Mountain

Buscalan Mountain Province

Mountain Province DIY Trip: Buscalan Village, Sea of Clouds at Sagada, and Side Trip Baguio City

Posted on by shellan

This tour probably was the most meaningful among all trips I have experienced. But I would like to emphasize that all trips and adventures we experienced are worth it and have brought so much joy in my heart. This Mountain Province trip is meaningful among all perhaps because it had teach me so many things that might contribute to how I see and understand life plus the fact that we really had our quality time given that this was a Mountain Province DIY Trip.

Truly, a visit to Buscalan Village, where Mambabatok Tribe resides, is a must in your lifetime. Mambabatok is centuries old tribe and was only made famous at the latter part of 1900s. And spending overnight at the village is a privilege one can be proud of all through his/her life. Not only that, being up close and personal to the oldest Mambabatok in the village, Apo Whang Od, who is 108 YO as of writing is truly overwhelming. What an honor to be standing next to a living legend who has so much history sorrounding her wellbeing, that one might not fathom.

Going to the village can be likened to a short trek. Their village is located on an elevated area and you will go through crossing a narrow bridge and perhaps more than 500 steps on a cemented stairs before .

 

If you are planning to visit the village, please bear in mind that you are entering centuries old sanctuary that seeks for your respect not only to the area but most especially, to the locals. If you cannot do that, don’t dare go there.

 

 

 

 

 

 

If you would like to get the signature tattoo of Apo Whang Od, be at the registration area during afternoon, so you can line up and get the tattoo by tomorrow. And if unfortunately you failed to have the signature tattoo of Apo herself, her grandchildren will be pretty much available to put that signature tattoo on you. Also, you can still have amazing photos with Apo Whang Od. So yeah, it’s still so much worth it.

Aside from Apo Whang Od, you can also explore the place and have a swim at the falls:

I can recommend you the homestay and tour guide we booked so you can advance your booking to lessen the hassle on the day itself. At the homestay, you can cook you own meal. There is available mini palengke along the registration area. They have fish there too. Rice and coffee are unlimited at the homestay. Also, our homestay and tour guide is highly recommended. Message me, so I can refer them to you.

 

  • Buscalan Mountain Province

After spending an overnight, we left around 3AM to experience sunrise at Sagada. We have experienced road blockages of huge rolls of stone as we ride away from the village, this is because it had rain for the night. Good thing, we have boys with us who moved the blockages inch by inch. So you might, take note of that if you plan to visit Buscalan.

We have arrived past 6AM at Pogo Hills, and not only we have experienced the sunrise but the amazing sea of clouds as well. The very first beautiful sea of clouds I have witnessed.

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We had breakfast along the way and then headed on to Baguio City.

It took us almost 6 hours to reach Baguio City where we enjoyed some activities like boat kayaking. There are plenty of outdoor and indoor activities at Burnham Park. We had our lunch there and bought our pasalubong from the public market. At this time, I am very much exhausted, but I am also very much enjoying the company

 

Here’s the trip motion documentation of our trip so you can visualize it more: A Trip to Mountain Province

Anyway, to help you plan your trip, here’s our itinerary:

Day 0

6:30 PM – leave Cavite

10:30 PM – dinner

Day 1

6:30 AM – Buscalan Registration

700 AM – start of trek to Buscalan Village

7:30 AM – Arrived at Homestay

7:30 AM – 2:00 PM – Chillax / Lunch / Nap Time

2:00 PM – 2:30 PM – done with their tattoo

2:30 PM – 4:30 PM – going to and back from Buscalan Falls

5:30 PM – done with picture taking with Apo Whang Od

6:00 PM – dinner / coffee

7:00 PM – sleep time

Day 2

3:30 AM – going to Sagada

6:30 AM – Pogo Hills Sagada

7:30 AM – Breakfast at Sagada

8:00 AM – Going to Baguio

12:00 NN – arrived at Baguio

1:00 PM – lunch

2:00 – 5:30 PM – going back to Cavite

12:MN – home

 

Budget breakdown:

Registration Buscalan: 100/pax

Transpo: 3085/pax (cavite-buscalan-sagada-baguio-cavite)

Guide Buscalan with tip: 300/pax (1 tour guide for 5 is 1500 overnight)

Meal: 70/pax (we divided our pinamalengke)

Homestay: 400/pax

Sagada Pogo Hill entrance: 50/pax

Driver’s meal and Parking Fee: 150/pax

 

Our rented vehicle is recommendable if you are looking for one. Message or comment down so I can provide you details.

