Mt. Balungao - Small but Terrible

As our yearend climb, we decided to traipse up the slopes of Mt. Balungao last December 31. In case you are wondering, Mt. Balungao is located in the town of Balungao in Pangasinan.

Mt. Balungao taken from the winding road heading to the Balungao Hilltop Adventure

Mt. Balungao...taken from the TPLEX...clearly resembling a woman's breast (Susong Dalaga)

We arrived at the Balungao Hilltop Adventure (previously knows as Mt. Balungao Hot and Cold Spring Resort) at about 0730H and were gleefully assisted towards the registration area. After signing waivers, we secured a guide (Joven was the guide assigned to us) and put on our hiking gears.

The trail is located at the back of the hall cum registration area. While Mt. Balungao is just a shade below 400 meters in height, it is known for its incessant assault from base to summit. The good thing is that the trail is established and forested up until the grassland just before the summit. As such, many mountaineers especially those based up north have included Mt. Balungao among their training climbs.

It was 0815H when we started the climb. From the base, we scaled rocks and boulders (maybe a sign of its volcanic past...yes Mt. Balungao is a dormant volcano) and even had to cling on to the roots of trees for support. There are a lot of kakawate trees in this part of the trail. This rocky/bouldery trail shall continue until the upper portions, where you will pass by a bamboo grove (similar to that in Pico de Loro). This will then give way to the grassland, which signifies that you are already very near the summit.



Take note that there is also a roped segment near the half-way mark. While it is only for a short distance, it would be very hard to scale this part of the trail during the wet season. Bentot mentioned that climbing Mt. Balungao during the rainy season is discouraged because the trail becomes slippery.

The roped segment in the trail

Steep Climb



The pseudo summit cum campsite comes next. It is a grassland dotted by a number of small trees. The glorious views of the vast expanse of Central Luzon greeted us. From here, the summit is a 5-minute hike to the west. The final assault is of the grassy and dusty type of trail. Upon reaching the summit, be careful of the hollow part where overgrown bushes have already lorded over.

From the grassland to the campsite

Mt. Cuyapo

The Summit -- Photo taken from the campsite

Bentot then led us to the northern portion of the summit where the views of the Cordillera and Caraballo dominated the horizon (I believe, Mt. Ugo is visible from here). The area where the San Manuel Dam is located is visible. Bentot mentioned that the great flood that inundated the whole area few years ago transformed all that we are seeing at that time into a waterworld.


Panoramic view of the Northern Frontier

The Big Tree at the Summit

Pasilip hehe

Bentot -- our guide is on the right side flashing the thumbs-up sign

On the western side, the Zambales mountain range, SM Rosales, a lake, and the TPLEX are visible. The Eastern part is the domain of the Sierra Madre and Mt. Amurong. South is where the central plains of Luzon, lakes (the names of which I do not know) and Mt. Cuyapo are visible. I would really love it if I can retrace my hometown from here. Mt. Arayat is also visible in the distance.

It was already 1015H when we decided to descend the mountain. As it was all downhill, it took us about 35 minutes to find our way back to the resort/park.

Although you will find limited posts about Mt. Balungao in the internet, Bentot informed us that it is already a staple among the most seasoned mountaineers and even casual hikers who just happen to enjoy the Park.

Traipsing Chronicles 015
012.031.014

Mt. Balungao
Balungao, Pangasinan
Category: Minor Climb - 2/9
Highlights: Pure Assault; Forested Trail; Bamboo Forest; grassland; unobstructed views of the Cordillera, Caraballo, sierra Madre and Zambales Mountain ranges including the fertile plains of Central Luzon and several lakes

