Hiking Chronicles: Maysawa Circuit (Mt. Sa Pari - Mt. Binutasan Trail)

Maysawa Circuit - Mt. Sa Pari (592+ MASL) and Mt. Binutasan (577+ MASL)
Sitio Maysawa, Brgy. Cuyambay, Tanay, Rizal
Mountain specs: Difficulty 3/9 | Minor climb | Trail class 1-3
Source: pinoymountaineer.com

FACTS ABOUT MAYSAWA CIRCUIT

Maysawa Circuit is one of the newly opened hiking destination in Rizal. Located in Brgy. Cuyambay, Tanay, Rizal, it houses two mountains - Mt. Sa Pari and Mt. Binutasan,and a waterfall-river system.

Mt. Sa Pari was called such as according to the locals, the mountain was owned by a priest. Mt. Binutasan, on the other hand, was called such due to a trail that seems to "binutas" or create a hole on the mountain, leading to other barangay in Rizal. Similar to Maynoba Circuit, Maysawa Circuit became famous due to sea of clouds and views of Sierra Madre.

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The mountains are calling.. Breathtaking views from the trails of Maysawa Circuit.

It was just only two weeks after the official opening of Maysawa Circuit when I decided to push for a hike last August 21. I called my friend, Gab, to accompany me. The plan was to do a double circuit - Maynoba-Maysawa twin circuit hike but due to the time constraint, we changed our itinerary. We met at Chowking Farmers at around 4:30 AM and made our way to Cogeo, where jeepneys bound to Brgy. Sampaloc are located. We asked the driver to drop us off at Sitio Maysawa and after an hour of ziggidy-zaggidy ride, we were at the jumpoff.

A common sight to hikers bound to Tanay.

However, we weren't aware that the registration isn't at the jumpoff but rather on the barangay hall which is located kilometers away. We then rode a tricycle to take us to the barangay hall. By the way, Brgy. Cuyambay homes another recently opened mountain destination, Mt. Paliparan and Nagpatong Falls, and similarly, the registration happens at the barangay hall.

The barangay hall of Cuyambay with some of hikers bound for registration.

Cuyambay Hane! Some of the attractions in Cuyambay presented in the barangay hall.

Just like most of the mountains in Tanay, the barangay hall strictly implements a no guide, no hike policy. Guide fee costs Php 700 for the entire circuit, Php 400 for a single mountain hike. A separate registration fee of Php 25 is also collected. After registration, we were on out way to the jumpoff.

First part of trail. Relatively flat and wide.

During that day, the monsoon rain hasn't yet subsided. We were thankful that at that time, the weather seems to favor our odds. The first part of the trail is relatively flat and wide, leading to the junction of the circuit. This part of the trail is quite long, taking us an hour just to reach it. The junction can be easily identified by a wooden hut; the trail to the left leads you to Mt. Sa Pari while the trail to the right leads you to Mt. Binutasan. We took the left trail.

The trail changes to a gradual assault. Because of the continuous rain, the trail is really muddy and slippery. Another challenge during that hike is the presence of limatik along the trail. Since the mountain has just recently opened, one can readily notice how less established the trail is. Moreover, there are a couple of forks that lead to different ways. Our guide told us that the entire circuit has more than three trails, but only a single trail reaches both peaks of Mt. Sa Pari and Mt. Binutasan.

The road less taken. Assaulting Mt Sa Pari

From the forested character, the trail becomes grassy and open, where one can already see the views of Sierra Madre southern range and Mt. Binutasan. Several rock formations can also be seen along the trail.

Oh, say hello to that rock!

After two hours, we have reached the summit of Mt. Sa Pari.

Standing at the highest point of the entire circuit, with Mt .Binutasan at the background.

One can readily observe that the summit character of Mt. Sa Pari is very much similar to its neighboring mountains such as Batolusong, Irid, Paliparan, etc, which can be seen from there. According to our guide, incidence of sea of clouds is higher in Maysawa rather than in the more famous Maynoba Circuit. We stayed in the summit for almost an hour.

