Rodriguez, Rizal (formerly Montalban) is definitely a home of beautiful mountain ranges and landforms. It feels good to be back here again for the second time after my previous Mt. Balagbag adventure. To start off my 2019, I am very much pleasured to finally have my first adventure of the year! Cheers for more upcoming adventures this 2019!
Mt. Pamitinan is located in Sitio Wawa, Rodriguez, Rizal. One of the main assets of this mountain is its beautiful limestone formations. I’m in awe after witnessing all of the beautiful rock formations in here, not only in Mt. Pamitinan but in the whole Wawa Area. With its 426+masl, Mt. Pamitinan is definitely one of the perfect destinations for those who are new to hiking. But I have to admit it, this is not my first hiking adventure but I found the journey really challenging. So never underestimate Mt. Pamitinan! The scenic view at the top never lies.
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GETTING THERE:
1. From Farmers Cubao, ride a van heading to Montalban/Eastwood. Drop off at the last stop.
FARE: P50/pax
2. From Montalban, ride a green tricycle going to Sitio Wawa. The ride will lead you on to the registration areas which is the drop-off for Mt. Pamitinan.
FARE: P20-30/pax (P70/tricycle ride)
3. Register and pay P20 for Registration fee, P50 for Environmental fee & P500 for the tour guide fee. (It is strictly required to hire a tour guide for safety purposes)
*If you wish for a twin hike or trilogy hike with Mt. Binacayan or Mt. Hapunang Banoi, it’ll cost you additional P500/mountain.
THE TRAIL
To start off the trek, you’ll be having to cross a beautiful hanging bridge across Wawa Dam. There we could witness the beautiful view of the river and its limestone formations, as well as the twin mountains, Mt. Pamitinan and Mt. Binacayan.
The trail continues with a series of stairways, then changing to a normal trail with minor assaults. The trail is very established but still it can be slippery and muddy, just like what happened to us since we came on a slightly rainy day.
As you get near the summit, the trek becomes more and more challenging. Upon reaching about halfway to the summit, the trail transforms into a path of boulders and rocks. Definitely a pair of gloves is a must have (they also sell these at the drop-off!) for most of the rocks are really sharp. This rocky part of the trail doubled the challenge for us, for it is way mooore slippery than the first part of the trail. But still, there are a lot of spots for photography in this part. We’re not on the summit yet but the view is already indescribable. We’d definitely endure this challenging climb!
Special thanks to our wonderful tour guide for being our mentor and taking great photos for us! Trust your tour guides guys!! Just listen and do as they say. Leave alone your worries and fear of heights and you’ll see the magic of nature through your photos!
THE SUMMIT
Finally after almost 3 hours (yes it took us that long!) we finally reached the very beautiful SUMMIT!!! By the time I reach the peak, I really couldn’t express how happy I am. Trust me guys, this is byfar the best view that I’ve seen. My love for heights is definitely satisfied more than anything else!!
Being in the summit takes a lot of courage more than what you’ll experience along the trail. You’d literally stand on a cliff, and that’s the highlight of the adventure! For those who have fear of heights, you can conquer it! Again, just trust what your guide instructs you and you’ll enjoy it. Feel the place like you own it, you worked hard for this!!
WAWA DAM
One of the best experience of our trip is being able to relax in the beautiful sceneries and cold waters of Wawa Dam after the tiring climb. We weren’t able to swim (sadly) yet we were able to soak our tired and muddy feet in Wawa Dam. A good thing to do before concluding our adventure, right? Isn’t it that Sitio Wawa is a place full of heavenly attractions?
Sample itinerary:
DAY 1
0515 Proceed to Farmers Cubao
0530 ETD Cubao-Montalban
0630 ETA Montalban, Depart for Sitio Wawa
0645 ETA Sitio Wawa (Register, etc.)
0700 Start Ascend to Mt. Pamitinan
0845 Halfway to the Summit, photo ops
0930 Summit, Free time, Rest
1030 Start descend
1200 Free time at Wawa Dam, wash-off
1230 Lunch at Sitio Wawa
1300 ETD Sitio Wawa- Montalban
1315 ETA Montalbban, Depart for Cubao
1430 ETA Cubao
•••••••••
💸 BREAKDOWN OF EXPENSES:
• P100 – RT Montalban-Cubao
• P40 – RT Trike Montalban-Wawa
• P20 – Registration Fee
• P50 – Environmental Fee
• P100 – Tour Guide Fee Share (P500 for group of 5)
TOTAL: Php310 only!! Why not start your first 2019 adventure now?
My adventure in Mt. Pamitinan & Wawa Dam this start of the year is definitely a memorable one. Knowing its accessible area, I really wish to be back here soon, as I make my way for new adventure and try the trilogy climb with Mt. Binacayan & Mt. Hapunang Banoi. Happy New Year everyone! 🎊
Patrick Wanders 