An adventure above, beyond and under, this is how I describe my experience at Mt. Manalmon in San Miguel, Bulacan.
My adventure started in Cubao, Quezon City as I meet my colleagues at exactly 6am to ride an early bus going to Bulacan. The trip was bound to Cabanatuan City with a fare costing Php 117 per head.
The trip took us around less than two hours just enough for a quick nap to keep our energy high to face the exciting long day ahead. We took off at Brgy. Camias, San Miguel Bulacan and ride a tricycle going to Sitio Madum, It was a long rocky ride that took almost 45 minutes before reaching the starting point of the trail. You will need Php 60 for the tricycle fare plus another Php 15 for the vehicle pass.
Before I continue with the journey let me first give you an overview of the things you will need to prepare if you’re planning to try trekking here in Mt. Manalmon.
Things to Bring:
Packed Food for Lunch
Trail Water 2L
Extra Shirt/pants
Towel
Hat/Cap
Sunblock
Budget 600
The budget is just estimation and if you’re a bit thrifty you could even spent a little less than that. And also when doing a day hike, always travel light, wear something that could cover your skin so that you wouldn’t get sunburn.
Okay going back to the adventure.
ABOVE
Upon arriving at the place, the flowing river we needed to cross makes me more excited! It could be done through a raft (Php 5 per head to cross) or through what the locals called the Monkey Bridge. (which I tried at the end of the journey)
On the other side, you will find a small sari-sari store where you will be doing the registration. All the hikers are required to register, this will be use to track down hikers if ever something happen to you inside the mountain.
A local guide is required for each team; you will need to pay Php 450 per guide. So the more people in the group the lesser amount you will be paying. You can also rent here some equipment’s like lights or buy some food if you’re planning to do a picnic in some area beside the river. We left our things at the store and just brought the necessary things needed, remember travel light.
The hike started by passing thru a small cave called Madlum. Its like a tunnel where you’ll be transported in another place after passing through it. I’ve heard from the locals that the previous speculative fiction Television drama series made by GMA called “Mulawin” was shot in this place and they use this cave as one of the villain’s hideout.
At the end of the tunnel you will be seeing one side of the mountain and a river connected to the one we have pass earlier. Lots of hikers are already having their leisurely bath at the river and having a picnic at the area.
According to my friends, Mt. Manalmon is just an easy trail perfect for beginners. I was excited to do this because I’ve wanted to do hiking ever since I was in college. We proceeded to the grassy trail. The trek in reaching the summit will only take about an hour; it’s a combination of high steep and plain trails. According to Mang Dong, our guide, the trail if laid down straight will only stretch to 4 km in total. The high steep, rocky road, tall grasses and irregular rock formation makes the trail a bit exciting and tiring as well.
The Summit, as locals calls it, is a big pile of rock located at the top of Mt. Manalmon. It’s a bit tricky going up here having an almost 70 degrees rock angle.
Here is the view at the top of the mountain.
Here you will see the whole stretch of the river. Passing through two mountains. It was always an awesome experience to be on the top isn’t it! It was a nice view that even dogs love it!
What can be found beyond and under Mt. Manalmon — > read it here
Until our next trip in the City!
またね Mata ne!
