Mt Pamitinan + Mt Hapunang Banoi Climb Adventure

Midway between the summit and the jump off

I got inquisitive about Mt Pamitinan when my colleague posted his pictures on social media. Very stunning view and looks like brave trip. I love to travel and explore wonderful places but it's the capability of my wallet which dictates where to go. HAHA. Subsequent to realizing that it would just cost me 350 pesos to have an exciting background at Mt Pamitinan, I urged my companions to go to Mt Pamitinan rather than Mt Pico de Loro.

A day prior to our trek, we were reluctant to come because of blustery climate estimate. But it's our adventure-seeking soul that urged us to go. We just packed our things few hours before the trip. And it includes:

• Wallet, Cellphone
• Camera, Monopod
• Extra Shirt and Shorts
• Gloves
• Face Towel
• 2L of water
• Jelly Ace, Chocolates
• Alcohol, Tissue, Wipes, Sunblock, Soap

Here's our prepared itinerary:

MT. HAPUNANG BANOI + MT PAMITINAN DAYHIKE

0400 Take van from Cubao to Eastwood, Rodriguez, Rizal 0530 ETA Rodriguez, Rizal; take trike or jeep to brgy. Wawa 0600 Arrival at Brgy. Wawa. Register at DENR station / barangay hall 0630 Start trek up Hapunang Banoi 0730 Arrival at junction with Mt. Pamitinan 0930 ETA summit 1030 Start descent 1200 Lunch at junction 1300 Assault Mt. Pamitinan 1430 ETA summit of Mt. Pamitinan 1530 Start descent 1630 Back at junction 1730 Back at Brgy. Wawa. Tidy up then take outbound trike 2000 Back in Manila.

   We meet our friends at Jollibee Farmer's Cubao around 4am. After buying breakfast, we ride a UV Express going to Rodriguez Highway that cost 50 pesos per head. We then rode a tricycle going to Brgy Wawa. We registered our names at the Brgy Hall and paid 2 pesos per head. We then meet our tour guides, Kuya Jimmy and Ate Weng. It's supposed to be Kuya Emman but since he's not available that day, he introduced us to Kuya Jimmy. Here's Kuya Jimmy's contact number: 0949 395 6589.

First Picture at the Hanging Bridge Heading to Mt Pamitinan

By the way, it's the college classmate of my boyfriend who arranged the trip and everyone is encouraged to tag along friends. After introducing ourselves to the group, we then prayed and continue to the mountains.

We actually didn't follow the itinerary because some of our companions are first timers, we climbed Mt Pamitinan before Mt Hapunang Banoi because according to the tour guides, the latter has difficult trail.

Here's our actual itinerary:

MT. HAPUNANG BANOI + MT PAMITINAN DAYHIKE

0430 Take van from Cubao to Eastwood, Rodriguez, Rizal 0530 ETA Rodriguez, Rizal; take trike or jeep to brgy. Wawa 0600 Arrival at Brgy. Wawa. Register at DENR station / barangay hall 0630 Start trek up Mt Pamitinan 0730 Arrival at junction with Mt. Pamitinan 1000 ETA summit 1100 Start descent 1200 Lunch at junction 1300 Assault Mt. Hapunang Banoi 1430 ETA summit of Mt Hapunang Banoi 1530 Start descent 1630 Back at junction 1700 Arrival at Wawa Dam 1800 Back at Brgy. Wawa. Tidy up then take outbound trike 2000 Back in Manila.

It's a simple move at first with moderate steep inclines and minor rocks. There are stops to take picture at the stunning perspectives along the way.

Midway between the jump off and the junction.

Following 60 minutes, we touched base at the intersection of Mt Pamitinan and Mt Hapunang Banoi. There are nipa cabins and stores offering souvenirs and foods.

Nipa hut at the junction.

From the junction, it just took us 30 minutes to achieve the summit. We sat tight for around 30 minutes more to climb the top because there's still a gathering of explorers getting a charge out of the perspective at the top. It's rough and just around 20 individuals can remain on the peak.

I felt energized and anxious in the meantime since we're going to climb the 90-degree rock using ropes for around 10 meters high.

