Top Five Mountains to DIY for Beginners

Are you thinking of going more outdoorsy this year, but still can't decide on where to go? Well, you're in luck! This is our Top Five Mountains to DIY for Beginners.

1. Mt. Ulap

Ridge walk to Gungal Rock

Gungal Rock, considered  one of the three summits of Mt. Ulap

Considered to be the mini-Pulag of Itogon, Benguet, Mt. Ulap offers spectacular views of the Cordillera. Experience ridge walk, confidence challenge pose - atop Gungal Rock, and mess around in the beautiful grassland of Mt. Ulap.

Location: Brgy. Ampucao, Itogon, Benguet

Difficulty: 3/9 

Rope Segment: None 

How to get there: 

• Bus ride to Baguio - P455.00, 5-6 hrs
• Taxi Ride to Jeepney Terminal going to Brgy. Ampucao - P40.00, 10 mins.
• Baguio City to Brgy. Ampucao - P35.00, 30 - 40 mins

Caution: Having your photo taken atop Gungal Rock is an epic experience but exercise caution as one mistake can be fatal. 

2. Mt. Tagapo

You don't have to go out of CALABARZON to experience getting on an island to climb a mountain.

Mt. Tagapo or to quote Jose Rizal's, "Susong Dalaga" is located in the island of Talim in Laguna de Bay.

Mt. Tagapo offers a very different experience as you have to ride a barge for an hour to reach the jump off. Enjoy the stunning view of Laguna de Bay and the city lights of nearby Metro Manila.

Location: Brgy. Janossa, Talim Island, Binangonan, Rizal
Difficulty: 2/9
Rope Segment: None
How to get There:

• Alight in Shaw Boulevard, proceed to the jeepney terminal across Starmall
• Ride a jeepney  going to Binangonan, tell the driver to drop you off at Pritil (Fish port) P40.00, 1 hour
• Ride the barge going to Brgy. Janossa. P30.00, 45 mins

Concern/s: If planning a day hike, make  sure that you reach the port early as the barge has to be full before it sails. Another is that, due to its relative isolation, it is quite difficult to leave the island immediately in case of emergency. You'll have to charter a barge if you have do so which will cost you about P1,500.00.

3. Gulugod Baboy

Want a cute climb then take a dip afterwards? Then Gulugod Baboy is for you. 

A fairly easy climb with a spectacular view, GB (Gulugod Baboy) has grassy landscape were one can roll over like Heidi (batang 90s).

Spend the night and watch as the sun disappears in the horizon. After the climb, you can go to the Philpan Resort for a refreshing swim to conclude your trip.

Location: Anilao, Mabini, Batangas

Pardon my poor photography skill

Difficulty: 2/9
How to get There:

• Ride a bus going to Batangas City Grand Terminal, P160.00, 3 hrs
• Jeepney to Mabini, P35.00, 1 hr
• Tricycle to Jump-off, P50.00, 30 mins. 

Concern/s: Based from our experience, dispatchers in the Batangas Grand Terminal will try to persuade you to rent an entire jeep to take you to Philpan Resort which is also the main landmark to the jump-off. This will cost you about P500.00 - P600.00. But if you don't mind the little hassle, continue with our guide on how to get there. 

You may be tempted to roll over  and pitch your tent immediately on the grassland when you reach the campsite, but since there are many cows around, be watchful for organic mines (if you know what I mean). 

4. Mt. Manalmon and Mt. Gola

Satisfy the adventure junky in you by having these two mountains at your bucketlist. 

These two mountains do not have great heights but the various activities that can be done here compensate for it. Enjoy the  spectacular view of the flatlands of Region 3, and the snaking Madlum River. After the climb, be sure to  experience river wading, monkey-bridge crossing and even spelunking in many caves of the Biak-na-bato National Park. 

Location: San Miguel, Bulacan

Difficulty: 2/9

How to get there:

• Go to Cubao and ride a bus going to Cabanatuan P140
• Alight to Brgy. Kamias, San Miguel, Bulacan
• Ride a tricycle going to the jump-off (kinda pricey) P200

Special Concern

Since Manalmon and Gola are situated within the Biak na Bato National Park, every climbers are required to secure a written permit days prior to the actual climb. 

5. Mt. Marami

 Looking for a climb in Cavite? There is more to Cavite climbing scene aside from Pico de Loro.

Mt. Marami is considered the twin sister of the more popular Pico de Loro. Experience awesome view while sitting atop the famous Silyang Bato.

Location: Maragondon, Cavite
Difficulty: 4/9
How to get there:

• Ride a bus going to Naic Grand Terminal P40.00
• In the grand terminal, ride a jeep going to Magallanes, P50.00
• Alight in Brgy. Ramirez and ride a trike going to the barangay hall. 

Silyang Bato

Concern/s:

Mt. Marami is being true to its name. Maraming lakad, maraming liko, maraming chance para maligaw, maraming baka rendering some parts of the trail to be eroded and become muddy when there is a downpour. 

We'll update for the individual post for our climb for each mountains. Be On Look Out!