Seven Important Mountains in the Bible

Mountains have always been a significant feature in the development of human history. History, economics, and even language were affected by these towering landmasses, for better or for worse.

But aside from human affairs, mountains also played significant roles in the most pivotal moments in the Bible.

Here are seven mountains mentioned in the Bible.

1. Mt. Ararat

Elevation: 5137 MASL

Days to Summit: 4-5 days

Located at the extreme eastern part of Turkey.

Biblical Significance: Mt. Ararat or Agri Dagi is believed to be the place in which Noah’s Ark landed. Upon landing atop Mt. Ararat, God sent a rainbow as a promise not to destroy humanity again with flood.

2. Mt. Moriah (Mt. Gerizim)

Elevation: 881 MASL

Day/s to Summit: 1 day

Located at the West Bank, Israel.

Biblical Significance: For the Samaritans, Mt. Gerizim is considered a holy place chosen by Yahweh instead of the Temple Mount in Jerusalem. Traditionally, Samaritans believed that Mt. Gerizim is where the Divine decree from Yahweh was given.

On its summit, you can also find the rock which is believed to be the spot where Abraham tried to sacrifice his son Isaac.

3.  Mt. Sinai

Elevation: 2,285 MASL

Day/s to Summit: 1 day, 3-5 hour trek

Located at the Sinai Peninsula, Egypt

Biblical Significance: The place where Moses secured The Ten Commandments after the people of Israel were delivered from Egypt. Mt. Sinai signifies the divination of mountains when Moses met God at the summit and be humbled again into ordinary person upon his descent.

4.     Mt. Pisgah/ Mt. Nebo

Elevation: 710 MASL

Day/s to Summit: 1 day

Located at western part of Jordan. Offers breath-taking view of the cities of Jericho and Jerusalem, and river Jordan.

Biblical Significance: After years of wandering through the desert, the Israelites had already faced so much suffering along with their leader, Moses. But with God’s Grace, Moses knew he reached the Promised Land when he finally saw Mt. Pisgah, known today as Mt. Nebo, in the distance. The people rejoiced as their long journey has concluded.

Mt. Pisgah/ Nebo symbolizes that God’s promises are never broken even if it takes a lifetime to come.

5.     Mt. Carmel

Elevation: 546 MASL

Day/s to Summit: 1 day, 3-5 hours. However, multiple trails are available for hikers which have different lengths.

Located at the Northernmost part of Israel.

Biblical Significance: It is said that this mountain is where Elijah challenged the prophets of Baal to prove that there is only one true God.

The story goes that King Ahab ordered the execution of the prophets of Israel and replaced them with Baal's. One man named Elijah came forward and challenged King Ahab. A curse was put in place that no rain shall fall until Elijah calls on to God for rain. After which, Elijah escaped to the desert where God provided him with food and water. Upon his return, he challenged the prophets of Baal to produce two jars to put their sacrifice, one for Elijah and the other for the prophets of Baal.

They prayed for a flame to come from heaven and burn their sacrifices. The prophets of Baal prayed to no avail. When Elijah prayed, a flame came and burn the ashes. The false prophets were then put under the sword and rain started to comeback.

6.Mt. Tabor

Elevation: 575 MASL

Day/s to Summit: 1 day, 3-4 hours. 

Located at Lower Galilee, Israel

Biblical Significance: Mt. Tabor, according to Christian tradition, is believed to be the place of Transfiguration of Jesus, an event in which Jesus shone with the glory of divinity and conversed with Moses and Elijah. Mt. Transfiguration, as Mt. Tabor known to some, bears witness to one of the most significant events in Christianity as the Transfiguration of Jesus symbolized the revelation of Jesus' glory to others with him and Heaven meeting Earth. 

7.Mt. Olives

Elevation: 800+ MASL

Day/s to summit: 1 -2 hours on foot

Located beside Jerusalem's Old City

Biblical Significance: Mt. Olives got its name from the abundance of olives that used to grow on its slope. The mountain was mentioned more than once both in the Old and New Testament. It was used by David as a refuge when his son Absalom rebelled against him. Solomon had also built idolatrous shrine in Mt. Olives for his numerous wives. 

This is also where Jesus wept while looking atop the city of Jerusalem, and prophesied the destruction of the Temple, the ruin of the city, and the "End of Times".

There we have it, the seven mountains mentioned in the Bible. Did we miss anything? Let us know in the comment section. 

God must have loved mountains, He created so many of it. 

-Adrian Villaflor, March 2019

Japanese Memorial Garden: A Quick Getaway from Manila

Laguna is slowly becoming my favorite province so far. From mountaineering to chasing waterfalls and anything in between, Laguna never fails to deliver. But one thing I really love about this province is the numerous parks to visit for a quick day trip. One of them is the Cavinti Japanese Memorial Garden.

