Summer Hiking 2015

After my first hiking and trekking experience last February on Mt. Pulag , I never thought that I would try it again, and again, then I starting researching for mountains nearby Manila until eventually I was the one planning on our day trip.

Personally, I am not so into any hiking or trekking activities, and I have lots of reasons why. I hate being out in the sun and getting sweat up. I can't wake up early during weekends. I can't imagine myself going up and down the mountain. And lastly, I am not interested.

But all of these changed this year after being able to survive Mt. Pulag, and began hiking on different mountains this summer. I appreciate our mother nature more than before. I learned to strive to push my own limitations. I get to visit different places in a more affordable price. I get to know the locals and learn a lot from them. I also get to know new people and able to build a new bond of friendship with them. And lastly, I get to know myself better.


These are the mountains that I was able to visit together with these wonderful friends.

1. Mt. Pamitinan

It is located in Montalban, Rizal, which is almost 2 hours away from the city. This is the most challenging hike that I experienced, so far. TIP: Please wear durable shoes, wear long sleeves and comfortable clothes, and bring gloves because the trail is rocky and head lamp for the caving.

After descending, we went to the Pamitinan cave. I was surprise that it was also not an easy way going into the cave. I wasn't able to take photos because the trail inside is dark and slippery and I need to concentrate on my steps going up and down the cave.

My first caving experience!

At Wawa Dam 

After the caving experience, we went to the wawa dam to re-freshen ourselves.It may be a challenging day for me but I was still able to have fun and got to experience new things.

Estimated budget: 500php

Summit view

2. Mt. Maculot

Mt. Maculot is located in Poblacion Cuenca, Batangas. We hired a van for our transportation for convenience. TIP: Guide is a MUST. The assault part of the trail is taking the stairs with big steps. But there are a lot of station or stops wherein you can rest for a while or even buy coconut juice or halo-halo. The only challenging part for me is the trail going up and down the rockies. There is a part wherein you need to hold onto the rope as guidance and support going up and down the steep part of the trail. But once you reach the summit of the rockies, the view of the Taal lake is just amazing. Before heading home, there are lots of shower room to refresh.
Estimated budget: 800php

3. Mt. Gulugud Baboy and Sumbrero Island

Sunrise. As published in Manila Bulletin Picture Perfect Column last May 12, 2015.

Mt. Gulugud Baboy is situated in Philpan, Anilao, Batangas. It is a 2 hour bus ride via CALABAZON, and another 1 hour jeepney ride form Grand Terminal to Philpan.We started our hike around 3:30AM in the morning, and you can still feel the cold breeze of air. We are aiming to witness the sunrise on the summit of Mt. Gulugud Baboy. The trail is very easy, the only challenging part is the concrete road going up the mountain for nearly 30 minutes. The view on the summit is also amazing. After our hike, we drop by the well-known Sumbrero Island and took a dip for some hours before heading back.
Estimated budget: 1,200php

4. Mt. Pinatubo

It has been my dream to be able to visit Mt. Pinatubo, and finally, I was able to make it. We rode a 4x4 truck for more than an hour going to the drop off place where the hike begins. The trail is very easy, but there are no shades so I really got burned here. But the view from the crater o Mt. Pinatubo is just breath taking.

Estimated budget: 2,100php ( tour package )

I've been to 5 mountains this year, and I am so glad that I was able to visit them all. I am looking forward for more mountains to climb, 15 mountains by 2015 maybe? We'll see about that. :)