Climbing is not just about the summit, it’s the climb itself. Almost a month ago, I went on a quick climb to Mt. Balagbag with a traverse to Mt. Maranat/Maranat Falls in Rodriguez, Rizal. According to friends, Mt. Balagbag is an easy climb since it’s relatively flat as compared to other mountains near the area where everything is almost assault. However a day before our climb, it rained heavily and as expected, it was one wet and muddy adventure (I actually consider this as one of my hardest climb!). Anyways, total budget for this climb is just Php 200. This is why I love Rizal! You get to enjoy the best of nature at such a low price.
Here’s a quick info about Mt. Balagbag and Mt.Maranat/Maranat Falls.
First jumpoff: Sitio Karahume, Brgy. Macabud, Rodriguez
second jumpoff: Sitio Balagbag, Brgy. San Isidro, Rodriguez
LLA: 777 MASL (unverified)
Days required / Hours to summit: 1 day / 1-2 hours
Specs: Minor climb, Difficulty 3/9, Trail class 1-2
A hiking destination favored for its proximity to Metro Manila is Mt. Balagbag, located in Rodriguez (formerly Montalban), Rizal. This mountain is part of the Sierra Madre range as it transitions into the plains of Central and Southern Luzon. At over 700 MASL, it is of sufficient elevation to offer views of Ortigas and some parts of Metro Manila, as well as the Ipo Watershed.
En Route to Rizal
The road to Rodriguez, Rizal was easy. It’s very accessible. From Cubao, just ride a bus going to Tungko and drop off at Jollibee Tungko. Fare is Php 38. From there, ride a jeep going to Licao-Licao. Fare is Php 28. Once you drop off at the terminal station, you can have your breakfast at the carinderias in the area. There are also sari-sari stores where you can buy snacks.
Note: the last trip going back to Tungko is 6pm so make sure you adhere to your itinerary.
The March to the Mountain
The trail was easy because I’ve mentioned, it’s relatively flat. But since it was raining, it was covered in mud and the difficulty went up by like 900%! No kidding! Mt. Balagbag‘s trail also features mini rivers and falls. Lots of it. Everything is picturesque actually and I just really love the water features.
Along the way, there’s a mini-stop where you can buy snacks and take a rest. You’ll be greeted by this cute dog (which we named Henry).
River Crossing in Style
In order to get to the other side which is Mt. Maranat, you have to cross the river. And since it was raining heavily, the current was too strong that we were not allowed to just walk through (I’m not sure if crossing the river using ropes is required on a normal day). Instead, we had to do some rappelling. There are two options actually: to do rappelling above the river or to cross it while attached to a rope. We did the first one on our way to Maranat Falls and the latter on our way back.
Braving Maranat Falls
After hours of trekking, we finally made it to Maranat Falls. While the weather condition may be bad, it still didn’t disappoint by showing us such beauty. We spent around 30 minutes bathing in the area. We actually wanted to stay longer but our guide told us to get moving since the weather is getting worse by the minute.
Note: there’s a place right after the river crossing and before Maranat Falls where you can stay and have your lunch.
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The Muddy Trail
Itinerary
0400 – Departure from Cubao to Tungko
0500 – Arrival to Tungko. Take jeep to Licao-Licao.
0600 – Start trek to Mt. Balagbag
0700 – Break at mini stop
0800 – River Crossing
1000 – Lunch
1100 – Start trek to Maranat Falls
1200 – Swimming
1400 – Start trek back to Mt. Balagbag
1500 – Back at Licao-Licao. Jeep back to Tungko
1700 – Departure from Tungko to Cubao
Note: this was our ideal itinerary. Unfortuntely, due to the bad weather, it took us longer and we had to adjust everything by almost an hour or two. We ended back in Tungko at around 2100. And since there’s no longer a trip back, we decided to just rent one instead and paid Php 40 each.
I think trails becomes 10 times more difficult when it rains. Muds can really slow you down since it can make your steps heavier and you get to be more careful because you may slip. This was quite an adventure and a really nice view of the falls.
