Tranquility Puka Beach Boracay

This is another beach on Boracay Island, which is located along the island’s northern end. Puka Beach is a picture of what most individuals expect on a tropical island: white sand, purplish blue water, and uncrowded beach.  It was called Puka beach because the place where resident meet to collect Puka Shells.

Background

This is very different from the other beaches of Boracay. This is the longest beach on the island’s northern tip. The sand is not as fine and white as those in the white beach. But, the tranquillity of the surroundings can make your stay in the beach a memorable one. It became famous because the beach has many Puka shells.

The beach is uncrowded compared to the white beach. The location of the beach gives you a feeling that you are in a remote place. Allow yourself at least two hours of spending in the beach. Relax and enjoy!

footprints

Adventurers can hike or ride a rented bicycle or motorbike going to the beach.

It is advisable to bring food and cold drinks because the beach has no resorts and establishments in the beach. It is separated from the white beach in Boracay. But, there’s a restaurant at the eastern end of the beach.

Puka beach is a great spot for a picnic; however make sure to bring your trash home with you.

shells

Getting There

*You can take a tricycle going to Puka beach. The tricycle can be found at the D’Mall. Fare is around 100php.

*If you are adventurous then, you can rent a bicycle or motorbike to reach the beach.

*Going to Puka beach takes about thirty to forty-five minutes.

*No entrance fee

*There’s a tricycle terminal in front of the entrance.

Your Boracay Island escapade is not complete without visiting Puka beach. Include Puka beach on your itinerary if you are on a vacation on Boracay Island. 

souvenir items 

More photos here...

Enjoy your travel! Be safe always!

Marco

My Four Days Adventure in Sagada

It is the 5^th Class municipality in the Mountain Province, Philippines. The population is around 11, 244 people according in the 2010 census.  Sagada is famous for its hanging coffins and other tourist destination like; mountains, spelunking in the cave, waterfalls, rappelling, rock climbing, and visiting historical sites.

Sagada is located 275 km North of Manila and 140 km away from the city of Pines, Baguio City. It is bordering to Bontoc, the provincial Capital.

I’ve been in Mountain Province four years ago and I still want to visit and explore the place. When my travel buddy informs me that they will have an adventure in the province, I immediately filed vacation leave and join them.

Day 1

Wednesday night of February 26, 2014; I met them at the Victory Bus Terminal – Cubao, bound to Baguio City. It’s a six hours’ drive from Manila.

We arrived at five in the morning and ride a taxi going to Dangwa Terminal right away. The first trip bound to Sagada is exactly six in the morning. It takes another six hours.

Lumiang Cave to Sumaguing Cave

We were in Sagada at around twelve in the afternoon. We checked in at the George Guest House and we ate our lunch before we start our tour. Afterwards, we contacted our guide for the day then; proceed to our first activity which is the cave connection, Lumiang to Sumaguing Cave.

It was my first time to do the cave connection and I’m having fun doing it.  Caving is really more fun in the Philippines! That’s our first day end.

Day 2

We started our second day with Pinoy breakfast. Then, we’re excited and ready for our tour. We met James, our tour guide. Our activity for today is trekking. We started to trek at exactly seven o’clock in the morning heading to Marlboro Country, and reached the summit around nine. We then took some beautiful picturesque landscape and mountains. After minutes, we’re bound to blue Soil. There are many pine trees, wild strawberries, and flowers along the trail. It’s truly awesome! However, we arrived at our next stop at around lunchtime.

Trekking from Marlboro Country to Blue Soil to Pongas Falls

We agreed to continue our hike after our lunch.  We traverse mountains going to Pongas Falls. It’s another hour to be counted before we can reach the falls.  We are so fortunate because we are the only tourist in the falls –it was so nice! We stayed there for a couple of hours. However, you can get to the falls you just need to pass to the village, hanging bridge, and the rice fields. It was a very tiring day, but the hardships are worthwhile.

Day 3

Its freezing cold in the morning and it’s hard to get up from the bed, but we have to because there are many activities that we need to do today. Another day to explore and to enjoy!

