Mount Tagapo (Binangonan, Rizal)

The province of Laguna boasts of the largest lake in the Philippines, the Laguna De Bay. At the center of this lake is the largest lake island called Talim Island. 

Talim Island

The hilly island is within the boundaries of the Province of Rizal, under the jurisdiction of two municipalities. The western side is part of the municipality of Binangonan, while the eastern section is part of Cardona. 

The island is volcanic in origin and forms the southwest rim of the Laguna Caldera, and on this island lies Mount Tagapo, also called Mount Susong Dalaga. From the towns of Laguna, you can readily spot the peak of Tagapo, which indeed has the form of a young woman's breast. 

Way back March 15, 2014, me and my friends trekked Mount Tagapo and this was our story. 

After eating breakfast at the McDonald’s branch at United Street, corner EDSA Street, Mandaluyong City, we walked towards the EDSA-Crossing terminal and rode a Binangonan-bound jeepney (around Php 40.00). 

Arriving at the Binangonan Port at 8:45 AM, we hopped on a pump boat, which would take us to Barangay Janosa via Laguna De Bay. The boat left the dock at 9:30 AM, and touched down at the jump-off point (Barangay Janosa Dock) at 11:00 AM, where we met Archie, our guide. Guide fee for the entire group was only Php 300.00.

Binangonan Port

  

Boarding the Pump Boat

Other Pump Boats

Fish Pens

Mount Tagapo

Barangay Janosa Dock

At the Mount Tagapo Base Camp, we paid a Registration Fee of Php 20.00 per head and signed at the logbook. Off we went…..

 

Mount Tagapo Base Camp

We took a breather beside the famous Mango Tree at 11:45 AM. After arriving at another large tree at around 12:00 NN, we consumed our packed lunch and took photos of great nature views. 

Mango Tree

 

Resting near another tree

Great view while eating lunch

With the peak already seen from afar, we went to rest first at the campsite area at 1:00 PM. In here, you could see a breathtaking view of the tall grass surrounding the mountain being “pushed” by strong winds…..such a sight to see!

Tall grass swaying

After the brief rest, we started with the assault towards the peak amidst the tall grassy trail, wherein if you look back, you could also view nature in its splendor.
 

Assault on the grassy trail  

Great nature view at the back of the assault

Reaching the summit at 1:30 PM, 395 meters above sea level, there is a 360-degree view on which you can see other mountains such as Mount Sembrano and Mount Makiling, as well as Laguna De Bay. 

Summit at 395 MASL

Another view from the summit

Arriving back at the jump-off area at 3:30 PM, we refreshed ourselves at the house of the guide and ate various forms of streetfood being peddled. Ang sarap talaga kumain pag gutom! 

Resting after the descent

 
Pump boats arrive at the Barangay’s dock at certain times only, and we departed at around 5:30 PM.

Departure from Barangay Janosa

Sunset at Laguna De Bay

Mount Tagapo is just one of the easy-level Mountains which is not that popular to the public, even Talim Island is such an underrated place, but all I can say is that, Mount Tagapo is a very good mountain to trek on. 

Explore Pinas!