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| Balin-balin village/ campsite |
I was eager to get in baluin
campsite before the night fall but everything had changed. My itinerary was
ruined by delayed flight and long travel but I’m still hoping to catch up with
our itinerary on the 3rd day. I abandoned my ambitious plan of 1 day climb up
to Paray-paray campsite which is feasible..
1203H - Resumed
trek. The trail is rolling and steep. We rest twice for 10 minutes each then
trek again on a moderate to fast pace.
1348H - Reached Magtangob campsite (415+MASL). The place where bulldog and
his family lives. This serves as the second campsite and has a potable water
source. You can buy fresh buko or any
available fruits here. We waited almost 2 hours for Sir Nido and Toper, who got
exhausted and suffered from muscle fatigue due to long absent of climbing.
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| Magtangob or Bulldog's place |
1540H - Resumed
trek. The trail is gradually ascending and some portion is narrow.
1633H - Arrived
in Magamot campsite (545+MASL). An emergency camp on the
ridge covered by trees and it can accommodate only 2 tents. It is called
magamot because of many roots in the area. I and sir binoy cleared and cleaned
the campsite for possible future camp. Temperature here is cold but tolerable.
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| Magamot e-camp |
Day 2 Magamot to Paray-paray
campsite | 7 hours and 38 minutes
0605H - Start
trek. The trail continues to be rolling, more thorns, and some part was too
narrow and slippery. Several kinds of plants were sighted along the trail.
0702H - Reached
the baluin water source (655+ MASL). There are water source
along the trail but only few are potable as told by our guide. The trail was
obstructed by thick vegetations and thorns. Baluin campsite was not totally visible due to very high grass. We
were the 2nd group who’ve climb this year, the last time was 3 months ago
(April). Wear sleeves, trekking pants not shorts, and trekking shoes.
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| Still on our way |
0800H - Arrived at the place where church
built but it no longer exists (600+MASL).
The abandoned area is positively a good campsite and there is view. (see photo below)
0830H - Resumed
trek. Up and down trek continues. Trail is well established and commonly used
by the people inhabiting the mountain unlike in previous trail in baluin. There
are few fork trail going to Kabugan village, we took the trail which on the top
of the ridge.
0941H - Arrived
in Kabugan or Kab’gan village (705+MASL). This place was formerly occupied by kabugan
people but now they’ve transferred to a much peaceful place away from
mountaineers. We saw them in the village but they quickly hide away from us. There
is a wide campsite with a nearby potable water source. We took our lunch here.
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| Kabugan or Kab-gan village/ campsite |
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| Frog found in Mt. Mantalingajan, Palawan |
1135H - Resumed
trek. Rolling trail continues.
1255H - Arrived
in Kawayanan campsite (690+MASL). This
campsite is long with overgrown vegetation and has no water source. Deep
breath!
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| Kawayanan campsite |
1310H - Resumed
trek. This was the most tiring and demanding part which is a sheer steep trail
on our way up. Pitcher plants are one of the most interesting things you can see
on the trail.
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| Mantalingajan Pitcher plant |
1433H - Took a rest
at 995+MASL. I and Sir Binoy were
running out of water, less than 700ml left.
1458H - Resumed
trek.
1527H - Reached
the Kadiklayan view deck (1280+MASL).
We took a rest here and enjoyed the beautiful views.
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| Kadiklayan view deck |
1550H - Headed
to Ganub campsite because the wind was too cold.
1555H - Arrived
in Ganub campsite (1260+MASL). This
campsite can accommodate for about 10 or more tents. We’ve seen 1 limatik
(leech) in the campsite while resting and waiting for Toper and Sir Nido. Our
trail water was less than 200ml.
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| Ganub campsite |
1710H - Continued
trek. Ridge trekking and rocky and open trail starts here.
1728H - Arrived
in Pulanggok rock (1350+MASL).
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| Magringgit and Karim seen from Pulanggok |
1755H - Reached Tuka Pungdan (1430+MASL). Photo ops!
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| Tuka Pungdan |
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| Distant Mt. Mantalingajan peak |
1805H - Resumed
trek. After boudering, we entered into a tree covered trail.
1840H - Arrived
in Paray-paray campsite (1555+MASL).
