43 MOTHER'S DAY CLIMB AT MT. PALAY-PALAY (PICO DE LORO)

Souvenir Items from Subi-neer Store at Base Camp 1.
Mt. Palay-Palay, popularly known as Pico de Loro or the Parrot’s Beak is located in Ternate, Cavite which lies near boundary of Nasugbu, Batangas. This mountain has two major jump-off points – in Ternate and in Nasugbu, Batangas that is both open for traverse. This said to be the highest point in the province of Cavite, soaring 664 meters above sea level. At the summit, Metro Manila and nearby provinces such as Bataan, Mindoro and Islands like Lubang and Corregidor can be seen from afar. It is also surrounded mountains like Mts. Mataas ng Gulod, Marami, Talamitam, Batulao and even Mts. Mariveles and Maculot are still visible.


Hike for Mother’s Day and for the Mother Earth. Pinoy Mountaineer conducted National Mountain Cleanup Day and we would like to support this environmental activity. It is scheduled on May 10, 2014. Unfortunately it will not work for us because everyone working night shift going Saturday. Therefore I opt to schedule it the next day which happen coincided to Mother’s Day Celebration. So I was kind of concerned if I’ll get people to confirm for this day hike climb. By the way, I asked everyone to bring at least one trash bag.

Goup Selfie? Haha.
There were only six people who confirmed for the scheduled hike so I just grabbed some itineraries rather than hiring jeep. Thanks to Mike of ww.mikelaagan.com for sharing your itinery. Surprisingly, I received phone messages coming from friends who just decided joining the event, and since it is open for everyone with no limitation, then it would be great. It turned out that the number raised to eleven plus a four-year old kiddo.

Bay 14 bound for Naic, Coastal Mall Bus Terminal
We met up 4 AM at the Coastal Mall bus terminal, and should go straight to Bay 14 bound to Naic, Cavite. Then you can tell driver that you will be climbing to Pico de Loro and asked to drop you off at Maragondon (Ariel’s Bus Terminal), and by the way that would be the end point so have nothing to worry if you take public transportation, fare is Php 81. Then there will be tricycle terminal piling on the side of the road when you get off and let them know that you will be hiking. And they absolutely know where to take you – to DENR. Trike fare is Php 225/trike and load up to strictly three persons only, therefore Php 75/head.

Arriving at the DENR, everyone is required to register and pay Php 25, and yep there is an increased in registration fee but no worry it will just be 5 pesos. Then you can prepare your hike there, photo ops and get up to protect yourself from sunburn. You can also buy trail food as there is small store where you can register.

(c) Francis Balgos of pala-lagaw.com
The Orientation with the LNT team.
We started our hike around 7 AM. The trail is pretty easy going to Base Camp 1. You will then pass a huge log blocking the trail and it’s perfect for photo opportunist. Hehe. Kidding. When you reach that dead tree, you’re near the Base Camp 1. It’s like about 30 minutes away starting from DENR. Registration is once again required, they are the local authority who maintains the security and cleanliness of the mountain, fee is Php 25.

There is a small store where you can buy souvenirs, food, and cold soft drinks. You can also refill your water bottles for free. In line to Pinoy Mountaineer Cleanup Drive, we were welcome with quick orientation how to help and maintain the beauty of our treasured mountains. Though I'm quite familiar with Leave No Trace practice, yet I encourage everyone to practice these training, not just for us but for the next generation. This orientation is conducted by LNT (Leave No Trace), a worldwide organization that teaches people how to enjoy the outdoors responsibly. Please visit their website for more information, www.lnt.org.



After the said orientation, we then quickly proceed with our climb. Like I mentioned the trail is quite easy, very gradual except in the boulders part which is normal. Every mountain has base camps and there will be assault afterwards that will test your physical strength. Though this mountain is beginners-friendly it will still test your endurance for those experienced mountaineers. But overall, it’s a relaxed climb.

Our Spidey Boy, wearing Superman. :)
Look at our kiddo; he loves to climb assault trail than the gradual track. He loves to use his hands holding on the huge rocks and small trees. Although he is wearing superman, yet he said everyone should call him, Super-Spideyman. Look at his hand and fingers, gesturing like Spiderman throwing his solid webby.





