Have you heard about Silyang Bato? In Filipino it means "chair of stone". It's technically a rock sticking out on the edge of a cliff. Sitting on that rock feels like sitting on top of the world! This exceptional rock can be found at Mt. Marami in Maragondon, Cavite.
With an altitude exceeding 400 meters above sea level, Mt. Marami is classified as a minor climb and has a difficulty level of 3/9 according to Pinoy Mountaineer. Looking at it from a distance, one would observe that this mountain is full of towering rock formations. That's the reason how it got its name; the word marami in Filipino means "many".
I think its trail is somewhat similar to the trails going to Mt. Romelo in Siniloan, Laguna. A tropical rainforest trail where it gets dusty during summer and muddy during the rainy season. The weather at that time is very unpredictable so to be sure, we geared up and prepared ourselves for both weather conditions.
With an altitude exceeding 400 meters above sea level, Mt. Marami is classified as a minor climb and has a difficulty level of 3/9 according to Pinoy Mountaineer. Looking at it from a distance, one would observe that this mountain is full of towering rock formations. That's the reason how it got its name; the word marami in Filipino means "many".
I think its trail is somewhat similar to the trails going to Mt. Romelo in Siniloan, Laguna. A tropical rainforest trail where it gets dusty during summer and muddy during the rainy season. The weather at that time is very unpredictable so to be sure, we geared up and prepared ourselves for both weather conditions.
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| Mt. Marami |
Our group met at the Coastal Mall Grand Terminal where buses going to Naic are stationed. It's almost 3:00pm when we left the terminal. The bus passed through the Coastal Road and straight to CAVITEX then passed the towns of Rosario and Tanza before reaching Naic. We were dropped off at a gasoline station at a junction. From there, we're supposed to ride a jeepney going to Magallanes but we didn't see any. Some tricycle drivers offered us their service and since it's getting late, we decided to take it. We were divided into three groups.
It took us roughly 30 minutes to reach Baranggay Ramirez in Magallanes. But one tricycle in our group needed a repair along the way so we waited for about an hour until they arrived. It's already 6:00pm when we registered at the Baranggay Hall - the jump-off point going to Mt. Marami. We also paid 20 pesos per person as a registration fee. An alternative jump-off point is at barangay Talipusngo in Maragondon where the trail is much longer.
To secure a transportation back to Naic, we asked the tricycle driver to fetch us up the next day so he gave us his phone number.
At the barangay hall, local guides offer their services for a fee. There are no fixed rate for the fee so a good haggling skills might be a big advantage. On our case, we've contacted Onad (0906-8931152) a day before our climb. He's not available at that time so he introduced us to his brother Jay (0905-6437892) whom later was accompanied by Alden. Mt. Marami is known for its maze-like trail. A number of missing incidents have been reported here in the past so in a group of eleven, I think it's necessary to have two local guides to accompany us especially that none of us have been there before.
It took us roughly 30 minutes to reach Baranggay Ramirez in Magallanes. But one tricycle in our group needed a repair along the way so we waited for about an hour until they arrived. It's already 6:00pm when we registered at the Baranggay Hall - the jump-off point going to Mt. Marami. We also paid 20 pesos per person as a registration fee. An alternative jump-off point is at barangay Talipusngo in Maragondon where the trail is much longer.
To secure a transportation back to Naic, we asked the tricycle driver to fetch us up the next day so he gave us his phone number.
At the barangay hall, local guides offer their services for a fee. There are no fixed rate for the fee so a good haggling skills might be a big advantage. On our case, we've contacted Onad (0906-8931152) a day before our climb. He's not available at that time so he introduced us to his brother Jay (0905-6437892) whom later was accompanied by Alden. Mt. Marami is known for its maze-like trail. A number of missing incidents have been reported here in the past so in a group of eleven, I think it's necessary to have two local guides to accompany us especially that none of us have been there before.
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| At the jump-off |
It's already 6:30 in the evening when our hike commence. We've met several hikers along the way who were about to return at the barangay hall. We've exchange greetings and smiles at each other. Their exhausted faces, sweaty clothes and muddy shoes gave us an idea on what to expect before reaching the camp. Jay said that this unexpected night trek would take up roughly four hours depending on our pace.
We started walking along a wide unpaved trail. Portions of it are muddy but we've managed to step on some dry parts of the trail trying not to get wet not knowing that in the end, we have to cross a river.
Crossing the knee-deep river at night is quite a challenge. Using our headlamps as the only source of light, our feet have to grope beneath the blurry water to avoid tripping over the rocks. One must also have sturdy legs to stand against the strong current.