For the professional mountaineers, there's an option not to use the rope going up to the summit of Mt Pamitinan.

What an extraordinary feeling when we achieved the crest!

With the love of my life. <3 (Mt Hapunang Banoi on background)

#SquadGoals. HAHA

Mt Binacayan on the background

After being satisfied on the pictures we've taken at the peak, we descended back to the junction. We took lunch at 12 noon and rest for some time. We bought buko juice which really soothes my thirst for only 15 pesos at the carenderia. My friends who wasn't able to bring packed lunch, bought their lunch at the carenderia. Rice is 15 pesos and ulam is 50php.


We then continue climbing our second mountain, Mt Hapunang Banoi.

Why is it called Mt Hapunang Banoi?
Based from the sites I've perused, it is because that is the place the winged creatures Banoi most loved spot to have its supper. Local people set 4 peaks before achieving the most noteworthy point. Each peak has wonderful views.

Five of our companions decided to return at the junction because of their upset stomach and severe headache. Only 8 of us continued to climb the top.

At the 3rd Peak of Mt Hapunang Banoi

After the 3rd peak, we find it hard to reach the summit. The rocks are very sharp. I was only wearing short that's why I got sharp stone scratches. There are bamboo trees along the way. Truly among the three mountains around this area, Mt Hapunang Banoi is the most difficult to climb. Going up to the summit is very rocky. Unlike in Mt Pamitinan, there's no flat stone ground in Mt Hapunang Banoi, just sharp rock edges. We only stayed about 15 minutes picture taking because the sun is really striking.

Rock Climbing to the Summit

Summit of Mt Hapunang Banoi

The 8 Survivors of Rocky Mt Hapunang Banoi

Quick shots at the summit of Mt Hapunang Banoi

Wawa Dam

The hanging bamboo bridge going to the swimming area of Wawa Dam

Cottage Area of Wawa Dam

We actually planned to swim but we ran out of time. So we just took a quick view of Wawa Dam. It took about 15 minute walk from the jump off going to the entrance of Wawa Dam. After some photo ops, we took shower near the brgy hall. Comfort room is 5 pesos, shower fee is 25 pesos. 

We rode the tricycle way back to Rodriguez Highway. Fare is 60 pesos per ride, maximum of 4 person. So it's 15 pesos each. We arrived Cubao around 10pm and took our late dinner at Chowking. It was really an awesome and tiring day! :)


ALL IN ALL I'VE SPENT:
100 - Back & Forth Van Cubao-Rodriguez
30 - Back & Forth Tricycle Brgy Wawa-Rodriguez

120 - Tour Guide Fee
15 - Buko Juice

100 - Dinner @ Chowking

Mt Pamitinan's BackgroundMajor jumpoff: Brgy. Wawa, Rodriguez, Rizal
LLA (Pamitinan): 14°43′51.7′′N 121°11′29.2′′ E 426 MASLDays required / Hours to summit: 1 day / 1.5-3 hours
Specs: Minor, Difficulty 3/9 (P); 3/9 (B) / Trail class 1-4
Features: Limestone formations, scenic views of Sierra Madre and Rizal provinceSource of Information: Pinoy Mountaineering Website

Mt. Pamitinan has a more settled trail that takes about 1.5-2.5 hours going up. The primary part is forested, going through a few attractions, for example, an antiquated balete, the stone climbing. The Hapunang Banoy Junction is a rest range preceding the second, rough part the trail. This part will be charming to the individuals why should utilized rock climbing or bouldering, and somewhat of a test for tenderfoots – for whom it will be reasonable, yet requiring of fixation and consideration. The stones are encompassed with bamboo trunks, some of which have exchanging areas of holdable green and prickly cocoa trunk portions. Wearing gloves is prescribed to guarantee an agreeable grasp on the rough edges of the stones and keep your skin off thistles. 

There are a few perspectives along the trail, coming full circle in the summit which has a 360-degree view. Toward the North, one can see Mt. Hapunang Banoy and a removed Mt. Arayat, and from upper east to south, an unfathomable swath of Sierra Madre mountains, fortunately still green. Toward the west then again are the quickly developing towns of Rizal, and the more prompt landscape of Wawa River and Mt. Binacayan.