Mt. Romelo - Buruwisan Falls + Lanzones Falls

 

Although considered as one of the more famous climbs for mountaineering newbies, Mt. Romelo is better known for its waterfalls, namely: Buruwisan Falls, Lanzones Falls, Sampaloc Falls, Sapang Labo Falls, Batya-Batya Falls, Old Buruwisan, and Twin Falls (some say there is an 8th, "Diwata Falls, but I failed to verify this with the locals) that continue to serve as its crowd-drawers throughout the year.

Located in quaint Siniloan, Laguna, Mt. Romelo (although some fondly refer to it as Mt. Famy in reference to the adjoining town of Famy, Laguna) is regarded as a fun climb at 240 MASL. Nevertheless, climbing it would not be that fun and challenging unless one is ready to get wet and dirty because of its muddy horse trails (yes, even during summer).

While some would recommend hiking Mt. Romelo at summertime because it would mean less mud on the trail, hiking during the rainy season  however would be ideal for those who would want to see any of its seven (7) waterfalls at their best and mightiest.

With all these in mind, my former officemates collectively known as P@Akyat together with my best climbing buddy (and his boxing trainer) went on a dayhike within the so-called Waterfalls Sanctuary of Eastern Laguna. While most in our group went to the Raymond Bus Terminal in Legarda (Sampaloc, Manila) at 0400H, three (3) of us decided to just wait for and hail the bus along Ortigas Avenue near Robinsons Galleria. Needless to say, the bus that will take us to Siniloan encountered some delays as it was already 0615H when the bus left the station. Fifteen (15) minutes later, we were lucky to be on board as the driver refused to stop at the gas station where we were waiting (because there was already a traffic enforcer at the intersection at that time). Hence, we had no choice but to jaywalk and run for the bus like crazy (in the middle of Ortigas and Meralco Avenue intersection).

It was 0850H when bus had a brief stop-over somewhere in the town of Mabitac, Laguna. The bus continued its trip after fifteen (15) minutes and we arrived at the junction after 10 minutes. We finally arrived at the jumpoff (opposite the KTri Restaurant) five minutes later (0920H).

After buying snacks and food for lunch at KTri, we proceeded towards and arrived at the Registration Area after a 5-10 minute walk from the highway. We paid the mandatory registration fees and after some pleasantries, we started hiking at 0945H.

The sign...on the left side of the highway

We passed by this mini dam at the residential area

Going to the jumpoff...there is a Dragonfruit Plantation on the left side of the road

The Registration Area

From the Registration Area, we passed through the hanging bridge and made our way through a number of houses and eventually entered the forest as the trail became steeper. We inched our way until we reached a clearing (It was one of the parts of the trail where there are no forest cover). The view of some parts of Laguna and Rizal were spectacular as the rustic scene of the countryside is really something to behold. We again entered the forest until we finally arrived at the 1st Station (Hut) at 1025H.

Hanging Bridge

Locals would offer their horses either to take you to Buruwisan or at least carry your bags

We were so fortunate that the trail is not that muddy and blessed with good weather

Approaching the 1st Station

A few minutes from the 1st Station, we came upon a grassland which signifies that we are already getting close to the summit of Mt. Romelo (yes, the summit comes before the waterfalls). Nonetheless, we continued hiking and decided that we shall scale the summit on our way back to the jumpoff. It was 1040H when we arrived at the 2nd Station (located just after the summit).

That is the summit of Mt. Romelo

Approaching the 2nd Station...located just a stone's throw from the summit of Mt. Romelo

From there, the rolling terrain continued towards the Third Station (Hut). The trail further led to the area (assault portion) that locals refer to as the "Bayabasan" (because of the presence of a lot of guava trees). At the top of the assault is the 4th Station (Hut), which also serves as a viewing deck since it offers verdant views of the surrounding mountains. We then passed by a house where kaingin activity was obviously being conducted owing to the rice being planted on the western portion of the trail (ridge).

And so we continue hiking...

3rd Station...before the Bayabasan

4th Station...viewdeck

#puso

Kaingin

The trail, now with a rolling terrain, became more slippery. Nevertheless, we were just so happy to continue hiking under such favorable / cloudy conditions. When we ultimately saw the campsite, we still had to negotiate one final downhill portion of the trail. At the campsite in Buruwisan, we settled in one of the huts and bought fresh buko (PhP20.00) for refreshment.

final downhill...going to the Campsite...Buruwisan Falls

Buruwisan Campsite

The campsite at that time was really teeming with activities. Some campers are enjoying the cool waters of the river, some are pitching tents, while others were just whiling away time. As for us, we wasted no time and decided to eat lunch before exploring the falls.

Hikers may also rent the huts for the night.

We decided to go first to the Lanzones Falls. The trail was really slippery hence we had to be extra careful in negotiating it. Our guide decided to take us through the longer (but easier route). After about fifteen minutes of hiking and river trekking/crossing, we finally had a glimpse of Lanzones Falls. We were really brimming with excitement and were overwhelmed by the anticipation of dipping in its cold and refreshing pool. We really enjoyed Lanzones Falls since we were the only group there at that time.

Lanzones Falls

Skookumjump

After almost an hour, we decided to continue towards Buruwisan Falls. I'd say it really is impressive. With its 100 ft. drop, no wonder, the place is also famous for rappelling among mountaineers. We really had fun swimming and enjoying each others company.

Too bad, since we arrived and started late, we were advised not to proceed to Batya-Batya Falls anymore. Maybe it is an incentive for us to go back here and experience the other falls aside from Lanzones and Buruwisan.

