Maynoba Circuit - Mt. Maynoba + Mt. Cayabu + 8 waterfalls

“We were not pioneers ourselves, but we journeyed over old trails that were new to us, and with hearts open. Who shall distinguish?”

                                                         ― J. Monroe Thorington, The Glittering Mountains of Canada: A Record of                                                                           Exploration and Pioneer Ascents in the Canadian Rockies, 1914-1924

A new tramping ground has recently been launched in Tanay, Rizal. Dubbed as Maynoba Circuit, it was formally opened last March 22, 2016. And this early, I am sure that the Maynoba Circuit will soon be in the bucket list of mountaineers, hikers, climbers, and weekend warriors.

Mt. Maynoba

Mt. Maynoba / Mt. Cayabu

Climbing the Maynoba Circuit would entail climbing Mt. Maynoba and Mt. Cayabu. But the added bonus of having a chance to take a dip in any, if not all of the 8 waterfalls that may be found along the trail surely makes this climb undeniably enticing to everyone.

Having overslept (because I again dozed off after acknowledging the alarm that I have set), it was already 0545H when I arrived at the McDonald’s in Marco Highway to fetch my best hiking buddy (Gani). And after buying some of our needed provisions at a convenience store in Cogeo, we went straight to finding Brgy. Cayabu (Tanay, Rizal).

It was already 0720H when we arrived at Mar-ning’s Resort, the jump-off point for the Maynoba Circuit. After paying the registration fees and securing our local guide for the day, we started hiking at 0745H. Thinking that what we are going to climb is the mountain opposite the resort, we were actually surprised when our guide led us towards the back of the resort.

Welcome to Mar-Nings Farm and Resort

Swimming pool

We initially hiked on rice paddies (one can actually survey the course of the hike here) until we reached the dirt path that eventually led to the “bamboo gate”. We then reached the bohoan at 0800H. While the initial terrain is mainly ascending, there are also some rolling parts that may serve as a breather for the harder climbs ahead.

Rice field at the back of Mar-Ning's

Approaching the dirt path

The Bamboo Gate

Deeper into the woods

Bohoan...locals use these to make sawali

This "bulak" tree on the right side of the trail will signify the start of the assault to the Kakawate Ridge

The bohoan will give way to an open terrain which also serves as the beginning of the unremitting climb to Kakawate Ridge (sorry I just coined this term because of the Kakawate Trees seen along the ridge). We were able to reach the Kakawate Ridge at 0840H. But because of the energy-sapping heat of the sun (courtesy of the Philippine Summer) we decided to spend some time there. At 0855H we commenced hiking towards the summit of Mt. Maynoba to the left. Hiking along the Kakawate Ridge reminded us of Mt. Batulao and its magnificent views.

Open Trail with very few trees that will offer much needed shade

Talahiban

Kakawate Ridge...going to the peak on the right side

Limited shade

Enchanting view at the ridge

Trail to the summit

The white structure on top of the mountain opposite Mt. Maynoba is supposedly a camp of the SAF

From the ridge, there is that one final assault towards the summit of Mt. Maynoba. This would be similar to the ascending climb to the Kakawate Ridge, albeit shorter. We finally reached the 1st summit (with the flag) (I mentioned summit since this is what our guide told us) of Mt. Maynoba at 0915H.

Approaching the summit

Thanks to the tree-planting activities of the DENR courtesy of the locals

Final push to the summit

Kakawate Ridge...the backview 

The mountains are calling.

A sitio that is part of Antipolo already

At the summit, we had an unobstructed view of the rest of Sierra Madre. Our guide (Ryan) pointed to us Susong Dalaga Peak in Mt. Batolusong, the resort owned by a famous singer-actress, and where Mt. Irid actually is. The summit also serves as a campsite.

Susong Dalaga Peak...on the far left

The mountain resort of a famous singer-actress

With our guide...Ryan San Juan

Smiley

The Flag

Best friends...hiking buddies

It was 0930H when we continued hiking towards Mt. Cayabu. Along the trail, we encountered two blue PVC pipes that supposedly serve as markers for the actual boundary of Tanay and Antipolo. The trail towards Mt. Cayabu is similar to the final assault to the Southern Summit of Mt. Sembrano. We reached the summit of Mt. Maynoba (I have my reservations but our guide said that this is the summit of Mt. Cayabu, since it is just one contiguous mountain which necessarily has just one summit) at 0945H.

Tree Planting / Narra

PVC Pipe / Borderline of Tanay and Antipolo

Approaching Mt. Cayabu

Mt. Maynoba Summit (Mt. Cayabu summit daw sabi ng guide namin)

Mt. Maynoba’s summit, which is marked by huge protruding boulder in the middle also serves as a campsite. While it is actually more expansive that the campsite with the flag, the true summit of Mt. Maynoba has similar attributes with that of the former. Nonetheless, there are big boulders here where hikers may opt to do some buwis buhay and profile pic shots. The first set of boulders is located five (5) meters from the trail, while the other is just along the trail.

Hurray for Today! (Mt. Maynoba Summit)

Boulder

It ain't complete without a jumpshot!

