Hi, Maaya. How much do you pay for a guide? I understand that the trail is easy, but I was wondering maybe this is recommended say if I am doing it alone? Having a companion is still better as one never knows, right? I have trekked only once and would certainly love to do it again.

I grew up in Antipolo but never had the chance to visit Rodriguez, Rizal. What a shame noh? There are so many beautiful spots to visit in Rizal and I am glad that more and more people are sharing their experience thru blogs and social media. You have very beautiful photos. Too beautiful that I am wanting to visit this place soon.

Good to know you've restarted hiking. I agree, soon after rains is the perfect climate to climb, its not wet and its not hot, just pleasing!!! I know the situation when your extreme hobbies aren't shared by your friends. Its better to join local clubs to meet like minded people. There's a trekking club in my city. Try to find one in yours.

Can only agree with you. Hiking is surely a non-expesive way to a vacation. And, why you are going to get a super stunning view like in your first pic... then it's every bit worth the effort to reach on top. It's always fun and exciting to go trekking, meeting locals, and enjoying that bit of time with nature.

I also love a good mountain adventure. And you took great photos! I think the pain was worth it. But it must be a lot warmer there in January than it is here in NYC. Here we are all wearing our winter coats and still freezing from the wind!

I love the mountains as I love thhe beach. But, I never got into hiking like the hiking you do. I admire people who do! Hope one day I can try it out with my husband even if it is outside our usual hehe.

From your photos and from what you wrote, I think I can reach the summit. I only climbed one mountain which is Mt. Pico de Loro and I had a difficult time. I agree with that it looks perfect for beginners (like me). Plus, 4x4 can reach the summit. Will definitely suggest this to my friends.

- Me-An Clemente

Oh wow! That view from the summit is so gorgeous! Who would've thought that you were in Rizal? 200 for everything? So unbelievably cheap! That looks so fun to do, but I don't know if I can wake up that early. Haha! Looks like you had an amazing adventure!

The trail looks fairly easy! The last time I hiked was in El Nido and boy, the paths are really steep. A little slip and I would have fallen down the mountain. But it was a wonderful experience indeed! I'll be blogging about it soon and I hope you'll check it out. It is one of the secret places I visited in El Nido.

I like to try hiking in Mt. Balabag. The view seems really nice and it would definitely be a great way to exercise! And it is unbelievably cheap too! :D

Thanks so much for sharing. Bookmarked this for my travel bucket list.

What a gorgeous view! It's interesting that they rank hikes out of 9, I wonder what level I could get to... You may have been jealous of those people with 4x4s but I guarantee they didn't feel the same satisfaction you did when you reached the top! Sounds like a worthwhile experience that would be good for a beginner like me.

I've been hearing a lot about Rizal lately, the mountains and other interesting nature scapes that one should visit. This is a wonderful experience! The views were so lovely! I wish to go hiking too someday.. its one of my dreams and ive never experienced it eversince.. :)

Looks like a very well planned activity. This kind of discipline and adherence to time helps. The views are mesmerizing from there, definitely worth the climb. I am not sure if I will be able to complete it though.

Im more of a beach person than a mountain lover one but the view of the summit never gets old. Every summit offers a different view that would always struck you in awe! I hooe you'll be able to achieve your goal on conquering more mountains. A great adventure always awaits. :)

I also have a blog about Mt. Balagbag! I climbed it on a Monday before going to school and work. Talk about harkor. But it's a pretty easy climb that's why. Very refreshing way to start the week. :)

The view looks amazing! The last time I hiked was I think 3 years ago in Baler going to the mother falls. I haven't really done it with professionals, by the way what does spelunking and jump off mean? Hehe sorry i'm really a newbie

I used to hike as well. But now that we have a little boy to take care of, husband and my boys continue to hike, leaving me at home. Hu hu hu. I miss nature and the beauty of seeing the mountains and touching those grasses as you ascend. Perhaps I will go.back hiking once our baby is strong enough to hike on his own and carry his own water :) such nice experience you had there. Keep climbing.

Wow, this is just another mountain that I should really have to pen on my bucket list. I haven't visited Rizal Province yet and I'm so happy that I discover more of its hidden gem. I truly admirer you for the strength that you have to be able to climb to the summit of this mountain. You reminded me that I should start climbing mountain again.

Gahhhd, I miss climbing!

Hi Maaya! Is there a parking lot at the jump off or anywhere near? as we are planning to use a private vehicle going to the area. Thank you..^_^

Hi Maaya,thanks for sharing. I would just like to ask if the trail is that easy and visible? Will I not really need to hire a guide to the summit?

Hi, Maaya. Thanks for sharing as well. Did you have to secure permits before you climbed?

hi maaya can you help do you have contact guide in mt balagbag?
they have plan for hiking with my team this coming july 30&31
but it is night trek?

thank you

Hi Ms Maaya, just wanna ask what is the best time to hike Mt Balagbag, is it morning or afternoon? THank you so muuch :)

Hi, I just want to ask, is it still open now? Because I heard a news saying they temporarily closed it (pertaining to Mt. Balagbag). Me and my friends were planning to go there this weekend. :)