I’m both glad and proud to be able to conquer another mountain before this year concludes, hello Mt. Binacayan! This was the first time I went out with these amazing people and it felt great to be able to do such activity with them, out from work. They’re one bunch of on-the-go people you wanted to do #YOLO trips with – including the boyfriend too, of course! Together we witnessed the fascinating view of Sierra Madre and Rizal provinces from Mt. Binacayan’s Summit! Hoooorraaay!
Mt. Binacayan
Major jumpoff: Brgy. Wawa, Rodriguez, Rizal
LLA (Binacayan): 14°43′30.5′′N 121°11′26.1′′ E 424 MASL
Days required / Hours to summit: 1 day / 1.5-3 hours (P); 2-3 hours (B)
Specs: Minor, Difficulty 3/9 (P); 3/9 (B) / Trail class 1-4
Features: Limestone formations, scenic views of Sierra Madre and Rizal province
– from pinoymountaineer
The place wasn’t entirely new to me, as I’ve already climbed its nearby mountain, Mt. Pamitinan, that’s only a few meters away from Mt. Binacayan. Comparing the two, both offer rocky trails thus, gloves are a must for extra protection. Mt. Binacayan is perfect for newbie hikers like me. They say, Mt. Hapunang Banoi offers the most difficult trail among the trio (Mt. Pamitinan, Mt. Binacayan and Mt. Hapunang Banoi) but you know how I’m always up for exciting challenges! So, let’s see.
Mt. Binacayan is also known for its sea of clouds experience, similar to the very famous, Mt. Pulag. But as you can see, there’s no photo here showing you guys that kind of experience. Instead of sea of clouds, what welcomed us was the scorching heat of the sun! HAHA! No guilt and regrets because we intentionally arrived there late. We met up in Cubao around 7:00 AM. We started trekking around 8:30 AM. By that, you can already imagine how hot it was right there. And I knew we have to thank December-weather for surviving. I can’t imagine myself doing this on a summer time, NO. NEVER.
There were a lot of instagrammable spots along the trail! I can’t even remember how much time we spent taking groufies, selfies, portraits and landscapes, we surely did not miss the chance of documenting this experience. If you also know me well, you would know how much I love taking photos of my adventures! I even want to try vlogging if enough courage and confidence would hit me soon!
As I’ve previously mentioned, Mt. Binacayan offers a rocky trail. The photo above shows some of the sharp rocks you’ll expect to see going up. Good thing I had my gloves ready for instances like this. There were even more difficult parts and bigger rocks along the way, but all are manageable for beginners, so don’t worry! Of course, have someone to assist you or look after you for extra caution.
As cliche as it may, I will never get tired of looking at this view, the reason why I’m more eager to keep doing what I do, to be strong enough to withstand several more mountains until my long hair turns gray. We stayed at the summit for a good 30 minutes long, a 30 minutes long of being charmed by this majestic scenery. How lucky we were that we were the only group to hike during that time. The place was all ourselves, no noise, no photobombers (LOL), and all were at peace as I expected it to be.
We followed a different route during our descent. As per our guide, they usually use this route when it gets too hot as the route was shadier compared to the other trail. It was also more difficult to follow the traverse trail for the ascent because it was steeper than the other! But poor Jhori, he needed to go back near the summit as he forgot his phone on some random rocks while we were having some photo ops. The two other accompanied him as he hiked again which only took them few minutes to return, spell adrenaline rush here! GOOD JOB!
Mt. Binacayan Guide
- A registration at the Barangay Hall and Tourism office are required before you can start your trek.
- Paid showers and toilets are available at Brgy. Wawa.
- Bring as much water and trail food as you can if you’re going on a weekday. There’s no available store or vendors on top during those days. Better safe than sorry.
- I highly advise you to wear hand gloves. You may bring one or you may buy from the vendors at Brgy. Wawa before the trek starts.
- As per my personal judgement, Mt. Pamitinan is more difficult to hike than Mt. Binacayan. So if you are a first-time hiker, go with Mt. Binacayan first.
Total Damage
FX from Cubao to Eastwood, Rodriguez, Rizal – PHP 50.00/person
Tricycle from Eastwood to Brgy. Wawa – PHP 60.00 (good for 5 pax)
Trekking Fee – PHP 50.00/person
Guide Fee – PHP 500.00 (good for 5 pax)
Shower – PHP 25.00/person
Tricycle from Brgy. Wawa to Eastwood – PHP 60.00 (good for 5 pax)
FX from Eastwood to Cubao – Php 50.00/person
Total per person – PHP 299.00
What a way to reward a tiring trip? A BUFFET MEAL!