We maximize our time on the 3^rd day of our adventure here in Mountain Province. We went to jeepney terminal after our breakfast. The first trip bound to Aguid is nine in the morning. So, before that, we decided to visit the Eco Valley and Hanging Coffins. And, we visited the church as well!

Bomod-ok Falls

Next stop is Bomod-ok Falls, upon arrival we registered right away and pay five hundred pesos. A guide approaches us and she will lead us going to the falls. The sun is already up by this time and we started trekking by then. The trail is going up and down and passes in the rice fields. It takes about thirty to forty five minutes walked when you get to the falls. It was already jumped-pack with different tourists from different places and countries.

We go back to the town after an hour.

wild strawberries and flower

We had a quick lunch at House of Pinikpikan and then, met Joey afterwards, our guide for today. It’s already two o’clock in the afternoon when we start our hike to Mt. Ampacao. Well, another heart-pounding activity! We passed by the village, across mountains, and encounter wild flowers. The trail is easy from the start, but then again, when moving up to the peak. My heart is pounding and I felt that I can’t make it anymore. Of course, I can make it to reach the summit!

Reaching Mt. Ampacao

We’re struggling because it became steeper and steeper until we meet the summit around four in the afternoon. From the summit, we back to the trail to traverse going to Lake Danum. We are all in a hurry to catch the sunset at the lake. But, sad to say, it was already six in the evening by the time we’re in the Lake Danum.

Day 4

It was very tiring in the 3^rd day of our adventure that’s why; we fail to catch the sunrise in the morning at the Kiltepan. Sigh! Better luck next time guys!

Catching the sunset

Lake Danum

It’s our last day and for today, we are just roaming around the town. Buy pasalubong and souvenir items! And, went back to Baguio City by five in the afternoon!

It was super fun and exhausting adventure, but the memories will always treasure! And, looking forward to see you again, Sagada!

More photos here...

So, how about you? Did you have any adventure for today? How was it?

Thanks for dropping,

Marco

Kalibo: Ati-Atihan Festival

Ati-Atihan in Kalibo, Aklan is annual celebration in honour of Santo Nino. It is a two-week festival, which the highlight is on the third Sunday of January. During this day, participants of the street dance parade wear colourful and exceptional costumes, paint their faces in different styles and it consists tribal dance and music. 

It is also known as the mother of all festival in the Philippines. Other neighbouring provinces encouraged to have their own version of festivity like Sinulog in Cebu and Dinagyang Festival in Iloilo.

The major street in Aklan fills with locals bringing drums and dancing very lively with their colourful costumes, shouted “Hala! Bira!” The Aetas are the earliest and the primary settler in the Panay Island, the festival named Ati-atihan means “to be like Aetas” or “make believe Ati’s”, that’s why, all participants of this event get darkened with bright color of dress, which attracts tourists.

The best part of the festival happens on the last day, when the groups representing the different tribes to compete and it ends with a procession with thousands of people joined carrying torches and various images of the Santo Nino.

It was my first time to witness the Ati-Atihan Festival in Kalibo, Aklan and I wanted to visit there again, maybe next year. And, I will recommend this also to my co-travellers and friends. I was there on the last day of the festival after my Boracay adventure –will blog it next time. 

How to get to Kalibo, Aklan?

It can be reached by sea, air and by land. You can book flights via Kalibo Internation Airport with the following airline companies:

• Cebu Pacific
• Philippines Airlines
• Airasia Zest

By sea, it consumed 12 hours from Manila North Harbor going to Aklan –it has three ports; Jetty Port in Caticlan, the port in Dumaguit, and the port of New Washington.

• Moreta Shipping lines (Caticlan, Dumaguit, and Kalibo)
• The Caticlan Jetty port caters Roll-on and Roll-off (RORO) shipping lines like Montenegro Shipping Lines
• MBRS Shipping lines (Caticlan & Dumaguit, Aklan)
• WG&A Super Ferry - Our Lady of Medjugorje (Dumaguit, Aklan)

By land (bus), it takes 12-15 hours from Manila bound to Aklan. The following bus companies are:

• PHILTRANCO Bus (Cubao, Quezon City)
• Bachelor Express
• Dimple Star Transit (Araneta Center, Cubao)

Happy travelling!

