Nueva Ecija is known for its wide plains and rice fields. Little did I know that there were also mountains there just waiting to be discovered.
In Mt. 387 aka Mt. Batong Amat, Eco-tourism bloomed just months ago. Hikers and outdoor enthusiasts are enticed by the photos of what they called the "Chocolate Hills of the North" that has spread over the internet. With beginner friendly trails, most visitors go on a day hike plus a side trip to Aloha Falls. Our group decided to go on an overnight camping!
In Mt. 387 aka Mt. Batong Amat, Eco-tourism bloomed just months ago. Hikers and outdoor enthusiasts are enticed by the photos of what they called the "Chocolate Hills of the North" that has spread over the internet. With beginner friendly trails, most visitors go on a day hike plus a side trip to Aloha Falls. Our group decided to go on an overnight camping!
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| The magnificent view from the summit of Mt. 387 |
A lot of hiking organizers which offer day hike events for Mt. 387 can now be found on Facebook. It's more convenient, specially if you're alone or in a small group but be sure to know all the details of the events before signing up. Better do a background check on the organizers and know your capabilities as well before going. (LNT #1: Plan ahead and be prepared) Or better yet, try going DIY like what we did!
From Cubao, you can take a bus going to Tuguegarao (Victory Liner Kamias or Florida Bus Cubao). Then drop off at the Iglesia ni Cristo in Puncan, Carranglan Nueva Ecija where the jump-off point is located.
Be aware that there's a high possibility for you to be a "chance passenger" on these trips so better book your tickets prior to the day of your hike. We waited for 4 hours as a chance passenger and ended up looking for other options instead.
Another option is to ride a bus going to San Jose City (Baliuag Transit Cubao) then drop off at their terminal where you have to rent a tricycle going to Puncan. The whole travel time will take 6 hours.
Before going to Mt. 387, be sure to contact Mr. Roy Manuzon, the head of the eco-tourism operations of the mountain, and make arrangements regarding the schedule and local guides.
It is already 7 in the evening when we arrived at the jump-off point. There, we were welcomed by Sir Lelet, Sir Roy's assistant. Before the climb, we wrote our names on their record books and listen to Sir Lelet as he explains a few things about the climb and the mountain. We also paid Php 30 each for the registration and Php 10 for the seedlings.
We also ate some cup noodles at Sir Roy's House where we were welcomed by his wife, Ma'am Marie. Sir Roy isn't there at that time. We also met our guides, Sir Rakki and Sir Apol.
After a few preparations, our group started the night trek.
Along the way, we saw a lot of seedlings ready to be planted. Tree-planting is not encouraged during summer because the seedlings might get dry and die easily. But in Mt. 387, they allow hikers to plant some trees because the local guides are always there to go up and take care of the plants.
Going to the summit is a non-stop assault with manageable difficulty on a forested trail with loose soil. These steep trail will get your heart and knees pumped up. I enjoyed listening to the sound of the frogs and insects along the way. This trail might be slippery during rainy days so it's best to climb this mountain during dry seasons.
From Cubao, you can take a bus going to Tuguegarao (Victory Liner Kamias or Florida Bus Cubao). Then drop off at the Iglesia ni Cristo in Puncan, Carranglan Nueva Ecija where the jump-off point is located.
Be aware that there's a high possibility for you to be a "chance passenger" on these trips so better book your tickets prior to the day of your hike. We waited for 4 hours as a chance passenger and ended up looking for other options instead.
Another option is to ride a bus going to San Jose City (Baliuag Transit Cubao) then drop off at their terminal where you have to rent a tricycle going to Puncan. The whole travel time will take 6 hours.
Before going to Mt. 387, be sure to contact Mr. Roy Manuzon, the head of the eco-tourism operations of the mountain, and make arrangements regarding the schedule and local guides.
It is already 7 in the evening when we arrived at the jump-off point. There, we were welcomed by Sir Lelet, Sir Roy's assistant. Before the climb, we wrote our names on their record books and listen to Sir Lelet as he explains a few things about the climb and the mountain. We also paid Php 30 each for the registration and Php 10 for the seedlings.
We also ate some cup noodles at Sir Roy's House where we were welcomed by his wife, Ma'am Marie. Sir Roy isn't there at that time. We also met our guides, Sir Rakki and Sir Apol.
After a few preparations, our group started the night trek.
Along the way, we saw a lot of seedlings ready to be planted. Tree-planting is not encouraged during summer because the seedlings might get dry and die easily. But in Mt. 387, they allow hikers to plant some trees because the local guides are always there to go up and take care of the plants.
