Mt. Paliparan - Traverse to Tuoy + Tungtong Falls (where the kites roam free)

"Unless we are willing to encourage our children to reconnect with and appreciate the natural world. We can't expect them to help protect and care for it."

                                                                                    - David Suzuki

The town of Tanay in the province of  Rizal is fast becoming a mountaineering/hiking hotbed. Proof of this is the emergence of new tramping grounds in the area.

The newest addition to the growing list of mountains in Tanay is Mt. Paliparan (meaning "airport" or "from where things are flown"). Situated in quaint Brgy. Cuyambay, Mt. Paliparan was christened as such since this is supposed to be the place where people belonging to the Dumagat Tribe fly kites, either for fun or for wagers. According to our guide Mang Carling, aside from bragging rights, bets in the kite fighting usually involve a sack of rice, kamote, and other agricultural products.

Mt. Paliparan...taken from the ridge leading to Tuoy

Another view of Mt. Paliparan

Mt. Paliparan...photo taken from Tuoy

Mt. Paliparan Summit

After more than an hour of travel from Quezon City, we finally arrived in Brgy. Cuyambay, Tanay, Rizal. As we tried to ask a lady who just bought something from a store for directions in going to the Brgy. Hall of Cuyambay, a man suddenly appeared and inquired if we intend to climb Mt. Paliparan, The man was no other than Kuya Inso, also referred to as Sir Inso by our guide. He then conducted a brief lecture regarding what to expect during the hike, including the climbing conditions and the places of special interests along the trail.

We were greeted by this view of Mt. Batolusong

Subsequent to paying the registration and environmental fees, we waited for the arrival of Mang Carling, the guide who was assigned to us for the day. It was 0745H when we left the trailhead (Brgy. Hall) for another day of adventure.

With Mang Carling at the Barangay Hall

From the concrete road, we turned left just before the basketball court.

Entering the gate that leads to the Manggahan

We then arrived at the Mangahan and after we crossed the small concrete bridge, Mang Carling requested if he can go and take a bath in the river before we proceed hiking. Of course, we said no problem.

Approaching the Mangahan

Mangoes everywhere

The small bridge...Mang Carling went for a dip at the river.

Onward, we passed by the local cemetery as we went deeper into the woods. At 0810, we arrived at the Mahogany plantation, the end of which signified the start of the ascent to Mt. Paliparan. We passed by a Buhoan and eventually reached Tukduan, where we caught up with the group of hikers taking much needed rest under the Bulakan Tree.

passing through the local cemetery...may they rest in peace.

Tukduan

Hikers in Tukduan

The Bulak Tree

Rocky Goodness

Just after the Bulakan Tree

Windmills

After a few minutes rest, we continued and reached the Tunghayan. This portion of the trail is called as such since this is where the Dumagats supposedly spend time to enjoy the magnificent view of the surroundings. The rock formations here also present a very good place for shutterbugs to do some landscape photography.

Going up to the Tunghayan

On the other side of Tunghayan

One more time

Tuoy...from Tunghayan

The Pillilla Windmills and Mt. Sembrano

Groot?

Tunghayan

The structure in the middle is a former cement plant said Mang Carling

Fly free...

At Tunghayan...

Kaya pa!

Slide? hehe

When we continued hiking, we had a distressing encounter with a swarm of bees while we were at the place called Parang  by Mang Carling. We sent at least five (5) minutes ducking and keeping still as the bees auspiciously hovered above us. Thank God for the alertness of Mang Carling, we safely went on with the hike.

Approaching the "Parang"

We encountered the swarm of bees after we passed by these boulders

Oi...tama na yan! Ayan na mga pukyutan...heehee

It was already 0800H when we reached the Taguan. As the name implies, it is where the Dumagats supposedly used to hide or take shelter dating back to the old times and even during the Japanese occupation in World War II. What is accessible in Taguan is really just the first chamber where the access (big hole) to the deeper recesses of the cave is visible. Should you wish to explore Taguan, prepare your head lamps and/or flashlights.

The Rock formations in Taguan

The initial entrance going inside the Taguan

It really is a hiding place.