Marco

Malarayat Mountain Range Traverse (Mt. Malipunyo - Manabu Peak)

Holiday gives us the chance to discover places, mountains and travel around. A year ago, we hiked two mountains in just for one day and now, before 2013 ends we challenged ourselves to do a traverse. This is a challenging and exciting adventure and we felt nervous because we don’t know what will happen during the hike. But, the eagerness is there and we are fully energized that day.  

The Story
Our first traverse is Mt. Malipunyo to Mt. Manabu via Mt. Malarayat mountain range -  it is one of the major features of the Southern Tagalog scenery (also includes; Mt. Makiling, Mt. Banahaw, and Mt. Maculot). 

Mt. Malipunyo is located between the provinces of Batangas and Laguna. It has three peaks with the summit of 1005 MASL, it is sometimes spelled as Malipuño. This mountain is a forested and grassy, even in the summit. Mt. Malipunyo, Mt. Susong Dalaga, and the Manabu Peak are the interconnected destinations. Some part of the trails would be steep, but there are many trees to hold on to, but be careful of the harmful plants.

Mt. Manabu is typically cloudy that gives you an almost wistful air. It is one of the three major peaks of the Malarayat range, the named itself is the abbreviated from the word “Mataas na Bundok”. The trail is easy and is the most accessible mountain from Manila. The very beautiful surroundings and add the spectacular view of the Malipunyo mountain range. You can see the perfect scene!

After our early breakfast, our group rode a bus going to Batangas City and from the bus terminal; we headed to the Fiesta Mall and rode a trike to the jump-off. We meet Mang Mario, our guide for the day. Then, start trekking around six thirty in the morning.

struggling the slippery trail

reached the Peak 1

There are noxious plants and pruritogenic lipa trees which can cause itching. Thorns bushes are also visible in the mountain so be careful to avoid getting injury. It is important to wear clothes that can protect your skin. You can get out of the forest after hour later then passing by the grassland or also called “Talahiban”. The trail, after passing by the grassland, is not less of dangers anymore, but it’s going on a sharp edge. It's very tiring, but after all, you will realized how beautiful the world is.

Mt. Susong-Dalaga

dirty but happy feet

encountered various wild plants

reaching the Manabu Peak

Note: If you are not familiar in the trail, it is important to hire a guide to avoid getting lost here.

ITINERARY:

03:30AM - Assembly Jollibee-Buendia

04:30AM - ETD Jam Terminal (going to Batangas City) 

06:00AM - ETA Fiesta Mall (take trike to Jump off)

06:30AM - Arrival at jumpoff - Start Trek

07:30AM - Arrive at the river, first water source.

08:15AM - 2nd water source 

09:00AM - Arrive at Peak 1

09:30AM – Arrive at Peak 2

10:00AM – Arrive at Peak 3, Mt. Malipunyo Summit, take lunch

11:00AM - Start descent

11:30AM - Arrived at Balete park

12:00NN -  Start descent

12:30PM - River. Water source

01:00PM – Tri-House, rest, take coffee, snacks

02:00PM - Arrived at Biak na bundok

02:30PM - Start descend

03:30PM - Arrived at Mt Maraduhan. Rest

04:30PM - Arrived at Manabu Campsite. Rest

05:00PM - Set foot on Mt Manabu Peak

05:30PM - Start descent

05:45PM - Coffee Break at Manong Pirying

06:30PM - Arrived at Mt Manabu Jump off. Rest. Tidy up

07:30PM - Take tricycle to lipa Bus stop, Dinner

08:00PM - Arrived at Lipa Bus Stop

08:30PM - Take bus to Manila

09:30PM - ETA Manila

Expenses

Bus – 157php 

Trike – 20php

Registration Fee – 20php

Guide Fee – 200php each (we give 100php each as tip for Manong Mario for being nice and kind to us)

Food/Water - 250

Guide contact number: Mang Mario, +63-9994106990

More photos here...

Malipunyo makes my 11th conquered mountain a successful one and it was my second time to climbed Mt. Manabu! Hooray!

