de Loro for you to get insights on your own and first hand ask the employees or the tour guide assigned to you. But just in case, you are so eager to know now, okay, then ask away below the comment section.

Meanwhile, here are the beautiful photos at the top:

I know you are looking for the budget breakdown:
Entrance/Eco Fee – 200!pax
Parking fee – 30
Tour Guide Fee – 500/maximum of 5 pax

If you are planning to commute, well, be thankful, because it is easier now. Just hop on a bus going to Nasugbo, Batangas via Kaybiang tunnel. The earliest leaves around 5AM at PITXT.

Enjoy and be a responsible hiker! God bless.

Utod River and Falls in Magallanes, Cavite Perfect for a Solitude Get-Away

Posted on March 5, 2023 by shellan

One of the things I like about traveling is that it surprises you with more. I never thought that there are still plenty of places here in Cavite that are not known to the majority, which is I think is good. I am actually against nature exploitation, and sometimes I wonder if posting information about a certain place in exchange will only harm the place. Because, most of the time, tourism sucks. Not all tourist is a responsible tourist. And sometimes, this will attract greedy businessmen that take advantage of the place and the locals. So I sometimes battle with myself if I really should make a blog about unknown nature get-aways.

But if you read the about section of this website, it is mentioned that this serves as my online travel journal which contains my personal insights. Besides, nature should be enjoyed by the people. I just plead, really-really plead, that my readers will be responsible tourists and/or humane businessmen.

Anyway, if you are looking for a solitude place this summer and ypu are on a budget, Utod River and Falls is one of the perfect places for you.

You can find it here (zoom in for the address):

To be able to get there, you will need to ride a private vehicle because public transportation is very seldom going there but yes, it’s available.

Upon reaching this signage. You will be trekking for around 10 minutes, depending on your pacing. (By the way, parking area is available at side street).

The trail is easy and some of it is concrete staircase with hand rails so it is okay for our parents and titos and titas to experience. This will only get hard back to the parking lot because then, the trail will be mostly ascending.

There is a small community at the riverfront. They are the ones you need to speak or contact for the cottages but it is not required although maybe you’ll need it if it’s a group outing. There is no entrance fee and parking fee. Public CR are available. Overnight is also allowed.

Here are the photos at Utod Falls. We went there on weekend and the place is not that crowded, The very reason why I mentioned it’s perfect for a solitude moment.

To further visualize the place, because not all spots were photographed, here is the link : Utod River and Falls in Magallanes, Cavite

By the way, you will come across these pathways, choose the right side, that’s the one leading to the falls:

God bless on your trip and please be a responsible tourist. Do not disrespect the nature.

by the way here’s a contact number just in case you need a reservation for the cottage: 09350595639 Ruel Rivera

Buhay Forest: Underrated Nature Get-away (and some update on Pico De Loro, Pantihan Falls, and Mt. Buntis)

Posted on January 14, 2023 by shellan

Before we head on the details about Buhay Forest let us talk about first Pico De Loro. Yes, dearest bundokeros and bundokeras! Pico De Loro is now open. The bad news is, you are reading this along the way, all prepped and ready going to Pico De Loro. Because here you will know, as you keep on reading, that they are only accepting advance booking and walk-ins are strictly prohibited. But since you have already planned this day for an unwinding get-away, allow me to introduce you to Magallane’s Buhay Forest. Don’t worry it is only 30 minutes away from Pico De Loro.

Buhay Forest is located at Magallanes, Cavite and can found on google map. If you are following our blog, you knew that we already went there but it was close. They are close every Monday and Tuesday. Actually, prior going here, we tried Mt. Buntis, but it was close so we headed on to Buhay Forest for our last resort. You can see our trip here for a motion documentation of what I’m talking about: Buhay Forest in Magallanes (and update on Pico de Loro + other tour in Cavite), rest assured, contacts and the link for Pico De Loro’s booking are also posted below.

So, what should you expect at Buhay Forest?

First, there is a trek that almost all ages can partake and reach the top. Actually, it has Stations of the Cross, to which elders are mostly the ones participating. So I believe, even seniors can do this trek.

We trekked unto the top for around 10 minutes, I guess, with casual rest once we need and also to savor the beauty of the scenery as we head on to the top.

Actually, the place isn’t that crowded, which is very okay, but that made me realize that this is an underrated nature get-away. Maybe because the trail is so easy for the hikers or because there is not much post online about Buhay Forest. But really, if you are looking for a place to relax and enjoy the nature, this is a perfect place for you. Especially, if you are on a budget.

The views at the top will show you a set of mountain range from the nearest places: Mt. Marami (Wet and Mildly Wild Adventure at Mt. Marami), and Pico De Loro (Pico de Loro (Mt. Palay-Palay, Pico De Loro, Second Time Around).

You can istambay and enjoy the nature, take a pose to whichever spot you like, eat your own baon, enjoy seesaw and swing, with no time limit or until they close for the day, for only P30. They open at 6AM and closes at 5PM. They do not accept overnight camping.

There is no parking fee, or perhaps it is already included on the amount you paid for ecological fee/entrance fee.

Here are the additional photos, which were taken at the bottom part of the forest:

Meanwhile, here are some photos we took at Pantihan Falls, also in Magallanes, and which is also already closed for tourist but some part is still open for public viewing:

Please be good to the nature and leave no garbage. Enjoy!

Here are the details for Pico De Loro and Mt. Buntis:

Mt. Kulis Overnight Escapade With Sea Of Clouds

Posted on July 6, 2021 by shellan

After not being able to climb a mountain for more than a year already due to the pandemic, finally I and my fiance got the chance to climb a mountain that is just perfect for those who are just regaining stamina for climbing again. Not being active in hiking for more than a year can weaken our stamina for climbing, thus, doing a minor climb just like our Mt. Kulis overnight escapade slowly helps us awaken our active outdoor lifestyle.

