Journey to Mt. Manalmon

Once again, along with people we've known in our Pamitinan and Binacayan hike who become our travel buddies, we set our next hike to Mt. Manalmon in Bulacan. Tagged along was one of their  friends whom we eventually befriended on the course of the hike. 

The Pabebe's Team

It was my first time to hitch for a private ride along with my travel buddies. Prior to our hike, we slept over at Dzhun's house in Guiguinto, Bulacan. We woke up early in the morning to begin the trip to Sitio Madlum (Registration Point) for our dayhike at Mt. Manalmon. 

The bridge

Before reaching the registration point, we hesitantly inquired about the exact location heading to Mt. Manalmon. It seems most locals of San Miguel are not familiar with the mountain and its cave. It's quite ironic to say that they only knew Sitio Madlum but not the natural wonders within its area. 

The team in one of the parking space near the registration point

Upon reaching the jump-off point we registered our names in the logbook and secured a guide. We met Kuya Jeck, who became our guide throughout the hike. He intentionally set rules about his guide-ship before we introduced ourselves to him. We find it hilarious when he said in a joking manner, "Bawal asarin ang guide" ,  which implies that it is prohibited to tease him in any way as a guide. Subsequently, we started our hike to the summit of Manalmon, passing through a  cave and rivers. Trails were plain and open which is quite easy to hike until the big boulder ascending through the summit. 

The team hiking through the plain grassland heading to the summit of Manalmon

We took pictures at the big boulders and eventually continued our hike to the base of the summit to have our lunch. During lunch period, we talked about the project they are working with - Lubang Island Project (Project Lingap) which will benefit the indigent people who cannot afford to buy their basic needs. We also had a discussion about our upcoming hike.

The team at the big boulders

Lunch time!

Unlike our previous hike along with my travel buddies from Epic Travels PH in  the prominent Mt. Pamitinan and Binacayan, where we experienced a steep and assault trail including  sharps rocks all over the area; this time, it was merely the opposite. Mt. Manalmon is easy to hike and just perfect for beginner hikers/outdoor enthusiasts. Concerned about  the big number of hikers that weekend, we were approached by our guide to go up at the summit already to have our pictures and momentarily enjoy the view on our own. Here are some of our photos:

After documenting our stay at the summit through photo ops, we descended back to Madlum river to swim. It was a perfect sunny weather that time imparting a steady flow of the river which permitted us  to enjoy swimming.

Afterwards, we went back to the registration point and bravely try to cross the river via monkey bridge which is quite an experience; it was extremely fun and challenging.

Monkey Bridge

 We headed back to Guguinto, Bulacan after tidying up and  side trip at Barasoain Church. 

The team in Barasoain Church

Rappeling, swimming, picnicking, spelunking, and hiking are among the popular activities done in Sitio Madlum. Mt. Manalmon is one of the best getaways for all the outdoor enthusiasts with a jam-packed side trips. 

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For more information about Manalmon, refer to this link - Travel Guide to Manalmon | Sitio Madlum

Photo Credit: Maan Villamor and Jun De Leon