A favorite playground of trail runners, mountain bikers and 4x4 vehicle enthusiasts, Mt. Balagbag has a lot more to offer. At roughly 770 meters above sea level, its grassy peak features a scenic view of the Sierra Madre and the Metro Manila cityscape.
The trail going to the summit is quite easy. But hiking during the day might be a bit challenging because of the scorching heat of the sun. Its grassy summit, also known as "the Helipad", is wide enough to accommodate a lot of campers too.
Our group planned on camping on top of this barren mountain to witness the incredible setting of the sun, the glittering city lights of Manila and the beautiful sunrise from the east.
The trail going to the summit is quite easy. But hiking during the day might be a bit challenging because of the scorching heat of the sun. Its grassy summit, also known as "the Helipad", is wide enough to accommodate a lot of campers too.
Our group planned on camping on top of this barren mountain to witness the incredible setting of the sun, the glittering city lights of Manila and the beautiful sunrise from the east.
 |
| Mt. Balagbag as seen from the trails going to Maranat Falls |
It was past 3 in the afternoon when our group got together at Robinsons Galleria. From there, we rode a bus going to Tungko and were dropped off at Jollibee. The bus ride took longer than expected because of the heavy traffic. The sun is about to set when we rode a jeepney going to Licao-Licao. At that time, we already knew that we're not going to be at the summit for sunset. The Tungko - Licao-Licao Jeepney Terminal is located behind BDO (Dalisay Market).
We arrived at Licao-Licao at 7 in the evening and there we met Mark, a local guide (reach him through these numbers: 0999-7217952). Even though one can easily reach the summit just by asking directions from the locals, we decided to let Mark come along because we're also planning to go to Maranat Falls the next morning.
After a few preparations, our unplanned night trek commenced. From Licao-Licao, one can ride a tricycle going to Sitio Balagbag, the jump-off point. But our group decided to walk. Headlamps and flashlights are needed during the whole trek.
We reached the jump-off point in no time and there we paid 10 pesos as a registration fee. Then we continued our trek on a wide ascending rough road going to the summit.
We arrived at Licao-Licao at 7 in the evening and there we met Mark, a local guide (reach him through these numbers: 0999-7217952). Even though one can easily reach the summit just by asking directions from the locals, we decided to let Mark come along because we're also planning to go to Maranat Falls the next morning.
After a few preparations, our unplanned night trek commenced. From Licao-Licao, one can ride a tricycle going to Sitio Balagbag, the jump-off point. But our group decided to walk. Headlamps and flashlights are needed during the whole trek.
We reached the jump-off point in no time and there we paid 10 pesos as a registration fee. Then we continued our trek on a wide ascending rough road going to the summit.
As we move further, we started to see the city lights of Metro Manila from afar. Friendly locals also greeted us along the way.
We took a break near the red gate going to the Helipad and there we also registered and paid 30 pesos.
We took a break near the red gate going to the Helipad and there we also registered and paid 30 pesos.
Upon reaching the summit, we were welcomed by a friendly orange cat. Some of us enjoyed playing with this lovely feline while others are looking for a place to set up our camp. We had a hard time looking for a place to camp because the summit is pretty much occupied at that time.
Dinner is prepared and served once we finished pitching all our tents.
Dinner is prepared and served once we finished pitching all our tents.
 |
| Mr. Cat is asking if dinner is ready! |
Our group enjoyed the cold wind, over-looking city lights and delicious food at that night. Some friendly hikers also shared food with us!
The food really replenished our energy. After cleaning up our camp, Our group had fun taking pictures of the city lights. The sky is clear at that time, so we also enjoyed star gazing.
I spend the rest of the night reading constellations, catching shooting stars and gazing upon the wide city lights view. We even saw some fireworks display from afar.
One by one we all went to sleep as the night goes by. Spending the cold night between the shimmering city lights below and the twinkling stars above really is a very delightful experience.
The food really replenished our energy. After cleaning up our camp, Our group had fun taking pictures of the city lights. The sky is clear at that time, so we also enjoyed star gazing.
I spend the rest of the night reading constellations, catching shooting stars and gazing upon the wide city lights view. We even saw some fireworks display from afar.