At last! This base camp is covered by trees and can accommodate 10 or more
tents with a nearby potable water source.
The temperature dropped at 14 degree Celsius temperature at around
2300H and it even got colder in the morning.
Day 3 Paray-paray campsite to
Mantalingajan summit v. versa | 3 hours and 12 minutes
I had a sleepless night, fever and cough. I’m not feeling well that
made my mind and body can’t do what I have supposed to do. Although I started
strong and fast on first and second day of trek, I had a hard time on my ascent
to the summit.
0833H - We
started late. Headache slows me down and I had doubt if I can push through not
just on the summit but also the traverse. I stopped, sat and rest from time to
time even we just started and that’s the time I decided to be left behind so
that they (Sir Binoy and Topher) can reach the summit early. I just enjoyed the beautiful view while
resting.
The trail is a combination of rocks (bouldering), bonsai trees, knife
edge and sheer ascent. Most of the trail is exposed to the scourging heat of
the sun and strong wind, and there is a portion which you will enter to a small
mossy forest. You will step from rock to rock, I don’t even know how deep the
hole and cracks was.
I didn’t expect the summit is way too far.
1015H - We
reached the summit despite the headache and uncomfortable feelings. We
witnessed the stunning landscape and views. We had a good weather in our entire
expedition.
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| Mantalingajan mountain range |
1100H - Back to
campsite.
1230H - Arrived
in Paray-paray campsite. Brunch and packed up.
Paray-paray campsite to Lampong
campsite | 4 Hours and 26 minutes
1430H - We
started too late. It was a dangerous descent and most demanding part of the
entire trek. Moss covered the rocks which made trail too slippery.
1458H - Arrived in Tabud River 1. According to our
guide, sometimes river is dry.
1600H - Arrived in Tabud River 2. This is the most
reliable water source compare to the previous river. Fetch water here. The next
water source is near the village which is very far. Surely. Very very far.
1710H - We took
a rest and regrouped. According to our guide, Lapong campsite is approximately
2 hours from our location. An e-camp was
not an option for us. We kept moving in high spirit.
1720H - We resumed
trek. Rolling trail continues but most part of it was easy even the uphill.
1828H - We arrived
at the view deck and took a final rest. The view was relaxing and relieved my
tiredness.
1835H - We resumed
trek.
1850H - Sunlight
was totally disappeared and darkness loomed. Our energy was revitalized when we
arrived at Lapong campsite 1450+MASL.
We hurriedly pitch our tent, changed our wet clothes and prepare our dinner. The
estimated remaining volume of water we had can last for 1 breakfast and a liter
of trail water. Definitely, it was the best sleep for me.
Day 4 Lapong campsite to Brgy.
Malis Brooke’s Point highway | 8 hours and 20 minutes
0800H –
Continued our traverse hike
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| (4th day) This Peak was seen at Pulanggok rock. |
0955H - Arrived in Magringgit ridge. This portion was
a narrow trail above the ridge. Be cautious when trekking on this part because one
mishap may drop you to a hundred feet below. Limatik (blood leeches) was present
from Magringgit up to Kawang-kawang peak. . On our way to Karim, the trail was
obstructed by thick vegetation, seems no trail or no human use the trail. It was
a long long rolling trail.
1108H - Arrived at Karim 1200+MASL, a possible e-camp.
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| landslide portion |
1212H - Arrived at Kawang-kawang
Peak 1090+MASL, an open and grassy portion with panorama view of the
mountain slopes. We took a rest on a shaded portion.
1230H - Resumed
descent.
1325H - We arrived
at the village, a great sign we were near.
1340H - We
stayed on one of the villager’s house before the rain started again to pour. We
took our rest and lunch here. Perhaps sir Binoy know all the people living on
the mountain.
1525H - We resumed
our descent. We took the new established trail which is muddy and slippery
trail under and beside of the bamboo trees. An open slope portion with a very comforting
view can be seen.
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| Brooke's point |
1625H - Arrived
at the water source | Mag agong. A full downhill trek encountered that led my
ligaments hurt.S
1730H - Rest
and bought pomelo.
1800H - Resumed
1900H - We arrived in Brgy. Malis Brooke’s Point,
highway. We headed straight to Sir Binoy acquaintance.
