March 2, 2019
Approximately 50 kilometers away from the City of Manila is another favorite hiking destination among mountain lovers because of its proximity to the City and its wide and gradually inclining trail fit for any hiker. Mt. Balagbag is located in Rodriguez province of Rizal. It is approximately a 2-hour drive from Manila on a private vehicle.
We converged at Double Dragon Plaza in Pasay City and left the place before 5:30 AM. We were four. Joining us for the first time is Jhei, a colleague from the IT Department.
We took EDSA - C4 route towards Rodriguez in Rizal.
There are two jump-off points going to Mt. Balagbag. We registered at the first jump-off point located in Sitio Karahume, Brgy. Macabud, Rodriguez at 6:57 AM and then proceeded to the final jump-off point located in Sitio Balagbag, Brgy. San Isidro, Rodriguez. Sitio Balagbag is approximately a 30-minute drive from Sitio Karahume on a rough road.
We reached Balagbag Elementary School at 7:28 AM, registered, secured a guide and commenced trekking at 7:42 AM.
The sky was clear and we started on a wide and gradually inclining trail. We had a view of Ortigas and other parts of Metro Manila as we gradually move up the trail.
At 8:05 AM, we were at an entrance to Mt. Balagbag. According to our guide, the place is a private property. Also at the entrance is a sari-sari store selling souvenir items.
From the entrance, we proceeded up the trail with dry brownish Talahib surrounding the area. It was getting hot. According to our guide, the barren area used to be covered with trees.
We had a first sight from the trail of the exposed peak that also serves as camping site for those staying overnight at 8:57 AM.
For less than two hours of trekking from the second jump-off point, we were at the peak at 9:07 AM. I was surprised to see another sari-sari in between the peak and the viewing deck.
We started our descent past 10 AM and stayed at the sari-sari store for lunch and refreshments. We were supposed to traverse to Maranat Falls however, we were told that the falls was closed to hikers and visitors at that time due to rehabilitation works. We were also advised that a permit is required from the Norzagaray Tourism office to visit the area.
Not to be disappointed, we decided to take a side trip to the Blue Rock.
From the peak, we were back at the entrance post past 11 AM, turned left and trekked for over 2 hours passing through partially shaded trail and crossing few streams of clear water before reaching the Blue Rock.
The Blue Rock is like a natural basin where the tributary streams from elsewhere merge to form a bigger body of water stream. It is a nice place with cottages shaded by trees and wash rooms.
We headed back to the jump-off point from Blue rock onboard a tricycle past 3 PM. We passed by the quarry area and reached the jump-off point at 4:35 PM then headed back to Manila before 5 PM.
During summer, Mt. Balagbag, with its exposed trails, is best hiked either early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid getting exposed to the intense heat of the sun.
It is also nice to climb Mt. Balagbag on wet season as the Talahib and all of the surroundings turn lush green.
It is also nice to climb Mt. Balagbag on wet season as the Talahib and all of the surroundings turn lush green.
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