May you find your trip here as meaningful as how we have experienced and perceived it. God bless.

Mt. Pinatubo and its Adrenaline Activities

Posted on 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 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.

buhay forest top

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

Posted on 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:

Overnight at Mt. Sembrano (A Guideline)

Posted on 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:

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P.S. When you take a hike here, don’t forget to share some water with Everest, the tour guide doggo. She’s the doggy on one of the  pictures.

New Things You Need to Know Before Hiking Tungtong Falls and Nagpatong Rock Formation

Posted on by shellan

I’ve been in this place last year (Nagpatong Rock Formation and Tungtong Falls) and was reconsidering to return here. And so last week, we scheduled a trip here; them for the first time, me for the second.

Since we were only a group of 5, we decided to commute all the way here because it will cost us much if we’ll rent a van. I will breakdown our expenses at the end of this blog for your reference.

So, what’s new?

During our hike at Nagpatong Rock Formation, I noticed some new signage aside from that it’s pretty well the same.

We reached the summit of Nagpatong in less than 3 hours. Unlike last year, we spent almost 5 hours climbing up and down because of the muddy trail.

At the top, we were amazed by the creation of God. Sierra Madre Mountain range is as beautiful as always. I didn’t took its photo this time (the mountain range) because I don’t want to exploit its beauty. I don’t know, but I felt like not everybody deserves to see the beauty at the top. Besides, to be able to appreciate its beauty even more, one must be in the process or experience the climb if they can. They will worship God even more through that beauty.

Here are some of the photos during our climb:

After having lunch near the registration area, where we walked our way for around 20 mins. We rode a tricycle and a habal-habal to the jump off of Tungtong Falls.

Now, here’s what you need to take note before trekking Tungtong Falls: the other entry/exit point of the trail here (that is privately owned) is not allowed for tourists anymore. So you will be rapelling down and up on your way in and out there. Yup, twice the exhaustion and difficulty. We weren’t aware of that until Mang Pablo, our tour guide, clarify to us, while we were rapelling, that we’ll be doing this again (back trail). I never knew we could do it twice, I was actually pleading to Mang Pablo to take us to the other trail on our way back instead because we can’t do it anymore, but he kept saying that it is prohibited now. So yeah, we were left with no choice, armed with prayers, we marched our way back to rapel up after taking some rest at Tungtong Falls. Thank goodness I was with my fiance, he insisted on helping me carry my stuff.

We didn’t get amazing photos at the falls but that doesn’t mean it was less awesome and amazing. It was even more memorable than before. Still, here’s some of the few:

Check out the footage of our adventure here for further detail: Nagpatong Rock Formation and Tungtong Falls 2019

As promised, the budget breakdown for DIY commute from Cubao and vice versa:
80 – Van fare to Tanay
150 – (750/5) Tricycle from Tanay to Brgy. Cayumbay and to the jump off
100 – Registration fee
160 – (800/5) Tour Guide Fee including tip
20 – Habal-habal to Tungtong Falls Jump off
100 – Tricycle from Cayumbay to Jeep Terminal
24 – Jeep to Tanay
52 – Jeep from Tanay to Crossing

Itinerary:
6:15 – Crossing
8:00 – Registration Area
8:15 – Start of Trek to Nagpatong
11:20 – Summit
1:00 – Jump off
1:30 – lunch
2:00 – Trail to Tungtong Falls
3:30 – Tungtong Falls
6:00 – Brgy. Hall
7:00 – Uwian
9:00 – Dinner at Starmall

There you go! Have a safe trip and enjoy! By the way, Mang Pablo is a recommendable tour guide. And say hi to this buddy:

Treasure Mountain, Calinawan Cave (Tanay Tour Highlights)

Posted on by shellan

If you are eager to see wonderful scenery and be amazed with God’s creation on top of the mountain but not in the mood for an exhausting climb, then Treasure Mountain is one of the few that awaits you.

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After conquering Mt. Ulap, most of us in our group are now looking forward to climb Mt. Pulag next, but few of us request for a least difficult climb for the next trip. And since I am one of them, the next trip was of course an easy one, and which led us to plan a trip to Tanay, Rizal, specifically Treasure Mountain.