I'd love to do what you guys did. I love that it's not-so-far and your budget is pretty okay. What camera did you use to take your pics? You took really nice shots.
Hi! Thank you for sharing your experience! 🙂 It was really nice to read. Im planning to go there with my friends on the weekend. I just have a question, where can we hire the guides? Are they available any time of he day? Thanks!
Wow! The water is so inviting! Makes me wanna grab my flip flops and go for the province!
you should definitely check this out. it's a really cool place. 🙂
hi! you can hire the guides at the registration area. and yes they're usually available everyday 🙂
Thank you for appreciating. I currently use Olympus Epl-3 but it was raining heavily, it's mostly just my phone Xiaomi Redmi 1s. Then some minor editing in Lightroom.
indeed. it was such a difficult trail. Thank you for visiting Franc. ^_^
This is such a great hiking route indeed!. The nature is so amazing. I think my budget allows taking that trip, too!
Thank you Debarpan! Hope you enjoy your hike. 🙂
It was quite an adventure you had Justin! Mount Balabag is definitely something we should look forward to. ^_^
I love all your photos! Great shots! Loving your new lay out as well.
This is a nice itinerary. It gives you enough time to enjoy the swim and the trek.
Really cool adventure! Were actually planning with my friends to try trecking next month. Hopefully it will happen. 🙂
Wow! A P200 peso climb and this wonderful place is definitely worth it! Pwede bang magjoin sa mga climb mo brod? 🙂 I wanna go too!
Oooh good, there's a river after the muddy trail, haha.
I've only done two exciting outdoor stuff in my life – climb Maculot and the rockies, and hike the 7 rivers of San Pablo. Beginner's stuff, I know, haha. I regret not having continued on those activities back then, I should have.
Justin, you really have the best of adventures and your pictures are beautiful, always beautiful. 🙂 and Henry is so cuuuuuute. Haha
Gly
chasingpotatoes.wordpress.com
Thank you gly. I also love your photos and your blog. Btw, which Henry are you referring to? The dog or the human? Hihi Thanks for dropping by.
Mt. Maculot is on my list and the 7 river sounds interesting. Adding them to my list. 🙂
Of course! Just message me on any time 🙂
Ooh, that's exciting! share your photos Mark. Would love to see them. 🙂
Thank you Franc. 🙂
Thank you Mommy Peach. Glad you loved it. ^_^
Yes it is really something. Such a beautiful place.
I miss trekking, I use trek when I was in college. Someday I will take my 2 daughter's camping. Having a itinerary will help serve as a guide to future trekkers like us.
What a beautiful place!
Any events here this december? I want to try it.
Can you send me a guide for this? I want to try it solo.
Thank you very much!!
[email protected]
did you have to hire a guide? planning to go to Mt. Balagbag was wondering if if we need to hire a guide since we're newbies at hiking.
may I ask how much did you pay for the food? and how was the food? I'm planning to go there with my friends this week. thank you!
One more trip to Balagbag-Maranat, sama ako hehehee
HI JUSTIN , WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO GO THERE ?
We're planning to do this trek on feb. 14. 😀
Do you know the way sir Korjal? Can you give me a specific guide/route to maranat? Thanks!!
Hello! Anyone who wants to climb on march 10? Para mura lang 🙂 lets go!!!
Hello Justin! just wondering if we need a permit or certificate to climb Mt. Balagbag? me and my friends are planning to climb this week.
Sir just wanna ask if the ropes and rappelling gears were yours or it was supplied/setup by the locals? Tnx!
Sir just wanna ask if the ropes and rappelling gears were yours or it was supplied/setup by the locals? Tnx!
Hello, if it is traverse, bakit po bumalik ulit ng Mt. Balagbag?
Thanks
Anyone want to climb thos may 15
Hindi po yata siya traverse, backtrail lang yata siya ng maranat falls?
Hindi po yata siya traverse, backtrail lang yata siya ng maranat falls?
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hello Mr. Justin can i ask a question :D, is there any available parking for Motorcycle,bikes or cars near at Mt. balagbag?? and if ever along in licao licao?? thanks…