Maysawa Circuit and Nagpatong Rock Formation (1st Tower) // September 25, 2016

Picture taken from one of Mt. Binutasan's Summit

A sea of clouds, grassy slopes, a glimpse of nearby mountains, and trails comprised of bamboos and tall grasses.  These are some of the things which a new place in Tanay, Rizal can offer to hike enthusiasts - "The Maysawa Circuit".  It is under the supervision of Brgy. Cuyambay; the same locality in charge of Mt. Paliparan.  The entire trail is composed of 2 mountains: Mt. Sapari and Mt. Binutasan.  If the twin hike is not yet enough to satisfy one's wanderlust, a side trip to Nagpatong Rock Formation is a feasible day tour combination.       

The Hike 

We made a comeback 2 weeks after our Mt. Paliparan Hike.  In order to include the Nagpatong Rock Formation in our itinerary, we left Manila at 2:00 am and arrived at the Brgy. Hall of Cuyambay at 3:45.  The registration fee for the 2 locations is 50 pesos.  The jump off of the Maysawa Circuit is located at the other side of the highway.  At 4:15 we commenced the hike.  We preferred to go first in Mt. Binutasan to catch-up the sea of clouds.  

Muddy Trail

The trails on both mountains can become very slippery and muddy during the rainy season; added to the thrill is the existence of limatiks in the first part of the trail.  

Mt. Binutasan

We reached the series of peaks of Mt. Binutasan at 6 am.  Overall, it has 4 peaks.   The name Binutasan was originated from a man-made tunnel a long time ago.  According to our guide, hikers and even the locals of the place are forbidden to explore the area due to safety.

Group picture: Aries, She, Me, and Santy

Descending from peak 4

Batis

This is the place where most hikers are having a stop-over.  The cold running water and the serenity of the place is truly a great reward after the hike.  There is a nipa hut located at the upper part.  Coconuts can be avail at 25 pesos; other snacks are for sale at higher prices :p

The Nipa Hut

are those berries edible?

We stayed in the place for an hour and went to Mt. Sapari.  

Mt. Sapari

Our guide mentioned that the mountain was named after a priest who once resided the place.  In the end, he was assassinated.  The summit of Mt. Sapari has a small rock formation.  Honestly, I appreciated more the scenic views of the nearby mountains on our way up.  

Santy (where is love?)

                                             

She at the summit

Another rock formation located on the summit 

We took some photo-ops and went back to the jump-off (highway).  Along the way, we encountered some horses that are available for a ride at a cost of 150 pesos until reaching the habal-habal terminal.  The habal-habals are charging 30 pesos per head up to the highway.  We decided to walk.   We had our lunch in the lomi house located at the beginning of the trailhead.  Prices of meals are ranging from 30 to 70 pesos.  Souvenir bag tags and shirts may be avail at the shop.   After 45 minutes, we proceeded to the jump-off point of the Nagpatong Rock Formation.  

Nagpatong Rock Formation

The jump-off point of the nagpatong rock formation is located at the other side of the highway.  It consists of 2 towers.  The first tower is an hour away from the jump off.  The other one which is more difficult to climb is 30 minutes away from the first tower.  The trail going to the rock formation is consists of bamboos (with new sprout), razor-leafed grasses, and rocks scrambling.  Good thing I brought my gloves.

A community in the jump off point

Is this a fruit???

I did not reach the peak of tower 1 since I had problem with my shoes.  It became very slippery when I step on stone.  I just stayed on the base of the tower.  The other 3 made it on the top.  (Better luck next time)...

The summit of tower 1

Aries and tower 2 at the background

We did not go to tower 2.  Aside from an impending rain, it is more on a technical climb (more on rappelling) compare with tower 1.  A rope is highly needed.  We started our descent at 3 pm.  

Overall, it was a great and exhausting hike.  I realized that I still have a very long way to go.

Itinerary

2:00 AM ETD Manila to Tanay 
3:45 AM ETA Brgy Cuyambay (Registration and securing of guide)
4:00 AM Travelling to Maysawa Jumpoff point
4:05 AM ETA Maysawa Jumpoff point (At the opposite side of the highway.  We used a car) 
4:15 AM Start of Hike
6:00 AM ETA Mt. Binutasan Summit (4 peaks series)
7:30 AM ETA Batis (Rest, Snacks, Refreshment)
8:40 AM proceed to Mt. Sa Pari
9:50 AM ETA Mt. Sapari Summit
10:15 AM Start of Descent
12:00 noon jump off of Maysawa Circuit (lunchtime)
12:45 PM Going to jump off point of nagpatong rock formation 
12:50 PM Jump off point 
1:00 PM Start of Hike
2:15 PM ETA Nagpatong rock formation (Tower 1)
3:00 PM Start of Descent
4:00 PM ETA Jump off point (Wash up)
4:30 PM ETD Tanay to Manila
7:00 PM Home Sweet Home

Safe budget for a group of 4: 700 to 1000 pesos

Going there through a public transportation:

1. Take any PUV in Cubao (Famers Area) or Ligaya (near Robinson Metroeast and Sta Lucia) going to Cogeo (Gate 2).  

2. From gate 2 there is a terminal of jeepneys going to Sampaloc (usually they are leaving at 5 in the morning or until meeting the ideal number of passengers).  Tell the driver to drop you at Brgy. Cuyambay.  

Note:
a. This is the same route going to Maynoba Circuit (Mt. Maynoba and Mt. Cayabu); Mt. Batolusong and Mt. Susong Dalaga.  You only need to be drop at Batangasan instead of Cuyambay where there are available tricycles which can take you to the jump off point of those mountains.  
b. Beware of limatik
c. Hire a private vehicle to catch up the sea of clouds in Mt. Binutasan.

Photo Credit: Santi Cabangon and Sherryl Joy Malatuba

End

- JSC