Tanay

Mt. Kulis Overnight Escapade With Sea Of Clouds

Posted on 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.

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

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:
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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)
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