The big hole, presumable leads to a deeper chamber

Inside the cave.

It is cold inside

Rock formations

Ceiling

It's a long way to the top.

Hey, what are you doing there?

Is that a watch tower?...weehee.

Inside the Cave

A few minutes from Taguan, we descended towards Hagkanan. This is actually a viewdeck that offers a panoramic view of Laguna de Bay and the Pillilla windmills. This is where your rock climbing skills will be put to a test. Just before you reach  Hagkanan, which is also referred to as Biak na Bato, we passed by the Silungan. The Silungan is where the Dumagats take a rest since the protruding rock formation serves as a shade from the heat of the sun. You may wish to explore the Hagkanan and let someone climb the nearby viewdeck (which is actually higher), as it will surely present a lot of photo opportunities.

Hold on to that root.

Climb...we must.

Careful...

I'd fly if I can.

Strong winds constantly blow in Hagkanan

Awesome

Matinee Idol hehe

The tree at the view deck

Biak na Bato / View Deck / Hagkanan

Biak-na-Bato / Silyang Bato

Trees for cover at Hagkanan

Ayos! Ang Pogi!!!

Limestone

Akyat...

Sharp Rocks may cause cuts and bruises.

You jump...I jump

From there, Mang Carling initially offered to us the possibility of going to the Summit via the more forested trail as the usual trail that they used was recently ravaged by a forest fire. In the end, we decided to take the ordinary trail as we still need to hike back to Taguan should we opt to take the more forested trail.

From the viewdeck, we descended westward and observed first hand the devastation that resulted from the conflagration. There were dead trees and shrubs burnt to a crisp. Only the traces of a Buhoan, small trees and some lucky ones remained. Also, the boulders and rock formations along the trail became exposed to the sun. In such regard, the assault up to the base of the summit is one hot, humid and energy-sapping climb.

It still is a bouldery and steep trail to the summit. One must go down the Hagkanan and go up that mountain.

See the wrath of a forest fire.

Just as we are nearing the base of the Summit, Mang Carling suggested that we first go to the rock formations known as the Kuya, Ate and Bunso. There is a clearing beneath the Kuya, Ate and Bunso that is ideal to be used as a camp site. According to Mang Carling, this was the site of an abandoned ulingan. The only problem should climbers decide to camp here is the absence of a nearby water source.

Nevertheless, what made me curious is the presence of a lot of coiled shells that suggest the presence of snails in the area. Mang Carling said that this is a common occurrence in Mt. Paliparan and the surrounding mountains especially during the rainy season. I was actually amazed and encouraged at the same time thinking that if a small snail was able to climb this high, then I have no reason to say that I cannot climb the same mountain (...just my two cents).

L to R: Kuya, Ate, Bunso

Almost there...

Hapon...

I just love trees who still find a way yo survive.

Baging

Snails

From there, we continued towards the base of the summit. The final assault to the summit is a test of one's resolve and rock climbing skills. It is reminiscent of the mountains in Wawa. So, you may choose to use gloves in this part of the climb. It was already 1030H when we reached the summit of Mt. Paliparan, which in my opinion has similarities to the summit of Mt. Hapunang Banoi.

Base of the Summit

Rock formations

The rock climbing starts a few meters from the base.

The initial approach from the base of the summit.

Final rock climbing to the summit

Who says a fat guy cannot do rock climbing?

The summit is marked by a bamboo flag pole.

The summit of Mt. Paliparan

While there are trees that may serve as shade at the summit, the searing heat of the sun made us decide to just spend a short time in exploring the area. We opted to take a long rest at the fissure below the summit as we waited for another group of hikers to pass by.

At 1110H, we decided to descend to Tuoy, the tribal community of the Dumagats in Paliparan. The hike towards Tooy is an unremitting descent. From the base of the Summit, we took a trail leading south and followed the grassland similar to that of Mt. Sembrano and Mt. Tagapo. From the grassland, another steep descent though portions of loose soil would ensue. The hike to Tuoy went on until we reached another Buhoan and ultimately the river that we had to cross to get to the other bank. At 1150H, we finally reached Tuoy where we were welcomed by curious children to whom we gave some of our trail food and candies.

