The Great Mt. Amuyao Traverse (Barlig - Battad)

My First Major Hike

No clearing at the summit of Mt. Amuyao but still worth taking picture
(c) John Barcellano (Most of the pictures from this post are from his GoPro)

A - Assault

M - Muddy (SOBRA) because of the rain

U - Unli Descent as in 1,500+ Meters Steep and Slippery!

Y - Yikes, Limatik!

A - Ayoko na! Pagod na koooo!

O - Olryt, NATAPOS KO!

Mt. Amuyao is the 10th Highest Mountain in the Philippines. It is situated in Barlig, Mt. Province and 2,702 MASL (Meters Above Sea Level).  According to +Pinoy Mountaineer, the Mt. Amuyao Traverse is the most challenging trail compared to Mt. Ugo and Mt. Napalauan Traverse. It is the most challenging as it will require you 3 days to finish this trail. You will pass through the mountainous areas of Barlig, then to the scenic village of Pat-yay then a very challenging and lengthy descent trail going to Cambulo then a walk in a park going to Battad, home of the amphitheater-like terraces and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

Mind that the trail difficulty of Mt. Amuyao Traverse is 8/9! I say that this is the most challenging hike I have ever experienced. I was not expecting that it was that hard but still thankful and blessed to have my team as they helped me finished this trail despite almost giving up. Among the 100 hikers that long weekend, only the 5 of us were able to finish the whole traverse altogether, plus we were the first group to arrive in Battad. Despite all the hardships, we still managed to finish the whole traverse. I know it was not a race but still felt proud that I was the first woman to finish the traverse that weekend. #WomanPower

Entry Point

If you want to do the traverse, like what we did, your entry point will be at Sitio Macalana, Barlig, Mt. Province which is 2 - 3 hours away from Banaue. And your exit point will be at Battad Rice Terraces, Banaue, Ifugao which is 30 - 45 minutes away from Banaue. When we say traverse, in layman's term, it means not going back to where you started, your entry point will not be your exit point. As simple as that, so don't be confused when someone asked you if you will be doing a traverse hike. *feeling expert* haha.

Exit Point

HOW TO GET THERE?

From Manila
- Ride a bus bound for Banaue. Dangwa Transit has a daily trip to Banaue, departing Manila at 10 in the evening. Make sure you buy your tickets in advance, like a day before. You will arrive in Banaue around 6 in the morning.
- Upon arriving at the terminal, you must purchase your ticket back to Manila, to secure a seat.


From Banaue
- You can rent a van/jeep going to Barlig but if you are on a tight budget. You can ride a public van/jeep bound for Bontoc then from Bontoc, you can ride a habal-habal or jeep going to Barlig.

You may contact Sir Joel Tindungan, +63 936 - 292 - 4890. He is from Banaue and owns a jeep. He has been transporting hikers from Banaue to Barlig for years.

HOW TO GET HOME?

If you do the traverse, Battad will be your exit point.

From Battad
- There are habal - habal/jeep that you can rent going to Banaue, just prepare some bucks, or have a contacted driver pick you up at Battad. Then, from the saddle point, it will only take you 30 - 45 minutes to reach Banaue.

Tip: Try riding on the top load on your way back to Banaue. :)

OUR ITINERARY FOR THE GREAT TRAVERSE:

February 24, 2016 (Wednesday)
9:00PM Meet up at Kamias, Florida Bus Terminal
10:00PM Bound for Banaue

February 25, 2016 (Thursday)
6:00AM Arrived at Banaue | Register and Buy tickets bound for Manila | Meet our contact driver | Breakfast | Buy food and supplies at the Market
8:30 AM Bound for Barlig
11:00 AM Arrived at Barlig | Register and meet tour guide | Early Lunch and Repack
12:30 PM Go to Barangay and register
1:00 PM Start Ascend

Barlig's Viewpoint (No Clearing but still beautiful)
It was like you are in a garden

6:30 PM Arrived at the Summit, stay at the bunker or set up camp.

