Mt. Tagapo: A Complete DIY Guide

Tagapo: A mountain in an island

There are times that almost everything just gets in your nerves. That's the sign that you need a time off, away from the bustles of your fast-paced existence. It's time to go somewhere isolated, where you can stretch your cramped muscles and make your heart race. 

Now, the question is, where can we find such place? The answer: Mt. Tagapo



Mt. Tagapo, or to quote Jose Rizal, "Susong Dalaga", is located in the island of Talim in Laguna de Baie. Compared with other mountains in CALABARZON, it is less crowded with climbers. 

This mountain 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 Baie and the city lights of nearby Metro Manila.

Background

Jumpoff point: Brgy. Janosa, Binangonan, Rizal

Trail Difficulty: 2/9
Height: 438+ MASL
Trail Class: 1 - 2

Guide: Required, P500 for dayhike, P800 for overnight
Beginner Friendly? Definitely!

Mt. Tagapo is located in Talim Island, the largest island in Laguna de Baie. It is within the municipality of Binangonan, Rizal, about 33 KM south of Metro Manila. 

The Team

Pearly and Iantot, the Princess and the Pauper

The date of the climb was February 18, 2017, Saturday. There are only two of us in the climb party.  

HOW TO GET THERE

Barge Ride to Brgy. Janossa

1. Go to Starmall, Shaw Boulevard
2. From Shaw Boulevard, ride a jeepney going to Binangonan, Travel time 1 - 1.5 hours, fare P35.00
3. Alight at Binangonan Port
4. From Binangonan Port, ride a barge going to Brgy. Janosa, Travel time 45 min - 1 hr, fare P30
5. Register at the barangay hall and secure a guide

Note: The barge ride is not really long. However, the travel time is usually lenghtened due to numerous stopovers to different barangays in Talim Island. You can opt to alight in the very first barangay then ride a tricycle to Brgy. Janossa. However, we recommend you to choose the first option to have a fuller experience. 

Barangay Hall, jump-off point to Mt. Tagapo

The Trail

The initial part of the trail cuts through residential area. You will pass by the elementary school and the community clinic on the way to the trail head. As of the writing of this blogpost, hiring a guide is now required. (See Background). This segment is cemented and will be only a small portion of the climb. After 10 - 15 minutes, you will reach the end of the cemented path and the real climb begins. 

The trail is mostly gentle ascent through a wooded area. From Brgy. Janosa, it will take you about 1.5 - 2 hours to reach the summit of Mt. Tagapo. Majority of the trail leading to the main campsite is shaded so no worries of getting sunburned

The first sign that you are halfway through is the big mango tree. Here, you can take a breather and maybe a quickbite. In our case, we decided to continue on since it was already 8PM when we arrived at the mango tree and the sky decided to bless us with too much rain. 

The second part of the trail is a grassland. Reaching the grassland means that the main campsite is just 10 - 15 minutes away. The main campsite is a bit narrow as it can only accommodate 3 - 5 tents at a time. 

We immediately pitched our tent and prepared our dinner upon arrival. The thunderstorm was gaining momentum so we have to be fast. 

The blogger practicing his culinary skills

DINNER RECIPE

Century Tuna

Luncheon Meat

Rice

The Summit

The summit of Mt. Tagapo is just 10 - 15 minutes way from the campsite. The trail going to the summit is a bit trickier than the first. The trail steepness now range from gentle to about 60 degrees. However, the rewards waiting for you at the summit overshadows the task. 

We were only given a short window to enjoy the summit. It was raining all night so when the morning came, the summit was shrouded with low clouds. Visibility in the main campsite was so poor that we almost decided to just skip the summit assault. However, the rain pettered out and the clouds dispersed. We left our things in the tent then alternately ran and walked to the summit, hoping to reach it before the clouds set in again.

The main campsite is visible from this photo. (the orange dot on the background). 

10 minutes later, after many near-slips, we finally reached the summit. 

The Princess and the Pauper 

Note: You can create field expedient poncho using a garbage bag. Just make sure that you will dispose it properly after use. 

We spent about an hour (we really enjoyed the view) on the summit. From the vantage point, you can see the distant high-rise buildings of Manila, Mt. Sembrano and the expanse of Laguna de Baie.

The Descent 

On the way down, all you have to do is to backtrack the trail. According to our guide and other locals, a new trail is in development so you can do a traverse. Watch out for it in the future. The descent took us only about 45 minutes to reach the registration area. There are facilities available at the registration area where you can wash up and eat before you go back to Manila. 

Too Many Goodbyes!

Mt. Tagapo, semi-covered with clouds

It was already late morning when we finally left the island. The feeling was bittersweet as the boat slowly pulled away from the quay. We looked back and saw the island fading in the distance. We bid our farewell, and look forward for new adventures. 

THINGS TO CONSIDER

1. If planning a day hike, make  sure that you reach the port early as the barge has to be full before it sails. 
2. 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 to do so which will cost you about P1,500.00.
3. Practice the LNT Principles all the time. 
4. And most importantly, keep a positive attitude. Your state of mind will decide the quality of your trip. Even the sunniest day will be dampened if you look at all things negatively. 

Hey, now that we are at the bottom, what are you still doing here? Grab your backpack now and just go! Don't forget to share, like and subscribe to our blog. 