The trail does not need guide, it is straightforward. Just keep on the trail and you will never get lost. And have nothing to worry also because each turn has signage with some arrows that will guide you up to the summit. When you get to the boulder’s and bamboo section of the trail, you will then catching some breath, heavy breathing and sweaty faces will surely attained. And for beginners I know you will be asking how long this climb will last? Haha. I know everyone will ask for it, especially for first-timers, even experienced ones. That happen, its normal, just keep on climbing and you surely get a sweet prize from heaven.


With Sir Francis Balgos, after these trees, please turn right.
Though the trail is straightforward, but when you see these trees right after the boulders section; that is the right for you to turn right, yes turn right! But when you go straight you will see the other side of the mountain which has also a scenic view. And we lost the right turn part; we keep on moving without turning so we reached the other side. The trail is not that clear and but you can see that there is a path, and it’s quite shorter than following the exact trail to get to the camp site. However I advised to just turn right and follow the exact one so you won’t get lost.
This is the other side of the mountain, you'll get here if you didn't right.


We just carry on the trail and follow the uncertain path under the wild bamboo trees; we just use our instinct using signals like clapping our hands. And we also followed the voices coming from other mountaineers, and then we reached the campsite in just a couple of minutes. We take rest for a while and ready for lunch, I suggest for day hikers, bring carpet. The campsite is sandy! There is also a small store there where you can buy 5 gallons of water and cold soda in can in dollar price.
The Monolith, or the Parrot's Beak.
Inner Peace. Hehehe, Kung Fu Panda way!
After our lunch, we are ready again for another challenging getting on the summit, its full assault that would surely test your strength. We left our bags and just bring our valuable items. And then the prize of heaven is right in front of us when we get to summit. One big attraction; a paradise in heaven that you can’t find down the mountains. It’s all worth it; you can see how other provinces looks like from afar, together with Batangas’ best coves and the islands around it.

Our shot before heading to the monolith's top. (c) FrancisBalgos
Getting to summit is challenging, but getting to the Monolith is the most challenging. I know I have all the guts though I won’t deny that there’s always a second thought. However claiming Pico de Loro will never be complete without seizing the Parrot’s Beak. We were divided into two groups so someone would take a picture from the summit and vice versa. I belong to the first group and loud and proud to say that I am the first from the group who snatched the top. Now I appreciate how important the science of counting because one big mistake would surely end your life and always trust the rope. When I reached the top, the feeling is awesome, it’s breathtaking, it’s awe-inspiring, so proud of myself, feels like I am the King of the Kings! And I’m sure everyone feels the same.


The Proud mehh, or feeling mehhh. Hehe. (c)FrancisBalgos

And then everyone had these jump shots of our life. It feels like once in a lifetime over on top of the highest monolith. Thanks to Sir Francis for his power zoom lens.  We stayed there for couple of hours bare from the sun, we were all burnt so I suggest as well bringing umbrella. Then we rested for a couple of minutes after summit, and then proceed to descent.

You can wash up at the DENR for free; don’t worry for the trike that will bring you down to the bus terminal. The drivers are all waiting outside to fetch mountaineers. Also please be reminded that the bust last trip (according to locals) is 7 PM.

ITINERARY AND BUDGET (PICO DE LORO MAY 11/2014)

4:00AM :       Meet up at Coastal Mall Bus Terminal bound to Maragondon Cavite, hopefully we can leave by 5AM. 
7:00AM:        ETA Ternate, take tricycle to jump-off at Magnetic (Php225/3pax = P75/head)
7:45AM:        ETA DENR for Registration. Registration Fee (Php25).
8:00AM:        Start Trek
8:30AM:        ETA Rene Medina Place, another registration for Php25. 
10:00AM:      ETA Base Camp 1
11:45AM:      ETA Summit, Lunch, Photo Ops


1:00PM:        Start descent to Magnetic Hill
3:30PM:        ETA Jump-off point, proceed to DENR and wash up.
4:30PM:        Take tricycle back to Ternate then take bus back to Manila (Trike Php75/head + Bus Php81 = P152)
8:00PM:        ETA Manila.
                        Total Expenses: Php 362.00 per person.

43 COMMENTS:

fbalgos said...

Ang bilis mg post..
This is an inspired posrt Sir Arnie.
Na inspire mo ko. :-)

Unknown said...

Sir Francis, kelangan dahil wala nako ma post, wala nang kalaman laman site ko. Hehe.

I'll wait for yer post. :D

Unknown said...

My favorite mountain and where my outdoor lust began! Nice post man!

Unknown said...

Ah so this is your mother mountain Billy? Mine is Batulao. :D

Unknown said...