Happy climbing,

-Marco

Mt. Gulugod Baboy (525+) Adventure

What’s the best thing to do in holiday season? As for adventurer, the best thing to do in a holiday season is to travel or to complete what’s in the bucket list before the year 2013 ends. For us, we had our Christmas mountain climbing before we celebrate Christmas day.  This is not definitely the last mountain for this year because we also plan to do our year-end hike. There are options where to climb, but fortunately, we all agreed to climb a mountain in Anilao.

Mt. Gulugod Baboy, is officially my 10^th conquered mountain, is located in Anilao, Mabini, Batangas, Philippines. It is a minor climb that requires half-day and one to two hours to summit. There are three peaks in the range; the first one is about 470 MASL, the second peak is about 485 MASL, and the highest peak is about 525 MASL.

From Southeast to Northwest are Gulugod Baboy (Peak 1), Gitna (Peak 2), and Pinagbanderahan (Peak 3). At the peak, from east to west; you can see the Janao Bay, Maricaban Island and Sombrero Islands are visible. The east side, you can see the city and the port of Batangas. The mountains of Lobo, Mt. Maculot, Mt. Batulao, and the Tagaytay highlands are also noticeable too!

My group decided to meet at the Bus Terminal in Buendia and we rode a bus bound to Batangas City. From Batangas Grand Terminal, we hired a jeep going to Mabini then drop-off at Philpan Diving Resort, and register. We start trek around ten thirty in the morning, it was already hot. And, we reached at the summit by twelve noon and had lunch then, took some pictures.

We’ve met Mr. Herman from Belguim and we are amazed by his energy. He was biking from the jump off up to the summit. And, we totally admire him as he discussed the place you can see around the mountain and everything. He knows what you can see from Southeast to Northwest and from East to West. We just like, Wow! Amazing man!

the famous tree

Pastoral view

Do you remember teletubbies land?  Yes, the mountain is looked like a teletubbies land.  At the peak, the clouds are not totally clear during that day, but we still amazed the beauty of the nature. However, we just witness the romantic view of the sunset when we descent. What I like this adventure is that the trail is very easy because you are just going straightforward until you have reached the peak of the mountain. Locals are very helpful, you can ask them.

the romantic sunset 

ITINERARY:

07:30AM – Meet up, Buendia Bus Terminal

08:00AM – Ride a bus bound to Batangas City, 157php

10:30AM – Batangas Grand Terminal, rent a jeep going to Mabini,

11:30AM - jump-off Philpan Diving Resort, register

11:35AM – start trek

12:35PM – Gulugod baboy (Peak 1)

01:00PM – Gitna (Peak 2)

01:30PM – Pinagbanderahan (Peak 3), Lunch

03:00PM – descent

04:30PM – clean up and refresh

05:00PM - back to Batangas Terminal

06:30PM – back to Manila

EXPENSES:

Bus – 157php

Rent a Jeepney – 130php (14pax)

And this is my official 10th conquered mountain! Hooray!

Until next climb,

Marco

What and where to eat in Legazpi City, Albay

Some people do their adventure with friends and family and some people do it alone. They like to do it yourself! They like to go to a place where they’re not familiar and explore the place. I am jealous of them because they are brave enough to do a solo trip. And as they are saying, do solo trips add more self-confidence. And, that’s what I like, to do a solo trip.

I am always accompanied by my group and friends when travelling or doing a great adventure.

Now, I am planning to do a solo trip and thinking where to go.  I decided to go Legaspi, Albay with the suggestion of my friend. I am so excited because that was the very first time solo trip. I am searching on the internet where to go and where to eat in Legaspi, Albay. And, with the help also of my friend, he suggested where and what to eat.

For now, I will share you what and where to eat in Albay. Here are my lists:

Small Talk Cafe

I’ve always heard about Pinangat Pasta and I wonder what is it? I am interested in it. He suggested me that you try it and so when we are in Small Talk café I ordered one of it. When the waitress served it to our table, it smells good. The taste of the pasta was good and delicious. It’s creamy Pinangat Pasta! The serving is good enough for one person. The place, for me, is nice!

