17 February 2018
We left Paranaque at 0530H and headed south towards the province of Laguna. We were heading to the jump-off point of Mt. Romelo at Brgy. Macatad in the Municipality of Siniloan. The jump-off site is approximately 115km away from the Manila International Airport and approximately a 3H drive on a private vehicle.
Together with me were hiking buddies - Bars, Myra and Jeannie. We took SLEX and had our breakfast at a gas station along the way. Continuing our journey towards south, we passed through Muntinlupa, San Pedro, Binan, Sta. Rosa, Calamba, Los Banos, Sta. Cruz, Paete then finally Siniloan.
Along the highway, we easily spotted the jump-off point with a "Buruwisan Falls" signage and guides standing by along the highway. We were there at 0912H.
Guides are readily available at the jump-off point. Parking spaces are also available for private vehicles. Guide fee at P150 per head. There are wash rooms available at the parking area for P20.
Guides are readily available at the jump-off point. Parking spaces are also available for private vehicles. Guide fee at P150 per head. There are wash rooms available at the parking area for P20.
At 0918H, we started walking towards the registration area. There was an ongoing pavement of the road at that time. We were told by our guide that the ongoing development of the area was intended to accommodate more tourists and hikers. We reached the registration area at 0924H and quickly registered. No registration fee was collected from us.
With crystal clear waters flowing gracefully beside the registration office is a river, which I assumed to be the Siniloan river. A bridge is hanging over it. Local residents young and adult were enjoying the cool waters.
According to the locals, Mt. Romelo in Siniloan is part of the southern tip of the Sierra Madre mountain range. It rises to an altitude of 240+ MASL. Major attraction includes the five cascading major waterfalls that are getting more and more popular among locals and tourists. These are the Buruwisan, Guiling-Guiling, Lanzones, Binaytuan and Sebakon Falls. Among the five falls, Buruwisan is the most accessible and popular.
At 0936H, we were at the foot of Mt. Romelo. The mountain areas are characterized by forests, coconuts and lush green vegetation. The lowlands are characterized by rice paddies and residential areas.
Our climb was a little late, there was a complete clearing and the sun was up at that time. Thanks to the forest, the lush green vegetation that covered the trail allowing us to enjoy the trek without much sun exposure.
At 1023H, we were at the summit. This is the only portion of the trail that is completely exposed providing inspiring views of the landscape below and the stunning gigantic white-colored Windmills of the Pililla Winfarm from afar.
We started descending from the summit towards the Buruwisan Falls at 1025H and had a sweet coconut juice refreshment along the way.
Several campers occupied the camp site when we arrived at the trail towards the falls. It was 1136H.
Going down the Buruwisan Falls is through a short yet steep trail that require extra care.
We were marveling at the view of the Buruwisan falls at 1148H. Something that immediately caught my attention were the large wild vines veiling the falls. According to our local guide, tourists sometimes perform "ala - Tarzan" hanging on the vines, jumping and landing on the deep basin with several recorded accidents already.
We started our descent to the jump-off point at 1213H and checked-out at the registration office at 1425H.
Side tripped at Pililla Windfarm and lunch at Kawayan Farm Restaurant before finally heading back to Manila.
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