We visited Mt. Manalmon and Mt. Matinik with friends last February 2022. Supposedly the plan was to visit Mt. Batulaon in Batangas but the trail was closed probably due to the covid spike after the holidays.
The trip from Manila to Bulacan was about 1.5-2hrs, we arrived a little late since there was a car crash that caused traffic around 4 am! We are 2 hrs delayed from our supposed time of arrival. We arrived 8 am, it was a little late for a hike and was getting hot but our group was okay with the changes of plans and the hot weather didn't stopped us from hiking the trail. 💪
We were greeted by this hanging bridge. Looks a bit scary but safe!
We registered and got ready before the hike. We put on Off lotion, sunscreen, and had a trip to the bathroom 😅
Trail starts by climbing the stairs going to the cave. The cave was dark but our local guide was kind enough to guide us through the cave and even used his phone's flashlight.
After going through the cave we had to cross a river. I was wearing hiking slippers, personally it was easy to hike with hiking slippers when encountering rivers because my friends had to take off their hiking shoes in order to pass through which is a bit hassle. Going up and down the trail with hiking slippers didn't cause me trouble until I had to go through Mt. Matinik - literally means thorny! Wear comfortable hiking shoes or sandals, the choice is up to you! 😁
The fun part was going up the trail! It was steep and required us to hang on to tree branches, ropes and rocks. Luckily, we wore gloves!
Going up the trail you'll see beautiful plants, fruits, sheeps and goats. But no grabbing though, grab your cameras and take pictures instead! 😌
When we reached to the top of Mt. Manalmon, the view is amazing! You can see the entire river and other mountains in the area.
Going down from the peak of Mt. Manalmon was the scariest part, there are no rope for you to grab on but rocks on the ground. Still managed to take a picture of the group 😅
HIKING FROM MT. MANALMON TO MT. MATINIK
Before we proceed to Mt. Matinik, we passed by a "sari-sari" store to eat some snacks, rehydrate and reapplied sunscreen. Immediately when we get back hiking to Mt. Matinik, we have to cross a river again.
For Mt. Matinik, which recently opened for hiking, part of the trail is flat and there's not much trees around, not much shade. This part of the hike was hard for us because it was almost noon. It also offers stunning views along the trail and also once you get to the peak of Mt. Matinik.
Taking off their shoes to cross the river.
Peak of Mt. Matinik
It was getting really hot, we arrived around 11:30 on the peak of Mt. Matinik
Walking back to the jump-off place.
Before arriving back to the cave where the hike started, we passed by this river where the locals and visitors are taking a plunge. Of course, we didn't let this opportunity pass, and we swam there too. We were hiking for almost 4 hrs under the sun and we finally had the chance to dive in to the river, it was the most rewarding feeling ever. It was the best bathe I had for years 😂 The river was very refreshing and it recharged us for more energy.
There is a strange mystical feel to these mountains, it feels so alive. Definitely recharged us from our busy lives we have back in the city. Nature is truly medicine. Thankful for this kind of experience. Glad I took a lot of photos from this trip. As they say, take nothing but photos and leave no trace 😘
WHAT TO BRING FOR A DAY HIKE
- Hiking back pack
- Comfortable hiking shoes/sandals
- Weather-appropriate clothing
- Trail snacks
- At least 2L of water
- First aid kit
- Extra clothes, extra footwear/slippers + plastic for wet clothes
- Personal items: Wallet, ID, Phone, Cash
- Insect repellant, Tissues or wipes, Alcohol.
- Sun protection: Sunscreen, Sun hat, Sun glasses
Extras:
Hiking gloves
Trekking poles
Head light or flashlight
Binoculars
Extra day's supply of food
A chandler, a mom (not just a regular mom, a cool mom!😂) Sharing Travel, Food, & Beauty blogs. An aspiring content creator and your bestie!
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