Sa Treasure Mountain - Tanay, Rizal

   To celebrate a special day for the family, we decided to go camping. And because our three year old son is joining us, we searched for a kid-friendly campsite that is also near our place. And of course the one that has a wonderful morning view.

   We found a post from Facebook about the Treasure Mountain Educational Campsite in Tanay, Rizal. Based on the details that I've found, it checked all on our list of "must haves" for our camping.

   And knowing that the weather will be fine on the day of our camping, we're all excited to see the beautiful "sea of clouds" on the valleys of Tanay.

Here are their rates as of September 2017:

   • Day Tour: 150 pesos per head (4:00AM to 3:00PM)
   • Overnight: 200 pesos per head (4:00PM to 1:00PM the next day)

   • Guided Trek to Bosay Falls: 500 pesos for 5 guests

They allow walk-ins only on day tours so you have to reserve your visit if you're planning to stay overnight. You can check out their Facebook page on how to reserve.

   • Tent Pitching Fee: 300 pesos (own tent)

Tent Rental:
   • 500 (2 pax capacity) 1000 deposit
   • 800 (4 pax capacity) 1500 deposit
     Deposits are given back once the tent is returned in good condition.
   • Sleeping mat rental: 200 (with pillow and blanket)

No need to pay for the tent pitching fee if you're renting their tents.

Lodging (overnight): 500 per head (minimum 2 guest, max 5)

Kubo Rental: 3500 (6 guests)

Meals:
   • Breakfast: 150 per meal
   • Lunch: 250 per meal
   • Dinner: 250 per meal

   They charge 50 pesos per bottle (corkage fee) for those who bring alcoholic beverages. Children below 7 years old don't have entrance fee.

   You can check out the official Facebok page of Treasure Mountain for more information.

   From Manila, there are 2 routes to choose from:

Via Marcos Highway

Private Vehicle:
From Cubao, take the Marcos Highway route passing the city of Marikina until you reach Antipolo. You'll pass by Boso Boso Resort and Palo Alto. A few minutes more, turn right to the rough road beside the Maysawa waiting shed then turn right once you see the Treasure Mountain signage.

Public Transportation:
From Cubao, Take a jeep or van going to Cogeo (Gate 2) then walk on the road going to Antipolo City Mall Jeepney Terminal. Ride a jeepney bound to Sampaloc, Tanay. Tell the driver to drop you off to Maysawa waiting shed. From there, you can ride a tricycle going to Treasure Mountain or you can walk for less than 30 minutes to reach it.

Via Ortigas Avenue:

Private Vehicle:
From EDSA, turn to Ortigas Avenue going to Tikling. From Tikling, either go straight up to Antipolo then pass through the towns of Teresa and Morong until you reach Sampaloc Road or turn to Manila East Road then pass through Taytay, Binangonan, Cardona and Morong until you reach Sampaloc Road. Turn left to Sampaloc Road and drive straight until you reach the Marilaque Highway. Turn left passing Ten cents to Heaven then right at the rough road beside Maysawa waiting shed. Turn right as you see the Treasure Mountain Signage.

Public Transportation:
From EDSA Crossing, ride a jeep or van going to Tanay. Drop off at the Tanay Public Market then ride a jeep going to Sampaloc. Drop off at Sampaloc then ride a jeepney going to Cogeo and ask the driver to drop you off at the Maysawa waiting shed then take a tricycle going to Treasure Mountan.

   Take note that small vehicles (sedan) might have a hard time going up the rough road at Maysawa especially during rainy season. We chose the Marcos highway route because it is more convenient for us.

   We usually cook our own food when we go camping but for extra convenience and to have more time to spend with our kid, we chose to avail their food package. The food where served in their dining area inside a large hut near the entrance. There is a small sari-sari store beside it where basic needs are being sold at an above average price. They also have a swimming pool but it is under construction at that time.

   It was 4 in the afternoon when we arrived at the place. Good thing that we reserved for camping on a weekday so the place is not crowded.

   The cold winds blew as the sun started to set. We enjoyed roaming around and playing with our son. The rock formations and the scenic view of the Rizal mountain range are perfect for picture taking. My son also enjoyed playing with the makahiya plants. The serenity and beauty of the place truly relieved us from stress.

   As the day turns into night, we were very fortunate to witness the rise of the full moon. From that moment, we just sit beside our tent and watch the moon in awe as it rise up until its time to have our dinner.

   After our dinner, we went back on our camp and just enjoyed the cold winds and peaceful ambiance. There's nothing much to do on the place but one may enjoy the serenity of the place specially during weekdays. The pavilion also have hammocks where guest can lay down and relax. Group of people may enjoy playing board games of card or even just chill and drink some beer.

   We also enjoyed stargazing on a clear night sky although they are not that many because of the full moon.

   The clouds are slowly forming just below the hills in front of us before we sleep which got me excited to wake up early the next day for an awesome treat.

   And just as I've expected and hoped, we woke up in the morning in front of the magnificent sea of clouds. Good thing we checked out the weather forecast before going to the place. This phenomenon occurs mostly when the wind is not strong and if it's not rainy.

   The rock formations scattered around the area added more beauty to the picturesque place. Day hikers also started to come in at that time. People enjoyed taking pictures of the sea of clouds right in front of them.

   The clouds started to disappear as the sun slowly rises. After our breakfast, we decided to take a side-trip to a waterfalls nearby. Busay Falls as they called it is just a 30 to 45 minute hike from Treasure Mountain.

   The trail will pass through a grassy area down to a small farm where goats can be seen. Then we also passed by some brooks which goes down to the falls. We also have to cross the river until we reached the swimming area.

   There are several small waterfalls where people can stay and swim. The end of the trail is where you can see the main falls. Most of the visitors just stay on the top swimming area because the trail going down to the basin is challenging.

   For several minutes, we enjoyed taking pictures and swimming on the cold water of the river. Then afterwards, we decided to go back to the campsite for our lunch.

   We had a delicious lunch. The okras that we ate are fresh from their garden. We spend a few moments talking to the locals and packing our things before we leave.

   Public transportation along the highway might be scarce at times so some tricycle drivers offer their services to take you to where there is an available jeepney ride. But it is pricey considering the distance that the tricycle will travel. We spent about 30 minutes waiting until we got the next jeep which has only 1 seat available so I have to take the top load. You can't find jeepneys in Manila that will let you ride on top of the roof!

   It is an experience to remember. It is our son's first camping and he really enjoyed it. The place is very relaxing and the view will surely make you want to return here again and again. The locals, staff and even the owner were friendly and accommodating. I recommend going here on weekdays because the place gets crowded during weekends.

   Although it is not the kind of hiking that will push you to your limits or will pump up your adrenaline, camping at Treasure Mountain will surely be a memorable one. With its relaxing ambiance and stunning views, we'll surely go back again.