I always see this beautiful mountain every time I go to the beaches in the south. Its top is said to have a shape like a maiden lying on her back. Mt. Makiling or Bundok Ni Mariang Makiling as they call it, is known for its mystic stories and legends.
Mt. Makiling is a dormant volcano, no wonder why hot springs and geothermal power plants are abundant around its foot. Because of its rich biodiversity, students hike up to study different species of plants and animals. Mountaineers on the other hand, enjoys the challenge of its trail and the magnificent view from above that awaits their eyes.
One of the trail going to the summit is from the University of the Philippines in Los Baños Laguna (UPLB) and the other is from Sto. Thomas Batangas. We tried the Makiling Traverse (MakTrav) which starts from Sto. Thomas Batangas up to its summit then going down to Los Baños, Laguna. It is said to be one of the most challenging day-hike climb near Manila.
Mt. Makiling is a dormant volcano, no wonder why hot springs and geothermal power plants are abundant around its foot. Because of its rich biodiversity, students hike up to study different species of plants and animals. Mountaineers on the other hand, enjoys the challenge of its trail and the magnificent view from above that awaits their eyes.
One of the trail going to the summit is from the University of the Philippines in Los Baños Laguna (UPLB) and the other is from Sto. Thomas Batangas. We tried the Makiling Traverse (MakTrav) which starts from Sto. Thomas Batangas up to its summit then going down to Los Baños, Laguna. It is said to be one of the most challenging day-hike climb near Manila.
Typically, one can reach the jump-off point in more or less, two hours from Manila.
Here's how:
In Cubao, we had to look for other bus terminals because of the very long queue of passengers waiting for the Lucena-bound bus. We managed to ride a bus going to Lemery and decided to just drop-off before Sto.Thomas Exit of the CALABARZON Expressway and it took us a long time because of the heavy traffic along the South Luzon Expressway. From Sto.Thomas exit, we rode another bus going to Lucena and were dropped off in San Felix. Again, heavy traffic consumed much of our time because of the constructions along the way. We reach San Felix around 9:45 AM.
From San Felix, we rode a tricycle going to the Eco-park in Sitio Jordan, where the jump-off point is situated.
There is a small hut at the entrance of the Eco-park where we have to register before climbing the mountain. We paid 200 pesos as a registration fee (for the group) and also met our guide Kuya Joemar.
Here's how:
- Ride a bus going to Lucena from JAC Liner Cubao or Buendia
- Drop off at San Felix, Sto. Thomas Batangas (landmark: Sea Oil Gas Station)
- Ride a tricycle going to "Makiling Eco-Park" in Sitio Jordan
In Cubao, we had to look for other bus terminals because of the very long queue of passengers waiting for the Lucena-bound bus. We managed to ride a bus going to Lemery and decided to just drop-off before Sto.Thomas Exit of the CALABARZON Expressway and it took us a long time because of the heavy traffic along the South Luzon Expressway. From Sto.Thomas exit, we rode another bus going to Lucena and were dropped off in San Felix. Again, heavy traffic consumed much of our time because of the constructions along the way. We reach San Felix around 9:45 AM.
From San Felix, we rode a tricycle going to the Eco-park in Sitio Jordan, where the jump-off point is situated.
There is a small hut at the entrance of the Eco-park where we have to register before climbing the mountain. We paid 200 pesos as a registration fee (for the group) and also met our guide Kuya Joemar.
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| At the jump-off point in Sitio Jordan |
Our group started the hike at 10:15 AM. The whole hike will last up to 8 to 12 hours depending on the pace. From the Eco-park, we walked through a wide rough road where we saw large pipes lying down along the side, maybe it has something to do with the geothermal power plants.
We had a nice view of Mt. Makiling as we continue the trek. It looks challenging from afar. Kuya Joemar and our group talked about what to expect and how hard it would be. That conversation got us more excited. And with a pumped-up adrenaline, my mind said "Challenge Accepted!".
The trail that we're passing through is called Sipit Trail. According to Kuya Joemar, this trail has 20 stations. These stations are roughly 200 to 300 meters apart.
There is an open hut along the way and there we took our lunch. There is also a water source near the open hut. Kuya Joemar said that it would be our last water source.
We had a nice view of Mt. Makiling as we continue the trek. It looks challenging from afar. Kuya Joemar and our group talked about what to expect and how hard it would be. That conversation got us more excited. And with a pumped-up adrenaline, my mind said "Challenge Accepted!".
The trail that we're passing through is called Sipit Trail. According to Kuya Joemar, this trail has 20 stations. These stations are roughly 200 to 300 meters apart.
There is an open hut along the way and there we took our lunch. There is also a water source near the open hut. Kuya Joemar said that it would be our last water source.
We started to feel the pressure on our legs as we continue our trek. We had to climb up a steep trail where some parts have rope supports. We also passed by a dried up river. After two hours of climbing, we can already see the Malipunyo mountain range from afar.
