PREPARATION
First and an important task to do before going to any trip is to research on your destination and our friend Google would be very dependable on that. It's what we did to avoid the hassle and trouble in transportation, baggage etc... You can also search for sample itineraries of other hikers that can match up your schedule.
There are two jump off points going to Pico. One is at Ternate-Nasugbu highway in Nasugbo Batangas and the other at the DENR station-Magnetic Hill in Ternate, Cavite. We decided to take the latter.
Five of our friends including my brother Allen accepted our invitation.
Our meet up point was at coastal mall bus terminal in Baclaran. Joyce and I were coming from Dagupan City so we boarded the 1 am first trip of Solid North bus to arrive in our meeting place in time scheduled at 6 in the morning.
We were the first to arrive in the terminal. While waiting for the others we looked for a spot, bought coffee and some food in the stores available inside the terminal.
Expect that hikers would be crowding the terminal because aside from Pico, Batangas is very rich in ecotourism and a sanctuary for nature lovers.
Our group was complete at 8 (we're late in the itinerary, as expected, hehe). We boarded the bus going to Ternate. The trip was more than two hours, enough to charge our energy . Our fare was at P100 each.
We stepped off the bus on the last stop. Tricycles were waiting alongside the road. The drivers were already used to see hikers visiting so they already knew where to take us, to the Magnetic Hill, around 20 to 30 minutes ride. One tricycle can carry three to four passengers but because of our bulky bags we opted to take three tricycles. We paid P100 for each tricycle.
DENR STATION
There were hikers and bikers in the DENR station when we arrived. We settled in a bamboo table, rested for a while and ordered breakfast; itlog, dried fish, fried bangus and veggies viands are available in the store. There were available comfort rooms to refresh. Some of us took advantage before the "tawag ng kalikasan" hunts us on our journey.
We logged in the log book of DENR and paid P25 per head as registration.
We started at the jump off point at 10 am, it was around 100 meters down the road. (Lately, they closed that trail and opened one at the DENR station) We said our prayers and started to ascend the forest. Most parts of the trail was flat that made it easier.
We arrived at the base camp after an hour and a half. It was clean and there were tables and sheds. There were also comfort rooms and a sari sari store where we bought our additional baon.
WATER FALLS
The group decided to eat lunch at the water falls. We walked for 30 minutes further up before coming across a signage showing the way to the falls. Another 10 to 15 minutes walk from the main trail.
It was a dismay to see piles of garbage along the way that were already stuck in the stones. Though we still enjoyed the view in the falls.
CAMPING GROUNDS
We reached the camping grounds at around 3 in the afternoon. It was like, whooah...how many campers are here? In almost every corner you will see tents. It was also funny to see stores selling mais con yelo, halo halo, biscuits, cupped noodles, emperador, softdrinks, water (not potable) and more enterprises. As expected the prices were way expensive.
The store owners also use small solar panels to generate electricity to charge their phone and light the bulbs. They let campers use it in exchange for a certain amount.
Without much rest we pitched our tent somewhere not too crowded. We managed to have a table where we set the portable stove of kuya Allen.
From the camping grounds we can already see the majestic view of the mountain ranges and the outlying shores. Estimating the time before sundown, kuya Allen, Joyce and I decided to hike to the summit to see the famous monolith. Erwin followed us in a few minutes while the others were having a rest.
There was a ridge along the way that had a 360 degrees view of the mountain ranges, the river and the sea. The strong blow of the wind didn't stop us to take selfies and groufies.
It was somewhat steep going to the summit. Many were struggling going up and down because of fear that they might fall of the ravine. But for us it was just a piece of cake (yabang!)hehe, except for Erwin.
We reached the summit and finally we saw the monolith. We were really excited to try climb the monolith, but we decided to postpone it the next day. We needed to get back and prepare for dinner, so instead we took pictures and more pictures. We ran going down the mountain, it was an adrenaline rush!
NOT SO GOOD NIGHT
We had a brief socialization after dinner. Our bodies were protesting for sleep but again another dismay in Mount Pico, we didn't have enough rest that night. Our neighbor campers were partying all night until morning. They were even shouting and banging there music like in a disco house. I didn't know where those people came from but they should be educated on hiking ETHICS! The authorities and residents should have not allowed it either.
Although restless, we were still in high spirit for adventure after a not so good night. The thrill seekers are it again, we climbed the mountain on the other side to see the sunrise. The trail was covered with tall tiger grasses and bamboo sticks. There was even a way where Joyce was trying to climb a rock but later realized it was the wrong path...haha. Getting on top was a challenge but it was all worth it!
The rest of the group were also busy taking pictures at the mountainside.
MONOLITH, HERE WE COME!
We all went back to the camp and prepared our breakfast. Before 9 we were ready to go back to the summit and experience climbing the monolith. Erwin volunteered to stay behind to secure our belongings.
The windy effect at the summit adds to the excitement.
Brave enough, only four of us decided to climb the monolith. We descended at the other side to get to the base of the monolith. The path was steep and rocky. We had to line up with the other climbers and wait for our turn that took us almost an hour. We had to walk a narrow pathway before the almost exciting part; to climb a 3 to 4 meter wall of the monolith with the use of a rope.
Many were scared, but we were up to the challenge. One of the guide said "Hindi mo makakaya iyan kung pangungunahan ka ng takot"
After that part, we thought we were up to more challenges reaching the top but the rest of the way was easy just don't be clumsy to be outbalanced because you might fall in the 80 feet ravine.
The view was outstanding!
We decided to get down on top the monolith after ten minutes to give chance to others. The rappelling part on the rock face was not too exciting anymore.
On of the guide we met explained to us how to traverse to Cavite. It was a 2-3 hour hike depending on our pace. It was required to have a guide because there were trails that were out of way. He asked to be paid P100 for each member of the group.
We consulted the rest and unanimously decided to traverse. It was already gloomy so we hurriedly went back to our camp. The others stayed on the summit so they wont be hard up again to climb. It started to drizzle when we were done packing our things. Our guide at the same time porter went ahead of us to give those we left at the summit their jackets.
It was steep and full of bamboos on the first part of the trail but other than that the rest of it was easy. The guide was honest when he said that there were trails that could get us lost.
We were lucky there were tall trees shading us from the scorching heat of the sun after it didn't continue to rain.
At the middle of the forest, we saw a grotto of Mama Mary.
It was already lunchtime when we reached the only water source in the area. We were all hungry so we got out all the remaining food and started cooking. It was only 15-20 minutes walk before we reached the highway so we took the time to rest and refresh.
There were tricycles waiting on the highway to transport us to the bus terminal. We made a short stop at the Kaybiang Tunnel along Ternate-Nasugbu road to take some pictures. It was the longest underground road tunnel in the Philippines. We paid each tricycle P100.
With all the muscle pains, dehydration and dead tired feeling, this experience will truly be worth remembering...
Mother Nature never stopped to amaze us!
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