Mt. Sipit Ulang Hike // October 23, 2016

A claw-like rock formation located at Rodriguez Rizal.  That is Mt. Sipit Ulang.  Sipit and Ulang are 2 Filipino words which mean "claw" and "crayfish".  

Mt. Sipit Ulang Summit

It took months of planning (drawing :P) with some of my college friends before we were able to push through the hike.  We met up at Jollibee in Ligaya where there are available jeepneys bound to Montalban.  We commenced the hike at 8:20 am via Paniki Trail.

The trail is composed of series of stream crossings,  muddy assaults, cave passing, and rock climbing (with sharp edges).

First Part

At the very first part of the trail, my shoes were already wet.  I regretted not wearing sandals.  

Pictures Taken

Bamboo Bridge

One of the cave passage.  It is mandatory to pass this part

Orland while climbing the ladder in a narrow passage.  Bringing of a huge bag is not advisable

Vincent (Benz) after surviving the caves passing

Boulder Climbing

Benz while climbing with Kuya Embie (our guide) on the top

Orland

The Duos during their first climb

Rock Formation before the Summit (Resting Place)

Benz while having a break

Orland doing his signature pose

Me

Pictures Taken at the Summit

The back of the summit

Attracting positive energy

 The Summit at the background (Claw-like Rock Formation

At the Summit

The group made it on the top

The Rodriguez Trilogy (Mt. Hapunang Banoi, Mt. Pamitinan, and Mt. Binacayan)

We started our descent during lunchtime through the Banayad Trail.  We deferred our trip to Payaran Falls and just decided to have lunch at the jump off.  The last part of the trail is a series of stream crossing (around 3).

Stream Crossing

A future cast in Kung Fu Panda IV :D Peace Benz!

Small but not light!  This is how I want to describe the mountain.  It was a successful hike! We will go back to this place for another set of adventure in nearby mountains. 

Actual Itinerary

6:30 AM - Departure Jollibee Ligaya to Eastwood (Total Gas Station)
7:30 AM - Arrival Total Gas Station
8:10 AM - Arrival Brgy. Mascap (Registration and hiring of the tour guide)
8:20 AM - Start of the hike
10:45 AM - Arrival Summit (Picture taking)
12:00 PM - Descent
1:00 PM - Arrival Brgy. Hall (Late lunch and Wash Up)
2:00 PM - Departure Brgy. Hall to San Isidro Transport Terminal
2:30 PM - Departure to Manila
4:30 PM - Home Sweet Home

Budget: 500 to 600 pesos per person for a group of 3

Major Expenses:

Tour guide: 500 pesos maximum of 5 and additional 200 pesos for a side trip in Payaran Falls
Registration Fee: 50 pesos per head
Wash Room: 20 pesos
Tricycle from Total to Brgy. Mascap: 150 pesos
Transportation: 100 per head

Going There

1. There are available jeepneys in Ligaya and Cubao going to Montalban. Ask the driver for a drop-off in the Total Gas Station near Eastwood. (Note: Don't tell to drop you in Eastwood since the tricycles available there are bound to Wawa not Mascap).

2. From the Total Gas Station, enter the street in front where you can find the tricycle terminal going to Mascap.  


Photo Credit: Orland Jerico Cordero

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