I might refuse you when you invite me to watch at the cinema or go on a night out. But one thing is for sure, invite me to climb a mountain — and wherever is that — I will not think twice but go. Gladly, this mountain is just near Manila. You don’t need to travel for long hours to experience Sea of Clouds.
Last October 2018, a friend of mine invited me for mountain hiking. It was good timing since we are on a semestral break; a great treat for ourselves.
Overview: Mt. Mapalad
Mt. Mapalad is named after a plant that grows on the mountain which looks like the palm of a hand. It is situated at Barangay San Andres, Tanay in the mountainous province of Rizal.
It stands at about 750+ meters above sea level (MASL) with a difficulty level of 3/9. Depending on your pace, you can reach the summit in 2 to 3 hours.
Mt. Mapalad is known for its two hand-shaped wooden stages in the summit. It has a “Bali-vibes” which spice things up. It also emulates Indonesia’s impeccable glamour.
How to go there?
By public transport:
- From Cubao, ride a jeep with the Antipolo Cogeo route. Take off at Cogeo Gate 2 or Cogeo Public Market and walk towards Cogeo City Mall where you will see the jeep terminal. Get a ride in one of the jeepneys, get off at Barangay San Andres.
- In Barangay San Andres, there are tricycles on the side of the road, hire one of those, and inform the driver to take you to Mt. Mapalad registration area.
There, you’ve reached the jump-off point.
Way to the Summit
We started leaving the jump-off point at around 5:00 in the morning. At the start of our treck, the trail is almost flat. We walked for about 20-30 minutes before we reach the foot of the mountain.
In the middle of our hike, terrains were getting rough and slopes were getting steep. However, it was still manageable even when you’re just a beginner. Trails were dry and some areas were bit rocky. We also passed through diffrent brooks and streams.
Our pacing is slightly slow compare to the other hikers since we are in a group with a family who have their kids with them. The good thing about it, is that, we were able to savor the exquisteness of nature. While trekking, we passed through some areas which were shady because of trees that grows around while most of the trail were open-space where you’ll have to walk on tall grasses.
At around 6:30 am, sun started to rise and we’re just halfway to the summit. Unexpectedly, we witnessed sea of clouds along our way.
Our goal was to experience it on the summit, but its getting late. Luckily, the spot where we saw the sea of clouds is quite good enough. Our group decided to rest here and watch the clouds as it evaporates from the mountains. We also got a chance to take an instagram-worthy photo in this area.
To witness the Sea of Clouds is one of the most exciting part when you are hiking. It is very rewarding to see this kind of scenery. The view will make you feel relaxed and its refreshing at the same time.
The Summit
We reach the summit at around 10:30 am and the sun was already up when we got there. No more sea of clouds but only sea of crowds. We didn’t expect its summit to be this crowded. Maybe because its sembreak, so most people are travelling.
To have your photo-op on the wooden palm stage, you need to que in line. Our guide save it for us. Unfortunately, we’re last in the line.
While waiting for our turn, some of us rested. I took this chance to explore the summit and find other spots where I can breath some fresh air and took some beautiful photos.
Gladly, my friend was very supportive. We exchange camera’s and find the best spots for our pictorial.
Exploring the summit while waiting for our turn. This was on the other side of the mountain. Got the chance to have this photo while others are busy on the wooden palm stage.
After we had our picture on the wooden palm, we decided to go down. On our way back, we stop by on a falls. We swim there and the cold water of the falls helped us quench the heat of the sun and allowed us to regain our energy. It was refreshing.
If you’re a begginer and wanted to hike on a pebebeng trail, Mt. Mapalad is a must try. Its “bali-feels” is a bunos plus it’s just near Metro Manila.
Tips & Extras
- Bring lots of water to stay hydrated. There are some stores along the way which sells cold drink, make sure you have your money with you if you want one.
- Bring umbrella. Rain or shine, your umbrella is your friend. At firts, I manage to tolerate the weather but as the sun goes up, temperature gets high, better to have protection with the sun’s harmful UV rays.
- Pack light foods. When hiking, you’ll loose lots of energy. Bring energy-packed foods which will help you replinish the energy you’ve lost.
- Apply sunblock.
- Most importantly, don’t rush. Enjoy the nature.
- And please, bring your garbage with you. Wag magkalat!
Thedz Alarte 