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| View at the summit of Mt. Marami |
It was a little past 9:00 AM when we started our hike towards the base of Mt. Marami in Magallanes, Cavite. The soil was so dry that specks of dust flew as our feet hit the ground. The heat was just beginning to intensify, but still manageable with our hats and other protective gears on.
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| Our happy trio - still fresh-looking before the start of our hike |
The clear and dry weather revealed captivating blue skies, a nice contrast to the massive greenery that surrounded us. There was just a faint mountain breeze and in less than 30 minutes of trekking, we were all heavily perspiring. Our 16 year old guide however, appeared to be effortlessly moving his feet in quick playful strides.
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| An even terrain marks the start of the hike. |
Mt. Marami is 405 MASL tall, significantly smaller than the mountains around it like Pico de Loro, which is at 664 MASL, but its long exposed trail, which starts at Barangay Ramirez, can either be very dusty or very muddy, depending on the season which makes it a challenging day hike.
We took the Talahib Trail where the terrain is gradually ascending, but still quite long as we approached the peak from the south. In fact, we didn't see its distinguished jagged peaks until we were halfway to the summit.
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| Photo from Arisse. My favorite part of the entire hike was when we approached this almost dried up river where butterflies, imitating the color of leaves flew around us. :) |
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| One of gorgeous trees we saw along the trail |
With minimal rest stops and 30 minute lunch, we were able to reach the peak in four hours. It was 1:05 PM, the sun was blasting away but winds comforted us. Occasionally, it blows strongly, enough to knock off our bags.
The enormous boulder summit features the landscape of Maragondon. Here you can see peaks as far as Quezon and Bataan.
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| My friend Gabby posing for a mandatory shot across Mt. Marami's summit. |
After staying for 30 minutes, we went down and tried go as fast as we could to catch the last jeepney back to Naic which was at 5:00 PM. Heat from the sun was intense.
The water from the rivers we passed didn't look potable (at least by quick judgement) so we just washed to relieve ourselves. Unfortunately, we dried off only after a few minutes under the sun. It felt like we were being fried alive!
We trekked at a snail's pace in the last two hours. The heat really drained us and I moved on "auto-pilot mode". I didn't have enough energy to smile, chat or sing to myself like I usually do on long, exhausting hikes.
At 4:30 PM, we arrived very much drained at Barangay Ramirez. A nearby store served us cold Coke with lots of ice, our little reward after a long, hot hike.
We managed to catch the last jeep back to Naic where we capped off our hike with a fulfilling dinner at Sunny's, a 24/7 eatery by the highway that serves delicious Filipino dishes at less than 50 Pesos/meal.
How to get to Mt. Marami + Expenses :
We left Manila at 4:30 AM, via an Aircon Bus from Baclaran to Naic - 66 Pesos; Travel Time : 2 hours. From Petron station in Naic, we walked a few meters on the right side of the highway to the jeepney terminal to Magallanes. It's right before BPI. Jeep from Naic to Magallanes – 36 Pesos/head; Travel Time: 1 hour
At Magallanes, register at the Police outpost. No fees have to be paid. Just sign at the logbook and get their contact numbers in case of emergency. Take a tricycle to the Barangay Hall at Ramirez - 20/head (60-70 Pesos/tricycle) ; Travel Time: 30 minutes
Registration Fee is at 20 Pesos/head. Here, you can secure guides at 300 Pesos/day per group and change your clothes or bathe after the hike.
Travel Notes :
Bring ample water supply and protection from the sun. I brought 3 liters which almost run out on our way back. On rainy days, water on the river swells up. Check on the weather before planning a hike here. From barangay Ramirez, guides can be secured at 300 Pesos/day + food.
As always, don't leave any trash behind friends. :)
To read more about hiking Mt. Marami, check out the blogs of hiking friends, Ivan Lakwatsero and Pinoy Mountaineer.
Arisse, Gabby, til our next adventure!