If you are following our website, you already know that we haven’t got the chance to see Pililla Windmill due to the restrictions implemented as part of the new normal. And because of that we decided to spend an overnight escapade at Mt. Kulis instead.

We arrived at the registration area of Mt. Kulis, specifically located at Sampaloc, Tanay, Rizal (Fresno Agro Forestry and Eco Tourist Campsite) around 5PM. We had a minor difficulty in locating the area because the locals are still not familiar with the name of the mountain but will definitely know once you mention “bahay ni Cardo” since the location was used as that in ABS-CBN’s teleserye “Ang Probinsyano”. Having said that, yes, the trail to Mt. Kulis is accessible by any vehicle. Here’s the link to see how our motorcycle climbed uphill and down hill: Witness Sea of Clouds at Mt. Kulis But if you’d like to hike it the traditional way (by feet) you may do so.

As of now, they are accepting both pre-scheduled and walk-ins. Overnight camping is now allowed too.

At the registration area, you will be given the choices where to trek. Camp A or B or both. Each Camp is amounting 300 per head and a tour guide (1 is to 5) is a must at certain location that if you want to trek to, you are obliged to have amounting P500. And since Noah’s Arc requires to have a tour guide, we got one. We didn’t include Camp B on our list. So what you’re going to see here are those included in Camp A. All in all we spent 1520 for two, including a P400 rent for a tent (you can bring your own). The expenses is listed below this blog if you’re looking for a break down.

This is the view that awaits you in the morning, yes, finally, a sea of clouds:

Here are the beautiful spots at the top of Mt. Kulis (btw, rice meal and refreshments are available at the top):

A little trek again for less than 20 mins. to reach Nipa Campsite (you can choose to stay for only 1,500 good for 2 pax or a family size for 3,000):

And then the famous heart peak at Sambong Peak:

Another trek for around 30mins. and then the famous Noah’s Arc:

And our last attraction, the spider web:

Again, to fully visualize our adventure here, visit this link: Witness Sea Of Clouds at Mt. Kulis | Travel Philippines

BUDGET BREAKDOWN:
Camp A Fee – 300/pax
Tent Rent (good for 2) – 400
Tour guide (1 is to 5) – 500
(Since we are on a motorbike ride, I cannot give you a transpo budget but you can visit our other trip in Tanay which has a budget info: New Things You Need to Know Before Hiking Tungtong Falls and Nagpatong Rock Formation, Treasure Mountain, Calinawan Cave (Tanay Tour Highlights), 3 in 1 Adventure at Mt. Daraitan)

Meanwhile, here are additional photos along thw trail that we found perfectly awesome:

We left the place around 10AM with a fulfilled spirit and a merry heart.

By the way, if you are planning to book a tour, you may contact Ate Leni at 09070646745. She will gladly assist you, also, she took most of our photos posted here.

God bless on your trip.

Overnight at Mt. Sembrano (A Guideline)

Posted on March 10, 2020 by shellan

This was my first hike this year, and since we were planning to climb Mt. Pulag, we decided to climb this mountain first to prepare ourselves for it. Thus, an overnight.

First of all, you must consider the weather before climbing this mountain, wheather it’s a day hike or an overnight. It will become much difficult to climb the summit during rainy season but if you are looking for a challenging hike, then go for it. Just be very careful.

Mt. Sembrano is 700+ MASL, and is 4 to 5 hours to summit, if you’re planning a dayhike. What’s good about this mountain is that there were less backpackers hiking here. The mountain isn’t crowded.

We were close with the nature for more than 24 hours. Yes, it was very relaxing and refreshing. I don’t know about my team but I wasn’t bored at all.

Here are the trail you will face in case you plan a trek here:

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The trail after passing Manggahan Camp Site becomes very steep. But the summit is as always, very rewarding. Here the photos at the summit:

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To further visualize Mt. Sembrano, you may watch our hike on this link: Overnight at Mt. Sembrano with Manggahan Falls

Meanwhile, here are additional guidelines for your hike:

MGA DAPAT DALHIN

Lente.

Emergency light.

Pagkain.

Extra damit.

Pang laban sa lamig.

Hygine kit.
First aid kit

Medicine para sa may sakit
Extra pera
Pang sipol (incase of emergency, naligaw, nawala ganon)
Power bank

Tent (Walang rentahan ng tent but our tour guide helped us find someone who has tent for rent)

Energy bar .

Dalhin ang magagamit dun wag magdala ng sobra na d nmn kailngan para magaan ang dalahin

Garbage bag wag mag kalat.

“Leave nothing but footprints take nothing but pictures”

Itinerary:

1:30 Call time, Tejero Gas Station

2:00 Departure

6:00 ETA Pililia, Breakfast,

6:30 Registration

7:00 Start of Hike (including Manggahan bathes)

1:00 Summit, Lunch

-Free Time-

6:00 Cook Dinner

7:00 Dinner

9:00 Sleeping Time

5:00 Cook Breakfast, Sunrise viewing, Cofee Time

6:00 Breakfast

7:00 Pack Up, Clean as we go

7:30 Descend

10:00 Jump Off Point

10:30 Departure to Cavite

(Lunch along the way)

2:30 Tejero Gas Station

Budget for overnight hike: P1050/Pax (Registration P50, Tour guide P1000/5pax, Van Transfer) Under Kulay Nature Travel N’ Tours. I highly recommend this Travel Agency for your future tour. They were very accommodating.

Here are additional wonderful photos captured by our team, highlighting the wonderful creation of God: