Saturday, May 21, 2016

Mt. Pamitinan - Mt. Binacayan Twin Hike // May 21, 2016

Have you heard of the legendary Bernardo Carpio in Philippine's mythology? a man who was gifted by God with extraordinary strength.  At the end of the tale, he was squeezed and trapped in two colliding boulders levitated by nature's spirit.  People believed that those giant rocks are now known mountains of Rizal, and parts of the Pamitinan Protected Landscape by virtue of Presidential Proclamation no. 901 that took effect on October 10, 1996.  

Usually made as twin hike, or sometimes a trilogy climb (including Hapunang Banoi),  Mt. Pamitinan and Mt. Binacayan have several splendid sites to explore.  It is located in Brgy Wawa, Rodriguez, Rizal.  


Welcoming Arc
The Hike

There is an environmental fee of 50 pesos per person at the DENR station and donation of any amount at the Barangay Hall.  The hiring of tour guide is mandatory.  The minimum rate is 500 pesos for a single climb, and incremental cost (any amount) shall be added if a group decided to go on twin or trilogy hike.  Our guide was Kuya Ogie.  We commenced the hike at 5:30 am.  
Mt. Binacayan

Kuya Ogie suggested that we begin at Mt. Binacayan since it is more challenging.  Most parts of the trail are fully exposed to sunlight, making it more exhausting to climb during the afternoon.  The first part of the trail is composed of soft soils which may become muddy and very slippery during the rainy season; followed by steep assaults in the limestone formation.  We did a traverse hike.

Photos taken


Santy, me, and CJ

Climbing up...... 

A view from Mt. Binacayan
Sea of clouds...
 Mt. Binacayan is well-known for having an existence of a sea of clouds.  Unfortunately, we did not witness a lot during our hike since we started late.  Kuya Ogie said that in order to have a glimpse of the best view, hikers must begin the climb at 4 am.  



CJ and Santy at a popular picture site
Am I holding the sun?

Kuya Ogie leading the way....... are we there yet? 
At the summit....... Wawa River at the background
We reached the summit of Mt. Binacayan at 7:40 am.  We took some photo ops before descending.  


What I am doing here? how will I go back?!

Bernardo Carpio...... Is that you? so the legend is real? :P
Some photos going down (Traverse)







Sitting on a marble? They are cold... and very sharp
We reached the jump off (Brgy. Hall) at 10:20 and had our lunch.  There are available stores selling foods at reasonable prices.  We started our ascent to Mt. Pamitinan at 12 noon.

Mt. Pamitinan

Both mountains have the same features.  The trail of Pamitinan begins after crossing a hanging bridge.  The first part of the trail from the hanging bridge up to the "junction" consist of light assaults.  It is more about endurance.  The last part beginning from the junction up to the summit comprised of rock climbing and bamboo forest. 

The hanging Bridge
A part of Wawa River

An old Balete tree.   How old is it???
going up near the junction
The junction is the splitting point of the trails to Mt. Pamitinan and Mt. Hapunang Banoi.  The way to Mt. Pamitinan is located at the right side while Hapunang Banoi is at the left.  



Bamboo Forest
Peak 1
The mountain has 2 peaks.  The 2nd peak is more challenging and has a rope segment.  Unsuccessful assault!  I will make a comeback soon.


CJ climbing the peak 1
The modern Bernardo Carpio
Santy and CJ on Peak 2
My photo op at the base of peak 2 
Group shot before the descent...... Mt. Binacayan at the background
We stayed on the summit for almost an hour and descended at 3:45 pm.  My legs were already cramping by the time we reach the jump off.  These were my 2nd and 3rd hike.  I thought before that climbing mountains are just walk in a park similar to my first hike (Mt. Pinatubo).   It was a mistake!  I suffered strain for a week; but overall, it was a fun and memorable climb.

Note:

1. I highly recommend Kuya Ogie to be the tour guide (Contact no: 09473868778.  He has good skill in photography and knows the best places to take shots.
2. Bring gloves.  I acquired some cuts from the sharp edges of the limestone. Some Bamboos have spines.
3. The climb was truly exhausting, particularly during summer.  There is no water source on the entire trail (bring 3 to 4 liters of water).
4. There are parking spaces near the Brgy. Hall for private vehicles.

Going there through a public transportation

1. Take any PUV in Cubao (Farmers Area) or Ligaya (near Robinson Metroeast and Sta Lucia) going to Montalban.  Ask the driver to drop you in Eastwood.

2. From Eastwood there are available tricycle which can bring you to Brgy. Wawa.  (60 pesos maximum of 6 passengers).
Actual Itinerary Itinerary

3:30 AM: ETD Manila to Rodriguez Rizal
4:30 AM: ETA DENR Office (Registration (50 pesos) and meet up with the guide)
5:30 AM: Start hike to Mt. Binacayan 
7:40 AM: ETA Mt. Binacayan Summit (photo ops)
8:25 AM: Descent
10:20 AM: Arrival at the Jump off and lunch time
12:00 PM: Start ascent to Mt. Pamitinan
2:20 PM reach summit 1 (picture taking)
2:40 PM: reached summit 2 (picture taking) 
3:45 PM: Descent
5:10 PM: Arrival at the Brgy. Hall (Wash up 25 pesos)
5:30 PM: ETD Rodrigeuz to Manila
7:00 AM ETA Manila (Home Sweet Home)


Overall estimated cost for the twin hike (group of 3): 500 to 600 pesos

Photo Credit: Santi Cabangon and CJ Caldo
End
- JSC

Tuesday, May 3, 2016

Caramoan Tour with Side Trip in Legazpi, Albay

Every summer we plan and hope for a wanderlust vacation. But for some reasons, other friends will not be able to join due to work and unpredictable schedules. Bicol is a far away travel destination, to enjoy the place, a long weekend must be allotted for the superb summer experience.

Booking a tour was not easy since we are just 4 in the group. We cannot even confirm the final head count until a week before the preferred travel dates. We had no choice but to be backpackers.

Day tour in Legazpi, Albay
Overnight in Naga
Three days and two nights in Caramoan
Travel dates: April 21-24, 2016


The Beginning...


Caramoan was our main destination.  During the trip planning, we decided to have a side trip to Albay and visit some of its famous landmarks.  We were four in the group, We booked our flight through Cebu Pacific while  Karen and her young nephew Adrian booked their flight through PAL.



Day 1


We (Ana and Jake) first reached Legazpi City at 9:30 a.m.  

Jake at the arrival section
While waiting for the others, we decided to have a quick tour to the Embarcadero de Legazpi. There is a tricycle terminal inside the airport. The fare is 70 pesos for a one-way trip. Travel period is 10 to 15 minutes.


Embarcadero de Legazpi is famous for its sunset view and if you're lucky, Mt. Mayon is also visible from the bay. We arrived in the morning with a cloudy weather, so for us, the best view in this place was the shipping vessels.
-------------------



We went back to the airport to meet Karen and her nephew Adrian "Dom". There are taxis and tricycles for hire in the airport. We rented a tourist' vehicle for 1000 pesos (Toyota Innova).  Since our time in Legazpi was only limited, we only visited our top 3 destinations: Cagsawa Ruins, Daraga Church, and Ligñon Hill. 



Cagsawa Ruins



The tower is the remnants of Cagsawa Church, which was destroyed when Mt. Mayon erupted during the 18th century. During our tour, we were not fortunate to glimpse Mt. Mayon's "perfect cone shape".

Entrance Fee is 10 pesos per head.
Photographers are available within the area, you may hire them to take some good shots.  Any amount will do.  We gave our photographer 20 pesos per head.



Some photos taken

Karen, Jake, Ana, and Adrian  group jump shot

Adrian the Giant

Jake carrying a boulder

Adrian having a jump shot

Karen and the tower 

Ana climbing the tower


We left the park at exactly 1:00 pm and went to Daraga Church.



Daraga Church


The Daraga Church
This stone church was built in 1773.  Devotees of the Cagsawa Church transferred here after the destruction.  



Inside the Church.
Collection of saints inside the church


Picture taken before we leave the place

Picture taken using action cam



The place is quite windy since it is located on a hilltop.  We stayed here for 30 minutes then proceeded to Ligñon Hill, our last destination in Legazpi.



Ligñon Hill


Entrance fee is 20 pesos per head.

 Map of the Place


View from the top 

View of Mt. Mayon from Ligñon Hill
There are several activities (ATV, zip line, etc.) available in the place; however, we don't have enough time to try it. You must spend at least 2 days in order to have a good tour in Legazpi.  

We left at 3:45 pm.  The driver accompanied us to the terminal of UV Express where there is an available trip from Legazpi to Naga.  The fare is 140 pesos per head.  The last trip of the van is at 7 pm but you need to be at the terminal before
6 pm. Travel time is 2.5 to 3 hours.



We booked a room In Nagaland Hotel through Agoda (1,800 pesos per night good for 4 people).  We had our dinner at First Colonial Grill located just minutes away from our hotel.


Dessert: Pinipic, Sili (Level 1), and Tinutong na Ice Cream
Dishes: Tinutungang Manok and Bicol Express

There's also a supermarket outside the hotel where we bought some snacks and water for our Caramoan tour. 





Day 2


We checked out at 5:30 in the morning, hired a tricycle from Nagaland to Bicol Central Station (40 pesos).  Initially, we planned to ride a van from the terminal to Sabang Port.  We discovered that there is an available bus from Naga to Caramoan.  We chose to ride the bus.  
The fare is 220 pesos per head.  

Bicol Central Station

Bus from Naga to Caramoan

Schedule of Trips



The bus left at exactly 6:30 am.  Travel period is 4 to 4.5 hours.  If you have motion sickness be sure to bring your medicine.  There are several zigzags along the way.  We arrived at Brgy. Tawog, Caramoan at 10:55 am.  We went to La Casa Roa Hostel.  We booked our room for 2 nights through Agoda (3100 pesos good for 4 people).  


The Main Entrance of the Hostel
 We unpacked our things in the room and put on our beach outfits.  There are a lot of tricycles for hire in the town proper. We hired a tricycle from Kuya Joey to take us to Barangay Paniman where there are available boats for island hopping (150 pesos for a single trip). Standard rates apply.

On our way, we paid an environmental fee of 30 pesos per person.  Children are free of charge.


We took our quick lunch here.  Prices of foods here are very affordable.


Our boat for 2 days
As we arrive at  Paniman Beach, we ask our tricycle driver if he can refer someone. 
The rental fee was 1500 pesos for the first day (half day), and 2500 for the second day (whole day) good for 6 people.  We started our island hopping at 12:45 pm.

Start of Island Hopping




Caramoan is one of the well-known tourist destinations in the Philippines. The peacefulness of the place, the magnificent ambiance of islands and islets, crystal clear sea water, white sandbars, and the like are truly enticing in the eyes of every visitor.  This is a perfect place to undergo self-contemplation while heeding the serenade of nature.  

First Day of Island Hopping: Busdak, Cagbalinad, Lahos, and Matukad


















white powdery sand














We went back to Paniman Beach at 5:30 pm where Kuya Joey was waiting for us.  We hired his service for 3 days.  We agreed that he will fetch us tomorrow at 6:30 am for our second day island hopping.

La Casa Roa at night
We had our dinner at a nearby carinderia. According to a local, electricity and water supply are problems in Caramoan particularly during peak season. We encountered instances of brown out and poor water supply while taking a bath. La Casa Roa has a generator set, but during our sleep, the beeping sound of the
aircon due to interrupted power supply was really annoying. I suggest that you get a fan room.

Second Day of Island Hopping: Tabgon, Cotivas, Manlawi, and Bag-ing Island


We woke up at 5:00AM. We took a quick breakfast in the nearby eatery and bought our packed lunch.  We did not see any grocery in the place, but there are several sari-sari stores available where you can buy your snacks.

Call time for Island hopping is at 7:00AM.

For the second day, our first destination was Barangay Tabgon where the Shrine of Our Lady of The Most Holy Rosary is located.  We were accompanied by a local tour guide in the place.  There is no standard fee for the tour guide any amount will do.





In order to reach the church, one should climb 557 steps.

Entrance fee of 30 pesos for adults.
Bring a bottle of water! You will get thirsty along the way.

At the Entrance


On the way up...

Overlooking View




 Inside the church

View from the top

Going Down

Coconut for sale at Php25 each.  Souvenirs can also be purchased at the gate.


Ana and Karen while having their refreshments


Some pictures taken going to Cotivas


Mangrove's tree





Crystal Clearwater

We rented a cottage for 100 pesos. Our boat got stuck due to low tide.  We decided to had our lunch here. We stayed in the island for almost 2.5 hours.  You can also buy halo-halo for 20 pesos.




Sea Urchin.  
 Crystal clear water.
Round Starfish



We noticed some jellyfish in Cotivas; but, according to our guide, those are sting-less.  We also saw walo-walo snakes (a kind of venomous snake) lying dead on the sand. So watch your steps.

We just stayed in Manlawi for 15 to 20 minutes, so we did not rent a floating nipa hut. Most tourists spend their lunch here. You may rent it for 200 pesos.



Our last destination is a part of the Bag-ing beach.  Initially, we planned to go to Sabitang Laya but it was closed to the public due to the filming of reality TV show, Survivor.



A cast of survivor? 
Karen buried in the sand


Our last picture before we left the last island
At 5:30PM we went back to La Casa Roa.

We were not able to visit all the islands in Caramoan, but the tour was all worth it. The place will welcome you with its warmth and beauty. It is a must travel destination. No wonder why Survivor production team chose this place. 
Feel the sand under your feet and soak your body in clear waters of Caramoan. Every island is breathtaking.

Day 4: Time to go


We took our breakfast in the hostel.  Kuya Joey fetches us at 6:30 am. Before going to Caramoan Feeder Port (Guijalo Port), we paid a short visit to the Red Parish of St. Michael the Archangel

The church outside

The Main Entrance



Guijalo Port
Trip Schedule


inside the boat
Boat fare to Sabang Port is 120 pesos for adult and 60 pesos for children. Travel time is 2 hours. Upon reaching Sabang Port there is a fee of 10 pesos for the use of mini "boat-bridge".


From Sabang Port there are available UV express to Naga (Bicol terminal) for 100 pesos.  The trip is approximately 2 hours.

You can buy your pasalubong at the terminal, SM Naga, or in the public market. We highly recommend that you buy in the public market because the prices are cheaper (but be sure to have a price canvass before you buy). Tricycle fare from Terminal to public market is 40 pesos.

The Pasalubong Section in the Public Market
Raw Pili Nuts


 You can buy pili nuts in a plastic container for 100 pesos. Bundle of pili tarts, pastillas, and etc are also available from 80 to 130 pesos.

We were able to get a bus ticket from Naga to Manila for 550 pesos (RMB bus).  Regular price is at 700 to 1000 pesos.  Travel time is 9.5 to 10 hours.  There were some stop overs where you can have your meals.

List of Expenses

Expenses Cost Budget  per person (group of 4)
Entrance/Environmental Fee
Cagsawa Ruins          10.00                                  10.00
Lignon Hill          20.00                                  20.00
Caramoan          30.00                                  30.00
Grotto          30.00                                  30.00
Transportation
Airfare Manila-Legaspi       700.00                                700.00
Tricycle to Embarcadero RT       140.00                                  35.00
Vehicle Hire (half-day) Legaspi Tour    1,000.00                                250.00
Van from Legazpi to Naga       140.00                                140.00
Tricycle to Hotel in Naga          40.00                                  10.00
Tricycle to Bicol Central Station -Naga          40.00                                  10.00
Bus from Naga to Caramoan       220.00                                220.00
Boat Rental half-day island hopping    1,500.00                                375.00
Boat Rental whole day island hopping    2,500.00                                625.00
Tricycle from Caramoan town proper to Paniman Beach (150 one-way) 2RT       600.00                                150.00
Tricyle from Caramoan town proper to Guijalo Port       150.00                                  37.50
Boat from Guijalo to Sabang Port       120.00                                120.00
Bridge boat at Sabang Port          10.00                                  10.00
Van from Sabang to Naga       100.00                                100.00
Bus from Naga to Manila       550.00                                550.00
Accommodation
Hotel in Naga for 1 night    1,800.00                                450.00
Hotel in Caramoan for 2 nights    3,100.00                                775.00
Total                            4,647.50
Note: Food and other expenses not included in this computation



Our itinerary

Day 1: April 21, 2016 Thursday
09:10AM Arrival of Jake and Ana in Legaspi, Albay
09:30AM Proceed to Embarcadero de Legaspi
10:15AM Return to Airport
10:30AM Arrival of Karen and Adrian
11:00AM Lunch/ Tour in Cagsawa Ruins, Daraga Church, and Lignon Hill
03:45PM Proceed to Legaspi Grand Central Terminal
04:30PM Travel to Naga
07:00PM Arrival in Naga/ Check-in / Dinner / Rest

Day 2: April 22, 2016  Friday
05:30AM Proceed to Bicol Central Station/ Buy tickets
06:30AM Departure from Naga to Caramoan  
10:55AM Arrival in Caramoan / Proceed to La Casa Roa / Check-in
11:30AM Proceed to Paniman Beach/ Lunch
12:55PM Start Island Hopping
05:30PM End of Island Hopping Activities / Back to La Casa Roa
07:00PM Dinner/ Rest

Day 3: April 23, 2016 / Saturday
05:30AM Breakfast/ Proceed to Paniman Beach
07:00AM Start of Island Hopping
11:00AM Lunch in the island
05:30PM End of Island Hopping Activities / Back to La Casa Roa
07:00PM Dinner/ Rest

Day 3: April 24, 2016, Sunday
06:00AM Breakfast
06:30AM Proceed to Guijalo Port/ Stop-over at St. Michael Church
08:00AM Departure Guijalo Port to Sabang Port
10:00AM Arrival in Sabang Port/ Proceed to UV Express Terminal bound to Naga
12:00NN Arrival in Naga/ Lunch
01:00PM Pasalubong hunting
03:00PM Proceed to Bicol Central Station
03:30PM Departure to Manila
                Arrival in Manila
-End of Tour-

Photo Credit: Karen Joy Diaz

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By: CountrysideNotebook (JSC / AA)