Sa Mount Manalmon - San Miguel, Bulacan

   Mountain climbing for me is a good way to start a year. Well, maybe because of the cool and dry weather during this season. This time, my friends and I looked for a summit to reach which is near-Manila. So we considered going to the nearby mountains of Batangas. But then, one of us suggested a mountain located a few hours north of Metro Manila, the Mount Manalmon in Barangay Madlum, San Miguel Bulacan.

   Approximately 160 meters above sea level, one can easily say Mount Manalmon is just a hill. Based on our research, the trail going to the summit is very easy specially during dry season so we expect an easy yet exciting climb ahead.

Mount Manalmon

   Because some of us came straight from a night-shift work, we all got together at Baliuag Bus station at around 11:00am. We rode a bus going to Cabanatuan then we were dropped off at Camias Road in San Miguel Bulacan. It's only more than 2 hours of bus ride.

   We had our late lunch in a small carinderia before riding on a tricycle going to Baranggay Madlum. The tricycle ride took us less than an hour to reach our destination. As I step off of the tricycle, I gazed upon the serene surroundings. The simple living of the neighborhood, the clear water of Madlum river and the awesome rock formations around it... seeing those things plus breathing the fresh air on the place really replenished our energy.

Madlum River

   We had to cross the river to get to the registration site and we got two options to do it. Option one, we have to pay 5 pesos to ride a bamboo raft across the river. The second option would be crossing the river through the monkey bridge for free. For those who are carrying some luggage, the bamboo raft is the ideal option although the bamboo raft is non operational during times when the water rapids are strong. That leaves people to take the monkey bridge. Two parallel cables attached on both sides of the river, one cable is where you step on and the other is where you hold your hand. Pretty exciting huh? [UPDATE May 2015: There is now a bridge that leads to the other side! Yey!]

   We decided to ride the bamboo raft so we can carry our things easily across the river. At the registration site, We paid our registration fee and met our local guide Mang Onat. Most of us in the group were beginners so it really is a big help to have Mang Onat around.

   After a short while, we started our trek. We had to pass through a small cave, then cross a number of river before going in to the forest.

   In less than an hour, we reached a huge rock just near the campsite. There, we took a short breather while enjoying the awesome view and fresh air.

   The sun is about to set so we rushed into the campsite and dropped our things then we went straight to the summit to see the magnificent sunset.

   The cold breeze blew as we enjoy the magnificent view of the sunset. A view of Mount Gola and Madlum river can be seen from the summit and the silhouette of Mount Arayat can also be seen from afar.

Mount Gola

   As the light turns out and stars starts to cover the sky, We started to set up our camp and prepare for our dinner.

   After a satisfying dinner, we had our late night socials... We also enjoyed stargazing. Luckily, that day, a meteor shower occurred so we enjoyed counting shooting stars.

   Fog starts to cover up our camp as the wind gets colder and colder. Blankets, high socks and jackets really helped us survive the night. Mosquito patches were also a big help because insects are also abundant on that area.

   The next morning, we went back to the summit to watch the beautiful sunrise. Staring at the stunning view of the sun behind the clouds and the mountain surely is a perfect way to start the day.

   We started our decent after we had our breakfast. We managed to stop along the river for awhile to freshen up. I enjoyed the fresh cold water of the river.

   After that, we continued our trek back to the registration site. And there, we had our lunch. The melon juice available in a small sari-sari store really quenched my thirst.

   Comfort rooms are available in the area. One must pay 5 pesos for peeing and 10 pesos for "the other one". Taking a bath also costs 10 pesos per person per gallon of water.

   Although one can finish our whole adventure in one day, We decided to spend the night at the camp for us to really enjoy and savor up the moments and really appreciate what we came for. The first-timers in our group really enjoyed climbing this beginner-friendly yet exciting Mount Manalmon.

   Our adventure continues as we tried to cross the monkey bridge then go spelunking at the Bayukbok Cave!

   Special thanks to Joan Martinez for the photos.

Killed Bills

This budget itinerary covers our whole adventure in San Miguel Bulacan. (Mt. Manalmon and Bayukbok Cave)

170.00 - Bus fare from Cubao Quezon City to San Miguel, Bulacan

25.00 - Goto

80.00 - Tricycle fare from National Highway to Barangay Madlum (Php 240.00 for 3 persons)

60.00 - Php 600 fee for local guide (10 persons)

30.00 - Php 300 additional fee for spelunking in Bayukbok Cave (10 persons)

10.00 - Php 5.00 Bamboo Raft fee (2 times)

5.00 - Registration fee per person

135.00 - Food budget per person
10.00 - Comfort room fee

80.00 - Tricycle fare from Barangay Madlum to National Highway

170.00 - Bus fare from San Miguel, Bulacan to Cubao, Quezon City

Php 775.00 - TOTAL