Opened in the early months of 2016, the mountains of Cayabu and Maynuba (aka Maynoba) became a famous hiking destination for hikers near Manila. It quickly gained its popularity through social media and is said to where one can have the highest chance of witnessing the sea of clouds among the mountain ranges of Tanay, Rizal. From barangay Cayabu, one may have a trilogy hike of Mt. Cayabu, Mt. Maynoba and Mt. Ayngat. Or like what we did, we chose the loop hike called Maynoba Circuit. We planned on having an overnight camping on this hike.
Maynoba Circuit, as they call it, is the loop trail from barangay Cayabu trail-head up to the summit of Mount Cayabu then to the peaks of Mount Maynoba and its summit down to the eight magnificent waterfalls and back to the trail-head.
Maynoba Circuit, as they call it, is the loop trail from barangay Cayabu trail-head up to the summit of Mount Cayabu then to the peaks of Mount Maynoba and its summit down to the eight magnificent waterfalls and back to the trail-head.
Just like how we got to Mount Batolusong, going to barangay Cayabu is quite easy.
- From Cubao, ride a jeep or van going to Cogeo (Gate 2)
- Drop off at Jollibee Cogeo Gate 2 and take a walk up to the jeepney terminal beside Antipolo City Mall
- Ride a jeepney bound to Sampaloc
- Drop off at Batangasan and ride a tricycle going to barangay Cayabu
The trail-head is located at barangay Cayabu (Marning's Farm). There we have to register and pay a fee of 40 pesos per head. We also met Sir Jun and Sir Carlo, our guides. Before the hike begins, Sir Carlo gave some reminders and rules that would be helpful during the hike.
The night trek starts in a grassy trail through the farm then into a stair trail with bamboo fence. From there, a non-stop ascent through a steep trail followed. In less than one hour of continuous assault through a forest trail with rope and bamboo railings, we reached the summit of Mt. Cayabu.
- From Cubao, ride a jeep or van going to Cogeo (Gate 2)
- Drop off at Jollibee Cogeo Gate 2 and take a walk up to the jeepney terminal beside Antipolo City Mall
- Ride a jeepney bound to Sampaloc
- Drop off at Batangasan and ride a tricycle going to barangay Cayabu
The trail-head is located at barangay Cayabu (Marning's Farm). There we have to register and pay a fee of 40 pesos per head. We also met Sir Jun and Sir Carlo, our guides. Before the hike begins, Sir Carlo gave some reminders and rules that would be helpful during the hike.
The night trek starts in a grassy trail through the farm then into a stair trail with bamboo fence. From there, a non-stop ascent through a steep trail followed. In less than one hour of continuous assault through a forest trail with rope and bamboo railings, we reached the summit of Mt. Cayabu.
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| At the summit of Mount Cayabu |
Sharp limestone are scattered around the summit of Mt. Cayabu. The place is also covered with tall trees. The mountain is not that high so we have a limited view of the area. After a few minutes of break and some photo shoots, we started our descend through steep trails under the tall trees.
Flashlights and headlamps are our only source of light during that cloudy night. The trail continued through a much longer steep ascent to the first campsite of Mt. Maynuba.
Flashlights and headlamps are our only source of light during that cloudy night. The trail continued through a much longer steep ascent to the first campsite of Mt. Maynuba.
I can already hear laughs and voices as I thread the few remaining steps of the trail up. Then we were greeted by some hikers who are already resting on the campsite.
The campsite was almost full at that time, good thing we spotted an open space up on the trail opposite of the way going to the second camp. As soon as we finish setting up our tent, we had our dinner. There are no water source on the campsite. The nearest one is after the third camp which is 30 to 40 minutes away so better be prepared.
At some point, strong winds blew and rain showers poured down. We were worried because some of our tents don't have rain covers. I also had a feeling that sea of clouds will not form with this strong wind.
It is already 4:30 in the morning when I woke up. We saw a line of lights on the trail going down Mount Cayabu. This means the mountain would have a lot of visitors this time. Minutes passed and the camp started to be filled with day hikers. Others continued their trek up to the second camp where the best views can be seen.
As I've thought, no sea of clouds where formed that day, but as the sun begins to shine, a magnificent view of the Rizal mountain range greeted us a good morning. No sea of clouds, no problem! Top that with a delicious tinapa pasta and a hot coffee for breakfast and we're all pumped up for the day.
The campsite was almost full at that time, good thing we spotted an open space up on the trail opposite of the way going to the second camp. As soon as we finish setting up our tent, we had our dinner. There are no water source on the campsite. The nearest one is after the third camp which is 30 to 40 minutes away so better be prepared.
