3 PASUKULAN FALLS: Mt. Natib's Perfect Sidetrip; A Natural Wonder of Bataan

Bataan is a province known for its history, and it is also hailed with natural wonders like Corregidor Island, Bataan National park, and soaring mountain ranges. Aside from Corregidor Island, this peninsular province has Mount Samat National Shrine with a white cross at the summit. That cross known as Shrine of Valor, dedicated to fallen Filipino and American during the second world war.

And speaking of natural wonder, this peninsula is also surrounded with hilltops. Three main mountains are Mounts Samat, Mariveles also known as Tarak Ridge and Natib. Among the three Mt. Natib is considered as the roof of the province which offers three hundred sixty degrees view of the entire Bataan and neighboring provinces. You will also noticed that this province walled with different mountain summits. Metro Manila also visible from afar.

Not just its majestic view but also a unique side trip. Side trips are most common when climbing mountains, but not all mountains have it. Most common side trips are rivers, falls, and beaches. And this mountain has a magnificent falls that you should pay a visit. Thanks to our leader that pushed and forced us to go down to this stunning hidden wonder of Bataan.

I understand that this falls is in the itinerary but due to some drawbacks, like only left with limited amount of water and in fact no more rice to cook that’s why I decided or voted not to visit the falls. What a shame. Thankfully our guide offered himself to get some water since it would be couple of minutes away from the water source.

So we took the downward trail without burdens on our backs. We left our bags at the trail and hid it somewhere so it would be easy for us to get to the falls. Going down will take you two hours. The trail is stress-free maybe because it’s heading down. However upon reaching at the river before coming to the bottom of the falls is where the challenge started.

It is I guess almost on a right angle position with small rocks and sands trails. So holding on the roots and vines is necessary. It is a kind of trail that needs precautionary measure, slowly but surely. Because with just one step of vagueness will surely give you an exclusive prize of pain and receive some gift of sweetness. Especially sands trail is not so caring enough, and I suggest if it’s needed to just sit and slowly crawl down, please do so.

And of course after these wholehearted challenges is always a pleasing prize. Upon reaching at the spot where the wide and towering Pasukulan falls is right before your eyes. It’s stunning and beautiful. The sound of the falls feels like serenading your ears. The place is getting colder. And my eyes entertained and relaxed into running waters with rainbows at the bottom. I feel like pampering myself into a not-so-common-place which you really love to experience. 

We rested for a couple of minutes and can’t wait to plunge my worn-out self into a freezing point waters. I’m not sure how deep and cold it was but all I want is to dive my worn body. And when it first touched on my foot fingers, darn the icy feeling will help you decided not to go. But no, so I quickly dump myself so I can no longer feel when you are at the bottom of the water.

We stayed at Pasukulan falls for more than an hour and decided to go back after before it gets dark. I feel dizzy because we were drinking some alcohol and thanks God I still managed to climb up the most challenging hill. Going up will give your three hours of trek - an addition of one hour because everything is assault. And before it gets too dark we arrived where we left our backpacks.

2 Q&A | Mt. Natib Travel Guide

The Summit of Mt. Natib, seen from Pinagbutasan.

Mount Natib said to be the highest peak in Bataan with an elevation of 1,253 meters (4,111 ft) above sea level. It is located in the western part of Bataan peninsula while Mt. Mariveles (Tarak Ridge) is at the southern half. And this is another favorite climb in the province, alongside with Mt. Mariveles.

Taken from the Summit of Natib showing the peak of Mt. Mariveles (Tarak Ridge) covered with clouds which looks like a hidden cloud village.

So I have prepared a quick guide (Q&A) for Mt. Natib. Although this is not the complete guide yet I’ll try my very best to provide just right information for other climbers.

Can you tell me how to get there?

There are buses in Cubao terminal bound to Bataan. You can ride either Genesis Transport or Bataan Transit. Genesis Transport will drop you off at the highway and you can ride trike to palengke if you’re planning to buy stuff for your climb. Trike fare is P10. On the other hand, Bataan Transit will drop you off near palengke so you might just have 5 minutes leisure walk and save 10 pesos. So I suggest take Bataan Transit if you’re planning to buy things needed for climb in Bataan. Bus Fare is P177 (Genesis or Bataan Transit).

Where is the jump-off located?

Jump-off is located in Brgy. Tala in Orani. You can ride trike for thirty minutes from palengke all the way up to Barangay. Trike driver will drop you off at the Headquarters of the 24th Infantry Wildcat Battalion. Only one is allowed to get inside to write all the names of participants, only the leader of the group is allowed so make sure this person knows the names of the members. You will be asked to leave one ID and a cellphone number in case of emergency.

After completing all the information needed by the Headquarters, you can go ahead proceed to registration point. That means arriving at the headquarters does not mean you will take off your bags, because from there it will be another 5 minutes trike ride all the way up to the registration. Tricycle Fare is P70 per person.

Mt. Natib Marker, an evidence the you reached the roof of Bataan.

How much is registration cost?

