I'm
tired of seeing buildings and crowded roads since I started teaching in
college. I simply need a break and finally I have it because it was our
semestral break. February, when we hiked Mt. Gulugod Baboy in Anilao Batangas
after that we faced the busiest part of our working lives. We planned to hike
Mt. Daguldol unfortunately, it didn't materialize. It’s almost the end of the
year when we finally push through our next climb... Mt. Balagbag is located in
Rodriguez Rizal. At over 777+ MASL that offers good view of Manila.
Since
three of us were from Ortigas Ext. we just rode a jeepney to Cubao (P17.00
fare) to get rid of the preparation of APEC Summit during that time. From Cubao
we rode a bus going to Tungko (P65.00 up) then we arrived at the meeting place
after an hour and half. The terminal going to Licao-Licao (P28.00 fare) was
just few steps from our meeting place. Mt. Balagbag here we come!
It
took more than 30 minutes before we arrived at Licao-Licao.There were tricycle
drivers who asked us if we wanted to get ride so well have shorter trek but
being excited and adventurous we politely refused and started walking.
According to the blogs I've read the trail was wide and obvious so the need for
the guide was the hiker’s choice.
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| May your best miles be covered by foot |
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| Ready! Set! Trek! |
We
started hiking around 11am so we can reach the resort probably lunch time. Yes
we're staying at the resort!!! We passed by at a grotto and (1) took a picture
(2) rest as well. We kept walking but everyone's hungry, when we saw a small
store with table and chairs made of bamboo outside we decided to have lunch!
Happy tummy = happy trek!
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| Good weather we pray... |
We
finally reached the Sitio Balagbag Health Center where we have to register and
pay P10.00 each. We were advised to stay for a while because the afternoon sun
was up so bright and hot! Dim-trekking was really recommended! We learned that
the resort where we placed our reservation was near the mountain peak. Good
thing we already ate lunch or else... we'll die in hunger.
Let
the trek begin again! We met a lot of day hikers and bikers along the trail.
The level of difficulty according to some hikers was 3/9 but while we were
walking we came into conclusion that it depends upon the hiker's expertise. For
newbies like us it will be 5/9. The trail was wide and easy but still it was
too exposed to Mr. Sun and that made it more difficult.
Yay!
At last we reached the resort! It was near the peak so don't expect too much
but it passed our standard (lelz). There's only one swimming pool, decent
restroom, wide space to pinch your tent, a sari-sari store and available
drinking water. Entrance fee is P100.00 per head. You can also rent their long
table with chair for P200.00 or their room for P200.00- 500.00. Convenience
overload :)
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| Forget about your worries and swim calmly! |
We
decided to leave some of our things before going to the summit. It would only
take 30 minutes trek from the resort but because of some photo ops... it took
us an hour. Meet our adorable tour guide "Heidi". We met at the
resort and from there Heidi never leave our side until we get back to the
resort.
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| so adorable... Heidi |
Cold
wind plus breathtakingly beautiful view of Sierra Madre range... whatta
welcome!
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| Group shot at the summit |
We
waited for the sunset because we decided to pinch our tent in the resort.
Mr.Sun didn't fail to give a peaceful view as the dark clouds conquer the blue
ones.
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| We made it! |
While
heading back to the resort other hikers encouraged us to stay but since some of
our things were left at the resort we have to refuse them. Before I forgot, we paid
P20.00 at the gate before the summit.
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| Arranged rock made a cave view |
Indeed
a great escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Though the next day
will surely be full of body pains, nothing beats the experience we
had.
Feel free to leave comments, suggestions and reaction about this post.
~thetskie here~