At some point, strong winds blew and rain showers poured down. We were worried because some of our tents don't have rain covers. I also had a feeling that sea of clouds will not form with this strong wind.
It is already 4:30 in the morning when I woke up. We saw a line of lights on the trail going down Mount Cayabu. This means the mountain would have a lot of visitors this time. Minutes passed and the camp started to be filled with day hikers. Others continued their trek up to the second camp where the best views can be seen.
As I've thought, no sea of clouds where formed that day, but as the sun begins to shine, a magnificent view of the Rizal mountain range greeted us a good morning. No sea of clouds, no problem! Top that with a delicious tinapa pasta and a hot coffee for breakfast and we're all pumped up for the day.
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| Mt. Cayabu as seen from the campsite |
We can see the second camp from where we at and it looks pretty crowded at that time so we opt to stay a little longer at camp 1. We started our hike up to the second camp at 8:00 in the morning.
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| The trail going to camp 2 |
Unlike the trail from Mt. Cayabu going to the first camp, the trail going to the second camp is grassy with some steep ascend. From the trail, one can see the towering mountains of Irid and Tukduang Banoi from the north. We continued our way up until we reach the second camp, one of the peaks of Mt. Maynuba.
The second camp is where people usually stay longer because of the scenic view that can be seen on it. Because of its limited space, camping in this area is not allowed. A flag and a banner is situated in a spot where hikers enjoyed taking pictures at with the beautiful mountain range as the background. We also visited the grave of Caio, a hiker's dog who died along the trail while hiking this mountain.
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| Caio's Grave |
We let other people go ahead before we continue our trek and there we just enjoyed the view and the cool breeze.
After awhile, we continued the trek going to the summit along the grassy trail. The trail resembles the one in Mount Batulao. There are posts along the trail made of PVC which signifies the boundary of the two towns. At the left of the trail is Tanay then the town of Baras is on the right. At some point I think we're walking on two places at the same time.
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| The trail going to the summit |
The sun is already high when we reached the summit. It has a wide open space and it serves as the third camp. Tall grass surrounds the area which also covers the view. There is also a spot where huge boulders can be found.
People enjoyed taking pictures on top of the boulders where a panoramic view of the mountains can be seen. Good thing it is cloudy at that time. When the sky is clear, one can't get away from the scorching heat of the sun as there where no tall trees to give some shed.
People enjoyed taking pictures on top of the boulders where a panoramic view of the mountains can be seen. Good thing it is cloudy at that time. When the sky is clear, one can't get away from the scorching heat of the sun as there where no tall trees to give some shed.
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| At the summit |
After a few minutes of enjoying the cool breeze and taking pictures, we started our trek down to the 8 waterfall.
The trek down starts in a wide trail along a grassy slope then to a junction where a water source can be found. The following trail is into a forested area with gradual descend. Rope supports are tied up on the sides of the trail. A few minutes more of trekking and we can already hear the flowing water of the first falls, the Natatagong Paraiso Falls.
We had to cross a stream where large rock boulders are everywhere. The surroundings reminded me of our hike at Buruwisan Falls in Laguna. There is another water source in the area so we decided to have our lunch there. We enjoyed a sumptuous meal along with the relaxing sound of the waterfalls and the fresh air.
I also took a quick dip into the cold water of this two-tier falls then after awhile, we head on to the next waterfalls.
We had to cross a stream where large rock boulders are everywhere. The surroundings reminded me of our hike at Buruwisan Falls in Laguna. There is another water source in the area so we decided to have our lunch there. We enjoyed a sumptuous meal along with the relaxing sound of the waterfalls and the fresh air.
I also took a quick dip into the cold water of this two-tier falls then after awhile, we head on to the next waterfalls.
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| The Natatagong Paraiso Falls. It is bigger than you think! |
The next waterfalls is just a 5 minute trek along the stream. A beautiful falls named after a fruit bearing tree beside it, Catmon Falls. Everyone would like to plunge in to its waist deep basin but because it's getting late, we decided to just drop by on each falls and just pick one to where we plan to stay a little longer.
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| Catmon Falls |
The third waterfalls is the Gintuan Falls. Carlo said, the name gintuan came from the word ginto which means gold. Local tribes in the past were said to mine gold near this falls.
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| Gintuan Falls |
One should be extra careful on trekking down the waterfalls trail. The trail has slippery parts and some loose stones. The ropes along the trail are helpful specially on the steep parts. I enjoyed trekking on the part where bamboo plants surround the trail.
The fourth waterfalls is a unique one. Hikers usually stay here because of its wide swimming area. A huge boulder which looks like about to roll down can be found beside the basin. That is why they called it Gugulong na Bato Falls.
The fourth waterfalls is a unique one. Hikers usually stay here because of its wide swimming area. A huge boulder which looks like about to roll down can be found beside the basin. That is why they called it Gugulong na Bato Falls.