Registration cost is P30. It is a store where you can buy trail foods like candies or lollipops. Don’t expect that they have chocolates. There you can also prepare, wearing your trek apparels, protection for your body against the heat of the sun. Then from there, you can commence with your climb.

Who is the contact person?

You can contact; our contact Kuya Wilnor at 0918 – 613 – 9628. He is highly recommended by Pinoy Mountaineer himself Sir Gideon Lasco and the ultimate Batang Lakwatsero Ivan Cultura. Guide Fee is P1500/10people (overnight). I forgot to ask how much if day hike.

Surprisingly, schedule of our climb is also the annual fiesta celebration of Barangay Tala so we were joined by his brother-in-law Allen. This 16-year-old kiddo is still in the process learning the proper way how to guide group of climbers. Anyway, you'll be safe with him. He is already good at young age.

Face the Wall! All the way to the Summit.

How about the climb difficulty rating?

Climb difficulty rating is 6/9 and needed of 5 -6 hours to summit. Well I dunno how to explain when it comes to the number of hours but actually depends on your pacing. If you climb a group of halimaws, should I really need to use that word? Sorry. I dunno how to describe..fast-paced? Well you already know what I mean. J You can take to summit in 4 hours, max of 5 hours. Mt. Natib is considered as a major climb.

The trail is wide starting from the jump-off point. It is a roadway going to “Mayor’s Mansion”, and you heard it right, on top of Barangay Tala is the house of Mayor of Hermosa, Bataan. Then from there, start of the grassland trail which still spacious all the way to Pinagbutasan. At Pinagbutasan, you will have the chance to see the majestic silhouette peak of Mt. Natib.

Passing Pinagbutasan, the trail is still comfortable and wide. Although there are small rocks come along but still okay.

Is there a source of water?

Yup there is. It's a lone water source, a one stop shop. After passing Pinagbutasan is a rest house. There you can get water and take your lunch. You can stay much longer before heading to the base camp. I saw a signage that they will be collecting P20. Lucky us, that time no one is around.

How about the blood leeches aka Limatik?

Limatik is common parasites in many forested mountains in the country. Mt. Makiling is rich in it that’s why I opt not to climb this mountain. Please don’t get me wrong, I am not just fond of these blood leeches.

However, Nevertheless, Nonetheless...

I found out that Mt. Natib is also a limatik zone. Whoaa..unfortunately I am the one pushing the event so no turning back. Gladly I learned that limatik in Mt. Natib only appears during rainy season. So I’m stress-free with these leeches.

But then again…

When we were there, when Allen (our guide) noticed itchiness on his chest and when he checked it, darn a healthy limatik chock-full with blood continue sucking on his skin. And from that moment, I was like paranoid. I feel tingling, and when I checked my shoe, there were 3 looking for my sweet blood. Thankfully my lower body covered with tights and I quickly spurted them with alcohol.

What to do when bitten by limatik?

First, let me start by telling you that no one recorded yet died by a limatik bite. When bitten, DO NOT PANIC because it might put you in danger, keep in mind that you are on top of the mountain. When bitten, do not pull the limatik from your skin because its jaw might be hold unto the pores. It’s painless but their bites are itchy so just spray them with alcohol and they will get off from your skin. Their bite can bleed a lot, I mean a lot. So just cover it with a bandage.

Rappelling time! The rope segment all the way to the summit.

Where is the ideal spot to pitch a tent?

The ideal spot to pitch a tent is at the base camp, at the foot of Mt. Natib. It has a flat ground that made it ideal to stay overnight. It is also spacious that can accommodate up to 20 tents and where you can also set a bonfire for your fabulous social. However in our case, we decided to pitch tent at the summit, although our guide reminded us that the ground is bumpy and is uncomfortable and yet we have the final word. At least when we get up, we have the sunrise ready for us.

What to see at the peak of Mt. Natib?

Upon reaching the peak you will be welcomed by a marker, a DENR signpost showing the information about Mt. Natib. Then you will have at last the chance to see the entire province of Bataan and nearby provinces. Metro Manila is also visible at the southeastern part including the skyscrapers that look too tiny at the Manila Bay. You can also see Mt. Mariveles and Mt. Samat with white cross on it. On the northwest side is the Subic Bay with huge cargo ships and the towering summits of Cinco Picos and Balingkilat. On the northeast side is Mt. Arayat and Central Luzon. Overall you have the 360 degrees view at the roof of peninsular province.

How about cellphone signal?
No worries you can still post status and photos. You can still get in touch with your family, especially with your lovie dovie who I believe the most required, just to avoid ‘tigasin’ mode. Although not all the time there is a signal, SMART subscribers have the strongest connection. But still am able to post real time when I summited this mountain (for Globe folks). Make sure to save your battery or bring power bank.

What are the possible side trips?

There are two possible side trips, you can do traverse from the base camp and that will lead you to Kairukan Falls going to Morong Bataan. However in our case we decided not to do with traverse, therefore, Pasukulan Falls would be the best side trip. It is about five hours trek (2 hours down, 3 hours back) if decided to go visit the Falls. We left our bags and brought only water and some food going to falls. The guide just hid our bags somewhere. 

