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!
To start of our journey, here’s a little background about Mt. Pamitinan:
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.
There are 3 mountains the area almost adjacent to each other:
Mt. Pamitinan, Mt. Binacayan and
Mt. Hapunang Banoi. The popular itinerary here is a twin day hike at
Mt. Pamitinan and
Mt. Binacayan. But for our climb, we decided to go with
Mt. Pamitinan, Pamitinan Cave and
Wawa Dam.
As usual, our meeting place was at Sta. Lucia. From Sta. Lucia, ride a jeep going to Montalban, Rizal and tell the driver to drop you off at Eastwood. Fare is Php 15.
Upon arriving at the area, take a tricycle going to Brgy. Wawa. Fare is Php 10/head. Can you spot the mountains already?
DENR office and Ynares Multi-Purpose Hall. This is where you will pay the registration fee of Php 2/head. Also, this is where you’ll meet your guide.
the trail to Mt. Pamitinan
The majestic view from the hanging bridge going 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.
Hooray to my good blogger friend
Monica of
gongjumonica.com for braving her first backpacking climb!
Our guide Sir LJ Aguila Susana braving the rocks. This is like a cliff already.
With my hiking buddies. From left to right (Bill Palallos, Sunshine Duramod, Monica Calangian, Er Galang, Justin Vawter *me!!*, Jessica Serraon and Jack Serraon).
At the summit with Mt. Binacayan at the background.
The gorgeous Sierra Madre as seen from the summit of Mt. Pamitinan.
A trip to Pamitinan Cave
Upon descending, you can drop by at Pamitinan Cave. It’s located just beside Wawa Dam. Entrance fee is Php 5/head. Unfortunately, it was closed by the time we arrived (we assumed it was break time since it was around 12pm). Just a heads up, the cave is open until 5pm only.
swimming at wawa dam
This is definitely my favorite part of our trip. A visit to Wawa Dam. This is a couple of minutes walk away from Pamitinan Cave. Wawa Dam features floating cottages (balsa) where you can eat while taking a dip at the river.
Wawa Dam is surrounded by local sari-sari stores and karinderia so you don’t have to worry in case you run out of food.
Boodle Fight!! Cottage fee is Php 150.
The road back home
On our way back we decided to buy some fresh fruits such as avocado, guyabano and saba. The price is really cheap!
Excuse the blurry picture. Anyways, thanks to these awesome people who has been part of my climb at the beautiful Mt. Pamitinan. The experience was soooo worth it. It’s my most fun climb yet. Till our next climb!
Itinerary
0500 Call time McDo Marcos Highway / Sta Lucia East
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
Cubao jeep to Sta. Lucia – Php 15
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
Total expense: Php 202
Mt. Pamitinan in Rizal did not disappoint. And since we were not able to climb Mt. Binacayan, we’re adding it to our list plus we’re hoping that we can finally visit Pamitinan Cave. And yes, we’re planning another climb next week (hooray!) so if you guys want to join, just tweet or message me on my page or just comment down below. See you!
Thanks to Jack Serraon for the photo contributions
Cheers~!
– Justin –
Thank you Millie 🙂
I guess we all have a different way of living. he he
That's so cool! Hope to see you soon 🙂
so true. there are a lot of hidden gems across the city
actually I was pretty scared but sometimes you just have to conquer your fears and that's the ultimate reward at the end of the climb, knowing you were able to do something unimaginable. 🙂
it's always nice to do something that kinda scares you. but of course, safety will always be our top priority
It really is!
Actually the cave was closed when we visited but we're planning to visit it again. 🙂
Of course! You can always join us. I'll be posting invites on my page soon. 🙂
Yes I do remember you. Thank you for your super nice comment. Really appreciate it. 🙂
Thank you.
Thanks Jaime
Nice view! even the fees you posted are quite affordable. this place should be visited more often
I have a fear of heights, so I cannot enjoy hiking. But, I enjoy looking at your photos and I must admit, I felt envious! I wish I can nonchalantly sit there and take selfies! 🙂 Your photos are great and a pretty informative write-up!
I haven't done any mountain climbing in my life even those that are easy. I guess I'm not as adventurous as you are.
Ang galing! We climbed the same mountain! Climbed it during the Independence Day long weekend. It was really breathtaking. Hope I can see you in one of my climbs 🙂
It's so nice to know that there are gorgeous places like that just outside the city. All of those greens are so refreshing to see.
the scenes are breath taking, you took some great pictures there. just curious, were you not scared standing so close to the edges with that the straps that secure climbers?
Swimming at the dam would be something I'd love to do! However, the mountain climbing part is scary! I don't know how you guys muster the courage to take those photos at the edge of the cliff. Great shots though!
wow, another great adventure..I love the view from the top and your experience at the dam seemed wonderful 🙂
The view from the top is just magnificent and it's always humbling being at the top. It was nice that you also had a chance to do some caving.
The first word I said when I saw your photos was "SOLID!" I love all the photos from this trip of yours – they all looked like they were taken from a scene in a movie. There's one pic where you were sitting on the edge, that looked really dangerous but it was a nice capture and I am jealous!
What a nice adventure! Just like you I also love hiking.
You go an exciting adventures and on a lower budget. You make me envious Justin. I hope someday I can join you in your daring feats. 🙂
Gly,
chasingpotatoes.wordpress.com
Wow! All of that fun for only Php 200? When I climb mountains, my spending is usually around Php 1,000 more or less. I want to try the mountains in Luzon soon. Your photos are amazing too!
I have never been to any Mountain Trekking. Love your photos, just want to come there and experience hiking too!
Cool! Another majestic climb bro. Can I join your climb next time? Haha.. Only if I have more time in my hands, I would love to be part of your group. Lately, I wanted to travel more but schedule won't permit me. I visited Bataan few days ago and stayed there for a couple of hours only. I wasn't even bringing things for swimming. haha. Guess I need to ask you some tips when it comes to traveling. 🙂
Hi Justin! I'm not sure if you remember me but we met during B's book launch. Anyway… I love the view you shared with us! Great photos! Thank you for the virtual tour. For people like me who can't climb mountains due to medical restrictions, posts like this makes us feel like we've been there too!
Super amazing shots! You did a great job this time. Keep the awesome work.
Nice Amazing views , you have.. exciting outdoor adventure with budget friendly .. keep it up!!
Pwede po bang akyatin yung tatlong mountain sa isang araw? Tanong lang po. 🙂
Can you recommend this to a first time hiker?
WAIT,SIR ANONG NAME NG GUIDE? SALAMAT
Hello,can we just climb up to the mountain without a tour guide?thank you