One by one we all went to sleep as the night goes by. Spending the cold night between the shimmering city lights below and the twinkling stars above really is a very delightful experience.
We woke up early in the morning to watch the beautiful sunrise. As the sun slowly rises behind the Sierra Madre mountain range, the fantastic view from the summit gets clearer and clearer. As we walk around, we can clearly see some recognizable mountains such us Mts. Maranat, Oriod, Ayaas and Hapunang Banoi.
After breakfast, we started to pack up and prepare for our trek down to Maranat Falls.
Having all needed supplies before the climb is recommended although one can find several sari-sari stores along the trail. Two liters of water is enough for a Balagbag day-hike, but on our case, we brought 3 liters each. We needed the extra water for cooking and cleaning (and for the trek going to Maranat Falls).
There were no trash bins on the summit so visitors must bring their own trash bags and dispose their waste properly once their back at the jump-off point.
Another jump-off point going to Mt. Balagbag is through Karuhame. That trail will also lead you to Kaytitinga Falls.
The last trip of the jeepney from Licao-licao going back to Tungko is until 6 in the evening. But on some cases, there are still some jeepney drivers willing to go back to Tungko if there are enough passengers. 10 or more stranded passengers might convince a driver to go back to Tungko in the evening.
Hiring a tricycle to drive you down to Quirino Highway would be the last resort if you're still in Licao-licao at night but it would definitely cost you much.
There were no trash bins on the summit so visitors must bring their own trash bags and dispose their waste properly once their back at the jump-off point.
Another jump-off point going to Mt. Balagbag is through Karuhame. That trail will also lead you to Kaytitinga Falls.
The last trip of the jeepney from Licao-licao going back to Tungko is until 6 in the evening. But on some cases, there are still some jeepney drivers willing to go back to Tungko if there are enough passengers. 10 or more stranded passengers might convince a driver to go back to Tungko in the evening.
Hiring a tricycle to drive you down to Quirino Highway would be the last resort if you're still in Licao-licao at night but it would definitely cost you much.
It was an extraordinary camping experience. Watching the scenic views of the city and the mountains plus the outer space-like sky at night and the glorious sunrise; I've never had a camping like this before.
Good thing the weather is on our side at that time. Camping at Mt. Balagbag during the rainy season might not be a good idea. The best time to camp is when the weather is cool and dry. Better check the weather forecast and the moon phase schedule to experience stargazing at its best.
Killed Bills
This budget breakdown covered our whole Balagbag-Maranat trip.
40.00 - Ordinary Bus fare from Ortigas to Tungko
28.00 - Jeepney fare from Tungko to Licao-Licao
10.00 - Registration Fee at Sitio Balagbag
30.00 - Registration Fee at the summit (Red Gate)
170.00 - Local Guide Fee (500 is the minimum but we gave our guide 1000 for our extra trip to Maranat Falls and for extra effort!)
250.00 - Food Budget (Dinner-Breakfast-Lunch)
40.00 - Tricycle from Balagbag to Licao-Licao
28.00 - Jeepney fare from Licao-Licao to Tungko
60.00 - Bus fare from Tungko to Ortigas
TOTAL - 656.00 Php
Good thing the weather is on our side at that time. Camping at Mt. Balagbag during the rainy season might not be a good idea. The best time to camp is when the weather is cool and dry. Better check the weather forecast and the moon phase schedule to experience stargazing at its best.
Killed Bills
This budget breakdown covered our whole Balagbag-Maranat trip.
40.00 - Ordinary Bus fare from Ortigas to Tungko
28.00 - Jeepney fare from Tungko to Licao-Licao
10.00 - Registration Fee at Sitio Balagbag
30.00 - Registration Fee at the summit (Red Gate)
170.00 - Local Guide Fee (500 is the minimum but we gave our guide 1000 for our extra trip to Maranat Falls and for extra effort!)
250.00 - Food Budget (Dinner-Breakfast-Lunch)
40.00 - Tricycle from Balagbag to Licao-Licao
28.00 - Jeepney fare from Licao-Licao to Tungko
60.00 - Bus fare from Tungko to Ortigas
TOTAL - 656.00 Php
Shout out to Ding Aberca, Mackoy Soliman and Jeff Jamandra for the photos!
Comments
Post a Comment