February 26, 2016 (Friday)
5:00 AM Wake up | Hope for a clearing | Breakfast | Picture Taking | Break Camp

 A little bit of clearing! Huhu

7:40 AM Start Descent
9:00 AM Arrived at Waiting Shed | Rest

With the HARDCORE Mountaineers

9:15 AM Start Descent

1:00 PM Arrived at Pat - Yay Village | Lunch

Pat- Yay is my favorite. No establishments and most of the houses are still native.

2:30 PM Start trek going to Cambulo (Unli Descent and if you are lucky enough, the trail is so muddy because of the rain) I almost gave up but good thing Elvis and Macq were there to helped me get through that trail. It was steep and slippery because of the mud.
10:00 PM Arrived at E-Camp, house of Tatay Ricky | Rest

*** It took us 14 hours just to reach the house of Tatay Ricky, we were really exhausted, good thing he offered his house and there is a free flowing water that is somehow safe for drinking.

February 27, 2016 (Saturday)
6:00 AM Wake up | Prepare things
7:00 AM Start trek to Cambulo (Centro)



8:30 AM Arrived at Am-way Tavern | Brunch

L-R : Moses (Guide), Macq, Penny, Gab, Elvis, Raul (Am-way Owner) and John

10:30 AM Trek to Battad
12:00 NN Arrived at the View point of Battad| Take Picture | Drink ice cold beer while enjoying the view.

3:00 PM Arrived at the Saddle Point | Ride Jeep bound for Banaue
4:00 PM Arrived at Banaue | Hot Shower at People's Lodge and Restaurant | Dinner
7:30 PM Go to Dangwa Bus Terminal
8:00 PM Travel back to Manila

February 28, 2016 (Sunday)
5:00 AM Arrived at Manila
6:00 AM Home sweet home!


TOTAL EXPENSES FOR OUR TRIP (Note: Some expenses were divided into 5)

530 Php - Bus ticket to Banaue
50 Php - Registration Fee at Banaue
50 Php - Registration Fee at Barlig
20 Php - Environmental Fee at Sitio Macalana
150 Php - Stay at Ricky's Native House
50 Php - Heritage Fee at Battad
80 Php - Food and Supplies (400 Php)
1,100 Php - Rent of Jeep going to Barlig and pick up at Battad (5,500 Php)
900 Php - Guide Fee (4,500 Php for 3 days, 1,500 Php per day)
495 Php - Personal food expenses for the whole trip
530 Php - Bus ticket to Manila
----------
3,955 Php



TRAVEL TIPS:

1. Make sure you are all experienced mountaineers. This traverse is not for beginners though if you really want, your guts can take you to the top plus you will definitely have a hard time on the traverse trail.

2. Make sure you have all the necessary things needed for this trip like jacket, emergency blanket, flashlight/head lamp, whistle, trail food, water, proper clothing, socks, cap, raincoat, tent/ sleeping bag.

3. It will be best if you have a pre - climb, so that you will know what to do, expect and bring. A pre - climb is a meeting / hike prior to the climb.

4. Get a local guide from Barlig, as they know how to preserve the trail and handle the hikers. I highly recommend Moises Lamaton, you may contact him with this number +63 935 - 854 - 9642. The trails are a bit confusing and having him as our guide made this whole traverse easier.

Moises is the one wearing Blue Shirt. He took care of us during the whole hike. 

5. Be prepared for unlimited mud, especially when it rained as the forest is very mossy, and limatik.
I suggest that you wear a legit trekking shoes and high knees socks.

6. When walking on the rice fields, be very cautious. I was disappointed to see some hikers who stepped on the newly planted rice. Haiiiiiiiiii!

7. Never leave your group, you should always stick with them because worst comes to worst they will always have your back.

Our team composed of Elvis, Macq, John and Penny! :)

8. If you were too exhausted when you reached Pat - yay, you may opt to cut the traverse and make your way to Mayaoyao, Ifugao which is 5 -6 hours trek but on a more established trail. Some groups did this according to our guide. Also, if you reached Cambulo, there are jeeps or habal habal going to Banaue.

9. Bring cash, as there are no banks/ ATM in Barlig, Patyay and Cambulo. :D Food at Cambulo and Battad are relatively expensive.

10. Make sure you enjoy your hike and just keep on walking!

Verdict of Tara Gumala: It was a very challenging hike for me, not recommended for beginners. I suggest that if the weather is not good, do not proceed. The trail is really muddy. I will definitely go back to Amuyao but will no longer do the traverse and just explore the hidden attractions of Barlig.

Ano, TARA GUMALA?


CIAO.
--
GABRIELA.

Travel Guide to Mt. Binacayan and Mt. Pamitinan

TALES OF A FIRST TIMER ON DOING A TWIN DAY-HIKE

Waiting for sunrise

Mt. Binacayan and Mt. Pamitinan are very close to each other and most hikers are doing the so-called "twin dayhike". These mountains were open to public last February 2015. It was new to hikers and the local government is still in the period of revising their policies, especially DENR as these mountains are considered as protected areas. The aforementioned mountains, including Mt. Hapunang Banoi are part of the Pamitinan Protective Landscape of DENR.  

Wawa River dividing Mt. Binacayan and Mt. Pamitinan

Montalban Mountains became popular because its near the Metro, perfect for budget travelers, the trail difficulty is for beginners and the "SEA OF CLOUDS" that is worth "INSTAGRAMMING". I saw a lot of hikers that doing the "buwis buhay" selfie that they will post in their social media account, some were even shouting or saying "hugot" stuff.

Exhibit A!

Anyway, I do not want to rant but I am quite happy to see young people climbing mountains and exploring their world. I just hope they become more responsible hikers! 

Going back, here is my Travel Guide to a twin day hike in Montalban, Rizal. Our guide for our hike was Tatay Fernando. You can contact him with this number (63) 921 - 564 - 7249.  He was recommended by my friend who also loves outdoor life, Gian.

Groufie with Tatay Fernando!

How to get there?

Ride a UV Express van, that is bound for (Montalban- Eastwood) from Cubao (Gateway - in front of Dunkin Donut), then tell the driver to drop you off at Eastwood and ride a tricycle going to DENR in Bgy. Wawa.

How to get home?

From the DENR Office there are jeeps and tricycles waiting. I highly advise that you take the public Jeepneys bound for Bayan or Eastwood or Robinson, it is more comfortable and cheaper than riding a tricycle. Then, tell the driver to drop you off at the FX Terminal or if you prefer taking the jeepney back to Cubao, just tell the driver. 

Our Itinerary for the Dayhike

2:00 AM Wake up | Prepare things | Travel to Cubao

3:00 AM ETD for Montalban

4:15 AM ETA DENR Office in Bgy. Wawa | Register and pay necessary fees

4:30 AM Start hike at Mt. Binacayan

5:30 AM ETA Summit | Enjoy Sunrise and Sea of Clouds

7:00 AM Start descent

8:00 AM Start hike at Mt. Pamitinan 

9:30 AM ETA Summit | Photo Op

10:30 AM Start Descent

11:00 AM Lunch at the so - called 7-11 | Rest | Eat Halo - Halo

1:00 PM Start Descent

1:30 PM ETA DENR Office | Freshen up 

3:00 PM ETD for Manila

4:30 PM Home Sweet Home

Total Expenses for our Trip: (Note: It was just ME and my PARTNER)

50 Php - FX to Montalban

60 Php - special / 30 each 

2 Php - Waiver

20 Php - "donation"

20 Php- "donation"

500 Php - Guide Fee / 250 each

8 Php - Jeep to Bayan

50 Php- FX to Cubao via Philcoa

--------

360 Php!

Travel tips:

1. Start early, so  that you finish early. Also, if you start early there is a higher chance for you to reach the summit before sunrise and witness their majestic "sea of clouds". Lastly, it gets really crowded after 7 in the morning. 

See that, we were so early pero may NAUNA pa din. :D

2. There are stores on your way up, you may or may not bring too much food and water, just be prepared for cash, they do not accept credit cards! HAHAHAHA. 

3. Be friendly especially to the locals and people you meet along the way. :) This is basic. 

4. Please promote the Leave No Trace Policy. Be a responsible hiker. #biyaHERO!

5. Stop taking too much selfie on the summit, especially if there are LOTS of people waiting for their turn! You don't have to take picture of every corner of the mountain. 

1/8 ang ito ng taong nagaabang makapag summit

6. Stop playing loud music, talking/ laughing out loud, or even screaming! It is unethical and disturbing to other living things. ;)

7. It is advisable to wear a worker's gloves as the limestone are really sharp. Be more cautious and always listen to your guide. 

3M Workers Gloves

8. I highly recommend that you climb on weekdays, as it really gets crowded on weekends! There was a line going up to the summit of Pamitinan and people are waiting for their turn. BTW, we were 17th on the line. 0.0

NAKATULOG NA KO KAKAHINTAY!

9. It would be best if you already have a contact guide prior to your hike as it will ensure you that your guide is a LEGIT one, that has undergone training so that you will not just enjoy the view but also learn some history about their place. I highly recommend that you get Tatay Fernando on your next hike. He is very kind and funny! Call him, 0921 - 564 - 7249. 

10. There is a new policy effective February 1, 2016. They have new rates, please take note of the following:

• ENTRANCE FEE : 20 PHP
• TREKKING FEE : 50 PHP/ PERSON
• CAVING FEE : 20 PHP/ PERSON
• TOUR GUIDE FEE : 500 PHP/ GROUP OF FIVE (5) PERSONS [FOR HIKERS]

*** Visting Time is from 5:00 AM to 5:00 PM (Note: They do not allow hikers to start after 2pm, for safety purposes)

Verdict of Tara Gumala: It was a fulfilling hike, as it was my first time to climb two mountains in 1 day. I prefer early morning hike, as it is not exhausting. I will definitely come back here on a weekday. I regret going there on a weekend, it was so crowded. I enjoyed seeing young people but argh! I hate crowded places.

Ano, TARA GUMALA??

CIAO. 

--

GABRIELA

Budget hike at Mt. Sembrano

SAAN AABOT ANG 250 PHP MO?

SA MT. SEMBRANO

Peak 1 of Mt. Sembrano (The grassy slope)

So after months of not traveling. My partner decided that we do a day hike at Mt. Sembrano. I was hesitant at first because of its infamous reputation for having a high number of theft cases. The thing that made me agree to do a day hike was the chance to travel again. Since I am too busy on my academics, my partner planned everything and I just invited some friends.

Mt. Sembrano is really a hard one, not perfect for beginners or "pabebe". According to Pinoy Mountaineer, the trail difficulty is 4/9 (for me it was 6/9). What made it harder was the mud and slippery trail plus it was all assault! I was really exhausted, by the time we reached the north peak I almost gave up but I could not stay there because they will all go to the summit.

The best season to hike this is during December - February (Amihan Season) because of the cool wind breeze!

The grassy slopes remind me of Mt. Pulag

Going back, I am so proud of this trip because I only spent 300Php for this trip. This is my cheapest hike ever! So how this we managed that? Simple lang..

Selfie at the summit

Here is  a sample itinerary for you guys (spoon feeding to ha!):

4:00AM Ride a van/jeep bound for Tanay
5:30AM ETA Tanay (buy snacks or lunch)
5:45AM Ride a jeep bound for Malaya (Tell the driver to drop you off at the Bgy. Hall)
6:30AM Register | Start Trek
* Depending on your phasing, the trek usually takes 2 - 4 hours before you reach the summit.
9:00AM Summit | Photo Ops, Rest, Picnic
10:30AM Start Descent as there are no shade in the summit.
11:30AM Side trip at Manggahan Falls
12:00NN Start Descent going to Barangay
1:00PM Wash up
2:00PM Ride a jeep bound for Tanay
2:45PM ETA Tanay
3:00PM Ride a bus bound for Crossing or Van bound for Starmall
5:00PM Home sweet home


Here is the breakdown of expenses:
70 - Van bound for Tanay
23 - Jeep bound for Bgy. Malaya
20 - Registration
10 - Registration at Mangahan
20 - Coconut
10 - Wash up
23 - Jeep bound for Tanay
60 - Bus bound for Crossing
-----------
236.00 PHP!

