Mountain to Mountain

Mt. Mauyog

first part of the trail

The habal-habal ride to Brgy. Tabunan felt like a long one. We drove through rural houses in one seemingly long and winding (and mostly descending with sharp curves) road with overcast skies hanging over us. A light drizzle began to hit the terra firma as we mounted off at the town proper. After sharing a meal in a karenderia, we registered at the Brgy. Tabunan office to pay the compulsory fee if you wish to trek through the Sunog trail to Mt. Mauyog.

The drizzle subsided and the skies started to clear up as we made our way to beginning of the trail. Simple and scenic, the first part of the Sunog trail bound for Mt. Mauyog would require you to cross a shallow river and follow it to an open trail with minimal shade, which meant were at the mercy of the sun for hours. Never have I ever wished so hard to feel some rain on my skin as we hiked up that open trail. Taking a few scenic breaks in between just to quench our thirst and catch our breaths, we eventually arrived at the basketball court near the base of Mt. Mauyog. From there, it was an uphill hike on a cemented road to the foot of the mountain where another registration area is stationed.

To get to the peak of Mt. Mauyog, they would require you to pay for another "official" guide to take you there. Honestly, we weren't very happy with the fees. One can't help but feel like they're being exploited just because they wanted to experience firsthand the wonders mother nature has to offer. But since we were already there, it would be such a waste to turn back. So we took half an hour of our time to take a break and settle everything before we head out to the final part of our trek to Mt. Mauyog.

Feeling a bit "robbed" but rested, we commenced our summit assault. Trekking to the peak is no easy feat. Scrambling through rocks, branches, and loose soil for about half an hour, we finally made it to the part where just a little bit of free climbing is needed to get to the scenic peak.

Every trickled sweat, and uttered curses, and near misses of slipping down a cliff was worth it the instant you reach the top. The peak was a sight to behold! We lingered on the rock formations, taking our time to digest the sight surrounding us, thinking, "This right here is what makes every agonizing (I may be exaggerating this) step worth it."

We descended the same trail and bid farewell to our guides as we reached the base of Mt. Mauyog.

We went on and followed another cemented road for almost 2 hours before we reached the Mt. Manunggal campsite. A number of cars and multicabs carrying different sets of 'campers' zipped passed us en route to the campsite. Despite feeling exhausted and weary from the Mauyog climb, we haven't even felt a pang of envy towards the glampers and their easy transportation because this 2-hr hike right here is part of the full Mauyog-Manunggal experience!

We set up camp and shared a hot meal before any social activity commenced. Moments later, the sky opened up again and we were glad we were able to pitch our tents before it did. Stories were told and the past, both good and bad, were remembered fondly before the laughter died down and all the campers decided to settle in for the night.

5-star camp food

the campsite has a sari-sari store where you can 'order' native chicken soup (or noodles!) ----yes, i know, this is starting to feel like "glamping" :))

2hr hike to Balamban Highway where we rode a van back to the city

Despite sleeping/trying to sleep through the howling winds of a stormy night 3,599 ft. above sea level, we got up well-rested and ready to take on a new day. There's something about mornings at a campsite. The cool mountain breeze, the low altitude clouds, the morning coffee shared with a small group of people you hold dear to your heart who share the same love for the great outdoors as you do.

Climbing one mountain after another in a span of an entire weekend can bring sensations you have never felt before. The onrush of scenery as you take in the view high up from one mountain to the next is an experience that would literally and figuratively take your breath away.