Mt. Arayat - Traversing the pride of the Central Plains

Growing up in the fertile plains of Central Luzon, Mt. Arayat is one of the then very few mountains that I am familiar with. Knowing that it was an extinct (or was it dormant?) volcano so close to home added to the mystique that it radiates everytime we would pass by the North Luzon Expressway on the way to and from Metro Manila. As such, there always was that desire in me to climb this sentinel of the verdant plains and home to the mystical Mariang Sinukuan. Hence, with our supposed climb in Mt. Pulag, we finally decided to do an Arayat Traverse (“ArayTrav”) dayhike as one of the needed practice climbs.

Mt. Arayat (taken from the highway in Arayat Town)

It was already 0420H when we arrived at the Bataan Transit Terminal in Cubao, Quezon City (it shares the same terminal with Five Star Bus). At 0440H, the bus went on its intended journey as we desperately tried to get some needed sleep. We were so fortunate to be stirred at the right time as we were roused from our deep slumber just as the bus reached the Robinsons Starmills.

We then debated amongst us if we are going to take the jeepney towards Arayat town and from there, just hail another jeepney going to Magalang or go straight to the SM Public Transport Terminal and wait for the 1st trip going straight to Magalang. Until we finally decided to try our luck at the SM Public Transport Terminal.

The jeepney ride from SM in the City of San Fernando to the town of Magalang went on for 40 minutes. I’d say it was the better choice for us sleep-deprived individuals. We went straight to Jollibee Magalang (opposite the Municipal Hall) for breakfast. On the other side is the terminal for tricycles that would take us to the jumpoff in Brgy. Ayala, which is about a fifteen minute ride. Less the formalities, it was already 0800H when we started to hike.




The driver dropped us off the 1st Station of the Cross as his tricycle was obviously having a hard time negotiating the unremitting incline up to the DENR. As first-time hikers in Mt. Arayat, we were looking for the supposed 1st registration area but the tricycle driver advised us to just go straight to the DENR. The ensuing hike from the 1st Station up to the DENR (located just after the 8th Station) served as the much needed run-up to the grueling climb ahead. At the DENR, we immediately registered and informed them that we are going to do a traditional traverse to Arayat town and that we are not going to hire a local guide. While there are no mandatory registration fees, there is a small box where you can drop your donation.

We then followed the trail until the eleventh (11th) station. From there, we took a left turn and passed by some children bidding as farewell while they were having breakfast with gusto. At the fourteenth station, we followed the footpath on the right that eventually led us to a grassland. From here, the new trail known as the "poste trail", because one just have to follow the electric posts until the summit, is already visible. A few minutes from the grassland, we arrived at the hut, which unfortunately has now become dilapidated.

Station 11...then turn left...notice the X mark on the tree on the right.

This is what is left of the hut.

Next came the "Tomb Raider Climb", a section in the trail that straddles mighty boulders replete with giant trees with clinging roots enough to exude that "Tomb Raider" feel. We actually spent a lot of time resting within this area as we took all the chances we could have to take pictures. The highlight of this part of the trail is the Tomb Raider Tree, a banyan tree the roots of which tremendously cling to a huge boulder.

Giant Boulder

At the Tomb Raider Tree

Searching for his Lara Croft...

Steep Climb

Tree with parallel trunk

rest stop

Another highlight of the trail is the Puting Bato view deck. It is a massive monolith which also serves as a viewdeck, thereby making it as one of the famous spots in Mt. Arayat. However, we chose not to go there anymore and continued hiking towards the summit (North Peak).

A few minutes from the junction leading to Puting Bato, the old and new trails will eventually merge. Nevertheless, the assault continued and there is also this roped segment, which is really a big help in negotiating a slippery and steep portion of the final assault towards the Summit area. This signified that we were already closing on the communications towers that are being guarded by the Police.

The first sighting of the communication towers / antennae and the fenced complex emerged was a relief from the unremitting climb since we knew that we have finally reached the top of Mt. Arayat. While we initially planned to eat lunch just close to the front gate of the complex, we were prevented by two friendly and playful pigs. Hence, we decided to proceed towards the camp site (North Peak / Summit area), and to our surprise, one of the policemen guarding the towers / complex is our batchmate in high school.

Magno, as we call him, gave us a very warm welcome, what with stories dating back to almost two decades ago. Hence, our initial plan to just spend 30 minutes at the North Peak became an extended stay of almost two hours.

A few meters from the rest area of the policemen is the camp site which can accommodate 10 tents more or less. There is a very beautiful view of the South Peak, the Pampanga River, and the Eastern plains of Pampanga that stretch even to nearby Nueva Ecija.

Pampanga River



The Central Plains

Summit / Camp Site (North Peak) / Communications Tower / Rest Area

On the South Side

Skookumized

SRCS Batch 96

It was already 1250H when we decided to continue our traverse to the South Peak. We followed the small path (with a very steep descent) towards the ridge between the two peaks of Mt. Arayat. We had to cling on to roots and branches during the descent so as to prevent us from slipping. I'd be honest in saying that the descent is really dangerous. As such, caution must really be exercised during this descent to the ridge.