Wanna test my Kung Fu?

Lonesome...in the sea of grass

Smiley!

Hang Loose!

Boulders

It was already 1010H when we left the boulders for the waterfalls. From here, the descent went on until we ultimately reach the forest. It was really a relief to finally have a natural shield from the rays of the sun. We ultimately reached the water source at the bohoan at 1025H. After briefly refreshing ourselves, we continued towards Natatagong Paraiso ("Hidden Paradise") Falls (1st), which we finally reached at 1030H.

From the boulders...we start to descend to the waterfalls. Yipee!

Langka along the trail

Kawayanan Water Source

Natatagong Paraiso Falls

Natatagong Paraiso Falls (Falls No. 1)

It really is a hidden paradise.

We left Natatagong Paraiso at 1110H and arrived at the Maykatmon Falls (2nd) at 1120. By the way, in going to the 2nd falls, we had to descend from the top of the waterfalls through its right flank. As we had the falls to ourselves, this is where we decided to have our dose of swimming. The water is really cold and refreshing.

We did a lot of bouldering as we tried to get to all the waterfalls

May Katmon Falls (Falls No. 2)

Refreshing

We decided to leave Maykatmon for the Aynas Falls (3rd) at 1150H and arrived there after five (5) minutes. While this is one of the more impressive falls in the area, only the daring swim in its pool since it was supposedly deep. A few meters from here is the May Gugulong na Bato Falls (4th). Obviously, this falls was named as such by reason of the enormous boulder that seems to be on the verge of rolling over the falls. Judging from the number of persons there, I could say that this is actually a favorite spot for hikers to stay.

Aynas Falls (Falls No. 3)

May Gugulong na Bato Falls, taken from Aynas Falls

May Gugulong na Bato Falls (Falls No. 4)

The reason behind the name "Gugulong na Bato".

Bouldering galore

A few meters downstream is the Maynoba Falls (5th). This is an area that is also good for swimming and photo-ops. There is a hut being constructed near this falls and our guide said that this is supposed to be a toilet. I just hope the locals would consider the impact of this toilet since it is located just 10 meters from it.

Maynoba Falls

Maynoba Falls (Falls No. 5)

The toilet, which incidentally is located very near the falls

Next is the Lantay na Bato Falls (6th). While the area is not that impressive as compared to the others, this area is a good place to rest since there is a bamboo bench where people may stay. Besides, the thick canopy in the area would really be a welcome respite to the hot and humid surroundings.

Lantay na Bato (6th Falls)

6th

The bamboo bench

The Maybangka Falls (7th) is also a very good place for swimming. The pool is clear though deep in some parts. Hence, those who would elect to swim should exercise caution.

May Bangka Falls (7th Falls)

The water is so inviting :)

And finally, we reached the Magpantay Falls (8th) at 1210H. This is the smallest of all the waterfalls and is just a meter high. However, the water in its pool is very inviting. And since the waterfall itself is tucked between big boulders, this is also ideal for those who enjoy photo-ops.

Magpantay Falls

Magpantay Falls (8th)

At 1215, we finally decided to commence hiking back at the jumpoff point. We came into a pineapple plantation and there are a lot of hikers that chose to spend some time there. We made a series of river crossings until we reach the the covered spring that serves as the water supply of the people of Barangay Cayabu, which incidentally is located just after the huge balete tree. A number of river crossings again followed until we arrived at the local community and took a left turn towards the river and the “dam/pond” that we had to cross.

Pineapples

Balete Tree

enclosed Spring

Crossing the dam / pond

From here we emerged at the rice paddies at the back of Mar-Ning’s and finally arrived back at the jumpoff point at 1240H

**I have seen posts regarding the names of the falls in Maynoba-Cayabu Circuit. And some have different names for the falls from those mentioned in this post. Just to clarify, the names of the falls mentioned here are based on the information that we gathered from our guide (Mr. Ryan San Juan).


Traipsing Chronicles 035
004.024.016
Mt. Maynoba + Mt. Cayabu + 8 waterfalls
Brgy. Cayabu, Tanay, Rizal
Jump off point: Mar-ning's Farm and Resort, Brgy. Cayabu, Tanay, Rizal
Minor Climb: 3/9
Highlights: Panoramic view of the other peaks in the Sierra Madre; 8 water falls; bouldering; river crossings.