Panoramic view at the summit

At the ridge...before we turn left on the trail towards Tuoy

Another angle of Mt. Paliparan

So sad...too many trees died because of the fire

One of the trees along the trail leading to Tuoy

The river we crossed in order to get to Tuoy

Arriving in Tuoy

As it started to drizzle, Mang Carling gamely suggested that we take cover at the house of his nephew. After eating lunch, we enjoyed a serving of fresh coconut water for P20.00. At 1230H, we decided to leave Tuoy and continue hiking towards Tungtong Falls.

The Dumagat community in Tuoy

Inside the house....and they were selling buko for P20.00

The Mango Tree occupied by the other group of mountaineers

The Store

The Dumagats also have a basketball court...#Puso

Water Source in Tooy

We followed the river and had to a lot of river crossings, rock hopping and bouldering. We also had to go through thick talahib overgrowth. Hence, the trek to Tungtong Falls is really excruciating to both arms and legs. The river trekking went on, and at 1310H, we arrived at the 1st pool of Tungtong Falls.

Dense talahib trail

River trekking / bouldering / hiking through talahib overgrowth = nakakapagod na trail hehe.

The 1st segment's pool is actually the best area for swimming. The water is cold but bearable. Some hikers from the other group who arrived later than us even did some cliff jumping.

1st Falls

At the top of the 1st Falls

Enjoying cold water bath on a hot day.

The small pool above the 1st falls

At 1410, we decided to proceed to the second segment of the falls. We climbed the side of the falls and continued river trekking upstream. After ten minutes, we finally arrived at the second segment of Tungtong Falls.This second segment of Tungtong Falls, which is composed of three layers, is really a sight to behold. It is definitely the most majestic of the three segments. We wasted no time and chose separate pools to enjoy. I chose the lowest level, while Gani opted for the second level.

Approaching the 2nd Falls

2nd Segment of Tungtong Falls

The lowest pool

Cascading water

...with the other group of hikers

A closer view of the upper cascade of the 2nd segment of the falls

No joke...hikers need to climb this falls to get to the 3rd segment.

Skookum Jump

It was already 1440H when we decided to continue hiking back to the JOP. To our initial surprise, Mang Carling told us that we need to hike up the falls, and we were like..."are you nuts?!?!". But then again, this is what we live for.

The ascent up the falls is one arduous, challenging, and "buwis buhay" climb. The steps prepared by those who first explored the trail were indeed very helpful, We then reached the third segment (also the last) of Tungtong Falls. And after a brief moment of taking photos, we went on. At 1500H, we finally reached the top of the falls. Exhausted, we took a brief rest since we still have climb up the "stairs" up another buhoan.

The 3rd Falls

From the buhoan, we continued towards a meadow that led us to a dirt road. We followed the road northwards and passed by residential areas, including the home of Mang Carling. We stopped for a moment at Mang Carling's to buy pure honey (P150.00 each). We even gave candies to his grandchildren. At 1520, we finally arrived at the Barangay Hall.

Emerging from the grassland to the dirt road

The black dog named "Ogag" (according to Mang Carling), which I called Dynamite.

Pinoys are really basketball crazy...#puso

Mang Carling...proudly showing to us his picture with his wife as they wear their tribal costume.

RARES

Pico del Pino

The Welcome Arch along Marifanta Highway

#Traipsing Chronicles 036
005.015.016
Mt. Paliparan - Traverse to Tuoy and Tungtong Falls
Brgy. Cuyambay, Tanay, Rizal
Jump off point: Brgy. Hall, Cuyambay, Tanay, Rizal
Major Climb: 5/10
Highlights: Panoramic view of Laguna Lake, Pillilla Windmills, Mt. Sembrano, Mt. Tagapo, Mt. Makiling and other peaks in the Sierra Madre. Rock Climbing, Caving, River Crossings, River Trekking, Bouldering.

