Wandering Den: Pico de Loro

Pico De Loro which is also known as Mt. Palay - Palay is situated in the boundaries of the provinces of Cavite and Batangas. So, the hike can start in Ternate, Cavite or in Nasugbu Batangas where the famous rock mountain (Monolith) is reached.

The Summit and the famous Monolith

The Team posing for a picture before the journey to Pico de Loro, known as the "Team Bubog"

How we get there

We started our adventure in Ternate, Cavite. Since, where from Vito Cruz, Manila we took a jeepney ride going to Edsa and Edsa to Coastal Mall Terminal. We ride a bus with a signboard going to Ternate, Cavite. The bus dropped us of in the Municipal Hall of Sapang where there are tricycles line up going to Pico De Loro, We then took a ride going to the DENR where we pay a registration fee of P25/person. Starting from the jumpoff point, we reach the CAMP 1 where a registration fee of P25/person will be paid.

Took a picture before embarking to Pico De Loro

The road going to Pico de Loro

Breakdown of Expenses: P393.50

Vito Cruz - Edsa: P8.50
Edsa - Coastal Mall Terminal: P10
Coastal Mall Terminal - Ternate, Cavite: P81
Ternate, Cavite - Pico de Loro (Tricycle): P75
Registration Fee (DENR): P25
Registration Fee (CAMP 1): P25
Pico De Loro - Ternate, Cavite (Tricycle): P75
Ternate, Cavite - Manila (Quirino): P94

Journey

It was 4:30 am in the morning when we took off going to Pico de Loro. The travel start from Vito Cruz since we currently reside there going to Edsa. Then, Edsa to the Coastal Mall Terminal where we waited a bus with a signboard going to Ternate, Cavite.

It will take 2-3 hours road trip to Ternate. Along the way we take the chance to sights the morning sunset of cavite, the view of the beautiful ocean and the creative design of the jeepney bus.

In ternate, the bus dropped us off in front of the municipal hall of Sapang where there are line up of tricycles waiting for a trip going to the mountain.

From the jump off point, we were halted by certain individual from DENR to pay a registration fee but there is uncertainty to their given logbook - A yellowpad??? But in consideration, we're just foreign in there and we only ought to enjoy mountaineering. We did not complain, we just abide to pay a registration fee of P25/person.

The Team trekking to Camp 1

Camp 1
Upon reaching the Camp 1, we took a minute of rest and proceed to the registration area. A registration fee of 25/person will be paid. There is a available Comfort Room which is free to use, a store and a rest area.

The team in Camp 1

The Trail

After taking a little break at Camp 1, we continue to trek. Our guide always reminded us, always go to the right trail direction and Yeah we did it with the help of the signage posted in the trees. The trail can be muddy or slippery during rainy days, be safe. Shoes and sandals is basically needed.

Along the way, we experience a very difficult assault as there were limited things to hold on and a rocky trail going up before reaching the campsite. The hike is very exhausting but it's worth the risk.

The team along the way

The Campsite

A clean area sorrounded by several bamboos and trees. There is a also a mini store that provide foods and drinks for mountaineers. In the campsite, the famous Monolith and the summit is visible.

The Campsite area

Here are some pictures taken at the campsite:

The Summit

We took a minute to hike from the campsite through the summit, the presence of cliff is very possible along the way and a minor difficult assault. Upon reaching the summit, you can view the famous monolith and the neighboring province of Cavite and Batangas including the beach, island, forest. Sometimes, a fog usually covered the mountain which give a limited view. There is a connected trail going to Monolith if you happen to climb the rock mountain. We're glad we did!

The team in the summit with the presence of the great Monolith

The Monolith

It is the rock mountain connected to the summit of Pico De Loro. Reaching the monolith is different than the summit because of the risk and danger of the cliff, it require you to do rappelling before stepping foot on the peak.

We did struggle climbing the monolith due to the fear of heights and the given danger, but still manages to succeed.

Please be reminded that climbing the monolith are limited to activity-fit people only and to those individuals who are not afraid of heights. Don't be challenged by others who can do them.