Hello, are ther guides available? How much would be the fee? I plan on going solo but it is my first time to hike Pico. Btw, noob here. My first mountain was mt. Batulao :)

Unknown said...

Hi Don,

Thanks for dropping by. Yes there are guides.

However, if you are going solo and on weekend I suggest to join with other groups. You can save money. And I'm sure they would very happy if you gonna join them. Mountaineers are the kindest people in the world. :D

Hope this helps.

~ THEKIDWANDERER

Unknown said...

Lalo akong naexcite to climb ng mabasa ko yung blog nio po.. Salamat ")

Unknown said...

Hello Nirs,

Thank you my taking time reading this post. Mountaineering/Trekking/Hiking/Climbing or whatever you call it is really exciting. It's fun and somehow pain, but when you get on top, I'm telling you it paid off! Worth the suffering. Happy climbing and stay safe. :D

Regards,
-THEKIDWANDERER

AceAdventure said...

Thank you so much sa info. I and my friends are planning to climb on March 28..I was hesitant po talaga kasi first time ko to pero noong nakita ko po ung 4year-old little spiderman na kasama niyo bigla akong nahiya sa sarili ko. haha..Thanks ulit sa blog niyo.

Unknown said...

Hi Alma,

Thanks for dropping by. I'm glad this blog helps you with your climb itinerary. And about our lil kiddo, kahit kame nahihiya din po. Hehe.

Enjoy and have a safe climb.

Regards,
THEKIDWANDERER

Unknown said...

Hi we're also planning na pumunta ds march 28 .. First timer kmi ng boyfriend ko and hopefully my msama kmi na friends pra mas masaya so, basically no need for a tour guide na? And wala nmn po mgging prob kht anytime kmi pmunta? Susundin n lng din nmin yung mga nging way niyo from coastal.. And the time.
Thanks sa info. Super excited n kmi :)

Unknown said...

Hi Angie;

Thanks for taking time reading this post. Yes it is an easy climb with easy trail. And no need for guide. However if you are first timers, I suggest to join with other groups. I'm sure there will groups go with day hike and overnight on the weekend.

But dont worry the trail has signages nailed on the trees as you guide.

Hope this helps! Enjoy and stay safe!!

Regards,
THEKIDWANDERER

Unknown said...

Super duper hirap po ba ng akyatin ng monolith? Gusto ko akyatin kaso natatakot ako dahil 2 lang kame ng boyfriend ko na aakyat this Saturday. Pero GUSTONG-GUSTO ko po talaga maexperience ang monolith.

Unknown said...

Super duper hirap po ba ng akyatin ng monolith? Gusto ko akyatin kaso natatakot ako dahil 2 lang kame ng boyfriend ko na aakyat this Saturday. Pero GUSTONG-GUSTO ko po talaga maexperience ang monolith.

Unknown said...

Hi Jhom,

Thank you for reading this post. I would say may kahirapan siya pero anyone can do it. Just think this way, slowly but surely..trust in the rope always.

At first I'm also hesitant to get to the top, but my/your climb will not be successful without climbing the monolith. :)

So go for it!

Regads,
THEKIDWANDERER

Unknown said...

Hi Sir Arnie! I would just like to ask if we need to reserve before the desired day of the trek. Am planning to trek on May 1 po kasi. :) Hoping for your advice. Thank you! - niadlcrz

Unknown said...

Hi Sir! ask ko lang if we need to reserve or call anyone the day before the hike? or no need na po? kindly advice. Thank you :)

Unknown said...

Hello Nina,

Thanks for dropping. I think no need to call for advance reservation. Just go there and you will be welcome. Unlike Pulag there will be maximum number so reservation is required.

However, don't forget to take time read this post from Pinoy Mountaineers about the new rule. https://www.facebook.com/pinoymountaineer/photos/a.181309398081.158940.47545658081/10153723436798082/?type=1&theater

Regards,
THEKIDWANDERER

Sabel said...

Hello! May malapit bang beach resort doon? We are planning to go to the beach after the hike haha Thanks!

Anonymous said...

same question with Sabel :) Gusto sana namin side trip na beach. may dala po kami car kaya di ko po sure kung pano pag nagtraverse kami, thanks!!

Anonymous said...

same question with Sabel :) Gusto sana namin side trip na beach. may dala po kami car kaya di ko po sure kung pano pag nagtraverse kami, thanks!!

Unknown said...