After it, we passed through a narrow forest trail. The moon and the stars are covered by thick clouds at that time. The only light that can be seen in the sky are the flash of lightning from time to time. We carried on with the trek hoping that the rain would not fall.
Hiking in the dark somehow consumed us mentally and physically so we stopped several times to have a breather. We felt recharged every time we take a break. The smile on each faces rejuvenates everyone. We continued the hike through the dark trail where the only thing we see are the trails where our headlamps are flashing on. The sound from frogs, geckos and crickets can be heard along with the sound of the flowing water nearby. The clap of thunder can also be heard every now and then.
We started walking along a wide unpaved trail. Portions of it are muddy but we've managed to step on some dry parts of the trail trying not to get wet not knowing that in the end, we have to cross a river.
Crossing the knee-deep river at night is quite a challenge. Using our headlamps as the only source of light, our feet have to grope beneath the blurry water to avoid tripping over the rocks. One must also have sturdy legs to stand against the strong current.
After it, we passed through a narrow forest trail. The moon and the stars are covered by thick clouds at that time. The only light that can be seen in the sky are the flash of lightning from time to time. We carried on with the trek hoping that the rain would not fall.
Hiking in the dark somehow consumed us mentally and physically so we stopped several times to have a breather. We felt recharged every time we take a break. The smile on each faces rejuvenates everyone. We continued the hike through the dark trail where the only thing we see are the trails where our headlamps are flashing on. The sound from frogs, geckos and crickets can be heard along with the sound of the flowing water nearby. The clap of thunder can also be heard every now and then.
It's already 8 in the evening when we reached the Nuestra Señora de La Paz chapel. Beside it is a small house which sells fresh buko juice. Good thing they're still open at that time. We decided to rest at that place for awhile. We also had to register there and pay another 20 pesos each as a registration fee. After a few minutes, we continued the trek.
Another hour of continuous trek along the dark muddy trail had passed. Fatigue is starting to be felt. This is the point where most of us repeatedly asked "are we there yet?" due to frustration.
More than three hours had past since we left the jump-off point. We didn't have a chance to trace our trails because of the darkness. All we have to do is to trust Jay and Alden on guiding us safely to the campsite. Jay said that they've been guiding mountaineers since they were kids. I think we can't make it at this point without them.
Moving forward, we reached a water source and there we refilled our water containers. Then after another short rest, we continued walking until we reached a spot where the surface is flat. Actually, we are still 30 minutes away from the campsite but Jay said that group of mountaineers already camped on that spot so we decided to settle and camp in there. An open space with a small hut nearby; we set up our tents on a wide space under a tree.
Another hour of continuous trek along the dark muddy trail had passed. Fatigue is starting to be felt. This is the point where most of us repeatedly asked "are we there yet?" due to frustration.
More than three hours had past since we left the jump-off point. We didn't have a chance to trace our trails because of the darkness. All we have to do is to trust Jay and Alden on guiding us safely to the campsite. Jay said that they've been guiding mountaineers since they were kids. I think we can't make it at this point without them.
Moving forward, we reached a water source and there we refilled our water containers. Then after another short rest, we continued walking until we reached a spot where the surface is flat. Actually, we are still 30 minutes away from the campsite but Jay said that group of mountaineers already camped on that spot so we decided to settle and camp in there. An open space with a small hut nearby; we set up our tents on a wide space under a tree.
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| Having a break at the water source |
Jay showed us a trail going to a brook nearby. Some of us enjoyed taking a bath on that small stream. It definitely replenished our energy. We spent the night eating, laughing and telling stories about anything and everything. We also enjoyed playing card games and some of us eventually didn't sleep at all.
4:30am when we woke everybody up. After a few preparations, warm-ups and a cup of coffee, we started the trek going to the summit. We passed through the campsite where we met a group of mountaineers. They're also preparing to start their trek up as we greeted them. One of them told us that they had some issues with the cows roaming around. Some of their clothes were chewed by the cows, they said.
We continued the trek at a grassy trail then passed through a small gate. That gate was built to prevent cows from passing through.
The sun started to shine and the sky got brighter as we tried to speed up. We can already see the summit from where we at. After a few minutes, we passed through a bamboo forest. The trail on this part might be a bit difficult to trace specially for the beginners. Hiking through this trail feels like being in a Japanese movie about samurais and ninjas slicing bamboo poles and stuff!
Then we stride along the grassy trail before taking the assault that leads to the summit.
We continued the trek at a grassy trail then passed through a small gate. That gate was built to prevent cows from passing through.
The sun started to shine and the sky got brighter as we tried to speed up. We can already see the summit from where we at. After a few minutes, we passed through a bamboo forest. The trail on this part might be a bit difficult to trace specially for the beginners. Hiking through this trail feels like being in a Japanese movie about samurais and ninjas slicing bamboo poles and stuff!