Actual Itinerary:

0500H - Departure from West Ave., Quezon City
0710H - Arrival at the Brgy. Hall Cuyambay, Tanay, Rizal / Secure Guide / Briefing
0745H - Commence Hiking
0755H - Arrival at the Manggahan
0810H - Arrival at the Mahongany Plantation / Start Ascent
0820H - Arrival at Tukduan / Bulakan Tree / Photo-ops
0830H - Arrival at Tunghayan / Rest - Photo-ops
0840H - Encountered the swarm of bees / pukyutan at the Parang
0900H - Arrival at Taguan / Esplore the Cave - Taguan
0920H - Arrival at Silungan / Hagkanan / Biyak na Bato 
0930H - Departure from Hagkanan to Kuya, Ate, Bunso rock formations
1000H - Arrival at Kuya, Ate, Bunso / Rest Stop
1010H - Arrival at the base of the rock climbing to summit / wait for the big group to go down
1020H - Commence assault to summit
1030H - Arrival at the Summit / Explore Summit / Rest Stop
1110H - Commence descent from summit / Traverse to Tuoy
1150H - Arrival in Tuoy / Rest Lunch 
1230H - Commence Hike (River Trekking) to Tungtong Falls
1310H - Arrival at Tungtong Falls / Swimming
1410H - Proceed to 2nd Segment of Tungtong Falls
1420H - Arrival at the 2nd Falls (3 Layers) - Swimming
1440H - Commence Hike back to JOP / Barangay Hall
1450H - Arrival at the 3rd (Last Layer) of Tungtong Falls
1500H - Last of River Crossings - Falls-hopping / Base of Final Stair Climb at the Buhoan
1505H - Reached the top of the Stair Climb / Buhoan
1520H - Arrival at the Barangay Hall / JOP - Wash-up
1610H - Departure from Barangay Hall for QC
1800H - Back at home (West Ave.) for Dinner


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 Boso-Boso, Palo Alto and Garden Cottages. Go past the Welcome Arch to Barangay San Andres / Batangasan or Batangas (road leads to the trailheads of Mt. Batolusong and Mt. Maynoba), which incidentally is on the left side of the highway.

Watch out for the welcome arch leading to Brgy. Cayabu on the right side of the road. This is located opposite the Pico del Pino.

Early morning travel from Cubao to Brgy. Cuyambay (Brgy. Hall) is 1 hour 30 minutes more or less. Traveltime from Brgy. Cuyambay to Cubao via the same route (in the afternoon/early evening) is at least 1 hour 45 minutes.

Public Transportation. From Cubao, take a jeep or FX to Cogeo Gate 2 Antipolo. Once in Cogeo, take the jeepney going to Sampaloc/Tanay. Tell the driver to drop you off at the Cuyambay welcome arch (opposite Pico del Pino). (1 hour travel time).

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

Mountain Guides. It is mandatory for every group of hikers/climbers to secure the services of a mountain guide / local guide. As of this writing, there are no prescribe rates. But we paid Mang Carling P500.00 for the entire hike. Also, mountain guides are assigned on a rotation basis. Hence, there is no need to coordinate with them in advance.

All of the guides at present are members of the Dumagat Tribe. They have 10 guides (7 men and 3 women) but training is on-going for at least 30 more.

Registration. Each hiker/climber is required to pay the Registration Fee of P20.00 and Environmental Fee of P10.00

Wash-up. Hikers may choose to tidy-up at the Barangay Hall (free as of this writing) or at any of the nearby houses for P20.00.

Budget. For a DIY climb, the budget for a group of 2 hikers is about P500.00. For a group of five (5), the budget drops to about P350.00 (more or less).

Eateries. There are eateries in Barangay Cuyambay that offer cooked food even for breakfast. Hence, you may choose to buy food for lunch, or even breakfast, here.

Water Source. There is a water source along the river bank near Tooy. For the climb, prepare 2-3 liters of water.

Rappelling. It is also possible to do rappelling in Cuyambay. It is done in Pinagpatong Rock. But usually this is done as a separate activity. They still do not have  rappelling gears in Cuyambay, but they coordinate with a mountaineering group for the needed gears (for a fee).


*Credits to Engr. for some of the pics.