Mountain

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

Posted on by shellan

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 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 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 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

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.

 

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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: