Mount Balagbag (Rodriguez, Rizal)

For every mountain enthusiast, each destination presents various stories. Stories ranging from how beautiful the summit was, the new friends you suddenly meet, and also, the hardships that you went through during the entire trek. 

As the year 2013 just ended, I and some of my friends decided to scale Mount Balagbag, located in Rodriguez, Rizal, last January 3, 2014. 

This mountain is famous for being one of the hottest places to trek upon due to lack of trees surrounding the trail, which was why we climbed this piece of nature during the Christmas season while there were still breezes of cold holiday air emanating. 

From our meeting place at the Eton Centris in Quezon City, we sped off to our target destination. We passed by the Commonwealth Avenue, turned right at the Quirino Highway, and turned right anew at the Igay Road, which links the upper barangay to Quirino Highway and Rodriguez, Rizal (formerly town of Montalban, Rizal). 

When we arrived at Barangay Macabud, an uphill road took us to the Licao-Licao area, turned left at a certain road, took photos at the Our Lady of Faith Grotto at Mount Bituin, and from there, we went all the way to Sitio Balagbag, the location of the jump-off point area. 

Our Lady of Faith Grotto

Sitio Balagbag Welcome Sign

Before we started our trek, we first parked our vehicle and dropped by the Office of the Cambasi Veterans Association, Inc. in order to ask information regarding the place.

Office of the Cambasi Veterans Association, Inc.

After that, we walked towards the jump-off point, passing by the Balagbag Elementary School, and ended up at the so-called Veterans area, where we first paid a registration fee of Php 10.00 per head at the Sitio Balagbag Health Center before we started the trek proper at 9:25 AM. 

Balagbag Elementary School

  

Sitio Balagbag Health Center, Veterans

  

Registration Area

For thirst quenching purposes, it is advisable to buy refreshments at the sari-sari stores in the Veterans area since they are somewhat colder than the ones sold along the trail. 

The route towards the summit, apart from the scorching heat, was mostly rocky due to previous typhoons that ravaged the area. Only 4x4 vehicles and mountain bikes could easily pass by here.

The Rocky Uphill Trail

While walking along the path, there were several parts where you could just turn your back and marvel at the view of nature.­­

Great view!

 
After several trudges, a large red gate welcomed us and you could easily enter it, but after a few steps, you will be required to pay a donation fee of Php 20.00 per head at the resting hut as payment for the maintenance of the place since the area beyond the gate is privately owned.

Large Red Gate

Unfortunately, it was such an eyesore seeing several parts in the area with litter coming from previous visitors…tsk tsk. 

Anyway, there were two trails as you come closer to the summit. On the left side was a wide trail and on the right side was a trail with tall grass. Since the tall-grassed trail was the shorter route to the summit, we chose this option for our summit assault.

Tall-Grassed Trail

This trail really had lots of tall grass, some of which have small thorns. Luckily, I was wearing a long sleeved shirt and pants. 

As you come nearer to the goal, take a look behind you and you will be astounded by a spectacular mountainous backdrop.

After 20 minutes from the resting hut, we finally arrived at the summit, which was 745 meters above sea level. 

Summit of Mount Balagbag

Once on top, you would have a wonderful 360 degree view of various sceneries of nature such as the mountain ranges of the Sierra Madre and Metro Manila from afar. 

By the way, Mount Balagbag’s summit is also called the campsite or the helipad, mainly due to the vastness of land surrounding it. It could really accommodate around 10-15 tents at once or provide a landing space for a helicopter. 

We went downhill using the wide trail portion, rested for several minutes at the resting hut talking to the caretakers of this private property, and arrived at the jump-off point at 2:30 PM. 

Resting Hut

 

Back at Jump-off Point 

Mount Balagbag was definitely one of the easiest mountains to scale. Just make sure to wear heat protection apparel and trek shoes. Wearing trek slippers or sandals would pose some inconvenience due to the rocky terrain. 

What a New Year climb it was...and more places to discover in 2014. 

Explore Pinas!