Location: Doña Aurora Street, Legazpi City

Pinangat Pasta, Php110

1^st Colonial Grill

Did you hear sili ice-cream? Yes! I heard it from my bicolano friend. So, when I was there. I would love to taste the sili ice-cream though I am not into chili food. But, I love to try it.  I was accompanied by my friend during that day. I tried the sili ice-cream and he got baileys ice-cream. I would love to say that you must try I am pretty sure that you will love the creamy and chili ice-cream. It is very unusual ice-cream because of its flavour.

Location: Villa Amada Building, Rizal Street, Legazpi City

Sili Ice-cream, Php79. Bailey's Ice-cream, Php79

Bigg’s Diner

On the next day for my trip, I went to Daraga Church for a picture scene of Mt. Volcano. Afterward, I have my breakfast to Bigg’s Diner. It was named Carl’s Diner and it changed on 21^st of October 1994 and true to its name, Bigg’s Diner was a big hit easily which became the busiest restaurant in town. I tried Bistek Pinoy and it was good.

Location: Rizal Street, Legazpi City

Bistek Pinoy, Php105

Red Continent Dine and Café

Before I’m going back to Manila, my friend suggested that I should try Red Continent – it’s an authentic Bicolano and Filipino cuisines to greater heights and redefine the word spicy. They challenge their customers to pick from their desired level of spiciness that is warm, hot or volcanic.

And, he suggested that I will try the chili chicken express. So, I ordered what he suggested and without my knowledge it was good for two to three people. What? I was shocked when it served to my table. Haha! Anyway, you will be asked if your order will be warm, hot and volcanic (volcanic means super-hot).   I also tried their Pili Strawberry Sabayon. The chili chicken express is delicious. The pili strawberry sabayon is good, too! But, it was a small serving.

Location: GTS Building, Rizal Street, Legazpi City

Pili Strawberry Sabayon, Php45. Chili Chicken Express, Php180

So, if you are visiting Albay I do hope that you could try out the food listed above. I love and I really enjoyed my solo trip. And, I will do it again maybe next year. Thank you for visiting my page!

Magdalena White Water River Rafting Adventure

In my previous post - Weekend Getaway | Majayjay Falls, I talked about our weekend getaway in Tanay Falls or known as Majayjay Falls. After that, our next adventure is in Magdalena, Laguna. What to do with Magdalena? Hmm, that’s what we are going to find out. Upon browsing on the World Wide Web we learned that we can do river rafting in the place.

As we all know, only Cagayan De Oro offers river rafting, but Magdalena offers also this kind of activity. 

Who would have thought that Magdalena, Laguna offers this kind of activity? Without a doubt, that’s true!


If you are on a tight budget and you can't go to CDO to experience this kind of adventure. Well, don't you worry because Magdalena has to offer and I am sure that you will also enjoy their river rafting! After doing the rafting here I am eager to go to CDO and try their the so-called wild white river rafting! Whew! I am ready to that!

Anyhow, lets talk about Magdalena first. Hehe!

There are several well-known sights in Magdalena, Laguna just like Mary Magdalene Parish Church, Mali-mali Bridge, Emilio Jacinto Shrine, The Rizal Park, Bahay Laguna, The Pintong Kabag and The Pintong Pilak.

Magdalena - the fourth class municipality in the province of Laguna is Magdalena, it has 22, 976 population according to the latest census. It is also formerly a barrio of Majayjay, Laguna. On January 18, 1820, Magdalena was proclaimed a new town by Gov. Gen. Don Mariano Fernandez de Folgueras after the petition from the residents of the barrio. It was named first as Magdalena de Ambling which derived from its patron saint Maria Magdalena.

Magdalena also held Kawayan Festival. It was a colourful festival that celebrates the native bamboo and the role in the culture and livelihood of the town to promote bamboo-based industries.

It had been the sun-drenched day when the group decided to do the extreme adventure in Magdalena, Laguna. Though, it was quite a long drive, but we are just so patience and excited because that was our first time doing a river rafting together.

We usually leave as early as we can avoid traffic if we are going to have a weekend getaway. But that day we decided to meet late in the morning because our river rafting adventure will start at 2 o’clock in the afternoon.

