SAN MIGUEL, BULACAN: WHY MT. MANALMON GOOD FOR EVERYONE

Like any other mountaineers and outgoing person out there, once you feel the boost and unique feeling in doing something, you will do it again and again, Like after our first climb at Mt. Batulao, feeling of conquering that mountain or even anything gives you unique satisfaction and you want to have more, even you had a lot of bruises, scratches, dirt and muscle soreness. So Basically we went to Mt. Manalmon last year I will share what we went through to the summit and why it is one of the newbies mountain?

1. REFRESH YOUR HISTORICAL MEMORY
Actually based on internet readings and our tour guide, this mountain is part of our historical culture, "Biak-na-Bato". This place was one of the guerillas hideout away from Japanese soldiers from it's caves to it's mountain. Aside from it's background, what thing will make you go for with this mountain were the adventures you can only found at this mountain! Let's start from the jump-off

From Brgy. Madlum, the number one you will notice is the river, everyones bathing, wash their clothes and fish, like any other province picture. By the way, you can bring your private vehicles here without any hassle of parking.

2. SAFE AND EASY
From the jump-off, we ask the locals there for a guide (P60/person) who took to the mountain’s summit. Negotiation was easy, they were so nice and polite.

The trek started by crossing the Madlum River via balsa (free for hikers) first with our so courteous guide and then proceed to station-of-the-cross-like area before Madlum Cave. Actually we ate first then proceed with the trekking. That time was kinda slippery. Stones are not just ordinary stones, they are marble! "slippery when wet".

3. RELIGIOUS TOUCH

I am a religious person and I'm always proud to those locals who keep their religious beliefs and ensembles as part of their place. Their Grotto area was so solemn and relaxing you will also wanna pray and enter their micro chapel. You will not miss this one, this is the only way to our goal!

4. EXCITEMENT BOOSTERS

The moment we pass the grotto and entered the cave, total darkness fetch us. This portion of the cave is the one and only way to the summit of Mt. Manalmon and Mt. Gola. This path can't be bypass. Then after few minutes, you will exit in a very huge opening. Upon going out, you will immediately notice the river beside the path, continuation of madlum river from the jump-off.

We crossed this river and off to muddy road, that time a typhoon had just gone. Continued our trail, we reached into a fork, one going to Mt. Gola to the left and Mt. Manalmon to the right. Of course we went right then entered and uphill forested area.

Thereafter, entered baby bamboos trail. Couple of minutes past, we reached the campsite and it was so spacious you can pitch 10-15 tents. I was also amazed then (newbie then) because the mountain's summit is just 5 meters away you can go back and forth from campsite to summit with just three cart wheel, haha, as to compared with our first which is Mt. Batulao.

Then we pitched our tent, rested for a while and run to the summit!

5. THE PRIZE

6. THE EXTRAS

Summit was good. We were astonished by the view of Mt. buntis, Madlum River encircle the mountain and Mt. Gola in front.

From the summit, I had a picture of Mt. Gola as a backdrop. I guess it has similarity with Manalmon's as to conformity and composition. Most of its portion is a huge rock pinned in a huge pile of soil.hehe. Actually I planned to climb that mountain that time, it's just at this very point, I remember I want do it before!haha. 

Three hours of hike and we went so much walking (crucial for newbies), but the difficulty is not that hard. Cool wind blows and beautiful summit view would totally make your mountain desire to boost without doing so much difficulty. Also, If your into sidetrips, this mountain is just best for you! I have separate post for that but for now, I hope you guys had a gist why Mt. Manalmon is possible for EVERY CLIMBERS climbers! :)

It's a good habit to Comment, Like and Share.. :)