Going to the summit is a non-stop assault with manageable difficulty on a forested trail with loose soil. These steep trail will get your heart and knees pumped up. I enjoyed listening to the sound of the frogs and insects along the way. This trail might be slippery during rainy days so it's best to climb this mountain during dry seasons.
After an hour, we can already see the glowing lights from the town nearby. Soft breeze blew from time to time as we continued our hike along a grassy trail. Clouds covered the sky so we had to rely on our headlamps to see the trail.
A few more minutes of hiking along rolling slopes then we reached the summit. We decided to continue our trek to the campsite then just go back to the summit the next morning. Besides, the campsite is just a stone throw away from there.
A few more minutes of hiking along rolling slopes then we reached the summit. We decided to continue our trek to the campsite then just go back to the summit the next morning. Besides, the campsite is just a stone throw away from there.
After we set up our camp, we had our dinner then took a few pictures. I believe that this place is best for star-gazing if the sky is clear. Sadly, it is cloudy at that time. But I enjoyed staring at the silhouette of the lover's tree and the city lights that can be seen on its background. We ended the day asleep on our tent under the cold summer night.
We woke up at 4:30am to prepare our breakfast. After a few minutes, we went up on the summit and enjoyed the view as the sun rose slowly from the east and the sky turned from purple to amber to blue.
A tribute signage for Batong Amat Peace Park can be seen on the summit. It is said that the locals found some skeletons of Japanese soldiers (from the Japanese occupation period) on the small caves around the summit. Some of the caves are now buried.
From the summit, we can see our camp near the lover's tree. And beyond them is the fascinating "Chocolate Hills of the North". It may not resemble the shape of the ones found in Bohol but its color and vegetation is almost identical.
A panoramic view of the vast plains of Central Luzon and the mountains of Nueva Viscaya can be seen from where we at. The blurry Mt. Arayat can also be seen from afar.
From the summit, we can see our camp near the lover's tree. And beyond them is the fascinating "Chocolate Hills of the North". It may not resemble the shape of the ones found in Bohol but its color and vegetation is almost identical.
A panoramic view of the vast plains of Central Luzon and the mountains of Nueva Viscaya can be seen from where we at. The blurry Mt. Arayat can also be seen from afar.
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| The so-called "Chocolate Hills of the North" |
Along the trail at the summit, we saw the seedlings that were planted from the past. We noticed that every plant has a plastic bottle buried beside it. Sir Apol told us that water is stored on that bottle with holes underneath which helped in watering the plants efficiently. I've seen a video about drip irrigator on Facebook similar to it.
After a few minutes, we cleaned our campsite and packed our things up before proceeding to our next destination, the Aloha Falls.
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| One last look at the Lover's Tree |
There are two ways to go to Aloha Falls from the campsite. The easier one is to take the trail back to the jump-off point then go to the river and follow the river trail leading to the falls. The other one is the "traverse" trail going straight to the river trail then to the falls.
Just a few minutes away from the campsite is a small area where pine trees can be seen. We stopped by to take pictures of this area which reminds me of the Eco-Trail in Camp John Hay.
Just a few minutes away from the campsite is a small area where pine trees can be seen. We stopped by to take pictures of this area which reminds me of the Eco-Trail in Camp John Hay.
After it, we continued the trek along a trail surrounded by small trees and bamboos for about thirty minutes. I loved hearing the sound of the birds and the insect during that morning trek. Then a very steep grassy trail followed.
We had to pause for awhile and enjoy the view of the mountains and the valleys. And also to decide whether to slowly walk down the trail or just slide down the grass. Some of us tried to slide down and they enjoyed it apparently.
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| The trail is much steeper than it looks |
Next is the knee-crushing trek down the steep trail with loose soil. This is where we felt the disadvantage of overnight camping. The weight of our packs took quite a toll on our backs. Better stay hydrated during this hike specially during summer because the small trees along the trail is not enough to shed you away from the sun.
After a few minutes, we took a break under a bugnay tree near the riverbank which marks the end of the descend. There is a small waterfalls across the river and there's also a water source near it.
After a few minutes, we took a break under a bugnay tree near the riverbank which marks the end of the descend. There is a small waterfalls across the river and there's also a water source near it.
We continued our trek along the river going to the falls. Then after a few minutes, we arrived at Aloha Falls.