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| The Malipunyo Mountain Range |
Lush green forest rich in biodiversity covered the surroundings of the trail. One by one, we passed through every station. Steep trails, rope supports and some grassy trail followed.
Different kinds of plants can be seen along the trail. Some are fruit bearing and some are not. There were two particular plants growing on this mountain that hikers need to be aware of.
One should be cautious of the rattan plant because of its thorns. The other one is the lipa plant. Its small hairs releases a poisonous substance that may cause itchiness and skin irritation that could last 3 to 4 days.
For first aid remedy, Don't rub the affected area to prevent the spreading of the sting, Put a duct tape into it then remove it after 5 to 10 seconds. Taking non-drowsy antihistamines can also lessen the skin allergic reactions without you getting sleepy during the hike.
One should be cautious of the rattan plant because of its thorns. The other one is the lipa plant. Its small hairs releases a poisonous substance that may cause itchiness and skin irritation that could last 3 to 4 days.
For first aid remedy, Don't rub the affected area to prevent the spreading of the sting, Put a duct tape into it then remove it after 5 to 10 seconds. Taking non-drowsy antihistamines can also lessen the skin allergic reactions without you getting sleepy during the hike.
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| The thorny branches of the Rattan Plant |
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| Lipa plant along the trail |
Another concern when hiking a tropical rain forest like Mt. Makiling is the blood sucking limatik. A limatik bite doesn't hurt because it is said to release anesthetic chemicals and they usually go away once they've suck an ample amount of blood. Limatiks entering one's eye are a different case. Doctors do not suggest pulling it from the eyes because some part of its jaw might be left behind. One way of removing a limatik from your skin is by spraying alcohol on it. Wearing proper clothing like long sleeves and high socks can prevent them from entering your skin.
Good thing we didn't have any limatik encounter during our whole trek.
After a few minutes, we reached station 15 and there we took a short break. We needed to restore our energy for the hike up on the knee crushing trail from station 15 to 18.
A few minutes passed and we are at the spot called Haring Bato.
Good thing we didn't have any limatik encounter during our whole trek.
After a few minutes, we reached station 15 and there we took a short break. We needed to restore our energy for the hike up on the knee crushing trail from station 15 to 18.
A few minutes passed and we are at the spot called Haring Bato.
We need to climb up an almost 90 degree wall using the rope supports to get to the next part. A scenic view of the Taal Lake can be seen from where we are. The recognizable shape of Mt. Maculot can be seen at the left side of the lake.
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| Taal Lake as seen from Mt. Makiling. Mt. Maculot is on the left |
Luckily, there were no clouds covering the magnificent view from our spot. Patches of green covered the whole plain. I can identify where the town proper is because of the spires and clustered roofs. White smoke comes out of the geothermal power plants situated nearby.
After a few more minutes of ascension, we reached Peak 3. Tall grass covered the surroundings. We're not bothered by the heat of the sun since it is overwhelmed by the strong cold wind from the forest. There we had a short break before proceeding to the next trail. The Sipit Trail also ends at this point (Peak 3 is station 20).
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| At Peak 3 |
From Peak 3 we had to pass through a thick forest. Our guide told us that the summit is still 2 hours away. The trail is mostly covered with tall trees and wild plants. Cold wind blows from time to time and the trail is completely shaded from the sun. We need to bend down under fallen logs and pass through some trail covered with vines. This is my most favorite part of the climb.
We also pass through a splendid mossy forest. In this part, beautiful wild flower blooms along side moss covered trees and vines. We also saw some pitcher plants along the way.
We also pass through a splendid mossy forest. In this part, beautiful wild flower blooms along side moss covered trees and vines. We also saw some pitcher plants along the way.
As we continue the trek, I started to see some trash along the way. Then we noticed a wide area which I assume is a camp site full of left over foods and plastic waste. Kuya Joemar said some irresponsible hikers camped at that campsite. We decided to collect as much garbage as we can then proceed to the trek. We reached the summit after a few minutes.
We took a short break at the summit and there we talked about the trash that we've seen along the way. I was surprised at what I've seen because at first I was really amazed on how "trash-free" the whole trail was until we reached that part. Everyone, especially those who travel, should be reminded of their responsibilities to maintain the cleanliness of the places that we go to.
We took a short break at the summit and there we talked about the trash that we've seen along the way. I was surprised at what I've seen because at first I was really amazed on how "trash-free" the whole trail was until we reached that part. Everyone, especially those who travel, should be reminded of their responsibilities to maintain the cleanliness of the places that we go to.
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| At the summit |
The summit is surrounded by tall grass and bushes so I had to climb a tree to have a clearer view of the scenery. From the top of the tree, I had a 360 degree view of the beautiful landscapes of Batangas, Laguna, Quezon and Rizal. The buildings from Metro Manila looks tiny from where I stand. Seeing these magnificent view feels like I'm on top of the world until I saw the towering Mt. Banahaw which noticeably looked higher.
The cold wind and the fantastic view really took my breath away (and my exhaustion too). Peak 1 of Mt. Makiling can also be seen on top of the tree.
