Sa Mount Romelo - Siniloan, Laguna

   Based on Pinoy Mountaineer, Mount Romelo has an elevation of less than 300 meters above sea level, with a difficulty level of 2/9 and is classified as a minor climb. It is one of the popular mountains to climb near Manila for beginners. But the main attraction that this place offers are the waterfalls that can be found around the forest of Siniloan.

   According to some write-ups that I've read over the internet, the trails are mostly muddy during rainy season and dusty during the sunny days. On the day of our trip, it was signal number 1 in the provinces of Quezon and Laguna according to the weather forecast. So we expected a wet and muddy climb and brought our raincoats and rain-covers for our luggage. But we did not anticipate a hot and sweaty trip from Manila.


   We went to Legarda in Manila where buses and vans going to Infanta are stationed. We rode a van and told the driver to drop us at Kia3 (Trois) Restaurant in Siniloan. The van took almost three hours to reach Trois.

   Before meeting up with our guide, we decided to eat our lunch at Trois Restaurant. This restaurant is a favorite stop over station of buses going to Infanta Quezon. After awhile, we met our contact person, Ms. Divina (0908-982-2183) in front of the restaurant. We got her phone number through the internet.

In front of Kia3 Restaurant
   It was a warm cloudy day but contrary to the weather forecast, it did not rain the whole morning. A large signage of Buruwisan Multi Falls can be seen at the corner of the street going to the jump-off point. We walked down that road passing through a small community until we reached the Barangay Hall where we have to register.


   Small sari-sari stores are lined up near the registration hall. There were also shower rooms for rent which is convenient for the mountaineers who just got back from the mountain. There were also a souvenir shop at the hall where apparels and key chains are being sold.

   We listed down our names on their logbook and paid 50 pesos per head as a registration fee. Then after this, we continued walking across the river then we stopped for awhile in a small hut.

   There we were introduced by Ms. Divina to our guide Mang Jaime. Usually, local guides are waiting at their station located at the corner of the National Highway and the access road that we've passed through awhile ago. But in our case, Mang Jaime met us along the way after the registration hall. Then the adventure starts there.

   We need to cross a river to get to the other side of the trail. We also passed by some locals who offered a ride on their horses for 300 pesos.


   After a while we arrived at a small hut where fresh buko juice and sodas are sold. We took a short break and tried their fresh buko. Each buko costs 15 pesos while sodas (Mountain Dew) are sold at 20 pesos. Fresh buko juice surely is a thirst quencher.



   The trek continued as we walk through a rocky trail which gets steeper as we move further. Large trees shed our way. We also noticed that jack-fruit trees are abundant in this area. After a few minutes more of walking and climbing the steep trail, we reached the grassy part. We looked back on our trail and we saw the magnificent view of Laguna de Bay. We realized then that we are near the summit.


   Excited to reach the peak, we hurried up and go straight through the trail. Then we reached the summit in no time. The strong wind blows as we look around and enjoy the view. The Laguna de Bay in front and the Sierra Madre mountain range at the back, looking at these picture-worthy landscapes really replenished our energy.

   The summit itself looks indifferent. Towering coconut trees and tall grass made up most of the terrain. The whole trek from the jump-off point took more than an hour. We spent a few more minutes to take pictures and have a little breather before going to the campsite.




   Hiking in Mount Romelo was a tiring yet exciting experience. The summit is not that high but most of the trails are steep and challenging. Because of its popularity, the impact of the tourist to this place is very evident. Empty wrappers of candies and other trail foods can be seen. Good thing Mang Jaime told us that the local guides conduct clean up routines from time to time. I think with the cooperation of the local authorities and the tourists, the whole mountain or the trail at least can be cleaned in no time. Being a responsible traveler may also help maintaining the cleanliness of the place.


   The sky is getting darker and the wind is getting colder so we thought that rain would come anytime soon. So we continue the trek going to the campsite, which will serve as a jump-off point going to the Buruwisan Multi Falls.

Killed Bills

Here is our budget breakdown during our trip in Siniloan, Laguna.

140.00 - Van fare from Legarda Manila to Trois (Famy, Laguna)
50.00 - Registration fee
15.00 - Buko Juice
20.00 - Mountain Dew
20.00 - Shower fee
60.00 - Guide Fee (600 for 10 persons)
20.00 - Tricycle fare from Trois to Siniloan
140.00 - Van fare from Siniloan to Pasig
200.00 - Food Budget (2Days/1Night)


TOTAL: Php 665.00


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