Our Christmas climb for 2013.
Rodriguez, Rizal
First jumpoff: Sitio Karahume, Brgy. Macabud, Rodriguez
second jumpoff: Sitio Balagbag, Brgy. San Isidro, Rodriguez
LLA: 777 MASL (unverified)
Days required / Hours to summit: 1 day / 1-2 hours
Specs: Minor climb, Difficulty 3/9, Trail class 1-2
BACKGROUND
A hiking destination favored for its proximity to Metro Manila is Mt. Balagbag, located in Rodriguez (formerly Montalban), Rizal. This mountain is part of the Sierra Madre range as it transitions into the plains of Central and Southern Luzon. At over 700 MASL, it is of sufficient elevation to offer views of Ortigas and some parts of Metro Manila, as well as the Ipo Watershed. (read more at PinoyMountainer.com)
This and Mt. Manalmon are the two of the easiest climb I've had. The trail is wide and sometimes muddy. There are few steep up hill but not difficult to climb at all. The only difficult part is getting to Balagbag via commute. PinoyMountaineer site gives the direction going there if you don't have your own car.
Our group decided to stay 15 minutes away from the summit because according to our guide there were groups ahead of us that were planning to stay at the summit. The camp sites were great. It is comparable to Gulugud Baboy. There's a water source at the house near the gate going up the summit.
Overall, Mt. Balagbag is highly recommended for recreational climb. Good view, easy to climb, good camping site means more quality time with nature and socials.
Rodriguez, Rizal
First jumpoff: Sitio Karahume, Brgy. Macabud, Rodriguez
second jumpoff: Sitio Balagbag, Brgy. San Isidro, Rodriguez
LLA: 777 MASL (unverified)
Days required / Hours to summit: 1 day / 1-2 hours
Specs: Minor climb, Difficulty 3/9, Trail class 1-2
BACKGROUND
A hiking destination favored for its proximity to Metro Manila is Mt. Balagbag, located in Rodriguez (formerly Montalban), Rizal. This mountain is part of the Sierra Madre range as it transitions into the plains of Central and Southern Luzon. At over 700 MASL, it is of sufficient elevation to offer views of Ortigas and some parts of Metro Manila, as well as the Ipo Watershed. (read more at PinoyMountainer.com)
This and Mt. Manalmon are the two of the easiest climb I've had. The trail is wide and sometimes muddy. There are few steep up hill but not difficult to climb at all. The only difficult part is getting to Balagbag via commute. PinoyMountaineer site gives the direction going there if you don't have your own car.
Our group decided to stay 15 minutes away from the summit because according to our guide there were groups ahead of us that were planning to stay at the summit. The camp sites were great. It is comparable to Gulugud Baboy. There's a water source at the house near the gate going up the summit.
View from the Summit
Overall, Mt. Balagbag is highly recommended for recreational climb. Good view, easy to climb, good camping site means more quality time with nature and socials.
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