Our meeting place is at Buendia Bus Terminal then from there we rode a bus bound to Sta. Cruz, Laguna. It’s about two to three hours’ drive. From Sta. Cruz, we rode a jeep bound to Magdalena and drop-off at Basketball court. 

Since, we arrived early we decided to take our breakfast first and have to explore around the area. We visited St. Mary Magdalene Parish Church and The Rizal Park. They have a Walk of Fame version in the park, too! Not only the name of FPJ to Walk of Fame can be seen in Magdalena, Laguna because the blood marked one hero had also here. Who? Emilio Jacinto, his bloodstains were found on the floor of the church.

Then, went to the office to meet Sir Raf (the guide) and we’ll wait for an hour for our extreme adventure. Furthermore, before heading to the river, Sir Raf briefed us for safety. And, then, it’s already lunchtime, so we asked him if where we are able to acquire each of our foods for lunch. The good thing is that they also offer food. 

After our lunch, the adventure begins…

RIVER RAFTING PACKAGE

Fee: 550 pesos per head
Inclusions:
Transportation (From Magdalena town proper to rafting area and back)
Use of Gears & Equipment
Raft guide
Cottage at Dam area
Photos


EXPENSES

Bus Fare (Buendia - Sta. Cruz) - 140 PHP
Jeepney to Magdalena - 13-15 PHP
Rafting Package - 550 PHP
Packed Lunch + drinks - 60 PHP
Jeepney to Sta. Cruz - 13-15 PHP
Bus Fare (Sta. Cruz - Buendia) - 140 PHP
Safe budget - 1000 PHP

HOW TO GET THERE

From Buendia, take a bus bound for Sta. Cruz, Laguna (fare 140php) and travel time is 2-3 hours. 

From Sta. Cruz, take a jeepney to Magdalena, fare is 13-15 pesos and travel time is around 15-30 minutes.

For inquiries/bookings:

Contact Tito Raf - 0916-5906424

FB: facebook.com/buenojanraphael

It was really a fun and unforgettable experience. We thank to Sir Raf for the experience and for the hospitality. We love to do it again.

Summer Getaway | Cagbalete Island

Villa Cleofas Resort

Summer vacation is a way to relax and to unwind after the stressed out from work. This is also the time for you to have a simple get together with your friends and family members or even officemates. But certainly, plan it ahead of time to avoid the conflict of your schedule especially when each of you might have different work schedule.

During summer, most people are pre-occupied organizing and planning where to go or where to spend their summer getaway.

However, Elite Team (that’s what we call to our group) planned a summer getaway. We have many options where to go and finally, after the arguments and suggestions we all settled to have our getaway to Cagbalete Island. I am pretty sure that everyone is very excited because it is our first summer getaway together.

Travel Time

The group met at EDSA Kamuning and board on JAC Liner bus bound to Lucena, its 3 hours’ drive from EDSA Kamuning. All of us took a sleep during the ride because we left Cubao at 12:30 in the morning.

From Lucena Grand Terminal, we rode an ordinary bus bound to Mauban but we had our early breakfast first before we headed to Mauban. The first trip going to Mauban will leave at 5:00 o'clock in the morning.

Upon arrival at Mauban, we dropped by at Mauban Market to buy foods for our overnight stay at Cagbalete Island and then, we headed to Mauban Port and board on public boat going to Cagbalete Island, scheduled trip is 10:00 o'clock  in the morning.

Mauban Port

We arrived at the port early from the said schedule so, while waiting for our trip we had to try their special delicacy, the Pancit Habhab.

Going to Sabang Beach, Cagbalete Island is an hour ride from Mauban Port board on a public boat or you can rent a private boat going there, it’s up to you which one you prefer. Upon arrival at the Sabang Beach, we board on a small boat going to the seashore. Then, the local guide us going to Villas Cleofas its 30 minutes trekking.

Villa Cleofas lodge

It was already 12 o’clock in the afternoon when we arrived at Villa Cleofas and we are already hungry. We prepare our lunch and dinner after checking in at the resort. We had fish, vegetable, meat and fruits. We ate our lunch very late but its okay we still enjoy eating the food and the place.