If you are following my blog, you already know that we are a DIY climbers, but since having a trip to Treasure Mountains comes with other Tanay Travel Destinations, such as: Calinawan Cave, Pililia Windmill, Regina Rica, Kawa Hot Bath, Daranak Falls, etc., we booked a trip at Tiff’s Travel and Tour Agency

As early as now, I am telling you that the highlights of this tour are Treasure Mountain and Calinawan Cave. Highlight means the best among the destinations (this was based on my taste, of course). Daranak Falls can also be considered a ‘highlight’ but because we missed the chance to enjoy the place for a longer period of time due to the travel agency’s itinerary, it did not fall under that category. But we will schedule a trip back there for that falls, and I’ll be making a separate blog about it. But just so to tease you, here are some of the photos at Daranak Falls:

 

We started the tour at around 8AM at Treasure Mountain, and is only a 5-10 minuter trek, which kind of reminds me of Mt. Gulugod Baboy. To further help you organize a DIY tour here, below are the photos of our tour in chronological order (from Manila):

Regina Rica
We did not explore much of this place, that’s why these were only the photos we captured. This place is most likely a retreat camp venue; a sacred sanctuary. It has a large statue of Mother Mary at the center that again, we did not take photos of.

 

 

Pililia Wind Mill

There are souvenir shops surtounding this site. Snacks can also be bought here.

 

 

Lunch at The Gathering Cafe
Expect 10-20 minutes before they serve your meal after you’ve made your orders. You can check their menu below. Sisig and Sitaw/Kalabasa taste great.

 

 

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Calinawan Cave
This cave is 10-15 minute trek, which has a different exit point. We passed through only the first and 2nd floor of this, again, due to the travel agency’s itinerary, but 3rd to 5th floor are available and optional, just add additional payment for the tour guide. I will not write about the details which our tour guide mentioned and explained during the trek to make your trip here more informative and exciting when you visit it.

 

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Daranak Falls
Aside from the pictures I’ve shown above, here are the others.

 

 

Kawa Hot Bath and Hobbit House
These were located in one place — El Patio. This is near Treasure Mountain and you can actually make it your second destination but since this is also along the way going home, we saved it for the last, also there were no available Kawa when we checked on it after our Treasure Mountain trek.

 

 

There you go. I hope this blog gave you an idea for your future trip in Tanay. I don’t know the exact budget breakdown for each place since we were booked on a Travel Agency but do prepare not more than P1,000 for a DIY tour.

Here are some of the fees:
Treasure Mountain: P150
Daranak Falls: P50 Entrance / Cottage not included

Check out our short video with this trip: https://youtu.be/AObgZNdLwEY

Also, this is so good. You should never fail to try this at Pililia Wind Mill.

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P.S. Don’t forget to start your trip with prayers. 🙂

Nagpatong Rock Formation and Tungtong Falls of Tanay, Rizal, Philippines

Posted on by shellan

Finally! After being cancelled for several times due to bad weather and certain circumstances, this trip has finally happened. And indeed, it was considered a ‘right timing’. It was neither hot nor raining on the day of our hike.

I already lost count of all the mountains I have conquered, but this one is surely memorable. Just like in Mt. Daraitan, we have experienced not just trekking but also several kinds of outdoor activity such as: cliff diving, rappelling, etc. And that made this adventure a memorable one.

 

 

We registered at Brgy. Cayumbay and started the trail at around 7:30AM. And because we were already in rainy season here in the Philippines, as expected, the trail was muddy and that made it a bit harder for us to climb.

 

It took us almost 2 hours to reach Nagpatong Rock Formation, because we had to stay and wait for our turn to go to the top/summit at a kubo, just like the other group of hikers. Refreshment are available there. We took this chance to rest for a while and eat our packed lunches although it was only around 9AM.

 

And after several minutes of waiting, we resumed climbing all the way to the top of Nagpatong Rock Formation. And then, charaaaaaann…

Nagpatong Rock Formation

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But before seeing that wonderful scenery at the top, here were the obstacles we had to go through:

 

(Yes, it was a little bit difficult. You will need extra courage, and of course, you have to listen to your tour guide’s instruction carefully.)

We stayed at the top for more than an hour because there were no group next in line yet. We took that opportunity and took lots of photo for souvenirs. 😀 Our tour guide, Kuya Pio, was the one who served as our photographer because he already knew the perfect spot and angle for each shot.

We went down at around 11AM and reached the jump off  point at around 1PM.

Here’s another beautiful spot along the trail, (it’s up to you to discover the others :p):

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We went back to Brgy. Cayumbay to start the trail going to Tungtong Falls at around 1:30PM. And it only took us an hour to reach the falls.