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| Aloha Falls |
Aloha Falls is much taller than I imagined. And its basin is much wider than in the photos too. I tried swimming and enjoyed its cold refreshing water. The depth reaches up to 7 feet near the falls. Aloha Falls is also a favorite tourist destination in Carranglan that's why there were other tourist on the place aside from the hikers. I urge every visitors of this place to keep the surroundings of the falls clean. Using soap and shampoo on the waterfalls is also not encouraged.
We ate our lunch and stayed a few minutes there enjoying the water and the scenery.
Afterwards, we packed our things and head on to the pick up point where an Elf truck will fetch us. We just trek back to the trail going to the bugnay tree then followed the stream going to a dried up river until we reached the pick-up point.
We ate our lunch and stayed a few minutes there enjoying the water and the scenery.
Afterwards, we packed our things and head on to the pick up point where an Elf truck will fetch us. We just trek back to the trail going to the bugnay tree then followed the stream going to a dried up river until we reached the pick-up point.
We hopped on board at the back of the truck then it ruggedly crossed the rocky road just like what an ATV would do. 10 to 15 minutes passed and we're already at the jump-off.
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| The trail going to the pick-up point |
Back at the jump-off, we saw some hikers already taking their lunch. Their lunch are pre-ordered before their hike from the Samahan ng Kababaihan ng Carranglan.
Shower rooms are available on the area. There we washed up for 15 pesos. We also enjoyed eating halo-halo that we ordered from Ma'am Marie. The 25 peso halo-halo surely took away our exhaustion.
It was a one of kind experience hiking Mt. 387. It was not that high but one that should not be under estimated of. Its terrain going up will delight your eyes with lush forest but the descend going to the falls will surely test your knees and endurance. But all of it will lead you to a magnificent view of the hills and a refreshing dip to the waterfalls. I will definitely come back here again next time.
Our group would like to thank our guides sir Rakki and sir Apol for being supportive during our whole adventure, Ma'am Marie and sir Lelet for being very hospitable and accommodating and to sir Roy for being helpful and responsive on our text messages.
Shower rooms are available on the area. There we washed up for 15 pesos. We also enjoyed eating halo-halo that we ordered from Ma'am Marie. The 25 peso halo-halo surely took away our exhaustion.
It was a one of kind experience hiking Mt. 387. It was not that high but one that should not be under estimated of. Its terrain going up will delight your eyes with lush forest but the descend going to the falls will surely test your knees and endurance. But all of it will lead you to a magnificent view of the hills and a refreshing dip to the waterfalls. I will definitely come back here again next time.
Our group would like to thank our guides sir Rakki and sir Apol for being supportive during our whole adventure, Ma'am Marie and sir Lelet for being very hospitable and accommodating and to sir Roy for being helpful and responsive on our text messages.
Date of Hike:
May 13-14 2017
Contact Person:
Mr. Roy Manuzon - 0917-5712152 / 0915-2150521
Time Allowance:
6 hours - Bus Ride from Cubao to San Jose City
30 minutes - Tricycle San Jose City to Jump-Off point
2 to 3 hours - Hike from Jump-off to Campsite (lover's tree)
2 to 3 hours - Hike from Campsite traverse to Aloha Falls
30 minutes - Hike from Aloha Falls to pick-up point
15 minutes - Elf Truck from pick-up point to Jump-off
Notable Expenses:
500 - Guide Fee (2 guides are needed for overnight camping)
350 - Food Budget
30 - Registration Fee
10 - Seedlings
262 - Bus Fare Cubao to San Jose City
200 - Tricycle Fare from San Jose City to Jump-off (3-4 person)
15 - Restroom Use
20 - Truck fare from Pick-up to Jump-off
Safe Budget for an Overnight DIY Camping:
1200 pesos
May 13-14 2017
Contact Person:
Mr. Roy Manuzon - 0917-5712152 / 0915-2150521
Time Allowance:
6 hours - Bus Ride from Cubao to San Jose City
30 minutes - Tricycle San Jose City to Jump-Off point
2 to 3 hours - Hike from Jump-off to Campsite (lover's tree)
2 to 3 hours - Hike from Campsite traverse to Aloha Falls
30 minutes - Hike from Aloha Falls to pick-up point
15 minutes - Elf Truck from pick-up point to Jump-off
Notable Expenses:
500 - Guide Fee (2 guides are needed for overnight camping)
350 - Food Budget
30 - Registration Fee
10 - Seedlings
262 - Bus Fare Cubao to San Jose City
200 - Tricycle Fare from San Jose City to Jump-off (3-4 person)
15 - Restroom Use
20 - Truck fare from Pick-up to Jump-off
Safe Budget for an Overnight DIY Camping:
1200 pesos
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