Lake Caliraya

Background

The Japanese Memorial Garden is located in the town of Cavinti, Laguna, along the shore of Lake Caliraya. Once a sleepy rural town, Cavinti has now become one of the well-known travel destinations near Manila.

The garden was established in 1970's by the government in partnership with Japan to commemorate the fallen Japanese soldiers of World War II.

Myth Busted: It was rumored that the tomb of General Tomoyuki Yamashita, "The Tiger of Malaya", is within the Japanese Garden also. But after few researches, we found out that the infamous general was actually buried in Tokyo, Japan.

Historical Fact: Laguna bore witness in the twilight days of World War II. Mt. Kalisungan in Victoria, Laguna served as one of the last bastions of the Japanese guerillas.

Road going to Japanese Garden

How to go there

1. Ride any bus going to Sta. Cruz, Laguna, regardless if coming from Cubao, Pasay or Alabang. Bus ride may take 3 - 4 hours one way.
2. Alight at the bus terminal and look for jeepneys going to Brgy. Lumot. Jeepney ride is about an hour long in a winding, beautiful mountain road. Ask the driver to drop you off at the Japanese Garden.
3. Alight at the garden entrance.

Japanese Memorial Garden entrance fee is 20 pesos per pax

The Japanese Memorial Garden has an entrance fee of 20.00 pesos per head. It was said that the money collected is not for profit but rather for the maintenance of the garden. The garden really reflects the Japanese attitude toward many things.

Yippeee!

Man-made structure gave way to nature, not the other way around, here in the Japanese Garden. The place is lusciously green during our visit despite the fact that the climate had been dry for quite some time. More new saplings were already planted along the pathways and other parts of the garden! It's like the Japanese has this craze in planting trees. 

Lots and lots of stairs

Aside from their love of nature, the stoicism in the garden's design was also evident. The memorial has minimal details, to give more emphasis on peace and meditation.

Just be sure to observe proper behavior when in the actual memorial stone for the fallen soldiers. NO EATING AND PLAYING also. Be reminded.

If visiting the garden, make sure to wear comfortable shoes and clothing since there’ll be lots and lots of stairs and trails to climb.

There is also a small lagoon in the garden that gives a very japanesey-vibe in your visit.

You can have a little picnic in the grassland at the very summit of the garden. Just make sure to bring all your trash with you after eating.

It took us almost three hours to explore the entirety of the garden. We spent the most of our time at the grassy “peak” of the garden, just loitering under one of the many trees planted there. Here, you can enjoy the sound of nature and watch the slow-creeping clouds amidst the blue sky.

It was already 3:00 in the afternoon when we decided to leave the garden. We texted the trike driver to pick us up and he arrived 40 minutes later. We told our driver if we can have a few photoshoots at the roadside looking at Lake Caliraya. He agreed happily and volunteered to be our photographer.

Things to Remember

1. There are only few Jeepneys plying the route of Sta. Cruz – Lumot and vice versa. Going there via jeepney will be time consuming while going back from the Japanese Garden quite stressful. Alternatively, you can hire a trike to bring and fetch you at the Japanese Garden. Rate is 500 pesos (back and forth), relatively cheap since the ride is almost an hour.

2. Observe proper decorum while inside the garden. The place is serene, clean and beautiful. Let’s keep it that way.

3. As of the writing of this blog post, the comfort rooms are not operational. This may cause a bit of a problem especially for our women.

4. There are stores inside the garden where you can buy food and snacks.

5. You can go sightseeing in Lake Caliraya if you ride a trike. Just ask the trike driver that you want to see Lake Caliraya.

Sidetrips

1. Pagsanjan Falls

2. Bumbungan Eco Park

3. Pueblo El Salvador Nature Park

4. Caliraya Resort 

The tricycle managed its way down the winding mountain road with the beautiful sceneries on our right side. We even saw the eagle-shaped town of Paete below. After few more minutes, the green forest gave way to houses and eventually establishments. Ahh, we’re back to reality.

Town of Paete, Laguna below

I wonder how a town became so blessed with natural resources and history as we passed by the Arco Real of Pagsanjan. Then I think about my hometown, Bacoor, Cavite. Is there a chance for Bacoor to be like Cavinti, or Pagsanjan, Laguna? Probably not. Maybe not in our lifetime but in the future it could be. I saw the town of Cavinti and Pagsanjan holding on to its natural beauty and historic roots while holding at bay the trudging march of city-life.

After the experience, I know this will not be the last time I’ll visit this place.

You can never tell that you already saw all the ideal places to live in if you haven't visited a quaint and simple town before.

-Adrian Villaflor, 2019