Buruwisan...from afar

The beauty that is Buruwisan Falls

yihaa

on the other side

It was already 1530H when we left the campsite. However, we still spent time to finally summit Mt. Romelo and were really awed by the majestic view of the surrounding mountains and of Laguna Lake. We even saw a hawk gliding gracefully in the air. Hiking with old and new friends alike is really worth every while.

...back to the jumpoff we go...

The windmills of Pililla

...what remains of a fence

At the Summit

The solitary coconut tree at the summit.

Hikers...

Credit goes to Klein Cajucom for this photo
L to R: Klein, Abe, Jay, Gani, Oliver, Jenica, Cathy, Kei, Abby, Marco

The place is really a paradise, a haven not only of mountaineers but also of casual hikers and weekend warriors. So if you are planning to hike your first mountain, or just to have a respite from the hustle and bustle of the Metro, then Mt. Romelo and its waterfalls is one of the best places that you can opt to go to.


Traipsing Chronicles 026
008.030.015
Mt. Romelo
Brgy. Macatad, Siniloan, Laguna
Jump off point: Brgy. Macatad, Siniloan, Laguna
Minor Climb: 2/9
Highlights: Seven (7) nearby falls, views of Laguna Lake, Mt. Sembrano and the Windmills of Pililla, the rest of Sierra Madre, including the numerous fruit trees along the trail.

Actual Itinerary Mt. Romelo - Buruwisan Falls and Lanzones Falls

0400H  -  Meet-up Raymond Bus Terminal (Legarda, Sampaloc, Manila)
0615H  -  Departure from the bus station
0630H  -  Bus arrives at the intersection of Ortigas and Meralco Avenues
0850H  -  Stop over in Mabitac Laguna
0915H  -  Arrival at the junction
0920H  -  Arrival at the jumpoff to Mt. Romelo / Buruwisan / KTri Restaurant
0930H  -  Arrival at the Registration Area
0945H  -  Commence hiking
1025H  -  Arrival at the 1st Station / Hut
1040H  -  Arrival at the 2nd Station / Hut
1050H  -  Arrival at the 3rd Station / Hut
1100H  -  Arrival at the 4th Station / Hut / viewdeck after the Bayabasan
1120H  -  Arrival at the Campsite in Buruwisan / Lunch
1230H  -  Proceed to Lanzones Falls
1250H  -  Lanzones Falls / Swimming
1350H  -  Proceed to  Buruwisan Falls
1405H  -  Buruwisan Falls / Swimming
1510H  -  Back at the campsite
1530H  -  Hike back to the jumpoff
1610H  -  Arrival at the summit of Mt. Romelo
1640H  -  Proceed to the jumpoff
1700H  -  Arrival at the jumpoff / washup at the registration center
1810H  -  Walk back to the highway
1820H  -  Ride tricycle back to the junction in Famy / Dinner
2000H  -  UV Express Van left Famy for Legarda
1000H  -  Arrival in Ortigas Ave. cor. EDSA / Robinsons Galleria

Transportation 

Public Transport

Bus

Take the Raymond Bus Lines bound to Infanta, Quezon. Its bus terminal is located in Legarda St., Sampaloc, Manila. It is just a few minutes’ walk from the Nagtahan Flyover and the LRT Line 2 Legarda Station. Just inform the bus conductor / driver that you will are going to Buruwisan Falls / Mt. Romelo and they already know where to drop you off in Brgy. Macatad, Siniloan, Laguna.

In Macatad, there is the KIA3 Restaurant (so you can eat breakfast here) on left side of the road (Manila bound) and Buruwisan Multi Falls signage on the right (Quezon Bound). Travel time is about 2 – 3 hours, fare is Php110.00 for non-air-conditioned and Php120.00 for air-conditioned.

UV Express

In Legarda, there are also UV Express Vans going to nearby Famy, Laguna (until the junction going to Real, Quezon. The fare is PhP120.00. Travel time is 2 to 2 1/2 hours depending on the traffic.

From the intersection in Famy, hail a tricycle and tell the driver that you are going to Buruwisan (they already know where to go). The fare is Php20.00 per person.

The more complicated option:

In Shaw Boulevard Crossing (EDSA), take jeepney going to Tanay, Rizal. In Tanay, take the jeepney bound for Famy / Siniloan. Once in Famy (if there is no jeepney going straight ot Siniloan), take a tricycle going to Brgy. Macatad or just tell the driver that you are going to the Buruwisan Falls.

Private Transport

Just take Ortigas Avenue until you reach Antipolo City and take the right side of the highway going to the Rizal Provincial Capitol. Just follow the road until you reach the zigzag portion leading to the town of Teresa. You will likewise pass by Baras but before the town proper, you will have to take the other highway leading to Pililla, Rizal.

Continue to traverse the highway and you will reach the towns of Sta. Maria and Mabitac in Laguna. Once you reach the junction in the town of Famy, turn left towards the highway leading to Real, Quezon (Your landmark in this area is the big Red Horse Beer sign on the right side of the highway). The jumpoff to Buruwisan Falls (Mt. Romelo) is located on the right side of the highway 5 to 10 minutes from the junction. On the other side of the road is the KTri Restaurant. Parking is available at the Registration Area.

Registration. The registration and payment of the Php50.00 fee per hiker is mandatory.

Guides. Although Mt. Romelo's interweaving horse trails would relatively end on the same point and so chances of getting lost is actually very minimal, local guides are available at the jumpoff. As of this writing, the prevailing rate is PhP300.00 one way. Nonetheless, hiring a guide is not mandatory.

Wash Up. Hikers may tidy up after the hike at the Registration Area for Php15.00 per person.