March 28, 2015 - The most rewarding trek I have been through so far.
I know for myself I am no fan of mountain climbing or anything alike as I grew up in a place where you can see mountains almost anywhere – Bohol. At our place, going to the top of the mountains are not new to us. Hence, when my officemates decided to hike at this specific place, I was like “okey, I’m in”. I was wrong. It was greater than I expected.
We have checked a few reviews on the said mountain so we may find a day tour travel – as most of my companions were girls. Security is our priority.
Then that day came.
We travelled to Cavite via a (AC) bus going to Ternate from Pasay (cost us 120 pesos each). After arriving at Ternate, we rode a trike (100 per person) going to the DENR campsite of Pico De Loro. (by the way, Pico de Loro is also known as Mt. Palay Palay).
We paid for the entrance fee of 20.00 pesos at the base. Changed clothes. Put some sun screen lotion – the fulfilling journey commences.
As for going up, we did not get ourselves a guide – as suggested. Thankfully, it was not that difficult trekking the 2-hour climb mountain ranges of Pico De Loro.
We left a mark though.
After almost 3 hours of walking and climbing (and stopping for food and to catch some air), we reached the plateau of the mountain – just a few kilometre away from the “Monolith”.
Past the plateau before reaching the monolith is still one mountain to climb – where there was basically nothing to hold onto – unless you trust the tiny plants and all other confusing stones scattered. It was like a steep mountain of sand (this was one of the two scary moments of our adventure. Thank God everybody survived!).
After all the struggle going up, we saw and sow our reward – a breath-taking scene at the summit.
We we’re planning to climb the monolith as it was really fantastic and amazing to look at – but my body said no. My legs were too tired to do the walking, might as well the rappelling. Good thing, everybody agreed to not climb it anymore – again for safety purposes.
It’s been 4 hours and I have not yet talked about our lunch, haven’t I? Yes, because we never did eat lunch. We stayed for a few moments atop and took our rest (and some snacks, too) so that we can traverse going to Nasugbu, Batangas early.
The real struggle was never going up – it’s when you are going down. We got ourselves a guide – to lessen the difficulty in looking for our exit – as we opt for the Nasugbu traverse. (we got one guide for a package deal of 100 per head, supposedly, but gave 1,500 pesos instead).
The traverse was really unimaginable – it was too hard and too risky for beginners like most of us but you can still see us enjoying things and smiling. It's all about teamwork! Another “THANK GOD!” because everybody survived.
This is one of the few moments in my life where I can say, “NO PAIN, NO GAIN”.
Estimated hours to complete traverse: 8 hours
Estimated expense per individual : P1,000.00
Level of difficulty: 3/9
Rating: 4.5/5
Would like to acknowledge the following people who are with me during this adventure: Apple, Lyca, Kier, Mat2x, Kevin, Ms. E, Ate Cons, Sir Bri, Jhing, Cha and Emil.
© wanderlustyik
