Mt. Cayabu and Mt. Maynuba Traverse Hike

Alarm. 3AM. Shucks! Parang kakatulog ko pa lang! Must be at Cogeo Gate 2 at 4AM! 

Hike bag. Check.
Camera. Check.
Cash. Check.

Okay na. Gusto ko pa sanang mag-kape kaso parang late na.

Taxiiiiiii!!!

Time check - 3:30AM. "Manong, Gate 2 Cogeo, po."  In less than 20 minutes, pag-gising ko, Gate 2 na. Astig! I hope traveling to work is like this.


We did a quick breakfast at a nearby convenience store and geared up for the unexpected pamatay jeepney ride. Tip: If you plan to go to Tanay on the same time as we did, and you intend to ride a jeepney, please do me a favor, mag-dala kayo ng jacket.

From Cogeo Gate 2, we rode a jeepney going to Batangasan Junction. Mantakin mo, na-scam pa kami sa jeepney fare. Long story.  But, let this be a stern warning though - be careful in dealing with local barkers and drivers.  Jeepney fare shouldn't take Php80 from Gate 3 to Batangasan. OA 'yun.

Anyway, from Batangan Junction, we took a tricycle ride to the proper registration area (Barangay Cayabu). And from there, hike commenced with a local guide.  First pitstop:  Mt. Cayuba.

mandatory group photo with the husband behind the lens (he-he-he)

The hike was no walk in the park.  We were immediately challenged by the ascending portions of the mountain. Masarap na masaya. Glad that I put on shoes not trekking sandals.  My nails would be in coma state by now :D

 

 

breathtaking view

And the summit, ladies and gentlemen...

After a break at the Mt. Caynuba summit, we headed to Mt. Maynuba. Some trails were pretty much aggressive. I slipped a couple of times due to mud spills and descending trails.  But I enjoyed every bit of it. Maynuba's trail I thought has more ascends. By the way, it's pronounced and spelled Maynuba not Maynoba as people often say the latter (sabi ni kuya duon sa registration).

The view from the top was breathtaking.  You can see which side is Antipolo and which side is Tanay. Campers may pitch tents here. Such an amazing view.

Wherever you take photos at, whatever angle, the view was absolutely astonishing. There's no panget view if you're really close to mother nature.

It was getting quite really hot so we headed on to the next number of our program....the 8 waterfalls! I was excited to see them quite honestly. Was meaning to take a plunge too, but decided not too. Medyo malamig ang tubig. He he. And there were loads of hikers as well.

There were hikers who opted to do the "shortcut", meaning they didn't pass all the 8 waterfalls. Of course, we're not there to do the shortcut.  Kami pa ba? Eh kung meron lang bungee jumping 'dun eh di tumalon na ako. Ha ha.

The hike overall was very pleasant and exciting. We're done by 12:30 noon (we started ascending at 6:30AM).  Beginners can definitely handle the hike, but it's an advantage to train your body first.

We were also informed that there's a "clearing" in this beautiful area. One  must ascend before the break of dawn or sabi ni kuya to catch the sunrise and properly see the sea of clouds. Oh! I meant to say this is the Mt. Pulag of the East :)

Few tidbits if you intend to hike:

- For day hikers like us, there's no vendor at camper's area or at view deck. Bring your food or enough supply of water. There's a carinderia, sar-sari store and wash area/toilet at the registration. Pretty much clean and organized too.

- I suggest you wear trekking shoes instead of sandals (my opinion only).  Best decision I made in this trek (I usually wear sandals during day hike).