Mt. Pico de Loro - Scaling the famed "Parrot's Beak"

Since we scrapped our planned dayhike at the San Jose Circuit last Saturday (September 20) due to the inclement weather brought about by Typhoon Mario and the enhanced Habagat, we decided to do a "substitute hike" at Mt. Pico de Loro last Sunday (September 21). Although it was really some spur of the moment decision, the thought that there would be less hikers there (hence a better chance for us of scaling the fabled "Monolith") made us oozing with adrenaline.

We left Quezon City at 0500H and had to fetch Gani at the Boni MRT Station along EDSA. Passing through the Coastal Road and Cavitex, we finally reached the DENR Station along the Ternate-Nasugbu Highway in less than 2 hours. We could have arrived earlier because while the traffic at that instance was still bearable, we were somewhat delayed as we neared the jump-off point since there were road repairs at the approach of the Magnetic Hill.

We then immediately prepared our gears, paid the registration fee of P25.00  and proceeded to the nearby store cum eatery for breakfast. While they did not prepare pre-cooked meals because they anticipated that mountaineers will only come in trickles, they still have on hand silog meals.

It was already 0745H when we left the DENR. Of course, we prayed at the trailhead like we were accustomed to. As we also did some stretching exercises, it was already 0755H when we formally started to hike.

We traipsed leisurely at the start as we were welcomed by chirping birds and the whistling of leaves. It really is a very welcome respite from the intoxicating life in the city. The forest in Mt. Pico de Loro is really very impressive.

At 0815, we arrived at the famous "orange tree" (it was not an actual "orange" tree but I called it as  such because its bark has this somewhat orange glow) where we encouraged Gani to have a picture. At the junction where one needs to do a right turn (going to Camp 1), we noticed the trail sign made up of luminous Mountain Dew plastic bottles that one of the vendors at the DENR mentioned to us. We then passed by the famous fallen tree trunk, and was able to reach Camp 1 at 0825H.

The "Orange Tree"

While I believe that the amount paid at Camp 1 is only a donation, we were made to pay P25.00 registration fee. We took an extended break in preparation of the impending assault to the camp site that we ought to make. We noticed the improvements being made at Camp 1. There are now more tables and chairs available for campers. Also, there are additional toilets and faucets being installed.

Just after Camp 1, the trail became more slippery. All in all, there were at least four river/stream crossings that we did until we reach the famous alibangbang tree where a trail sign pointing the way was put up. At 0930H, we finally arrived at the base of the enduring ascent to the camp site.

One of the many river crossings

Along the way, there were trees that fell because of the past storm. I remember the big tree that has web-like roots that skirt the ground (where I giddily took a picture when we first climbed Pico de Loro earlier this year) has also fallen. In fact, we had to be a little more innovative and had to cling to the trees on one side of the trail just to get past this fallen branches.

We arrived at the camp site at 1050H. There were a number of campers at that time. We chose to settle at the bamboo chair (and table) near the original store, I say original store as there is also a new store on the eastern portion of the camp site. At 1115H we decided to make the final push for the summit.

Bette and her climbing stick

In view of the rains, the initial portion of the assault is a little bit slippery. Surprisingly, the anomalous branch the locals refer to as "Machete" has already been defiled (maybe somebody felt scandalized haahaa). Also, with the dust gone, it became easier for us to get past the final incline before the summit. We finally reached the summit at 1135H.

The marker at the Summit

We were very fortunate that it was cloudy and windy at that time, so heat was never a problem. And the best thing is that we have the summit all for ourselves.

The view at the top was really amazing. Mt. Batulao, Mt. Talamitam, and Mt. Marami are all visible on the eastern side. Also, Corregidor Island, Caballo Island and Fort Drum stand guard in Manila Bay on the western front. A faint Mt. Mariveles and Bataan is also visible in the horizon. A number of brave souls were also enjoying at the monolith. It was really very different from the usual since every weekend, at least 40 hikers would cramp up the summit (aside from those already in the Monolith) at any given time.

After about 20 minutes, that is when the hikers who were at the Monolith finally decided to descend, we decided that it was already time for us to make our way up to the other side.

We ultimately scaled the "Monolith" at 1210H. Since it was our first time ever to do it, I'd have to tell you that the feeling is so much different on the other side. One gets that very distinct feeling upon scaling the Monolith, a whole lot different form of exhilaration from just scaling the Summit of Mt. Pico de Loro. As they say, while it takes guts to summit Mt. Pico de Loro, only the more daring shall be able to conquer the Monolith. Of course, many hardcore mountaineers would attest that it was a lot more difficult to climb the Monolith before when the ropes were not yet installed. Nevertheless, I'd say that it still is difficult to climb the Monolith  even with the use of the rope because one would still need the guts to continue climbing even with the clear and present danger that the ravine on the right side of the wall imposes.

Since we need someone to serve as photographer, our plan was for me and Bette to go down the Summit first and Gani would just follow us once we have our pictures taken. He would remain at the Monolith while we climb back to the Summit so that we shall be able to take photos of him in return.

At 1225, Gani was able to finally set foot atop the Monolith. We then had our group photo and enjoyed our own time atop the legendary Parrot's Beak.

Skookumized

Kaya pa!

Finally...we made it!

At 1235, we saw a number of hikers at the summit were starting to make their up the Monolith. Me and Bette then decided that it was now time for us to go back to the summit unless we would want to be held up and wait for all the climbers to finish their assault. Of course, as part of the bargain, we left Gani behind so that we shall be able to take a picture of him.