Subsequently, the trail along the ridgeline required a lot of persistence. It likewise has its tricky portions. As the forest here is somewhat denser, more mosquitoes are also prevalent. Hence, be alert in case you decide to take five anywhere on the ridge.The good thing is that the trail signs (yellow markers) are always present. And of course, there are also some viewpoints along the ridge. However, nothing beats the Haring Bato.

Located just within the ridge between the North and South Peaks of Mt. Arayat is a rocky formation resembling a stone watchtower, which is popularly referred to as Haring Bato.

Hugging the wall

Haring Bato

Taken along the ridge

South Summit

Mosquitoes were really very active

Haring Bato

The Haring Bato also formally signifies the traverse between the North and the South side of the mountain. Moreover, from the Haring Bato, one needs to rappel down (or in some instances, crawl) a ravine of about 15 to 20 feet. One thing I have noticed is that the rope that was set up for the purpose is really not that thick (although the rope really was just a recent addition, so it really was more technical and harder to negotiate this drop before they have installed the same).

This is how you do it

Careful

Almost there

A-OK

After the drop, the rolling terrain will again start to ascend as you get closer to the South Peak. The trail will rise steadily until you reach the final assault, a 80-90 degree climb (yes...it is that steep) that will require you to scramble and hang on to rocks, roots and branches for support. This part of the climb necessitates one to have guts and determination. As the danger is actually real, albeit manageable, prepare yourself for this final and grueling challenge.

The apex of that final ascent is the South Summit. Too bad, tall cogon grasses, shrubs and trees obstruct the view (although it would be better if the DENR would keep it that way...remember the now bald summit of Mt. Maculot?).

The final push

In case you would want to have an excellent view of the surroundings, make your way towards the campsite a few meters from the summit. Although marked as a dead-end ( X mark), there is a viewdeck referred to as the South Peak. In our case, we did not continue to the viewdeck anymore as we decided to continue and descend towards the town of Arayat.

At the South Summit

 From the South Peak, there are at least two camp sites. Nonetheless, I would say that the camp site nearest to the South Peak as the better one. Well, there are limited (if there is actually any) water sources in Mt. Arayat, and it seems that mosquitoes are less prevalent in this camp site as it has a wider clearing. The forest is also denser in the second camp site.

Subsequent to the South Peak and the camp sites, the trail shall gradually start to descend to the boulders I would refer to as the "Batuhan". Although the entire climb has already been back-breaking and knee-busting, I'd say that this part of the climb (descent) will definitely take its toll on your knees, ankles, and feet. And as per our estimate, we were still early for our intended itinerary, so we decided to take an extended break and enjoyed the sound of rushing leaves, the occasional chirping of birds, and even the call of a gecko. We also let two lady hikers (foreigners and their guide) to go first before us. Feeling refreshed, we moved on and advanced towards the DENR in Arayat.

A few minutes of continuous hiking and we finally reached the grassland. Throughout the hike, aside from the small patch of grassland on the North Side (before the hut), this is the other instance that the trail will become open. The grassland, with the occasional presence of trees, continued until we reached some farm lands. We had an idea of how long the hike will continue since the horizon is pretty much visible from the trail.

Wanting to finish the hike, and wishing to finally have a refreshing bath, we pushed ourselves to continue hiking until the DENR Station. From the farmlands, we were relieved upon seeing the concrete road, knowing that we were already close to the DENR in Arayat. It was already 1610H when we finally reached it.

The concrete road signifies that you have arrived at the DENR in Arayat town

#Mt.Arayat

Ranger Station

DENR / Ranger Station

Finally...on the way home

The traverse from Magalang to Arayat town is really one of the more challenging dayhikes. It also is one of the more technical ones, comparable to its counterpart in the South, Mt. Makiling (...but the latter is really a harder climb). Now, with this climb, we have finally made a childhood fancy of traversing this sentinel of the Central Plains come true.


Traipsing Chronicles 030
011.030.015
Mt. Arayat - Traverse
Magalang / Arayat, Pampanga
Jump off point: Brgy. Ayala, Magalang, Pampanga
Exit point: Brgy. San Juan Baño, Arayat, Pampanga
Major Climb: 5/10
Highlights: Stations of the Cross at Magalang Side; Forest Trails, Tomb Raider Tree, White Rock, Haring Bato; views of the Central Plains of Luzon, Pampanga River, and the Zambales Mountain Range.