Actual Itinerary

0645H  -  Depart from 7-11 Paniqui Junction
0730H  -  Arrival at the Balungao Hilltop Adventure (jumpoff)
0815H  -  Commence Hike
0835H  -  Arrival at the roped segment
0850H  -  Arrival at the bamboo grove
0900H  -  Arrival at the grassland
0905H  -  Arrival at the camp site  -  Long Break / Photo Ops
0920H  -  Commence hike to the Summit
0925H  -  Arrival at the   -  Photo Ops
0940H  -  Descend back to the camp site  -  Photo Ops at the Eastern Viewdeck
0950H  -  Commence descent to the jumpoff / resort
1005H  -  Arrival at the half-way mark  -  Break
1025H  -  Arrival at the jumpoff  -  Rest
1100H  -  Wash-up
1200H  -  Departure from jumpoff to Home

Guide. It is mandatory for hikers to hire the services of a guide. We do not know if the P400.00 that Bentot charged us (2 persons) is the mandatory rate, So, just try to make use of your haggling skills should you wish to try to request for a discount.

You may contact Joven (a.k.a. Bentot) at +639303531165.

Overnight Camping. According to Bentot, overnight campers should first secure permission from the local government unit of Balungao. Mt. Balungao has that kind of summit where you can enjoy both the sunrise and the sunset.

You may contact Bentot regarding this or choose to call Balungao Hilltop Adventure for inquiries.

***Update as of February 5, 2015
"We tried to schedule the Anniversary Climb of the Skookum Mountaineers in Mt. Balungao. However, when we contacted Mr. Gerry Acosta, the Tourism Officer of Balungao, we were told that they do not allow overnight campers at the campsite."

Balungao Hilltop Adventure. This serves as the jumpoff point for the hike up Mt. Balungao. It was previously just a Hot Spring Resort which was converted by the local government unit of Balungao as an Adventure Park; complete with zipline (purportedly the longest in Asia at 1.4 kms.); ATV rentals; Trampoline; and other activities for the adrenaline junkie.

There are also swimming pools and hot tubs (spring water). Cottages are also available for P200.00. Entrance fee to the resort is P50.00 for adults and P25.00 for kids up to 4 feet in height. BHA is open from 8AM to 5PM but you wish to stay overnight at the Cabana for P800.00/room which is good for four persons each.

One of the big pools

The end of the zipline...with the ATVs and the Cabana (with 2-rooms)

The starting point of the 1.4km. zipline

For additional queries, you may contact BHA at (075) 583-8421; (075) 583-8412; +63 921 5988081; +63 932 5358687 and +63 939 4484799.

You may also choose to click on this link for further information: http://www.balungao.org/

Wash-up. Bentot allowed us to make use of the cold spring water pool, the hot water pools, and the shower facilities of the resort for free.

How-to-get-there - Mt. Balungao is accessible to both private and public transport. And with the constructions of the TPLEX, it has even become more accessible than ever.

Private Transport. Just pass through the NLEX, the SCTEX (turn right towards Tarlac/Baguio after the toll gate), and continue until you reach the TPLEX. Take the Carmen Rosales Exit and turn right at the Pangasinan-Nueva Ecija/Nueva Vizcaya Highway. After the town of Rosales, you will reach the Balungao. After the town proper (passing the Saint Joseph Parish Church and the Town Hall), be mindful of the sign that will point the way to Mt. Balungao. You will need to turn right once you see this. BHA is at least 3.70kms from here. There are road signs that will lead you the way.

From Trinoma Mall in Quezon City, travel time to Mt. Balungao is 2.5 to 3.5 hours depending on the prevailing traffic and speed of your trip.

You will see this sign after turning right from the Highway

The fork after the bridge...take the road to the right. The road on the left will take you to Cuyapo, Nueva Ecija

The Gate. That is the registration area you see through the grills of the gate.

Public Transport. Take a provincial bus going up north (Baguio, Dagupan, Urdaneta, Ilocos, La Union, Abra) and alight at the Carmen Junction in Rosales (just before the big bridge). Ride the jeepney going to Balungao and alight at the town proper. Flag down a tricycle that will take you to the BHA.

From Trinoma Mall in Quezon City, travel time would be 4 to 5 hours depending on the traffic.

In case you are taking the McArthur Highway, you will see this welcome sign before SM Rosales

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