Gani doing the Skookum Jump

...there are so much graffiti...please leave no trace

so glad to have conquered the Monolith

the Bamboo Grove...going back to the Summit

The trail on the right side of the Monolith...going to Nasugbu, Batangas

At 1250H, we were finally back at the summit and waited for Gani who was then very happy that we were finally able to immortalize his own version of the Skookum Jump on top the Monolith. When our group was already complete, we descended back to the camp site at 1300H where we arrived 10 minutes later.

so we go back to the saddle campsite...

We again settled on the table and eat lunch. We then spent time telling stories about the obvious (with this I mean our latest exploit of being able to finally conquer the Monolith). After a long respite, we went to the Pico de Loro's version of Rockies (I referred to this area as Rockies since there are a lot of boulders there).

buwis buhay sa may bangin

yihee...

It was already 1420 when we started to descend back to the DENR.

As usual, the descent was a lot easier for us even if we still had to be more careful due to the slippery trail. As we only rested once, we were able to reach the base of the final assault to the camp site (just before the alibangbang tree) in about an hour.

The slippery trail just after the flatlands where the alibangbang tree and the mahogany trees impeded our progress. And since fatigue is now slowly getting it's toll on us, we decided to have an extended rest period after we have crossed the river following the wooden gate on the trail. It was already 1555H when we commenced hiking towards Camp 1.

 We arrived at Camp 1 at 1615H where we noticed the workers busy painting the benches and putting up faucets and water sinks. It was also very heartening to know that they have also allotted a space for the "Leave No Trace" principle. Maybe this is a good way to educate weekend warriors and novice hikers since Pico de Loro is one of the more famous hikes near Metro Manila.

Leave no Trace

We were entertained by the wife of the caretaker and she has a lot of stories to tell. Like how her husband searched for a new campsite and scoured the forest for an alternate trail. She even told us that their children likewise helps in clearing the trail whenever trees are toppled by typhoons.She also said that they are developing Camp 1 because more and more hikers are camping on their grounds. Of course, the longstanding issue on where to pay registration fees (at the DENR or at Camp 1) was also brought up.

With all the chitchat that we had, it was already 1635 when we left Camp 1. Along the trail, we met a hiker who is looking for his companions who supposedly got lost by missing the bend going to DENR just after the fallen log (4 hikers actually went missing and they later on alleged that namaligno raw sila).

The "Fallen Tree"

We finally arrived at the DENR at exactly 1700H. And again, our stories about how we conquered the Monolith went on. I am sure, this will not be the last of our adventures in the "Parrot's Beak".

Traipsing Chronicles 009
009.021.014

Mt. Pico de Loro / Mt. Palay-Palay (Dayhike)
Ternate, Cavite
Minor Climb: 3/9
Highlights:  Forest Trail; Bamboo Forest; unobstructed views of Manila Bay, Balayan Bay, the Mountains of Nasugbu area and the rest of Cavite; the Monolith (Parrot's Beak)

Actual Itinerary 

0500H - Departure from West Ave. Q.C.
0710H - Arrival at the DENR Station (Ternate, Cavite) / Registration / Breakfast
0745H - Depart DENR for thetrailhead / Stretching and Prayer
0755H - Start Trek to the Summit
0815H - Arrival at the "Orange Tree"
0825H - Arrival at Camp 1 / Registration
0840H - Departure from Camp 1 to Summit
0930H - Arrival at the fork / base of the continuous assault (past the alibangbang tree)
1050H - Arrival at the Camp Site - Rest
1115H - Depart Camp site for the Summit
1135H - Arrival at the Summit - Photo Ops
1155H - Descend Summit and proceed to the Monolith
1210H - On top of the Monolith / Photo Ops
1235H - Descend the Monolith and proceed back to the Summit
1250H - Arrival at the Summit
1300H - Descend Summit
1310H - Arrival at the Camp site / Lunch / Rest
1400H - Photo ops
1420H - Depart camp site for jumpoff point
1515H - Arrival at the Alibangbang Tree (with sign board / trail sign)
1530H - Arrival at the wooden gate / Extended Rest
1555H - Commenced hiking to Camp 1
1620H - Arrival at Camp 1 / Extended Rest - chitchat with wife of caretaker
1635H - Depart Camp 1 for DENR Station
1700H - Arrival at the DENR Station / Wash up
1820H - Departure for Metro Manila / Dinner somewhere in Naic, Cavite
2130H - Arrival in Quezon City

 ***Please take not that we made use of our own vehicle so make the necessary adjustments

Side Trip. In case you are doing a traverse, a possible side trip is the Kaybiang Tunnel that connects Ternate, Cavite to Nasugbu, Batangas. It is actually the longest tunnel of its kind in the Philippines. There are magnificent views of the sea and the sunset along the highway. You may likewise proceed to the tunnel if you have your own transportation or pay additional cost to the tricycles at the DENR.

There are likewise beaches along the area. The beach at base of the Philippine Marines is one of the favorite hangouts of locals and hikers alike.

Public Transportation. Just hop on the bus going to Ternate Cavite (Saulog Bus for example). At the bus station in Ternate, hire a tricycle that would take you to the DENR Station in Magnetic Hill. It is still a 9-km ride until you reach the jump off point.

Private Transport. From the Coastal Road, just proceed to Cavitex. You will pass through the towns of Rosario, General Trial, Tanza, Naic, and Maragondon. When you reach Ternate, just follow the highway up into Magnetic Hill going to Caylabne.

You will know that you are getting near the DENR when you pass by Puerto Azul. The DENR Station is located on the left side of the road just a few meters after the 9-km post.

Guides. Someone at the DENR mentioned that the Barangay Council exercising jurisdiction over Pico de Loro is already considering moves to impose the mandatory hiring of guides. However, there is no definite date yet regarding the implementation of the same.