Mt. Balagbag, Rodriguez Rizal 

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. 

May your best miles be covered by foot

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! 

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 :)

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.

so adorable... Heidi

Cold wind plus breathtakingly beautiful view of Sierra Madre range... whatta welcome!

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.

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.

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~