An addition to the list of the mountains I’ve conquered is Mt. Pamitinan in Rodriguez, Rizal. Rizal is definitely my favorite place right now. It’s very close to Manila and the mountains it offers are just overwhelming. When we set this climb, I have high expectations. To date, the best view I had was at the summit of Mt. Daraitan and Tinipak River in Tanay, Rizal. But after climbing, Rizal has proven its worth. Mt. Pamitinan and Wawa Dam offers not only a wonderful experience but it’s the cheapest climb I’ve ever had for just Php 200!
Major jumpoff: Brgy. Wawa, Rodriguez, Rizal LLA (Pamitinan): 14°43′51.7′′N 121°11′29.2′′ E 426 MASL Days required / Hours to summit: 1 day / 1.5-3 hours Specs: Minor, Difficulty 4/9 Trail class 1-4 Features: Limestone formations, scenic views of Sierra Madre and Rizal province
Brgy. Wawa in Rodriguez (formerly Montalban), Rizal has long been known to outdoor enthusiasts for its beautiful Montalban Gorge and the various activities that can be done there: caving in Binacayan Cave and Bat Cave, mountain biking, swimming by the Wawa Dam,and rock climbing in the limestone cliffs in Mt. Binacayan. In addition to this, it is now being recognised as a hiking spot, with at least two of its small, rocky mountains – Mt. Pamitinan and Mt. Binacayan – offering refreshingly new trails with close proximity to Metro Manila. Both mountains can be done as half-day hikes and can be combined as a nice day of adventure.
the trail to Mt. Pamitinan
Tip: the rocks are sharp so it would be best to wear gloves. I actually had 3 cuts on my legs so I also suggest wearing leggings.
A trip to Pamitinan Cave
swimming at wawa dam
The road back home
Itinerary
0530 Ride jeep from Metro East to Eastwood
0630 Tricycle to Brgy. Wawa
0645 Start Trek up Mt. Pamitinan
0830 ETA Summit
1030 Start Descent (we had a super long break at the summit)
1200 Caving at Pamitinan Cave (it was closed so we were not able to go inside)
1230 Side trip to Wawa Dam
1300 Lunch at the cottage
1730 Pack up
2000 Back in Manila
budget breakdown
Sta. Lucia jeep to Eastwood – Php 27
Tricycle to Brgy. Wawa jump off – Php 10
Registration Fee – Php 2
Cottage – Php 150Guide fee – Php 650 (no fixed rate for the guide. We’re a group of 7 and decided to share Php 100 each for both the cottage and guide fee. We also added in Php 100 tip to the guide. Really recommend him. You can contact him through Facebook, just search for his name.)
Tricycle to Eastwood – Php 10
Eastwood jeep to Cubao – Php 38