Hi All,

You can do traverse, your option. When you get at the summit, there are people there offering guide services for traverse. And you surely find beach resorts there. Well Pico De Loro Cove is the most famous yet I believe it is expensive, however, there should you other resorts there that are cheap. I suggest to ask the guide.

However, if you have your car with you and left it at the jump-off, I don't think you can do traverse. Unless you are willing to left your car there alone.

Hope this helps.

Regards,
THEKIDWANDERER

Unknown said...

Hello sir! What if solo lang ako? San po ba pwede sumali na group? If may alam ka po. Hehe thank you!

Unknown said...

What if solo lang po? San po ba nakakahanap ng group? hehe thank you!

Unknown said...

Hi Mae,

You can do solo or join with other groups. Pico de Loro is one of the most visited mountains in nearby Manila so expect there are always group you can hop in.

:)

-THEKIDWANDERER

Unknown said...

Thank you po!

Unknown said...

Hi po wow naman nakaka excite naman po gusto ko pong akyatin ang pico de loro.okay lang ba dalawa kami puro girl? safe po ba doon? btw naakyat ko na ang Mt. Batulao..

Anonymous said...

Good day sir! Ask ko lng po sana kng pwede mag dala ng sasakyan near jump off?at lng safe naman ang parking?thank u

Unknown said...

Aicy,

Safe naman po ang Pico de Loro, though safety precautions is advised anytime.

~TKW

Unknown said...

Hi,

Yup you can bring your own car, they have huge parking safe. I saw cars parked nung nagpunta po kame dun. I'm just not sure kung may bayad o magkano.

Regards,
TKW

Anonymous said...

Ask ko lng po, ppwede po ba mag overnyt sa pico de loro??

Unknown said...

Hello, opo pwedeng pwede po mag overnight. Malawak po ang camping site ng pico. :)

Unknown said...

Hi po, thank you sa blog mo. very informative. Pag naghire po ba ng guide how much? kaka xcite umakyat. sino po aakyat ng pico de loro sa may 9? Pajoin po sana kami ng bf ko, 2 lang kasi kami. Yung may plan po magovernight. Thanks po reply kayo dito.Papost po 'kidwanderer' :)

Gloria said...

Hi Arnie.Is there any place there in Ternate where we could stay overnite before ascending Pico de Loro? I am 62 yrs already and wants to start the trek refreshed and early. Can I avail of the services of an additional guide so that guide can carry my belongings, h2o, food. How long would it take me to reach just the base before the monolith because I have to rest often but I don't plan to climb the monolith, just an occular viewing will be ok for me.

Unknown said...

Hello Gloria. Wow u make me feel amazed that u wanted to climb this mountain at ur age. You must be a strong woman. Anyway yes, I'm sure there would be stay in Ternate..and there would be guide as well that can carry ur baggage tho it will have an extra cost. Unfortunately I can't help you what and where but u can find for sure in Ternate. Have a safe climb and enjoy. 👍🏼

Anonymous said...

Hi Sir! Aakyat po kami ng mga friends ko sa Mt.Pico De Loro. Balak po sana namin ng overnight.May marerent po ba duon na mga tent?And may certificate din po bang na aavail sa DENR like other mountains? How much naman po kaya?Hoping for your response.

Unknown said...

Hi Anon,

I'm not sure kung may mare-rent kang tent dun, mukhang wala. I would suggest to bring your own. About certification, as far as I know wala naman po. Basta magregister lang po and you are good to go. :)

Regards,
TKW

Unknown said...

Kelangan po ba magbooking kapag maghike or pwede namAn any day at no need to book?

Unknown said...

Kelangan po ba magbooking kapag maghike or pwede namAn any day at no need to book?

mie said...

been to pico last 2011. planning again this weekend with my new set of friends. hoping nothing has change

Unknown said...

Hi sir,
We went to Pico last June this yr & overnight camping was not allowed for the mean time by that time. Do you have any idea if overnight camping is now allowed? Also, do you have contact @ pico wherein I can reach & confirm things about overnight camping. Thanks :)

Unknown said...

Hi sir,
We went to Pico last June this yr & overnight camping was not allowed for the mean time by that time. Do you have any idea if overnight camping is now allowed? Also, do you have contact @ pico wherein I can reach & confirm things about overnight camping. Thanks :)

Anonymous said...

MAy contact po kayo ng tour guide nyo dun kuya? pupunta kasi kami jan sa October.magkano budget bawat tao?

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