Afterwards, we started our traverse to Mt. Binutasan. It was a gradual descent at first with a lot of confusing forks. Even though Mt. Sa Pari is higher in terms of altitude, most of the locals here call the summit of Mt. Binutasan as the "summit".

The muddy trail to Mt. Binutasan.

The way to the summit of Mt. Binutasan.

Different from Mt. Sa Pari, Mt. Binutasan is less rocky and full of vegetation, primarily of talahib and cogon grass. The ascent only starts from the summit marker, where one can reach the summit within an hour.

The view from one of the points of Mt. Binutasan, showing the range of Mt. Maynoba and Mt. Cayabu.

The summit of Mt. Binutasan is marked by a red flag, It offers a 360° view of the rest of the Rizal mountains.

Mt. Sa Pari and Mt. Batolusong as seen from Mt. Binutasan.

The rest of the Sierra Mountain southern mountains, with Mt. Irid and Mt. Tukduan Banoi seen from afar.

Finally, conquered Maysawa Circuit!

We started our descent down to the Maysawa Falls after thirty minutes of stay in the summit. The path to the falls starts with a grassy trail and according to the guide, this is the most limatik-infested part of the entire Maysawa Circuit. It was a continuous descent up until the fork marked by a coconut tree - the path going to the left will lead you to Maysawa River and Falls; the path on the right, to the circuit end, Unfortunately, during our descent down, rain started to pour. Our guide told us that going to the falls itself is not advisable. We just managed to go to the river.

The rushing clear water of Maysawa River.

Just to note, before dipping to the river, ask the guide of the limatik presence because surprisingly, limatik are also present in the river, especially on those regions with rocks. My hiking buddy actually got one few seconds after dipping his body in the river.

We went back to the trail after fifteen minutes and in an hour and a half, we were back at the jumpof. After taking a bath and settling our payments, we headed back to Manila.

ITINERARY

Maysawa Circuit (Mt. Sa Pari – Mt. Binutasan)
04:00 AM	Assembly at Jollibee Farmers. Take jeep to Cogeo Gate II.
04:30 AM	ETA Cogeo Gate II. Take jeep bound to Sampaloc.
06:00 AM	Arrival at Brgy. Cuyambay. Take trike to barangay hall.
06:15 AM	Arrival at barangay hall. Register. Secure guides.
06:30 AM	Take trike to Maysawa jumpoff.
07:00 AM	Start trek.
08:30 AM	Arrival at circuit junction. Take left trail to Mt. Sa Pari.
10:30 AM	Arrival at Mt. Sa Pari summit. Explore viewpoints.
11:00 AM	Start descent. Take traverse trail to Mt. Binutasan.
12:00 PM	Arrival at kubohan. Lunch.
12:30 PM	Resume trek.
02:00 PM	Arrival at Mt. Binutasan summit. Explore viewpoints.
02:30 PM	Start descent to Maysawa Falls.
03:00 PM	Arrival at Maysawa Falls. Explore area.
03:30 PM	Start trek back to jumpoff.
05:30 PM	Arrival at jumpoff. Tidy up.
06:00 PM	ETD Brgy. Cuyambay
08:00 PM	ETA Manila

SPECIAL NOTES
Transportation: Going to Brgy. Cuyambay can be accessed through public transportation. One may opt to take the route described on the itinerary or ride a jeep to Tanay at Shaw, then take a jeep to Sampaloc, from jeeps going to Antipolo/Cogeo can be found. 

For private transportation, take the Marcos highway. Stop at Pico de Pino Cafe and Restaurant. Take the downhill road on the right to go to the barangay hall. Parking is available at the Maysawa jumpoff at Php 25 per day.

Registration, porter and guide fees: Guide fees are fixed at Php 400 if you opt to go for a single hike, Php 700 for the entire circuit. The barangay hall implements a no guide, no hike policy. Registration and environmental fees costs Php 40.00.

Hiking and camping notes:

1. Most parts of the trail are grassy and open. Wear proper attire.
2. Cellular signals are not present across the entire trail.
3. The whole trail is infested with limatik or leeches. Prepare accordingly.
4. The trail can be really muddy and slippery especially during rainy season.
5. There are two water sources along the trail - one on the circuit junction and the other one is on kubohan. 
6. Campsites are available at Mt. Binutasan.

