Day 0 (August 21 2013)
From
Manila, my flight had been delayed for more than three hours due to heavy rains
triggered by habagat
(southwest monsoon). I arrived in Puerto Princesa at 1310. The good weather was
perfectly right for our climb despite the bad weather in Metro Manila. Perhaps,
I climb whether it rain or it rain. Christopher or “Toper” was my unexpected
climbing companion in Manta, he actually texted me only a night before I leave.
He arrived in Palawan few minutes before me.
We
headed to Robinson supermarket for the final buying of supplies needed. Then,
we hurriedly went to San Jose terminal but unfortunately we missed the last
trip going to Rizal. The barker told us that we can run after the cherry bus in
Quezon. So, we rode on a shuttle van bound for Quezon (200php). I asked the
driver if we can chase the bus in Quezon and he answered, “Sir hindi ko maipapangako
pero susubukan ko” (I can’t promise but I will try). We
left Puerto Princesa at around 1445H. It was an ideal time for me to rest and
sleep but the van travel so very fast (120+km/h) and I can’t sleep anymore. By
1715H, we safely reached Quezon and luckily, the cherry bus going to Rizal was
still there, loading and waiting for passenger.
Rizal
is roughly 55+km away from Quezon and I’m expecting to reach Rizal by only 1-2
hours.As the bus started to roll on, it was moving so slowly. Literally, the
road was unpaved all the way but most part of it was flat. After 4 hours long
and dusty ride we reached Rizal then, we proceeded to vice mayor’s residence as
per Sir Fidel advised.
 |
| Me, the Vice Mayor, Ma'am Grace & Toper |
It
was turning late and we still don’t have our permit however, Sir Fidel, the
former tourism officer of Rizal, helped us. We were warmly welcomed by Ma’am
Grace (the daughter of the vice mayor and current tourism officer of Rizal),
the Vice Mayor and Sir Fidel. The permit was given by Ma’am Grace. You should
fill up the information sheet with waiver and pay the environmental fee
(100php).
 |
| Mt. Mantalingajan permit |
If
you came late like us, the only way to get in Barangay Ransang is to hire trike.
We were over charged for about 1200 good for 2 all the way to Ransang but we
opted to stay at the vice mayor residence and leave the next day.
 |
| our free accomodation :D - thanks Vice and Ma'am Grace! |
The
kubo (nipa hut) served as our free accommodation for that night. Well, the
mosquitoes were really aggressive and feasted on us. I highly advise to use
insect repellant lotions, sleeves and stay inside your tent or in mosquito net.
Day 1 (August 22 2013)
It’s
already past 6 in the morning when I woke up, Toper turned off the alarm at
0500H. TOPER!!! I quickly cooked for our lunch and packed my things. Then, we
headed to Rizal market where public transport terminal is located.
 |
| Rizal Market |
 |
| Rizal Palawan trip schedule |
We missed
the first trip going to Sicud and waited patiently for the next jeep to depart.
We left Rizal at exactly 0850H. The fare is only 30pesos for almost 1 hour ride
to Ransang.
I
texted Sir Binoy to watched and stopped the jeep if he see us coming. Sir Binoy
is a quiet and serious looking guy but he teased me thru text when we were
getting near to barangay Ransang, He texted, “Sir uuwi na
po kami, masyado na po kaming naabala”. I was in panic mode. I went to Palawan
just for the mountain, my flight had been delayed, and travel ate my first day,
the only reliable guide wasn’t able to accompany us, and my itinerary was
behind the schedule.
When
I made a call to Sir Binoy, the jeep stopped and he was there. He was already
sighted me on the top. He just laughed when I told he just teased me.
How to get there in Barangay
Ransang, Rizal, Palawan
From San Jose terminal – Puerto
Princesa
-
Take van or bus bound to Rizal.
Van is 4-5 hours ride | Bus is roughly 7-8 hours
- Then, take trike to Rizal Municipal
and secure permit
- Head to Rizal Market and take
jeep bound to Sicud and drop to Ransang.
Note:
- Bus and van last trip from P. Princesa is
1200H or earlier.
- First trip going to Sicud leaves between 0500-0600H
while the next trip departure is depending on the number of passenger. Make
sure to get there before 0900H
- Trike fare is too pricey for Rizal – Ransang
trip.
Contact:
Grace
Rizal tourism officer
Send me a message thru email if you
want to get the contact #, she will help you to get your permit for climbing
Manta.
Guide:
Sir Binoy – a very reliable guide.
Porter:
Sir Binoy will provide porter for you.
Please don’t give your entire load to your porter, he’s also a human. In our
case, he only used my 35L backpack. Pack light! 10-15kg is a reasonable load.
Clarisa
P. Pador
PA Superintendent
+639093314473
MMPL
information and assistance desk at:
DENR-PENRO
Sta. Monica, Puerto Princesa City
+639175532868; +639291322499;
+639279758658
DENRO-CENRO
Quezon, Palawan
CENRO Fernando T. Tactay +639088810920
DENR-CENRO
Brooke’s
Point, Palawan
CENRO
Florencio C. Diaz +639065207052