Actual Itinerary - #Araytrav

Mt. Arayat - Traverse

0400H  -  Meet-up Bataan Transit Bus Terminal (5-Star Bus Terminal) - Cubao, QC
0440H  -  Bus departs the terminal
0535H  -  Arrival in Robinsons Starmills / SM Pampanga
0630H  -  Jeepney departs the SM Public Transport Terminal for Magalang
0715H  -  Arrival in Magalang, Pampanga - Breakfast at Jollibee
0735H  -  Hailed a tricycle on the other side of the road for Brgy. Ayala
0800H  -  Arrival in Brgy. Ayala - Tricycle drops us before the 1st Station
0810H  -  Arrival at the Registration Area / DENR - After the 8th Station / Register
0815H  -  Commence Hiking
0830H  -  Arrival at 12th Station - take the trail on the right
0900H  -  Arrival at the Kubo (now in a state of disrepair) - opposite the Mango Tree
0915H  -  Arrival at the boulders - rest photo-ops
0930H  -  Arrival at the Tomb Raider Tree - more photo-ops
1010H  -  Arrival at the junction to White Rock viewdeck (we decided not to go here anymore)
1040H  -  Arrival at the junction of the old and new trails
1100H  -  Arrival at Summit / North Peak / Tower Station
                   L U N C H - Long Break
1250H  -  Commence Traverse
1335H  -  Arrival at the Haring Bato / Rappel Down
1430H  -  Arrival at South Peak / Explore the Camp site
1445H  -  Commence traverse to Arayat side                 
1520H  -  Arrival at the end of the Boulders Zone / Rest Stop
1545H  -  Arrival at the grassland
1610H  -  Arrival at the Ranger Station - Arayat Side
                   W A S H - U P  (Ranger Station)
1700H  -  Departure from the Ranger Station to Arayat Town Proper
1920H  -  Arrival at SM Pampanga (Heavy Traffic because ongoing road constructions)
2030H  -  Depart from SM Pampanga to Manila (UV Express)
2200H  - Arrival in Cubao, Quezon City

Budget:

Php 102.00 - Cubao QC to SM Pampanga (San Fernando) - via Bataan Transit
Php   30.00 - SM Pampanga to Magalang - Jeepney ride
Php   60.00 - Jollibee Magalang to Brgy. Ayala - tricycle (we actually paid Php 120.00 for 2 pax)
Php   20.00 - Registration Fee - Brgy. San Juan Baño, Arayat, Pampanga - Ranger Station / Traverse
Php   50.00 - Ranger Station to Arayat Jeepney Terminal / Town Proper - tricycle (per pax)
Php   28.00 - Arayat to SM Pampanga - Jeepney ride
Php 130.00 - UV Express - SM Pampanga to Cubao QC
___________

Php420.00  -  Total budget

*We forgot to give a donation at the Registration Area in Magalang-DENR (so factor this out).

**We are not sure if the washup at the DENR is for free as we left the area with me thinking that Gani has already paid for it, and as for him, it's the other way around. Nevertheless, they did not ask us for payment or they just failed to ask us for the payment also.

Getting There

Public Transport. Ride the bus that will pass through the SM Pampanga Bus Stop in the City of San Fernando (bound for Balanga, Mariveles in Bataan; Olongapo, Iba, Sta. Cruz in Zambales). Genesis Bus, Victory Liner, and Bataan Transit are just some of the Bus Companies plying the route (All these have terminals along EDSA in Cubao). One-way fare is Php102.00 (via Bataan Transit)

Once in SM Pampanga, you have two options, should you choose the first option, wait for the Magalang bound jeepney at the SM Public Transport Terminal, which is located in front of SM and opposite Mercury Drug and Sogo Hotel. The first trip usually leaves as 0600H. Fare is Php30.00.

The second option would mean riding the jeepney bound for Arayat and then asking then to drop you off the terminal for Magalang bound jeepneys. Also, there are more jeepneys plying the Arayat-San Fernando route during the early part of the day. Once in Arayat, take the jeepney bound for Magalang.

Whichever option you choose, tell the jeepney driver to drop you off Jollibee (located opposite the Magalang Municipal Hall). You may take breakfast here. Then hail a tricycle at the terminal opposite Jollibee and the Municipal Hall. Tell the driver to bring you to Barangay Ayala. They already know where to bring you. As for us, the driver drop us off the 1st Station of the Cross since his motorcycle seemed to have had difficulties in ascending up to the end of the pavement. We paid Php120.00 for the "special trip".

Private Transport. Go up north through the North Luzon Expressway. Take the Angeles City Exit and then follow the road towards Magalang (left turn from the exit). Continue straight until you reach Jollibee (on your right) and the Magalang Municipal Hall (left-front side).

Turn left and then turn right on the road after the Municipal Hall. Follow the road signs leading to the different resorts (including Abe's Farm). You may park your vehicle in any of the available resorts or just before the DENR.

Guides. Guides are available at both the Magalang and Arayat sides of the mountain. However, in Magalang, hiring of guides are mandatory only to those who are first-time hikers in Mt. Arayat. The usual fee for a dayhike is Php500.00.

For a traverse, the guide fee shoots up to a staggering Php1,200.00 (depending on you haggling skills).

On the Arayat side of the mountain, hiring of guides are strictly mandatory.

Trail Signs. Trail signs are present throughout the length of the trail. Still, a good bearing and awareness of one's surroundings is essential for hikers/climbers to be able to complete the summit without a guide.

trail sign...look for this and you will never get lost