Estimated budget: Php 600 - Php 800 (dayhike)

Overall rating of the mountain: 8/10. The mountain is relatively new and untouched.

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Hiking Chronicles: Mt. Mariveles - Tarak Ridge

Mt. Mariveles - Tarak Ridge (1130+ MASL)
Mariveles, Bataan
Mountain specs: Difficulty 4/9 | Major climb | Trail class 1-4

FACTS ABOUT TARAK RIDGE
Contrary to usual notion, Tarak Ridge is neither a mountain nor a summit – it is a range integrated in Mt. Mariveles, a mountainous range on the southern Bataan which houses other known mountains such as Mt. Samat. Mt. Sto. Tomas, and Mt. Pantingan. It is just recently that Mt. Tarak was used to pertain to a certain peak in the range and is considered as Mt. Tarak’s summit.

The word tarak is a native Filipino word that pertains to summit. Mt. Mariveles houses native tribes of Aetas and Negritos.

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Last April 09, 2016, I invited two of my regular hiking buddies, Ivy and April, to go for a ‘Day of Valor’ hike. Being a locale of Bataan, I asked them if they wanted to try Tarak Ridge. They agreed and made our plans immediately. We agreed to go for a two-day overnight hike. Anyway, Tarak Ridge is known for its sunrise and sunset views.

That magnificent sunrise in Tarak Ridge.

This is my second hike on the mountain – a revenge climb since the first one isn’t that much successful as we encountered some mishaps going to the summit, with one of the hikers collapsing on the ridge due to the rain and very cold weather. This is April’s first overnight hike and Ivy’s first major climb – indeed worthy of the name Day of Valor hike.

I met April and Ivy in Five Star bus terminal in Cubao on April 08 at around 7PM. We rode a bus bound to Bataan. We stayed our first night in our house in Bataan. The next morning, we prepared our food and things for the camp and set our way to Mariveles. We left our house at around 5:30 AM.

We arrived at Brgy. Alas-asin at around 7:00 AM. We proceeded to the barangay hall to register. Guides are not required in general, however, the barangay hall strongly suggests hiring a guide for the first timers as the trail is really confusing. I had it experienced during my first hike. For repeaters, however, guides are optional. Anyway, I still remember the trail so we opt not to take one. After paying for the registration fees, we are set to the trail jump off.

Meet Ivy and April! At the jumpoff signage to Tarak Ridge.

The road to the jumpoff is clearly marked by this signage. Since most of it is already cemented, one can choose to ride a tricycle up to Nanay Cording’s house. Since it is still early in the morning, we just walked our way.

Nanay Cording’s house marks the start of the hike to Tarak Ridge. Here, you can buy fresh buko juice and halo-halo. This is the last store, to note, on the trail. You will also see a banner frame set up for different tarpaulins from different mountaineering groups. Moreover, if you ever changed your mind suddenly and wanted to hire a guide, you can ask Nanay Cording to get one for you.

Find your mountaineering group. Banners at Nanay Cording's House.

Say hello to Nanay Cording!

From there, the trail starts to be difficult. Tarak Ridge has been known for its very long trail and I tell you, it indeed is really long. We met a lot of hikers that day – some of them trying to finish the trail in a day. The first part of the trail is mostly forested and rocky, with some loose soils on some parts. The trail will lead you first to Papaya River, the first campsite in Tarak Ridge.

The dusty and forested trail of Tarak Ridge.

We reached Papaya River at around 11 AM, faster than what we expected as the usual pace requires five hours to reach the river. Papaya River got its name because of the papaya trees. A locale told us that there used to be plenty of these trees around the river. Until now, you can still see some papaya trees standing. Papaya River serves as the last water source. There is also a basin where one can take a dip and refresh. We took our lunch here. Since we plan to camp on the summit, we just stayed for thirty minutes and reserved bathing on the river for tomorrow.

Resting on the rock at Papaya River.