You still have extra money to buy food or drinks. I highly advise that you bring your own food, there are no stores open on early morning.

Ahhh This is life! :)

VERDICT OF TARA GUMALA:
When you are on a tight budget and just want a new place to visit. Mt. Sembrano is the perfect place for hikers, maybe not for beginners but for those strong willed will surely conquer this!

Ano, TARA GUMALA?? 

Chasing Milky Way at Mt. Daraitan + Tinipak River with Plan B

This post is for you to drool how cool it is to stay outdoor! Enjoyyyyy!

First stop, ride that boat and cross the river. Fare: 5 Php

Then ride a tricycle going to Barangay and Register. Fare: 10 Php
Environment Fee: 20 Php
Mandatory Guide Fee: 1,250 Php for overnight

The rocky boulders on our way to Tinipak River. A horse is their way of transporting their goods.




View in front of our tent city.

Photographers getting ready to chase milkyway! No lights pleaaase!

Took us 1 minute to have this shot! Thank you Master Rizalde Cayanan

After an early morning hike, this view welcomed us. Sea of clouds

Buwis buhay shots!



Groupie with Sleeping Beauty!



Best selfie for 2015!

Tinipak River enroute to the Cave

VERDICT OF TARA GUMALA:
Daraitan and Tinapak River is indeed a must go to because of its natural beauty. I just hate the "mandatory" guide fee that is so expensive and they did not even issued a receipt! The local government must review their policy on this, in order to protect the environment at the same time the tourists.

Ano, TARA GUMALA??

Mudhike at Mt. Manalmon

Mt. Manalmon, San Miguel, Bulacan

This hike was organized by BaseKamp Galleria, a shop selling outdoor stuff and organizing budget hike for marketing purposes. It was not our first time to join their event and I vouch that they are great with what they are doing. 

Mt. Manalmon is part of the historical Biak - na - Bato National Park in San Miguel, Bulacan. From Manila it is just 2 hours drive from Manila. Mt. Manalmon is famous for its Rock Formation and the monkey bridge at the Madlum River (which was featured in the Bear Brand Commercial). Summer is the best time to visit this place because the trail is dry and you can do river crossing, plus the water is clear.

Ikaw saan ka kumukuha ng tibay mo?

Huhuhuhu!

Anyway, this hike was rescheduled because of a storm and you know what happens to the mountain after a storm. MUD! Yes, we were welcomed by mud. I was not prepared for it and even my shoe gave up for too much mud. :( The hike would have been easier if the trail was dry! Haii. I will do a revenge hike for this. Probably when my schedule permits. 

Here is a sample itinerary:

5:00 AM Ride a bus that is bound for Cabanatuan (via Bulacan) *Baliwag Transit has an hourly trip going to Cabanatuan. 

7:00 AM ETA San Miguel and take a tricycle to jump - off 

8:00 AM ETA Jump - Off, Register at Sitio Madlum get guides at community

8:30 AM Start trek

10:00 AM ETA summit of Mt. Manalmon; take pictures. Have lunch

12:00 NN Start descent

2:00 PM Side trip at Madlum and/or Bayukbok Caves (Optional)

4:00 PM Try Monkey Bridge at Madlum river

5:00 PM Freshen up | Travel to the main road

6:00 PM Bound for Manila

8:00 PM Home Sweet home!

For the registration and guide fees you may inquire with this number. (0948) - 916 - 3928. This is Sir Lian our guide in this hike. He is friendly and even let me borrow his hammock when I decided to just stay at the registration while I waited for my team to return from the Bayukbok Cave. 

VERDICT OF TARA GUMALA: Mt. Manalmon is a very easy hike what makes it challenging was the excruciating mud! It is a must visit for beginners during summertime. I will definitely comeback and do a revenge hike.

Ano, TARA GUMALA??