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| Gugulong na Bato Falls |
Lantay Falls is the fifth falls located near the Gugulong na Bato Falls. Its water flows gracefully down to a cascading rock before it hits the basin.
Next to it is the Pantay Falls. It is located just below Lantay Falls but the trail going to it is not that obvious so some hikers tend to skip it.
Next to it is the Pantay Falls. It is located just below Lantay Falls but the trail going to it is not that obvious so some hikers tend to skip it.
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| Lantay Falls |
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| Pantay Falls |
The seventh falls is called Manganiso Falls. It has a wide basin perfect for swimming. There is a dike at the end of the basin which I think made the pool deeper.
There we spend a few more minutes of swimming. Be aware that there were parts of the swimming area which has a depth of more than 6 feet.
There we spend a few more minutes of swimming. Be aware that there were parts of the swimming area which has a depth of more than 6 feet.
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| Manganiso Falls |
The last falls is located at the foot of the mountain of the same name. Maynuba Falls is smaller than most of the falls we've seen along the trail.
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| Maynuba Falls |
It is already getting dark so we speed up our pace going back to the trail-head. From the last falls, we had to cross a brook then through a forested area. We also passed by the main water source of barangay Cayabu. There is also a part where huge limestone can be seen along the way. Pineapple plants and cocoa trees are abundant on the latter part of the trail. We also passed through a fish farm before reaching the trail-head.
We hurriedly took our shower because we're worried that we can't catch up to the last jeepney trip going to Cogeo (7:00 PM). Good thing, Sir Ronald - vice-president of the guides association offered us their van for rent. Because of it, we had extra time to buy souvenir shirts and key-chains from the kind local vendors.
It was a fun camping experience all in all. Its trail will surely make the kids and beginners love hiking even more. The fascinating views and the magnificent waterfalls makes me want to come back there again. I'm impressed on how clean the trail is. Sir Carlo said, the local guides would held a "bayanihan" from time to time to go up on the trail and clean it. That is a big help for the mountain. Everyone can also help by respecting the environment and keeping it clean. It should be practice amongst travelers and the like.
Thanks to our very kind and accommodating local guides, Sir Jun and Sir Carlo for helping us.
Date of Hike:
January 14-15 2017
Important Contact Numbers:
Sir Romar (Guides Association President) - 09297658457
Sir Ronald (Guides Association VP) - 09084330444
Notable Expenses:
(as of January 2017)
Php 17 - Jeepney fare from Ligaya to Cogeo Gate 2
Php 42 - Jeepney fare from Cogeo to Batangasan
Php 200 - Tricycle fare from Batangasan to barangay Cayabu (good for 4 persons)
Php 40 - Registration fee
Php 1250 - Local Guide Fee for overnight camping (maximum of 5 persons per guide)
Php 500 - Local Guide Fee for Day Hike
Php 20 - Shower fee
We hurriedly took our shower because we're worried that we can't catch up to the last jeepney trip going to Cogeo (7:00 PM). Good thing, Sir Ronald - vice-president of the guides association offered us their van for rent. Because of it, we had extra time to buy souvenir shirts and key-chains from the kind local vendors.
It was a fun camping experience all in all. Its trail will surely make the kids and beginners love hiking even more. The fascinating views and the magnificent waterfalls makes me want to come back there again. I'm impressed on how clean the trail is. Sir Carlo said, the local guides would held a "bayanihan" from time to time to go up on the trail and clean it. That is a big help for the mountain. Everyone can also help by respecting the environment and keeping it clean. It should be practice amongst travelers and the like.
Thanks to our very kind and accommodating local guides, Sir Jun and Sir Carlo for helping us.
Date of Hike:
January 14-15 2017
Important Contact Numbers:
Sir Romar (Guides Association President) - 09297658457
Sir Ronald (Guides Association VP) - 09084330444
Notable Expenses:
(as of January 2017)
Php 17 - Jeepney fare from Ligaya to Cogeo Gate 2
Php 42 - Jeepney fare from Cogeo to Batangasan
Php 200 - Tricycle fare from Batangasan to barangay Cayabu (good for 4 persons)
Php 40 - Registration fee
Php 1250 - Local Guide Fee for overnight camping (maximum of 5 persons per guide)
Php 500 - Local Guide Fee for Day Hike
Php 20 - Shower fee
Php 1500 - Van Rental from barangay Cayabu to Cogeo
Safe Budget for this DIY Hike:
(Transportation, Food and Necessary Fees)
Php 700 - Php 800
Safe Budget for this DIY Hike:
(Transportation, Food and Necessary Fees)
Php 700 - Php 800
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