Background

The resort is not crowded unlike the other beach. There are 6 lodges and they also offer a tent if you’d like to stay at the tent. It’s low tide in the afternoon and high tide early in the morning. The sunrise is perfect and very romantic. I cannot see the sunset because it is in the other side of the island.

On the other day, after eating our breakfast we hired a private boat and Manong brought us to the other side of the resort which we can swim. The water is clear and the sand is powdery. We had enjoyed and we wanted to stay longer there but Manong told us we need to get back to the resort because they will have a hard time to dock on the shore due to the low tide.

low tide in the afternoon

high tide in the morning

the group

We checked out at the Villa Cleofas around 2 o’clock in the afternoon but while waiting the private boat to pick up us. We had a little game and we had a lot fun and enjoyed the game.

3 o’clock in the afternoon back to Lucena Grand Terminal.

Expenses:

Getting there

• Board on a bus bound to Lucena Grand Terminal.
• From Lucena Grand Terminal, ride a bus bound to Mauban, Quezon and jump-off to Mauban Market.
• From Mauban Market, ask the tricycle driver to drop you off to Mauban Port.
• Then, ride a public boat going to Sabang Beach, Cagbalete Island.

Reaching the Peak of Mt. Sembrano (745+)

Mt. Sembrano is 745 MASL and the trail is a bit challenging because there will be a rough road that leads to a rocky path. You might encounter locals that would offer to get  a fresh coconut juice for only 10 pesos. There are many Mango trees at the beginning of the trail. At the summit, the view is scenic, the view of Laguna Lake, Talim Island, Mt. Makiling are also seen while you are in the summit. 

Hiking, yes, is a challenge to yourself but  it is also a fulfillment to your life because  when you get into the peak of the mountain. It will make you say, SUCCESS! I DID IT! One of my hobby is mountaineering. I climb together
with my co-mountaineers yet I never tried major hiking but hoping that this year we will be having our major hike, crossed-fingers.

The last mountains we climbed was Mt. Talamitam and Mt. Batulao, on December 2012. We did a twin hike as we say goodbye 2012 and I climbed six mountain already for that year, not enough! After three months, finally, my first hike for this year happened and this is my official seventh mountaineering. 

On March 31, 2013 my group headed to the town of Rizal to conquer Mt. Sembrano. Of course, I am with my mountaineer friends Jeff and Ian. We also welcomed Art and Shan, and the three girls in our group; Kristel, Jane and Vienne.

The meeting place was at Starmall – Mandaluyong City, we supposed to met up at exactly five in the morning but the others are not on time. So, we left at six thirty in the morning bound to Tanay Market. It was two hours ride going to Tanay, Rizal. I have time to take a nap because I only have three hours of sleep that day. Arrived at Tanay Market around eight thirty in the morning, we immediately rode a jeep bound to Pililia, Rizal. We dropped off at Brgy. Hall of Malaya, Pililia, Rizal and registered our name and pay for 20 pesos for the registration fee.

South Peak, SUMMIT

We start trekking around ten in the morning and its already late. Our estimated time to start the trek was eight in the morning but since our trip is a bit long drive we just have to be patient and just enjoy while in the ride. We arrived at the campsite around ten-thirty in the morning. We rested in the campsite and a local young boy offered us a fresh coconut juice. Then, we begun to wander again going up to the North Peak or the so-called Low Peak – is the first high point. Thirty minutes away from North Peak, is the South Peak or the so-called Summit. 

Laguna Lake, from the summit of Mt. Sembrano

ITINERARY

6:00AM - Assembly, Starmall - Crossing

6:30AM – Take a jeep/van going to Tanay, Rizal

8:30AM – ETA Tanay Market (take a jeep bound to Malaya, Pililia)

9:30AM – ETA Brgy. Malaya, Pililia, Rizal (jump-off)

10:00AM – start trek

10:30AM – ETA Campsite

11:30AM – ETA North Peak (Low Peak)

12:00NN – SUMMIT, lunch

12:30PM – Start descent

02:00PM – Campsite, rest

03:30PM – back to jump-off, clean-up, then take a jeep back to Tanay/Manila

07:30PM – ETA Manila

And that made my official 7th conquered mountain! Hooray!

Happy climbing,
Marco