Mt. Manalmon: A Haven of Great Adventure

I have been to some climbs, major and minor ones, but this has been one of the most fun. Aside from the fact that I was with a big group (biggest group so far among all the climbs I had) – a group of 18 people, there are a variety of activities that can be enjoyed in this place aside from hiking. One can enjoy river crossing, spelunking, zip lining, rappelling, river rafting, crossing bridge, rock climbing, and more! Well, the adventure that you can experience will depend on how far you can go. Anyway, you always have the choice to go for something that you think you’ll enjoy.  

Getting There

Since we are a group of 18, we decided to rent a jeepney for ease in travelling and to save some penny as well. We rented the jeepney for only Php 4,500 plus we have to pay for the toll, gas expenses, as well as the driver’s meals. The rental fee covers the trip going to Mt. Manalmon jump off (Brgy. Sibul, San Miguel, Bulacan) and going back to Ortigas, Pasig.

If you will commute going to the location, you can take a Cabanatuan-bound bus from Pasay or Cubao. Then, drop off at Brgy. Kamias. According to one of our co-hikers, the fare is around 120-130. From there, you can take a tricycle going to Sitio Madlum, Brgy. Sibul and it will cost you around 200 per tricycle. So, individually, you could pay 50 or 60 each if you will be in 3 or 4 in one tricycle. This trip takes around 40 minutes and prepare yourself for a bumpy road trip as the road is quite rough. ^^ 

Buying Foods and Beverage

Before we reached the jump off, we dropped by a market in Brgy. Sibul to purchase some foods for our 2-day stay in Manalmon. While the other members of the group were purchasing stuff at the market, the rest were busy looking for snacks since it was already late in the afternoon and we’re kind of hungry already (esp. myself, since I didn’t have lunch that day).

       the contenders for Ms. Manalmon 2013 (hahaha)

Start of the Adventure

When we reached the jump off, we were amazed to hear some people enjoying the videoke. Well, if you like singing, you can still keep that hobby even if you are in the rural. After taking some pose, we had to cross the river via rafting. After that, we had to ready ourselves for the trek and registered. Then, we had to negotiate with the guide about the plan/ itinerary.

The Trek

Since it was already a bit late, we had to prepare the headlamps because it was already a bit dark. However, only half had headlamps. So, some had to go after the ones who have headlamps (I was one of them!^^). 

To reach the campsite, we had to cross a river, get in a small cave, and walk through the grassland. In crossing the river, be careful! Some stones may not be that strong to carry your weight (based on Grace’s experience) and it might cause you to slip. In hiking and getting in the cave, headlamp is indeed necessary. So, if you’ll have a night trek, make sure you have your headlamp!

On our way, we were asking the guide if we could camp near the river or near the summit. The best option was to camp near the river since it’s quite challenging to go to the summit at night knowing the fact that some don’t have headlamps. Well, I guess it was indeed a great idea to camp there. It was not too cold and the water source was just close to us. We could easily wash our dishes, and even our hands and face.

The Socials

It is customary for hikers to have this kind of activity when camping. This is a way to get to know each other much better to feel at ease being with the other members of the group. If there are new members in the group, it’s great to have a self-introduction activity. For our group, it was a very common and “corny” but fun way of self-introduction. Wanna know how? One has to introduce oneself by giving the name, nickname, and an actor/actress he/she resembles. Most remarkable ones were Nikki Gil aka Grace, Angelica P. aka Elaine, Choco Martin aka Tristan, and Derek aka Ronel (hahaha!). Well, anyone is entitled to his/her own opinion. So, guys don’t judge them, okay?^^

After that, we had our sumptuous dinner (I had to say sumptuous because I was very hungry at that time, so I enjoyed it!). Kidding aside, the fried chicken with mongo was perfect for dinner. Then, the drinking session followed.

The session was involuntarily ended because the raindrops started falling. Probably, it was telling us to stop being noisy. Because of that, some tents had to be covered, especially ours. Thank you to Choco Martin and Derek for doing the task for us. We appreciate your efforts.

Hike to the Summit

I was awakened by some of them at around 5 or 6 AM. They said we have to hike going to the summit before our breakfast. For some, it became a motivation to hike (am I right, Grace?). After the tiring hike, at least there is something to look forward to --- the “sopas” (soup). The trek was a little short as this is simply a minor climb. It took us around 20-30 minutes. However, some members are still new to climbing so it took them a little longer.

Breakfast

Some of our co-hikers did not go to the summit anymore because they’ve been to Manalmon a number of times. So, they made the most anticipated “sopas”. Ronel, Tristan, Kookie, and Maricar were left in the campsite. I don’t know exactly who did most of the labor in preparing the breakfast but I guess Kookie was the chef (hehe! Thank you so much guys! You are indeed generous!).  Though the soup was a bit salty, we still enjoyed it. Eating breakfast became even more challenging because it was raining. ^^

Our Adventure

Hiking 

Mt. Manalmon is perfect for hikers who are new to hiking or mountain climbing as the hike does not take more than 30 minutes. The mount is only 196 MASL. For beginners, this is perfect for a first try. It will not give you “trauma” since it’s not that tedious. Plus, reaching the summit will definitely give you a glimpse of nature’s beauty. Atop, you’ll have a view of the Madlum River, Mt. Gola, and Mt. Arayat. Apart from that, the fresh air on top will even make you want to stay longer there. Most importantly, the place is so perfect for “pictorials”.

                    The view's really refreshing, isn't it?

                with almost everyone in the gang...

             with my favorite girls during the climb... ^_^

      Of course, I should not fail to have myself a souvenir! ^^

Spelunking in Bayukbok Cave 

Our group was composed of 18 people but since some of them have been to the place just few weeks ago, they decided not to join. One was not able to join because she was not fit to do the activity. So, we were around 15 people who did the challenging activity. Together with our guide, we had to surpass the challenges of getting through those narrow pathways, getting scratches and scars because of some slippery parts and the rough stones, hanging to the vines, stepping on a hanging ladder, and many more.

After going through all those things, the price is the good view outside and the thought of having accomplished such a challenging and risky activity. Because we enjoyed it, some of us even asked for more (haha!). 

       this is the reason why it took us a while to get out of the cave... haha!

Crossing the Monkey Bridge

During our trip to Manalmon, one activity that most of our men co-hikers enjoyed was crossing the monkey bridge. What’s good about this is that you don’t have to pay for the transport when you cross via the monkey bridge, unlike if you cross the river through a raft in which you have to pay 5Php.

It was indeed a thrilling activity since you have to step on the wires and hold the wires as well for you to be able to cross and if your legs and arms are not strong enough, you would plunge into the water. Well, good if you know how to swim, you’ll still enjoy even if you fall. However, considering the height, it will still be a painful fall. That’s the reason I did not try it. I was not very confident of my leg strength plus I don’t know how to swim. 

Rappelling

I had my first experience of rappelling when we hiked Mt. Batulao last year. It was a very short one but it may be dangerous for someone who has never tried this kind of activity. One fellow really had a hard time there.

In Bayukbok Cave, we had to rappel even at the beginning part of spelunking. It was also quite short but it was a tough one since we had to step on some rocks and stone, in which some are rough and some are slippery. I even slipped in one part of it. Nevertheless, it was worth the try. If you have mild acrophobia, it might help you overcome such fear. ^^

PHOTO CREDITS: Thank you Darwin, Glen, and Danica for sharing the pictures. I owe you this article guys! ^_^