Mt. Batolusong - Mapatag Plateau, Rangyas Peak traverse to Kay-Ibon Falls

As a practice climb for our hike up Mt. Pulag, I decided to go back to the mountain that I last climbed. But now, I was with my former officemates (and two potential mountaineers) Marco and Cathy.

Mt. Batolusong

It was already 0450H when I was able to fetch them at the LRT2 Cubao Station (McDonalds Gateway Mall). We then continued eastward going to Cogeo. Upon reaching Cogeo, we decided to eat breakfast at an eatery near the junction. We also bought additional provisions here.

As I was already familiar with the way going to Brgy. San Andres, we were able to reach the Brgy. Hall at 0715H. Again, it was Mang Tony who welcomed us and he recognized me from my past climb a couple of weeks ago. I immediately asked him if the "Bangkaan Falls" is already open, unfortunately he said that work still has to be done at the falls before they can finally open it for hikers.

It was so nice chatting with Mang Tony and he offered the perfect idea for us to do the traverse to Kay-Ibon Falls and just hire a tricycle who will wait for us on a pre-agreed time at Marcos highway (Kay-ibon Trail). Finally, we can do the traverse. We paid the P20.00 registration fee at the Barangay Hall, and were then introduced to our very jovial and efficient guide (Wenny).

It was 0815 when we left the Barangay Hall and pushed our way to the trailhead up the Duhatan Ridge. We reached the stairway to the assault to Duhatan at 0830H. While resting, we had some photo-ops and even talked about the trees in the area.

We also took brief rest along the trail, until we reached the 1st water source at 0855H. Here, we met some locals who unfortunately were kaingeros. According to Wennie, the kaingeros plant brown rice which they actually sell at about P90.00 per kilo. While they burn mostly the portions that are planted with cogon and boho, Wennie mentioned that starting next year, the DENR will ultimately prohibit kaingin farming within the area of Mt. Batolusong, and forest rangers will be deployed to guard the mountain and the seedlings that they aim to plant there. (Sigh...1 year is a long way to go.)




At 0925H, we arrived at the rest stop made by the local guides. This place is actually teeming with Narra trees so the area is really a very good place for hikers to rest. However, this is the last part of forest as this will subsequently give way to the grassland.

Rest Stop

and the Grassland begins

We then arrived at the 2nd and final watersource at 0945H. And at 0955H we finally reached the Duhatan Ridge. Duhatan Ridge really offers a very good respite from the heat of the sun. Since Wennie mentioned that we are still ahead of our itinerary, he recommended that we push for Summit 3 (Rangyas Peak) and eat lunch there

Approaching Duhatan

Finally...Summit 1

Love 'em mountains

It was already 1025H when we left Duhatan Ridge. As we inch our way towards Mapatag Plateau, it was obvious that there recently was a fire in the area as the golden cogon grass that swayed with the wind when I first climbed Batolusong a few weeks ago, seem to have turned into wasteland. While the grass will surely grow, the sad part is that the small trees, wild orchids, and other plants were either damaged or completely annihilated.

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We passed by Mapatag Plateau and reached the rest stop at the Bohoan at 1110H.

Approaching the barbed wire fence before Mapatag Plateau

Mt. Batolusong

At 1130H, we reached the wall. This is the part of the trail where you choose whether to take the scenic route (scale the rock wall) or go through the longer route at the northern side of the mountain. While I chose the scenic route, Marco and Cathy took the conventional one.

It really is not that hard to climb the rock wall. You just have to make sure that the rock that you are stepping or holding on will not give way because there are loose rocks and soil around. Once you are able to scale the wall, there will be a final ascent through cogon grass until you reach the summit. Although it took me 3 minutes to reach the summit, it took another 10 minutes for Marco and Cathy to finally reach the summit. It was 1145 when they made it to Rangyas Peak.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               

While we were busy taking pictures, Wennie was also pointing to us some of the landmarks. Of course there is the Susong Dalaga Peak, Mt. Tatawiran (which according to him is a very beautiful mountain), Mt. Irid, the area where Daraitan is located, and even Masungi Rock Formations.

Wennie even mentioned that the local government of Tanay has a plan to build a trail from Rangyas Peak through its middle forest which will ultimately lead to Kay-Ibon Falls. Also, he mentioned that the guides will build another trail to all of the peaks (just like that in Mt. Batulao) up to the other side of the mountain where there was a Japanese Tunnel filled with war paraphernalia like helmets, canteens, and military wear. (Sorry I forgot the name of this mountain). According to Wennie, this is where the Japanese retreated during the war, so there is a plan to make it open to hikers.

We decided to descend Rangyas Peak when we saw a larger group of mountaineers at Mapatag Plateau inching their way towards the Bohoan. It was 1315 when we started to go down Summit 3.

