MT. BALAGBAG

Why make a Night camp at Mt.Balagbag?

MT.BALAGBAG : 777+ MASL
Difficulty Level : 3/9
Specs : Minor Climb
Day Hike : 1-2 Hours
Date Climbed : February 14, 2016
(VALENTINES CLIMB)

Mt. Balagbag is not just a perfect spot for trail runners and bikers, the Peak of this mountain is also a perfect camping site for all, with it's fresh cold air, city lights overlooking, also perfect for stargazing.

You can have a romantic date, barkada outing or; if you will be visiting any other mountain(s)/waterfalls near Mt. Balagbag, I suggest for you to have an overnight camp at it's peak to take advantage of it's features.

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OUR ITINERARY

Our meeting place is in Robinson's Galleria (Ortigas) at exactly 3:00 pm,

from there we rode an Ordinary Bus going to Tungko.

(It took us almost 2hrs. to get there because of traffic).

Next, we went to a Jeepney terminal going to Licao-licao.

(Traveled time took us almost 1 hr.then at exactly 6pm we arrived).

Sitio Balagbag - Health Center (1st stop over) 8:00 pm

From a store near where the driver drop us off at Licao-licao, while having a quick break, we met a local guide named Mark so we hire him for a Night Trek in Mt. Balagbag and Maranat falls traverse the next day.

From Licao-licao at exactly 7:30 pm, we chose not to ride a tricycle. So we walked in a Rough road going to Sitio Balagbag for 30mins. as a warm-up for tonight's climb.

From Sitio Balagbag, we immediately register and signed an attendance sheet so local guides can monitor how many visitors they have to make sure that it won't be an over-crowded camp for everyone and also for our safety.

Minimum fee for Tour guide is just Php 500.00. Hiring a guide is not required but by allowing them to guide you will serve as a simple help to them. It's just a give-and-take process. After a quick a break, we started to do the trek at 8:45 pm.

Registration (2nd stop over) 9:30 pm

In just less than an hour we arrived at the Second stop (9:30 pm) and paid another Php30.00 each for another the Registration fee.

Fresh Lettuce of Rizal

I also took a photo of this Lettuce planted just in-front of the Registration area. Planting different kinds of vegetables and fruits are locals way of securing their necessities.

Going to the Peak of Mt.Balagbag is a very easy trail. The only challenged we encountered is carrying our food, tents and heavy full packs

The Mt.Balagbag's Camp Site Guard

In just a total of 2 hour trek starting from the Jump off (Sitio Balagbag) we arrived at Mt.Balagbag's peak at exactly 10 pm and at the camp site's main entrance the receptionist the famous cat owned by a local.


This adorable cat is said to be the Camp site's guard/care taker and I actually had so much fun playing with him.

Mt.Balagbag's Camp Site Guardian

While pitching our tents, the girls are also preparing for our dinner.

Dinner at Mt.Balagbag

The sky is clear and every single star is visible so we had a perfect timing

watching and counting shooting stars specially for me!

Another Cold Valentines Day! haha

SLIDESHOW

Stargazing at the Peak of Mt.Balagbag

Sunrise at Mt.Balagbag

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It's not about the numbers of mountain you climbed, it's about the quality time you spent when you're at the mountain.

            - Jojo (Mackoy) Soliman

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If you want to be here, lemme help you!

Few Reminders :

- Poor signal for mobile phones - make sure to inform your loved ones.

- Don't forget to bring jacket (Cold temp.at night till early morning the next day)

- Hire a Tour Guide most specially if it's your first time going there.

- Bring water/wet wipes (only few water source)

and most importantly : TAKE ONLY MEMORIES, LEAVE NOTHING BUT FOOTPRINTS.

HOW TO GET HERE?

FOR D.I.Y

Start Point : From Robinsons galleria (Ortigas Center)

+ from Otigas Center, we rode an Ordinary bus going to Tungko = Php 40.00

+ from Tungko we rode a Jeepney going to Licao-Licao = Php 28.00

+ from Licao-licao you have 2 options going to Sitio Balagbag

+ either walk or, hire a tricycle  = Php 30.00

The Bloggers total Fare/Bill : Php 196.00 (Two-way as of February 14,2016)

CHARGES at MT.BALAGBAG (as of February 14,2016)

+ Registration fee = Php 30.00

+ Tour Guide = Php 500.00 (minimum)

Directions Via Google Map. Click here.

via Google Map - Ortigas Center to Mt.Balagbag