Fun-Filled Day Hike at Mt. Pico De Loro | Ternate, Cavite
Mt. Pico de Loro, also known as the "Mt. Palay Palay" is a popular destination for mountaineers throughout the country. Located in Maragondon Cavite, it is also a favorite among climbers most of which are first timers seeking for an extraordinary adventure. It is a 2-5 hour trek, an easy trail and budget-friendly trip. Being the highest point in Cavite, one can see the wide plains of Cavite and the South China Sea. At the summit, if you are brave enough to reach the top of the "Parrot's Beak" or popularly known as the "Monolith" go ahead, take the 15-25 minute descent-then-ascent. Climbing the Monolith is quite dangerous but once completed, it is something to be proud of.
Here's a quick overview of Mt. Pico De Loro:
Major jump-off: DENR Station, Magnetic Hill, Ternate, Cavite Minor jump-off: Sitio Fronda, Brgy. Papaya, Ternate-Nasugbu Highway, Nasugbu, Batangas LLA: 14° 12.855 N; 120° 38.785 E; 664 MASL Days required / Hours to summit: 1-2 days / 2-5 hours Specs: Minor climb, Difficulty 3/9, Trail class 1-3 Features: Distinctive spire at the summit, forests, scenic views of Cavite
Source: www.pinoymountaineer.com
The Parrot's Beak or the "Monolith"
It's already 6 o'clock in the morning when we left Coastal Terminal Mall and we're all very excited. We rode a bus going to Ternate, Cavite and the trip took 2 hours. For this hike we are joined by our other workmates which happens to be first-timers.
Once arrived at Ternate, we rode a tricycle going to DENR Station, Magnetic Hill. 1 tricycle, a total of 4 persons can ride, since we are a total of 12, we occupied 3 tricycles. Before heading to DENR station, we said to the tricycle drivers to have a stop over at the road to take some group photo first.
Upon arriving at the DENR Station, we paid for the registration Php 25.00/head, paid for the tour guide Php 1,500 for the group of 10-15 persons (2 tour guides), wrote all our names and signed a waiver (it is required for those who wants to climb the monolith).
The more, the merrier!
Time to hike! Let's Go bundok buddies!
My brother didn't give up even though his asthma attacks. Good thing one of our guide insisted to carry his backpack for him to go on easily.
Note: For those who have asthma but still wants to climb, don't forget to bring your inhaler or medicines.
The trail was easy on the first hour but I was already running out of breath. We rested first, bag some air and drank a little amount of water just right to quench our thirst. When we all felt a bit rested, we carried on. The trail was composed of upward and downward path, making it even harder for us to tell if we’re already getting nearer to the top. As we go on, the climb became even more challenging but I didn’t let them get the best of me.
For the very first time after we started the trek, we finally had the glimpse of what we was there for by climbing this view deck. I was getting more excited when I saw the summit and the monolith.
After 2-3 hours of ascend, we finally reached the base camp of Mt. Palay Palay. From here we had the closer look at the summit and monolith. It was such a great relief seeing this amazing view, in fact it totally washed away all my exhaustion.
Before heading to the summit, we make sure to full our tummy first to gain strength and to be fully charged. We brought packed meal cooked by one of my workmate, Justin. The cottage was free and you can also buy other foods there and they also selling halo-halo and banana con yelo, just a perfect dessert after an energizing meal! :) After we eat, it's now time to go ahead to the summit. Good thing we are able to left our bags at the cottage, there's no need to worry because we are told to carry our valuable things such as our wallets, phone and camera as we climb again.
After 20-30 minutes, we finally reached the summit! Good job to us! :) Being here is already a reward but the experience wouldn't be complete without reaching the top of monolith. Others already scared to continue but the five of us didn't think twice, because hey! this is what we came for and I felt more motivated. Off we went to the Monolith.
From the summit, the path going down to the monolith is a steep descent along a rocky cliff. I decided to sit on the rocks to go down, using my leg to reach for another rock to land on. I did it until I reached the base of the monolith.
The challenge never stops! One of the most dangerous part of climbing the monolith was pulling yourself up using a rope through a narrow 90-degree cliff. I had a hard time doing this but nothing's can stop me that time, I continued and gave all my best and strength. At this part, one wrong move and you're gone forever. I'm serious.
After a few minutes, we're finally here at the top of the Monolith!
Talon ng Tagumpay! Epic faces HAHA! The bravest five ever :) Never had a dull moment with these people. Definitely a fun-filled hike.
I can say that climbing Mt. Pico de Loro looks easy to climb at first but as I go on, I learned that it was a challenging one especially the steep ascent to the summit, the descent towards the monolith and the climb to the monolith itself. The breathtaking view at the top, the experience, the fun, and the moments we shared to each other will always be my greatest reason why I do this.
Happy travels!
xo, esca ♡
HOW TO GO THERE?
- From Coastal Terminal Mall ride a bus bound to Ternate, Cavite
- Once arrived in Ternate, ride a tricycle going to DENR Station
- The tricycle driver will drop you off to the registration area
BUDGETED EXPENSES:
Php 80.00 - Round trip bus fare
Php 400.00/group of 4 persons - Tricycle going to DENR Station
Php 25.00 - Registration fee
Php 1,500.00/group of 10-15 persons - Tour guide fee
Php 100.00 - Food
Php 100.00 - Tricycle fare to bus terminal going back to Manila