Top Five Things to do in Sagada

Watching the sunrise at Kiltepan Viewpoint

It's time to unplug and do some adventures! Here are the top five things to do in Sagada. 

Background: Sagada

Sagada is a 5th class municipality in Mt. Province situated about 400 kilometers north of Manila. This idyllic municipality can only be reached by land travel. It has a cool climate all year round, with a stunning view of the Cordillera mountain range. Activities in Sagada include hiking, spelunking, foodtripping, swimming, and many more. 

How to get there

There are several ways to get to Sagada but if you are coming from Manila, the most convenient way will be to ride a bus from Coda Lines. Their buses are brand new with comfy seats, and for safety, has two drivers driving alternately. 

The beautiful purple bus of Coda Lines

One thing I also love about this bus line is that they have a sidetrip to Banaue Viewing Point. I was able to witness the world famous Banaue Rice Terraces which made our Sagada Trip more awesome. 

Banaue Rice Terraces

Coda Bus Line Terminal had already moved from near Trinity College since 2015. Their buses now shares terminal with HM Transport in Cubao. 

Top Five Things to do in Sagada

1. Mt. Ampacao traverse to Lake Danum

Sagada seen from above 

Looking for a dayhike while in Sagada? Worry no more. You can definitely squeeze a minor climb to your Sagada experience by climbing Mt. Ampacao. Its trail difficulty is  2/9 which can be managed in 1.5 - 2 hours of relaxed pace. Feast your eyes on the scenery of the Cordillera mountain range and the town of Sagada below. Then, to make it more worthwhile, do a traverse to Lake Danum for sunset viewing and picnic.

Lake Danum

2. Hike to the Marlboro Hills, traverse to Blue Soils, then explore Sumaguing Cave Connection

Sunrise at Kamanbaneng Peak, Marlboro Hills

The best time to hike to Marlboro Hills is early in the morning. Start as early as 4:30 to make sure you witness the majestic sunrise and the awesome sea of clouds. This requires about a 30-minute hike to a gentle trail but it is less crowded than Kiltepan Viewpoint. After watching the sunrise, you can hike towards Blue Soil for about an hour. 

Walking up and down the Bluesoils

You will pass by pine forest, rock outcrops and many beautiful sceneries before reaching Blue Soils. Blue Soils is like snow-covered hills sprinkled with blue dye. It is an incredible view that it seems you are in other country. If you inspect the soil, you will notice that the soil if somewhat powdery with evident shade of blue. Climb and play in a place that you fancy as a child. 

Now if you still have energy, you can complete this traverse by going to Sumaguing Cave Connection on foot, but if you have extra budget, you can charter a van for P250.  

Sumaguing Cave: What animal are we sitting on?

From Blue Soil Hills, you must hike for about 45 minutes before you reach the Sumaguing Cave Connection. Take note that the trail will be a cemented uphill road which can be brutal if you are not accustomed to hiking. Upon reaching the cave, be prepared to be mesmerized by the awesome limestone formations, stalactites, and stalagmites within the cave. Aside from that, guides have these particular way of entertaining the guest by letting you identify what animal or object resembles the natural rock formation inside the cave. Take a look at the photo. What animal resembles the rock where the bloggers are sitting on? The answer at the end of the story.

4. Watch Sunrise at Kiltepan View Point

Sit atop the same rock where Angelica and JM sat in the film "That Thing called Tadhana"

Sagada's sunrise is just too dang awesome that there are multiple viewpoints to see it. The most popular is the Kiltepan Viewpoint (because this is one of the sets of the film "That Thing called Tadhana). You can hike or charter a vehicle to take you here for P250. Sacrifice a bit of your sleep to watch as the sun slowly creep above the clouds. 

5. Central Sagada Tour

Hanging coffins of Sagada

The Echo Valley Tour encompasses multiple locations and activities within the town of Sagada. It means hiking and sightseeing and most importantly, learning the culture of Sagada. This tour is physically extraneous and at the same time educational as the guides explain the significance of things that you will find along the way. 

Locations included in the Echo Valley Tour:

• The Church of St. Mary the Virign
• Sagada Cemetery
• Echo Valley
• Hanging Coffins
• Sagada Underground River
• Bokong Natural Spring

Shout at the top of your lungs at the Echo Valley

Scene along the trail of Central Sagada Tour

St. Mary the Virigin Church

Inside the Sagada Underground River

A Note for Everyone

1. Coda Lines only has two trips at night. One at 9PM and the other at 10PM. One way will cost you P720.00. Reserve early as the bus gets immediately fully-booked.

1. As you can see, most of our destinations are interconnected and mostly done on foot to save money. A budgetarian Sagada Trip can be done but you have to sacrifice some hours of sleep and degree of comfort. (opportunity cost). 
2. Meals are very expensive. Instead of going to restaurants, I recommend to buy your food from stores catering for the locals. We always have our lunch at the market eatery while dinner is in the local ihaw-ihaw (grilled barbeque) in front of Igorot Inn. This saved us considerable amount of money.
3. Respect the locals. It was given emphasis by Kuya Baste, our guide, that some tourists treat the people and their houses like they are some kind of display in a museum. Respect boundaries!

BONUS: The answer to the question is a TURTLE.

 So, are you ready to go? Grab your backpacks and just go. Check out our other entries for other destinations. Peace out!

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!