From the Papaya River, the trail becomes more difficult, mostly assault and cardiac trails. It is where the real challenge of Tarak Ridge is experienced. Trail becomes more confusing so adequate knowledge of determining the correct trail is necessary.

Proper knowledge on trail signs is required. Please do not destroy these signs.

Are we there yet? The slopes of Tarak Ridge from the trail.

After an hour and a half, we reached Tarak Ridge. From the ridge, one can see the sights of Manila Bay, Corregidor Islands and West Philippine Sea, extending to the mountain ranges of Cavite and Batangas, with peaks of Pico de Loro, Marami and Batulao visible from the ridge.

Breathtaking view of the coastline of Bataan from the ridge.

Braving heights. On one of the rocks in Tarak Ridge.

Rolling slopes of Mt. Mariveles. Group shot at the ridge. Yay! 

From the ridge, the trail becomes rocky and exposed to the sun. Several campsites are available along the stretch of the ridge and usually, most hikers prefer to camp here. Moreover, according to a guide we met along the trail, the campsite on the summit can only accommodate three to four tents.

The rocky trail to the summit.

The views getting better as we hike up to the summit. Notice the Corregidor Island and the range of Mt. Palay-Palay from the far background.

Since we are relatively the first few ones to reach the ridge, we decided to camp on the summit. The trail’s assault and cardiac trail character remain up until to the summit.

Last cardiac stretch to the summit.

We arrived at the summit at around 3 PM. We pitched our tents, took some rest and waited for the sunset. Apparently, we are the only group who stayed in the summit.

Finally at the summit!

Not really sure if this is the Pantigan Peak.

Dramatic sunset over Mt. Mariveles Range.

Group photo at the summit.

At around 7 PM, we took our dinner. As the night progresses, it turns colder and colder. That day, we can hear most of the groups from the ridge having their socials. You will also hear that very loud roaring sound of the wind. Since Mt. Mariveles stands surrounded by bodies of water, all the winds diverts from the sea to the mountains in all directions. The advantage in camping in the summit is that there are trees that can serve as windbreaker. We slept around 8 PM.

The next day, we woke up at around 5 AM, took our breakfast and wait for the sunrise. Most accounts of Tarak Ridge hike accounts the views of sunrise here as one of the best and it really indeed is one of the best.

When clouds start to play. Onset of sunrise at the summit.

The first sight of the sun. Very wonderful.

Watching the sunrise on the background at this rock in Tarak summit.

Taking photos of the sunrise that day was really hard since the summit is engulfed with fog, though the views kept getting better as the day continues. We enjoyed the sunrise for two hours. Upon leaving, most of the groups from the ridge just reached the summit. I think camping at the summit provides this advantage as well – you don’t have to hike up and down in a day which means more time to rest and to recover.

We met a lot of groups ascending to the summit on our descent, some of them decided to just stop on the ridge. We stopped for a couple of minutes to enjoy the view from the ridge for the last time before descending back to Papaya River.

Individual photos in Tarak Ridge upon descent. 

Who says hiking isn't for women, huh?

Facing the disputed sea.

On our way back to Papaya River.

We reached Papaya River at around 9:30 AM. We refreshed ourselves and enjoyed the clear waters of the river. Since we're that tired, we really haven't gotten photos in Papaya River. We just really enjoyed it.

Forgive the layers of fats. Lol. Taking a dip at Papaya River.

We continued our descent and reached Nanay Cording’s house at around 11:00 AM. We then rode a tricycle back to barangay hall and at around 12 PM, we were on our way back to our house in Bataan.

Look up! Cheers to another mountain conquered!