 

Here, you can do cliff jumping with the help of a rope, held by an authorized guide, wrap around your waist or a life vest, provided by your tour guide.

cliff diving

We stayed there for only an hour. But the highlight of Tungtong Falls could only be experienced when you do a shortcut back to Barangay Registration area.

It is where we experienced two sets of rappelling and it wasn’t that easy but with the right amount of courage and strength and prayer, you too can do it.

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But first, we stayed there for more than 30 minutes to take lots of picture, of course. 😀

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It took us almost two hours to reach Brgy. Cayumbay again because of the time we spent taking pictures at the falls you see above. And it was all worth it. Challenging and satisfying at the same time.

To further understand what we went through with this adventure, click the following link where you can watch our video footage at Nagpataong Rock Formation and Tungtong Falls.

Meanwhile, here are additional tips if you are planning a trip at this place:

Itinerary:
3:00AM – Tejero
7:00AM – Cuyambay Jump Off Registration / Gear up
7:30AM – Start of Trek
9:30AM – Lunch
10:00AM – Nagpatong Rock Formation
11:00AM – Trek back to Jump Off
1:30PM – Trail to Tungtong Falls
2:30PM – Tungtong Falls
3:30PM – Back to Brgy. Cayumbay with picture taking
5:30PM – Clean / Freshen up
6:30PM – Back to Tejero (Dinner along the way)
10:00PM – Tejero

Budget breakdown:
350 – Van Transpo (3500/10)
100 – Registration fee
100 – Tour guide
50 – Tour Guide Tip

600 – Total / each
Note: Kubo near Nagpatong Rock Formation costs P50.

Also, bring a pair of gloves. It will help you a lot with the climb. I also encourage you to look for Kuya Pio and ask for him to be your tour guide. You will enjoy your adventure (and pictures) more with him. 😀 Use waze to navigate your way to Nagpatong Rock Formation located at Brgy. Cayumbay, Tanay, Rizal. When you pass by Masungi Georeserve, you are already near the barangay.

And here’s a bonus picture to encourage you to go there 😀 :

Nagpatongpuppy

Mt. Gulugod Baboy with Anilao, Batangas Beach Sidetrip

Posted on by shellan

If you are looking for a mountain for beginners, then Mt. Gulugod Baboy is the right choice for you. As in right and perfect choice. You will reach the summit in less than 5 minutes. No kidding. But that was because we started the trek in a different jump-off, where vehicles are allowed to climb the mountain. So, if you are planning to trek this mountain, try using the jump-off near Philpan Dive resort, yet still, this mountain is perfect for first timers.

Here are the views at the summit:

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Meanwhile, here are the photos we’ve taken at the beach just near (walking distance) Anilao port: IMG_3195

beach 1beach 2beach 3beach 4beach 5beach

There you go, I hope you’ve been inspired to also take your early summer get-away with the pictures above. Shalom!

By the way, here’s an avp of our get-away: Mt. Gulugod Baboy with Anilao Beach Sidetriip

And here’s our budget breakdown for this trip:
Van Transpo – 370 (4000/11 pax + Parking fee)
Registration – 40
Anilao Beach – 80
Cottage – 45 (500/11 pax)

Total – 535

 

Things to bring:
Water
Swimming clothes
Sandals
Extra clothes
Trash bag
Plastic bag (for wet clothes)
Energy bar (like chocolates)
Trail snacks
Packed lunch (optional, since nasa baba na tayo ng lunch, may bilihan na)
Snacks at the beach (sharing tayo a :D)
Toiletries
First aid kit (Alcohol, cotton, band aid)

 

Itinerary: (Expectation)
2:30 AM – Tejero
5:00 AM – Jump Off / Gear up
5:30 AM – Start of trek
8:30 AM – Summit
8:30 AM to 10:00 AM – Photo op / rest
10:00 AM – start of trek going down
12:00 NN – bottom
12:00 NN to 1:00 PM – lunch
1:00 PM to 1:30 PM- going to the beach
1:00 PM to 5:00 PM – free time at the beach
5:00 PM to 5:30 PM – wrap up/pack up
5:30 PM – board the van
8:00 PM – Tejero

