The Soul Explorer: Day Hike: Reaching the Highest Point of Mt. Tagapo (438 MASL)

My friends and I are planning to climb a mountain nearby Metro Manila. But this past few weeks are so disappointing because the weather did not permit us to do so. Bad weather hits in the Metro that caused flood in some areas and some provinces close to Metro Manila. So, we have no choice but to cancelled the plan.

But it happened this week, we climbed to hit the highest point of Mt. Tagapo.

On Sunday, August 19, 2012, I met my friends at Shaw Blvd. and we took a jeep bound to Binangonan, Rizal, it takes almost 1 hour ride. It still flooded around the area so we have to ride a boat that will take us to the Pier. From there, we rode a motor boat going to Talim Island, it takes almost 2 hours before we can get off to the Island. We just enjoyed the scene while in the boat.

First station was Brgy. Buhangin (correct me if I’m wrong), then, the second one was Brgy. Janosa, our destination.

We arrived around 10 o’clock. We went to Brgy. Hall to registered and met Archie, he will be the one who guide us going up to the Mt. Tagapo. We didn’t eat meals, though, I know they’re a bit hungry already. But may be because we are just excited to hike. Or my friends forgot to suggest to take our meals first and take some rest before going up to the mountain.

So, trekking start in a few minutes…

If I still remember, according to our guide, we need to pass two hills to get into the campsite. I am not sure if two hills or three. I’m sorry, I am not good at it. Maybe next time, I will take note of what the guide said. Lol!

Talim Island is rich in bamboo grass, which Islanders made it various kind of furnitures. The famous feature of the Island is the “Bundok ng Susong Dalaga,” it is a two conical hills that look like a breast of a woman. And the guide says that, it is now known as Mt. Tagapo.

After almost two hours (or more) of trekking, we arrived at the campsite, we took some rest first and eat our food and drink water. And we took pictures because we already spotted the peak of the mountain. Maybe, more or less 30 minutes hike going up to the highest point.

Reaching the highest point of the Mt. Tagapo is an fulfillment in my entire life. From there, you can see the beautiful scene. Sad, because the weather that day is cloudy where the other mountains are covered by clouds.

I really enjoyed the experience in reaching peak of the mountain and the wonderful scene. Such a wonderful experience! Until next hiking!