Then we stride along the grassy trail before taking the assault that leads to the summit.
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| Going to the summit |
Several peaks can be reached at the top of this mountain. The clouds are at the same level as ours. There were times when the place becomes foggy because of the clouds. But as it move away, a beautiful scenery will captivate your eyes. The mountain range of Mataas na Gulod can be seen nearby. Looking no further beyond its landscape is the very distinctive shape of Pico de Loro. The wide plains and hills of Nasugbu can also be seen from afar. We enjoyed watching the sunrise and scrambling through the different rocky peaks.
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| Pico de Loro as seen from the summit |
Going to the summit, there is a short trail at the right leading to the famous Silyang Bato. At the end of it is a large space that separates the two rocks. One should hop over that deep cliff and land to the rock next to it. It is manageable specially for those with long legs. After it, is another short walk and some scrambling along the stone walls then you'll reach the Silyang Bato before noticing it.
I stood on top of that rock and enjoyed a magnificent view of the wide forest of Cavite and Batanggas. Birds can be seen flying below us. I felt like standing above the clouds. Sitting on this spot is a very unforgettable experience. Silyang Bato surely is a perfect throne for travelers with hungry eyes and restless feet.
I stood on top of that rock and enjoyed a magnificent view of the wide forest of Cavite and Batanggas. Birds can be seen flying below us. I felt like standing above the clouds. Sitting on this spot is a very unforgettable experience. Silyang Bato surely is a perfect throne for travelers with hungry eyes and restless feet.
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| Silyang Bato |
We all bask into the beauty of the surroundings. We didn't get tired of taking pictures until we noticed how much time had gone by. We also felt the crumbling of our stomach. So after a while, we decided to get back to camp for breakfast.
After eating our breakfast, some of us decided to take a bath at the brook nearby while others helped packing up and cleaning the place. We walked along the brook and we discovered a small waterfalls and there we enjoyed swimming. We were all refreshed before starting our descend.
After eating our breakfast, some of us decided to take a bath at the brook nearby while others helped packing up and cleaning the place. We walked along the brook and we discovered a small waterfalls and there we enjoyed swimming. We were all refreshed before starting our descend.
Unlike our trek up the night before, the trails are now dried up. The weather is hot and humid so we've doubled our water consumption. We had our lunch at the hut near the chapel where we registered the night before.
We continued the trek having more time-outs than our way up. We arrived at the jump-off point exhausted and really thirsty. It was already 4 in the afternoon.
As we wait for our tricycle service, we freshened up by taking a shower at the barangay hall for 20 pesos. A 30 pesos per shower is also offered by the sari-sari store where we waited.
The sun is out when I got back home. We all got exhausted but good thing none of us got hurt during the whole activity; and the weather is on our side too.
It was a climb to remember. Packing light and carrying sufficient amount of water would be a big help trekking up this mountain. One should never underestimate its 3/9 rate of difficulty too. It really tested our stamina and our limits both physically and mentally. But all of those challenges were rewarded with a majestic view and heavenly feeling the moment that we reached the top.
For me, Mt. Marami's name pertain not only to the numerous rocks that can be seen at its peak but also to a lot of fun, stories, hardships and experiences that one can obtain while climbing it.
We continued the trek having more time-outs than our way up. We arrived at the jump-off point exhausted and really thirsty. It was already 4 in the afternoon.
As we wait for our tricycle service, we freshened up by taking a shower at the barangay hall for 20 pesos. A 30 pesos per shower is also offered by the sari-sari store where we waited.
The sun is out when I got back home. We all got exhausted but good thing none of us got hurt during the whole activity; and the weather is on our side too.
It was a climb to remember. Packing light and carrying sufficient amount of water would be a big help trekking up this mountain. One should never underestimate its 3/9 rate of difficulty too. It really tested our stamina and our limits both physically and mentally. But all of those challenges were rewarded with a majestic view and heavenly feeling the moment that we reached the top.
For me, Mt. Marami's name pertain not only to the numerous rocks that can be seen at its peak but also to a lot of fun, stories, hardships and experiences that one can obtain while climbing it.
Killed Bills
64.00 - Bus Coastal Mall to Naic
120.00 - Tricycle from Naic to Brgy. Ramirez Magallanes
20.00 - Jump-off point Registration
20.00 - Regustration near Nuestra Seniora Chapel
250.00 - Food Budget
50.00 - 2 Fresh Buko
20.00 - Shower Room fee
120.00 - Guide Fee (1200 for our group)
120.00 - Tricycle from Magallanes to Naic
64.00 - Bus from Naic to Coastal Mall
TOTAL: Php 828.00
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