I’m so back into hiking again! Yep, that’s right! I think this is the best time of the year to climb mountains because the weather is still cold but it’s really not raining. As they say, January is the knitted sweater season. I can’t blame them though, I’m liking the sweater weather and how it gives off an instant glow! LOL! It’s also part of my goals this year so climb as many mountains as I can because it’s less expensive than a normal travel plus the view from the summit is always soooo worth it.
The last time I climb was I think around March last year, we had a twin day hike at Mt. Manalmon and Mt. Gola and we had an awesome side trip, spelunking and crossing a monkey bridge. I was actually looking for people I can climb mountains with because most of friends doesn’t hike, so when my friend Ian invited me if I want to climb Mt. Balagbag, I said yes in an instant! So that’s a first for this year!
Mt. Balagbag has a difficulty of 2/9** and the trail is a lot easier than what I’ve experienced from my climbs before. Height is roughly 777 MASL (so far the highest that I’ve climbed). It is situated in Rizal and is part of the Sierra Madre range. I always prefer climbing mountains that’s in Rizal because not only it’s near our place, the view from the summits are also stunning. This is definitely the perfect mountain for beginners like me (seems like I won’t be past beginner, lol!), difficulty is easy, trail doesn’t include rock climbing, and there are almost no life threatening passages. When I say life threatening, it means no cliffs, no narrow passages, and no rocky trails.
And since it’s in Rizal, I thought we would ride the usual transportation going there. You know, Montalban UVs. But no! In order to go there, we rode a bus going to Tungko.. The jump off is in Rizal and we went past through San Del Monte Bulacan. How amazing geography is. Lol! Didn’t know you can go to Rizal via San Del Monte.
Going to Mt. Balagbag
Cubao to Tungko (along EDSA) - Bus P38
Tungko to Licao-Licao - Jeep P28 (On Sundays, they give a P1 discount)
Licao-Licao to Elementary School (Jump Off) - Trike P30 (Going back to Licao-Licao, it’s P15)
Going there on a Sunday is quite a breeze. No traffic. Take note though that buses are along EDSA going north.** And also, upon reaching Licao-Licao, ride a tricycle to the jump off! Do not make the same mistakes we did! Lol! We walked our way to the jump off which took us 1 hour, considering we are beginners, our pace is quite slower than those who are frequently climbing mountains. So when we reached the jump off after an hour, we felt really relieved! Of course you have a choice to ride the tricycle or not. As for us, we could’ve saved time if we rode the tricycle. Thing is, we really didn’t know that there’s a tricycle available. So I’m telling you now! :)
As I was saying, the trail is very easy. Guess this is a favorites among bikers. If you have a 4X4, you can also bring it. We saw a lot of people going to the summit using their 4X4’s. We’re actually jealous because we’re already very tired and those people doesn’t have a hard going to the summit. We thought of hitchhiking but no, experience is far more valuable so we continued the hike. The view while hiking is amazing. So what more the view from the summit right?
Also, if you’re more into adventure, you can pitch your tent and have an overnight. I heard this is great place for stargazing. I want to experience it as well because just by imagining it, I know it will be an awesome experience. You know, star gazing, music, and bonfire.
Our plan was to catch the sunset, but before the sun sets, we already descended because they said the last ride of the jeep going to Licao-Licao is at 6PM** and we don’t want to have an unexpected overnight in a place we’re not really familiar with. Also, knowing our pace, we really should have descend a little early to catch the jeep. Descending is a lot easier of course. When we reached the jump off area, we changed our clothes and waited for a tricycle. Another tip I can give is instead of asking the driver from Licao-Licao to alight you at Tungko, ask the jeepney driver to alight you at Starmall because this is where the buses usually get people. And before the bus goes to Tungko, there are no more seats available so you will be standing on your whole travel to Cubao. And knowing your all tired from that climb, we don’t want that to happen. :)
Itinerary
9:00 AM to 9:30 AM Meet up at McDonalds Cubao, beside Kia theatre
9:30 AM to 10:30 AM Bus from Cubao to Tungko
10:30 AM to 11:10 AM Jeep from Tungko to Licao-Licao
11:10 AM 12:10 PM Licao-Licao to Jump off
12:10 PM to 12:20 PM Registration / Jump off
12:20 PM to 2:30 PM Trek to Summit
2:30 PM to 3:40 PM Lunch / Photo ops / Rest at Summit
3:40 PM to 4:40 PM Descend from summit to jump off
4:40 PM to 8:00 PM Travel back to Manila
This is our itinerary, since we met at a later time compared to the usual 4AM, we almost exhaust the whole day for this climb. Good thing is it’s not really hot by the time we climb. The wind is cooperating making it a perfect siesta vibes at the summit.
Also, if you want a guide, there are available people in the registration. However, it is not really needed because the trail is very easy and the paths are obvious. One advantage of the guide is he/she can tell you the different spots hidden in the trail. And the guide is perfect for large groups. If you’re less than 5 people like us, I think it is not recommended.
Total damage for this climb:
Bus to Tungko from Cubao - P38
Tungko to Licao licao - P27
Registration Fee at the jump off - P10
Fee before the summit - P20
Tricycle back to Licao licao - P15
Jeep to Starmall - 24
Bus to Ortigas from Starmall - P67
Total - P201, Yep, that’s less than 500! Just add your expense for the food and the snacks you’ll be bringing in.
It was a really fun and tiring day. My legs hurt big time but I must say, every sweat is worth it. The view from the summit is superb. This is one of the reasons why mountains are awesome. And as the saying goes, “It’s not the mountain we conquer but ourselves.” **Cheers to more mountain adventure.
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