Take 5! Finally at the river, top of the falls.

Inner Peace! In front of Majestic Pasukalan Falls.

SUGGESTED ITINERARY:

Day 1
0500 ETD for Orani, Bataan by bus
0800 ETA Orani Crossing. Take trike to Brgy. Tala
0900 ETA jumpoff at Brgy. Tala, Orani Bataan. Register.
0930 Start Trek
1130 ETA Pinagbutasan
1330 Arrival at foot of Mt. Natib (Basecamp)
1530 ETA Mt. Natib summit.
1600 Set up camp
1800 Dinner / Socials

Day 2
0500 Wake up/ Enjoy the Sun Rise
0600 Breakfast
0700 Break Camp
0730 Start Descent
0930 Back at Mt. Natib Basecamp. Proceed to Pasukulan Falls
1130 ETA Pasukulan Falls
1200 Lunch/Enjoy Waterfalls
1400 Head Back to Basecamp
1600 ETA Basecamp / Proceed back to Tala
1900 Back at Brgy. Tala. Tidy up
2000 Head back to Orani crossing
2030 Take bus back to Manila
2330 Back in Manila

I hope this post helps with your questions. I based those questions before the event so I know the feeling how questions run into your minds. And disclaimer, this post will not give you the complete but hope helps. Well I just thought twith this simple quick guide some of your questions were answered. #HappyHiking

What are your thoughts? Please comment below.

1 Mt. Natib | Metres Above Sea Level

At the Summit of Mt. Natib.

The purpose of life is the life of purpose. Meet this boy who dreamt of climbing mountains, pushed himself to do more and experience more. As he always said, it’s always nice to be with “nature”. He harnessed himself to start expanding his dreams and didn’t permit life as mediocrity but rather superintend that there’s such potentials within the fortress of mind. Happiness, Fulfilment, Triumph is a journey not a destination. Meet Kiel Cordon and let’s hear his story towards his first ever mountain climb.

This is your Guy!

Fulfilling your desire is one thing, but if you try to realize it a thousand feet on top of a mountain, hours and hours of rigorous walking, climbing and holding on to nature's provided ropes while balancing from cliff to edge without measures and absolutely no sleep under the sunshine streak of mid afternoon sky, the act of doing for what it's worth is the only thing that matters between you and the rest of existence.

I've never been so up in the mountains before. It was only one of my plans, so as to say, my resolution for this year's "doing something I have never done before." All that excitement and wishful thinking that I would finally go somewhere where only a number of people wants to go is a beautiful thing for me, and when I finally reached my first summit in Mount Natib in Orani, Bataan, I could say that I've never thought I could possibly credit myself more than what I could possibly give.

I was a living paradox as I was trying to contemplate myself to every emotion that was metastasizing all over my vessel. The core of my spirit was like a Rubik's cube that was trying to fit a thousand colors in a six colored pattern. All that courage and faith was all I have left and you'll exactly know how strong you are when being strong is your only choice.

Kiel and Jerome, the first timers at Pinagbutasan.

The Buddies! At the Summit of Mt. Natib!

The moment you actually see water fall hundred of a meter from its source is truly majestic. The awe that was resonating between me and the vibration of the nature's prowess is that I could pose to look good but that waterfalls is going to enamor while devouring its voluntary inhabitants with its magic and beauty that is surrounded by the lush of trees and unimaginable scenery of nature that it possess.

Pointing at the Tarak Ridge, probably his next mountain to climb.

My favorite surfer once said, "The inability to describe something to me is a proof that it is fucking amazing. Is that amazing, is good enough for me." The sights that was awe inspiring, the scenery and the landscape that made me sonder the divinity of whom who created the creation, the folks that I've met and all of the good people I've been with along the experience is enough. All my experience wouldn't be the best if it wasn't for that exact fate that summoned up during the climb, and throughout the patterns of life, it is one of my favorites.

And in totality of all things, this is what I've realized:

And how is it consuming, to live without any sense of hope, that makes the trail from wishful thinking into reality? How many shores does it take to recall those beautiful moments of life, in each partaking vivid reflections of the universe itself in a meat coated jar? The lifestyle in which makes none a victim and that every vindicated sinner is forgiven. To which all tides are even and all the odds are among us that goes into silent suffering just to reach that place of ecstasy and euphoria.

Two thumbs up for the first triumph of the mountain top.

After each passing day, those sacrifices that we took, the bridges that we burned, the love that exist before, after and in between are mere reflections of ourselves and that we always try to remember but never took the time to forget those who which we are not.

And the origins of our existence will always be remembered by those who commit to letting go. And towards the sky, knowing somehow, somewhere, we would still be here after we die and that the realization of fulfilling oneself with the hope to be fully alive is the greatest mission we can ever accomplish as we are mere witnesses to the unknowingly, majestic place in which we breath, in which we live, in which love conquers all that exists from now until then.

With TOSOC Mountaineers Family!