Actual Itinerary:

0530H - Departure from West Ave., Quezon City
0545H - McDonald's Marcos Highway / Purchase breakfast
0600H - Departure from 7-11 Cogeo
0720H - Arrival at Mar-ning's Farm and Resort
0745H - Start Hiking
0800H - Arrival at Bohoan
0840H - Arrival at Kakawate Ridge / Rest / Photo-ops
0855H - Commence final climb to Mt. Maynoba Summit
0915H - Arrival at Mt. Maynoba Summit (with the flag)/ Photo-ops
0930H - Left Maynoba Summit for Mt. Cayabu
0945H - Arrival at Mt. Maynoba (true summit) (Mt. Cayabu Summit according to our guide) / Photo-ops at the Summit and Boulders
1010H - Departure from the Boulders
1025H - Arrival at the Kawayanan Water Source
1030H - Arrival at Natatagong Paraiso Falls (1st falls) / Early Lunch
1110H - Departure at Natatagong Paraiso for Maykatmon Falls
1120H - Arrival at Maykatmon Falls (2nd falls) / Swimming
1150H - Departure from Maykatmon to Ayngas Falls
1155H - Arrival at Ayngas Falls and May Gugulong ns Bato Falls (3rd and 4th falls)
1200H - Arrival at Maynoba Falls (5th falls)
1205H - Arrival at Lantay na Bato Falls and May Bangka Falls (6th and 7th falls)
1210H - Arrival at Magpantay Falls (8th and last falls)
1215H - Departure for Mar-ning's / JOP
1225H - Arrival at the Spring / Bukal (enclosed) / Huge Balete Tree
1235H - Arrival at the Dam / Pond
1240H - Arrival at Mar-ning's / Back at JOP / Wash-up
1350H - Departure from Mar-ning's to QC
1520H - Back in West Ave., QC



Getting There:

Private Transportation

From Cubao LRT2 Station, take Aurora Blvd. East Bound and continue straight to Marcos Highway. You will pass by Sta. Lucia Grand Mall, Masinag, and Cogeo. After Cogeo, you will enter the Upper Marikina Basin Protected Landscape and traverse zigzag roads.

You will pass by Palo Alto and Garden Cottages. A few meters from Kilometer Post 51, the Welcome Arch to Barangay San Andres is on the other side of the road (left side). This is actually the place that locals refer to as Batangasan or Batangas.

Follow the road that will lead you to Brgy. San Andres. The concrete road will eventually turn rough. After Brgy. San Andres comes Brgy. Sto. Niño. Once you encounter the fork in the road, take the left side (upper road). The next barangay would be Brgy. Cayabu already.

Go past the Cayabu Elementary School and the Cayabu Barangay Hall until you reach the small concrete bridge. Mar-ning's Farm and Resort is located on the left side of the road just after the said small concrete bridge.

Early morning travel from Cubao to Brgy. Cayabu is 1 hour 30 minutes more or less. Traveltime from Brgy. Cayabu to Cubao (in the afternoon/early evening) is at least 1 hour 45 minutes because of the traffic.

Public Transportation

From Cubao, take a jeep or FX to Cogeo Gate 2 Antipolo (Php 35). Once in Cogeo, proceed to the jeepney terminal and take the jeepney going to Sampaloc/Tanay. Tell the driver to drop you off at Batangasan/Batangas. (1 hour travel time).

Hire a habal-habalor tricycle to Mar-ning's Farm and Resort in Barangay Cayabu. (25 minutes travel time). You can ask the habal-habal/tricycle driver to fetch you at Mar-ning's on your desired time. The drivers would sometimes ask for advance payment. The guides at Mar-ning's can also make arrangements with the tricycle drivers in the area.

Jeeps from Sampaloc/Tanay heading back to Cogeo Gate 2 usually pass by Batangas until 7pm (they leave Sampaloc at 6:30PM). Once in Cogeo, you can finally hail a ride (FX or jeepney) going to Cubao.

Guides. Local guides are mandatory and the prevailing guide fee is Php500.00 for a dayhike, which is good for five (5) persons. Overnight guide fee is Php1,250.00. Supposedly according to our guide (Ryan), there are only 26 guides in Cayabu. Hence, there are times (and to think that this is just a newly opened mountain) that no guides are available anymore. So what they supposedly do is to advise the hikers to go to Batolusong or if ever there is one available, reserve local guides are also utilized.

For more information on this, you may contact Romar (President of the local guide association) at 0929 7658457. Please be advised that there signal in Cayabu is close to none. So it may take some time for him to reply. But usually, he may be contacted starting 1900H (07:00PM).

Registration Fee. There is a registration fee of Php20.00 per person to be paid at Mar-ning's.

Sea of Clouds. Yes, similar to nearby Mt. Batolusong/Rangyas Peak, it is possible to witness the Sea of Clouds phenomenon in Mt. Maynoba.

Climb Permit. Since Brgy. Cayabu lies within the jurisdiction of Tanay, Rizal, climbers/hikers who wish to climb Mt. Maynoba are supposedly subject to the rule that each climber must secure a permit first from the Tanay Tourism Office. However, in our case (similar to the time we climbed Mt. Batolusing (twice) and Mt. Mamara in Daraitan), we went straight to the jumpoff (Mar-ning's) and were allowed to hike even without having the supposed permit from the Tourism Office. But to prevent any hassle, kindly coordinate with the local guide association regarding this (check the number of Romar above).

Eatery. The store in Mar-Ning's sell cooked food. However, it is usual that they are yet to offer cooked food for breakfast. So to be safe, bring your own breakfast (trail food) or have your breakfast along the way before proceeding to Brgy. Cayabu / Mar-Ning's.

Registration Area / Eatery / Store

Hikers arriving at Mar-Ning's