We met the mountaineers at the rest in Bohoan. After saying a few pleasantries and words of encouragement, we continued our way towards Kay-Ibon Falls. It was already 1335 when we reached Mapatag Plateau. Of course, we made sure that we do the customary photo-ops even with the sun intensely beaming.

We reached the Kay-Ibon Trail junction at 1350H. From here, the trail is downward sloping so it will be a relatively easier trek until we reach the falls, and ultimately the Highway. We decided to take some rest under the shade of one of the Duhat trees before the bend going down the side of the mountain.

As we were making our way towards the residential area near Kay-Ibon falls, we saw firsthand how devastating a forest fire really is. I just feel so sorry for the small trees that were gutted in the area.

It was 1445H when we reached the watersource near the residential area. Too bad, it seemed that the water was affected by the forest fire since it really has a funny taste and was hotter than usual. So we decided not to get water from this source anymore.

We continued to follow the foothpath until we passed by what seemed to be an abandoned gamefarm as evidenced by the teepees that remained. According to Wennie, the owner of that place is the same person who previously maintained a cattle farm in Mapatag. According to him, that person has an alleged claim of more than 200 hectares. We even passed by a mojon along the trail that supposedly marked the boundary of his claim.

Then we heard gushing water on the left side of the trail, a sign that the falls is already near. We turned left and followed the footpath within a bamboo grove. A few strides and we finally arrived at Kay-Ibon Falls. We were all so relieved. It was 1500 when we reached Kay-Ibon Falls

Shower

We took a rest for some minutes and then gamely tested the waters. It was so cold and refreshing. All the time spent along the trail was worth it.

It was 1545H when we decided to leave the falls for the highway. There were a lot of trees in the area so the heat of the sun is not really a problem. At 1605H, we reached the Marcos Highway (trailhead of the Kay-Ibon Trail. We had to wait for the tricycle that will fetch us. It arrived fifteen minutes later since the driver that was supposed to fetch us had to attend an occasion in the nearby town. We finally reached Brgy. San Andres at 1640H.

...and the end is near...we have finally reached Marcos Highway

from the trailhead...the right side goes to Cogeo

Crossing to the other side...

The Trailhead...a relatively easy hike of 15-20 minutes

This is the best landmark for the trailhead of the Kay-Ibon Trail

At 1710H, we were finally on our way back to Cubao, tired but were all delighted by the adventure that we just had.

Traipsing Chronicles 019 
004.012.015

Mt. Batolusong - Rangyas Peak traverse to Kay-Ibon Falls
Brgy. San Andres, Tanay, Rizal
Category: Minor Climb
Highlights: rolling grasslands; unobstructed views of the nearby flatlands, Laguna de Bay, Talim Island and Mt. Tagapo; Mt. Sembrano, Mt. Makiling and the Sierra Madre Mountain Range; and if lucky, there can also sea of clouds.

Actual Itinerary

0430H  -  Assembly - McDonalds - LRT2 / Gateway Mall
0450H  -  Departure for Brgy. San Andres, Tanay, Rizal
0530H  -  Breakfast in a pancitan in Cogeo / Buy provisions

0620H  -  Left Cogeo for Batangasan Junction
0705H  -  Arrival at Batangasan Junction; take left turn to Brgy. San Andres
0715H  -  Arrival at Brgy. Hall, San Andres, Tanay, Rizal - Register / Secure Guide
0745H  -  Commence Hike
0830H  -  Arrival at Trailhead to Duhatan Ridge
0855H  -  Reached the 1st watersource
0925H  -  Arrival at the Narrahan Rest Stop
0945H  -  Arrival at the 2nd Watersource
0955H  -  Arrival at the Duhatan Ridge
1025H  -  Commence Hike to Rangyas Peak
1110H  -  Arrival at the Bohoan rest stop
1130H  -  Arrival at the Wall
1145H  - Arrival at the Summit of Rangyas Peak / Summit 3 (via scenic route)

L U N C H  - Photo - Ops

1315H  -  Descend Rangyas Peak - for Kay-Ibon Falls

1335H  -  Arrival at Mapatag Plateau / Photo-ops

1350H  -  Arrival at Kay-Ibon Junction

1410H  -  Arrival at the Duhat Tree before the bend / rest

1445H  -  Arrival at the 3rd watersource / located near the residential area

1300H  -  Arrival at the Kay-Ibon Falls

1345H  -  Depart from Kay-Ibon Falls for Marcos Highway (trailhead)

1605H  -  Arrival at Marcos Highway

1615H  -  Boarded the tricycle for Brgy. San Andres

1635H  -  Arrival in Brgy. San Andres

1715H  -  Left Brgy. San Andres for Cubao, Q.C.

1910H  -  Arrival in Cubao, Q.C.

Links:

 Mt. Batolusong - Rangyas Peak - Sangab Cave