We were very cheerful and accomplished as we finished the
Mantalingajan traverse safe and successful. This was my longest trek so far. I’m
very proud to Topher, Sir Binoy, Sir Nido and myself despite the sickness,
bruises, exhaustion and pain I experienced. “Every mountain, every climb has a
unique story”.
Mt. Mantalingajan Itinerary
Day 0
1310 Arrive in Puerto
Princesa | Head to Robinson
Trike fare 25
good for 2
1325 Arrive in Robinson |
Buy supplies then head to San Jose terminal
Trike fare
20/head | 10-15 minutes away
1425 San Jose terminal |
Charing terminal
1445 Depart for Quezon |
Van bound to Quezon 200php
1715 Arrive in Quezon | Bus
bound to Rizal 60php
Take cherry bus |
Last trip
1730 Depart for Rizal
2130 Arrive in Rizal | Head
to Vice Mayor residence
Trike fare 15/head
2140 Arrive at the Vice
mayor residence
Fill up form and
pay environmental fee 100php
Rest/ sleep |
Pitch tent inside the nipa hut OR
Head to Barangay
Ransang (1200 trike fare)
Day 1 | 3 hours
and 14 minutes
0600 Wake up call |
breakfast | pack up
Head to Rizal
public market | Trike 15/head
15 minutes away
0850 Depart for Barangay
Ransang | Take jeep bound to Sicud
0955 Arrive in Barangay
Ransang (30php)
Meet guide |
Register
1020 Start trek | 45MASL
1106 Arrive in Balin-balin
village | 65+MASL
First campsite | H20 | Lunch
1203 Resume trek
1240 Rest for 10 minutes
1315 Rest for 10 minutes @260+MASL
1358 Arrive in Magtangob
Campsite 415+MASL
Bulldog’s house |
H20
1540 Resume trek
1633 Arrive in Magamot
e-camp | 545+MASL
Day 2 | 7 hours and 38 minutes
0605 Start trek
0700 Baluin water source |
655+MASL
0738 Baluin campsite
0800 Arrive in – where
church built | 600+MASL
Rest. Potentially
a good campsite
0830 Resume trek
0941 Arrive in Kabugan
Village | 705+MASL
Campsite | H20 |
Lunch
1135 Resume trek
1255 Arrive in Kawayanan
campsite | 690+MASL
Rest. Steep trail
1310 Resume trek
1433 Rest @995+MASL
1458 Resume trek
1527 Arrive in Kadiklayan
view deck | 1280+MASL
Rest
1550 Head to Ganub
1555 Ganub campsite |
1260+MASL
1710 Resume | rocky trail
1728 Arrive in Pulanggok
rock
1750 Arrive in Tuka Pungdan
| 1430+MASL
1805 resume
1840 Arrive in Paray-paray
campsite | 1555+MASL
H20
Day 3 | 7 hours and 15 minutes
0833 Summit assault
1015 Arrive in Mt.
Mantalingajan summit!
1100 Descent
1230 Arrive at the Campsite
| lunch | pack up
1430 Start trek | descent |
traverse
1458 Arrive in Tabud river
1 | H20
1600 Arrive in Tabud river
2 | H20
1710 Rest | regroup
1720 Resume trek
1828 Arrive at the view
deck | rest
1835 Resume trek
1850 Arrive in Lapong
campsite 1450+MASL
Day 4 | 8 hours and 20 minutes
0800 Start trek
0955 Magringgit ridge
1108 ETA Karim | 1200+MASL
1212 Kawang-kawang Peak |
1090+MASL
Rest
1230 Resume descent
1325 Arrive at the Village
1340 Rest | Lunch
1525 Resume descent
1625 Arrive at the water
source | Mag agong
1730 Rest | buy pomelo
1800 Resume
1900 Arrive in Highway |
Brgy. Malis Brooke’s Point!
Day 5
0700 Back to Puerto
Princesa
Total moving time 26 hours and
27 minutes
Contact person:
Guide: Binoy - +63 9212961644, a very reliable guide specially for traverse (Please call him, he might be working during day time or not have a load to reply for you).
Rizal Tourism Officer: Grace - +63 399166272
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| Bat trap and Man's shelter |
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| Bat trap |
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| Balatik warning sign |