ITINERARY

Tarak Ridge Dayhike
02:00 AM	Assembly at Five Star Cubao bus terminal. Ride bus to Mariveles.
05:00 AM	Arrival at Brgy. Alas-asin. Register and secure guides.
05:15 AM	Ride tricycle to Nanay Cording’s House
05:30 AM	Arrival at Nanay Cording’s House. Register.
05:45 AM	Start trek.
08:00 AM	Arrival at Papaya River. Explore area.
10: 00AM	Arrival at Tarak Ridge. Explore area and viewpoints.
11:30 AM	Arrival at Tarak summit. Explore area and viewpoints. Lunch.
12:00 PM	Start descent.
03:00 PM	Arrival at Papaya River
05:00 PM	Arrival at Nanay Cording’s House. Logout. Take tricycle back to barangay hall.
05:15 PM	Arrival at barangay hall. Tidy up.
06:00 PM	ETD Mariveles
10:00 PM	ETA Manila

                    

Tarak Ridge Overnight Hike
Day 1
03:00 AM	Assembly at Five Star Cubao bus terminal. Ride bus to Mariveles.
07:00 AM	Arrival at Brgy. Alas-asin. Register and secure guides.
07:15 AM	Start trek
07:45  AM	Arrival at Nanay Cording’s House. Register.
09:00 AM	Continue trek.
11:00 AM	Arrival at Papaya River. Explore area. Lunch. Pitch tent if campsite preferred here.
12:00 PM	Continue ascent.
2:00 PM	Arrival at Tarak Ridge. Explore area and viewpoints. Pitch tent if campsite preffered here.
3:00 PM	Arrival at Tarak summit. Explore area and viewpoints. Lunch. Pitch tent.
5:00 PM	Wait for sunset.
6:00 PM	Prepare dinner. Socials
8:00 PM	Lights out.
Day 2
5:00 AM	Wake up call. Breakfast. (For those camping at the Papaya River, wake up call is 3:00 AM, for those camping at the ridge, 5:00 AM.)
5:30 AM	Wait for sunrise.
7:00 AM	Start descent
9:30 AM	Arrival at Papaya River.
11:00 AM	Arrival at Nanay Cording’s house. Logout. Take tricyle to barangay hall.
11:15 AM	Arrival at barangay hall. Tidy up.
12:00 PM	ETD Mariveles
04:00 PM	ETA Manila

SPECIAL NOTES

Transportation: Ride a bus going to Mariveles either in Pasay, Five Star Cubao terminal or Avenida terminals of Genesis or Bataan Transit. Ask the driver to drop you off at Brgy. Alas-asin. First trip of buses are schedule at around 2:00 AM, the last trip at around 11:00 PM. The fare costs around Php 250 as of 2016. For private vehicles, drive through NLEX, take the San Fernando Exit and drive your way through the Gapan-Olongapo Road. At the Death March monument junction in Dinalupihan, go straight and take the route to Roman National Highway. Estimated travel time is around three to four hours.

Registration, guides and fees: A registration fee of Php 40 per person is collected at the barangay hall. Guides are not required, but are strongly encouraged for first time hikers. Usually, guide fees cost Php 500 per group of five persons per day. The fees for porters are also the same.

Special concerns:

1. The trail to Tarak Ridge and Mt. Tarak summit is confusing. It is necessary to know how to determine correct trails. Several accounts of hikers lost in the trails of Tarak Ridge have been recorded. Colored cloths tied on the trees or three rocks piled are examples of indicators of the correct trail.
2. Cellular phone signals are sporadic. From Papaya River to the ridge, cellular signals are not present anymore.
3. The trails of Tarak Ridge can be very muddy and slippery during rainy season. Prepare accordingly.
4. Observe proper LNT principles. Do not throw anything on the river, may it be nonbiodegradeable or not as Papaya River serves as the water source of the tribe community in the foots of the mountain.
5. When camping at the ridge, make sure that the tent is sturdy enough to resist strong winds.
6. There are also instances of military presence along Mt. Mariveles. Make sure to be properly coordinated with the barangay officials prior to hiking.

ESTIMATED BUDGET: Php 700 – 800 for dayhikes, Php 900 – 1200 for overnight hike.

OVERALL RATING OF THE MOUNTAIN: 9/10. One of my most favourite hikes. The views from the ridge and summit are really breathtaking. For those who want to try a major climb near metro, Tarak Ridge is recommended.

CONTACT PERSON:

Barangay Alas-asin: Chief Claro Caronongan – 09092134888 | Chief Elmer Valdez – 09082020785
Nanay Cording Cantega - 09174723978

Credits to April Angela Pantoja and Ivy Cadalzo for the photos. 

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