Itinerary: (Reality)
2:30 AM – Tejero
6:30 AM – Jump Off / Gear up / Registration
7:00 AM – Start of trek
7:05 AM – Summit 1
7:15 AM – Summit 2
8:00 AM – start of trek going down
8;10 AM – bottom
8:30 – Anilao Port
9:00 – beach
11:00 AM – lunch
1:30 PM to 2:00 PM – wrap up/pack up
2:00 PM – board the van
5:00 PM – Tejero

3 in 1 Adventure at Mt. Daraitan

Posted on by shellan

 

If you are the kind of person who loves adventure and relaxation at the same time, then Mt. Daraitan is the perfect place for your get-away. Experience Tinipak Cave, Tinipak River and the summit all in one place. 😀

Two weeks ago, I and my travel buddies (together with their friends), made it to the top of Mt. Daraitan. I was surprised by how we managed to reach the summit for only 3 hours. I was actually surprised by how fast was I during the climb. Maybe because we started it around 2:30AM and there’s nothing much to take pictures of when it’s that dark.

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Team Daraitan 2/3-4/2018

Below are the pictures they captured while we were resting for a while:

 

 

And before giving tips and sharing the details regarding our climb, here’s a back story for you to better visualized our adventure.

We scheduled our trip on weekend, and as usual, the place was so crowded (because it’s weekend). As in sooooo crowded. Your group must fall in line in order to have a picture on the amazing spot.

My sister even made a meme with our experience at the top:
exre

This adventure was actually overnight, because we were after the sea of clouds. We were so eager to witness that awesome wonder of God, but, we were surrounded by sea of people instead. But that’s okay, at least, they’ll witness another masterpiece of God.  And although, we didn’t see what we were after of, it is still an amazing journey when you have reached the top plus the other activity we had, like caving tour and swimming both in the river and in the cave. It was so refreshing.  Nakakawala ng pagod (please use google translate if you’re not a Filipino :P).

Here’s what the Tinipak Cave looks like inside:
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Be very careful if you’re planning to experience this activity; the stones and man-made ladder are very slippery.

I forgot to mention that our adventure in Mt. Daraitan was overnight. Acually, we made an itinerary but ended up revising it right after our tour guide said that the camp site is just beside the Tinipak River… just at the bottom of the mountain.

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If you are planning for an overnight trek, you don’t have to bring a lot of things (like thermos, etc.) because those are available at the camp site. But if you’re like us who are making sure that our tour will be a budget friendly for all joiners, think wisely of what to bring and what’s not to.

Our first-day-activity includes, swimming at the river and cave tour.

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And during 2:30AM, we started the trek and left our tent and those not so important things at the camp. Here are some of the photos of the view/scenery at the top of Mt. Daraitan.

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There you go, I hope you have visualized your own adventure here in this place. But I suggest, don’t just visualized, experience it yourself. 😀 And aside from leave no trace policy, I must remind you that you should pray before the climb. Well in our case, even while we start the trip, we are praying and asking God for our safety. And that is very important.

Here’s some tips that I know you’ve been wanting to know 😛

Things to bring:
– water (good for two days, pero may mabibilhan din naman dun)
– extra clothes
– sandals (meron kasing River: Tinapak River)
– swimming clothes (yung gusto maligo sa river)
– Tents (overnight)
– Trail snacks (bread, etc.)
– energy bar (chocolates, candies, etc)
– trash bag
– tissue/wet wipes
– firs aid kit
– jacket

Expenses: (this is for 11 pax)
Transpo – 510 (5500/11 + parking fee)
Registration – 100 (Environmental, cultural, tourism)
Tour guide (overnight) – 228 (1250+1250 / 11, overnight tour guide rate)
Camping/Tent site fee – 45

Itinerary:
(Day 1)
6AM – Tejero
11AM – Lunch (along the way)
12:30NN – registration / gear up
12:50NN – start of trek
2:30PM – camp site
2:30 to 3:00 PM – tent building
3:00-4:30 PM – Tinipak Cave
4:30PM to 5:30 PM – Tinipak River
6:00 7:00 – Dinner
(Day 2)
2:00AM – breakfastand prep
2:30AM – start of trek
5:30AM – Summit
7:30AM – trek going down
9:30AM – campsite
10:00 to 11:00 AM – free time (swim again)
11:30AM – Lunch
12:30PM – pack up
1:30 PM – board the car
5:00PM – Tejero

Here are bonus photos from our overnight trek captured by our friend Ryan Rey:
(meanwhile, here’s the link of our adventure footage at Mt. Daraitan: https://youtu.be/Nc6jwIJrEEQ)
starry1starry2starry3