The cold wind and the fantastic view really took my breath away (and my exhaustion too). Peak 1 of Mt. Makiling can also be seen on top of the tree.
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| Mt. Banahaw |
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| Peak 1 |
We started our decent with a faster pace. There are 30 stations along the UPLB trail and we are at station 30 (the summit). Each station is roughly 150 to 300 meters apart. We haven't tracked down every station we pass through because the signage are facing the opposite direction. Along the way, we had a nice view of the Laguna de Bay. We can also see Mt. Tagapo at Talim Island and the eye-catching blue crater named Alligator Lake. One could also see the mountain range of Rizal and the windmills of Pililia if the sky is clear.
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| Laguna de Bay |
Going down along the UPLB Trail is easier. The trail is mostly covered with tall trees and bushes. Sometimes we have to bend down under the tree branches to get through. There are also some rope supports along the way.
It is getting darker as we reached the Malaboo Campsite. There we met a group of hikers setting up their camp. And after a few hours more of a fast paced trek along the dark rain forest, we reached the Agila base.
It is getting darker as we reached the Malaboo Campsite. There we met a group of hikers setting up their camp. And after a few hours more of a fast paced trek along the dark rain forest, we reached the Agila base.
It is already 6:30 PM when we reach the base. The buko juice from that place rejuvenated my energy. We thanked Kuya Joemar for helping us reach this point as he prepares to leave and head back to Batangas through the same trail we've been to. It is already dark and we're in a hurry so we decided to take the habal-habal ride from Agila Base to the UP College of Forestry - the UPLB trail jump-off point.
We got to the jump-off point in no time and there we disposed our trash properly. We listed our names in their logbook, then took a shower before leaving.
It was already late, so there were no jeepneys waiting at the jump-off point. We walked a few meters until a jeepney came by. We were dropped off at the gates of UP where we had our dinner before taking a jeepney ride going to Calamba. We didn't catch the last bus trip going to Manila so we rode a tricycle going to Turbina where Manila-bound buses are available 24 hours.
The trail was dry and the weather was hot at the time we climbed so we didn't have muddy shoes and limatik concerns. 2.5 liters of water plus a small bottle of Gatorade is more than enough for our 8 hour hike. Trail foods like raisins and biscuits really are a big help. And of course, the whole climb wouldn't be this successful without the big help of Kuya Joemar.
We got to the jump-off point in no time and there we disposed our trash properly. We listed our names in their logbook, then took a shower before leaving.
It was already late, so there were no jeepneys waiting at the jump-off point. We walked a few meters until a jeepney came by. We were dropped off at the gates of UP where we had our dinner before taking a jeepney ride going to Calamba. We didn't catch the last bus trip going to Manila so we rode a tricycle going to Turbina where Manila-bound buses are available 24 hours.
The trail was dry and the weather was hot at the time we climbed so we didn't have muddy shoes and limatik concerns. 2.5 liters of water plus a small bottle of Gatorade is more than enough for our 8 hour hike. Trail foods like raisins and biscuits really are a big help. And of course, the whole climb wouldn't be this successful without the big help of Kuya Joemar.
All in all, it was a tiring yet fun experience. Mount Makiling has one of the best trails I've climbed so far. Its wide variety of vegetation is a delight on one's eye. The vertical climb on its rocky parts will bring out the best in you and the very challenging steep trails will really push you to your limits.
Killed Bills
98.00 - Cubao to Sto. Thomas Exit Bus fare
10.00 - Sto. Thomas Exit to San Felix Bus fare
20.00 - Tricycle Fare San Felix to Sitio Jordan (jump-off)
33.00 - Registration at Jump-off (200 for 6 person)
200.00 - Guide Fee (per person)
100.00 - Habal-habal fare (Agila Base to UP Forestry)
8.00 - UP Forestry to UPLB Gate Jeepney Fare
22.00 - UPLB Gate to Calamba Crossing Jeepney Fare
20.00 - Calamba Crossing to Turbina Tricycle Fare
108.00 - Turbina to Ortigas Bus fare
250.00 - Food Budget (Packed Lunch, Dinner in Los Banos)
TOTAL - 869.00 Php
98.00 - Cubao to Sto. Thomas Exit Bus fare
10.00 - Sto. Thomas Exit to San Felix Bus fare
20.00 - Tricycle Fare San Felix to Sitio Jordan (jump-off)
33.00 - Registration at Jump-off (200 for 6 person)
200.00 - Guide Fee (per person)
100.00 - Habal-habal fare (Agila Base to UP Forestry)
8.00 - UP Forestry to UPLB Gate Jeepney Fare
22.00 - UPLB Gate to Calamba Crossing Jeepney Fare
20.00 - Calamba Crossing to Turbina Tricycle Fare
108.00 - Turbina to Ortigas Bus fare
250.00 - Food Budget (Packed Lunch, Dinner in Los Banos)
TOTAL - 869.00 Php
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