We have come to the last part of this installment. I am so happy to have a culmination to my chronicles in Making the Most of Mt. Manunggal. If you wish to check out the previous parts, you can go to them through the links below. In this last and final part, I will be sharing with you our last moments at Mt. Manunggal. I will share our photos at the Rock Formations Peak, our descent, and some plant and insect photography.
Reaching for the Heavens: Making the Most of Mt. Manunggal (Part 2)
Climbing the Rock Formations Peak: Making the Most of Mt. Manunggal (Part 3)
PHOTOS AT THE ROCK FORMATIONS PEAK
In Part 3, I ended it with a few photos after reaching the top of the Rock Formations Peak. We started the trek early and we reached the peak with no one else up there. Our guide was very eager to take a lot of photos of us. He told us which spots to go to and we trusted him with taking the best pictures.
"Who wants to go first?" our guide had asked us. My companions (my girlfriend and a friend) said I should go first. I didn't want a lot of my pictures taken but I just went with it. I sheepishly climbed on one of the rock formations and had my photos taken.
I was still sporting my long hair back then and the wind at the peak was quite strong. I thought untying it was a good idea. Most of my pictures are me with my ruffled hair.
Our guide told us to be careful with our steps and to hold on to the rocks. He told us not to look down but I couldn't help it. I looked down and I saw how far I'd fall if I took the wrong step. But I wasn't afraid. I felt alive up in that mountain while this stranger was taking photos of me.
My turn was done and I just enjoyed the views while my companions were having their pictures taken. I also shouted some occasional "Be careful!" to my girlfriend while she courageously posed at the rock formations.
After everyone had their turn, our guide wanted to take group photos of us. The wind was strong and the clouds hid the views from below. We had to time our shots so that we'd capture the beautiful landscape when the skies cleared. Here are some of our pictures in one side of the peak. (Excuse my messy hair). You can see the deep valley below and some houses at the bottom. We can also see the road we took coming to Mt. Manunggal.
Then our guide told us to move to the other side. We could see a nearby mountain and more mountains father ahead. I thought our pictures on this side were better although there were still clouds covering some of the view. The sun was starting to shine brighter and you could see how our faces are brightly lit. Or maybe we were just happy to be there and it was showing on our faces.
COMING BACK DOWN
We would have stayed a bit longer but it was getting hot and we we thought the other hikers would soon arrive. We made our way down the rocky trail and the descent was easier than the climb. We made it to the bottom in a short amount of time. We met other hikers who were on their way to the peak.
The day looked like it was going to be a bright and sunny day. In Part 3, I mentioned that our trek to the Rock Formations Peak was full of fog. There was a stark difference with our trek back to the camp. Everything was bright and clear although we could still see some gloomy clouds up ahead.
We were back at the clearing and the sky was so bright and clear! I remember not being able to see it earlier. We rested a bit near the monument and chatted with some campers who were just starting their day.
We continued and reached the main camp site. There were people who went on the bike zipline. There were attractions and rides in the camp. One was horseback riding which I've always wanted to try. But when we saw their poor horse which was thin and small, I was dismayed and decided not to go instead.
We went back to our campsite and tents. The trail was always a welcomed sight. You could see how the people painstakingly landscaped the soil and planted some beautiful plants.
APPRECIATING THE PLANTS
When seeing beautiful plants, my mother always comes to mind. She'd turn crazy when she sees different plants, especially the ones she's never seen before. While taking down our tents, I took pictures of some nearby flowers. Then, I noticed something on a leaf. It was a small orange moth. I took pictures of it while slowly getting closer. The cute moth stayed in place. Google Photos did an animation of my photos and you could see it in the gif below.
I told my mother I would bring her plants when I go back. After having our lunch, I looked at the different plants available for sale. I recognized some of them but I wasn't sure which ones my mother didn't have. There were some really strange plants and I was told that maybe some of them won't survive if they were brought down to the city. I decided to get the little succulents that looked like grass. I liked how they covered the soil like a Bermuda grass.
GOING HOME
It was time to come home and I couldn't believe we only stayed for two days. We did and saw so many things. My experience with Mt. Manunggal was fun and fulfilling. We trekked from the main highway to the campsite when most people would take a motorcycle or ride a car. We saw amazing views form the Viewing Deck. I struggled with the cold at night. We climbed the amazing Rock Formations Peak. And I got to bring my mother some plants. I really made the most of Mt. Manunggal.
Our transportation back to the city was through a passenger van. We waited by the highway but all the vans that passed by were full. Someone offered to bring me and my girlfriend to the town of Balamban where the vans were parked. We'd get a van for the entire group that was waiting with us. I took the last photos below before we went to the next town, arranged a van, and went home to the city.
And that's it! I hope I was able to showcase Mt. Manunggal in a good light. I'll be sure to return whenever I can. Thank you for taking the time to read and go through my photos. I will now be taking you to another travel destination in my next travel blog.
See you in the next post. Cheers!