If you are looking for a smooth and a semi-convenient hike perfect for beginners, this might be the perfect place for it. Not only that it has one of the plainest trails I have ever experienced but I bet doing trail runs in here would be so much fun. The good thing here is that the views are just as amazing as hiking the other difficult ones.
sunrise at Mt. Parawagan |
As we started our usual hike routine, this one differs from others as we tried many ways to get to the jump-off area at Montalban, Rizal without a private car. Not only did we walk from our place to the area where jeepneys usually pass by (which is not that near to our place) but we also waited for quite some time for any transportation to arrive which we failed to get. Haha!
the Parawagan gang |
The group then, later on, decided to use two different Grab cars at the end which got us to Wawa Montalban in no time.Â
Even though we started a bit late from what we have initially planned (4:30 am is the earliest any group can go), we were all excited to start the adventure as soon as we got there. As per the group, it will all be our first time climbing Mt. Parawagan aside from our other experiences hiking the other summits in the area.
jump-off area |
The interesting fact here is that we actually didn't have a solid target summit that we wanted to go for that time so Philip and I just selected from the ones that we haven't visited yet. And boy, we got surprised! Big time! Haha!
It was the usual dark, planty, and inclined terrain for the first part of the hike.. All were still at the same phasing and doing a few stops when able especially when there is a view. To be honest, these moments are the kind of moments you will be missing when you experience them. When you are awake at that time of the day.. looking at the beauty of nature before sunrise, feeling the cold breeze of the morning air.. and stretching every inch of your body to move. Well, just don't think you chose it over sleeping then you'll do good. Haha!
morning view at a cliff |
So, as we continue to go through the trail, it was all smooth and clear paths going up which means even if you are on the tail of the group, getting back is not that hard to do. With that said, ready your legs and feet as they will be going to work intensely.
As per my personal experience, one of the most challenging things for me here was going through those LONG inclined areas continuously. As to my previous hikes, I was used to using my hands as well, distributing some of the weight there. Here, your legs and feet are your best friend so don't forget to do those "leg days" for those of you who are working out before going here. There was even a point that I wanted to use my hands too just to move forward giving you some idea how inclined a few areas can be.. But that's just me. ;)
inclined trail |
With just an hour and some minutes of hiking, you'll arrive near the top which offers some beautiful spots that are great to be captured by your cameras. Below are a couple of samples and more can be seen on the video at the bottom.Â
The summit will give you a whole 360 degrees obstruction-free overlooking view with different horizons. Feel free to select from the mountainous range of cordillera, city jungle of Metro Manila, or the close cliffs nearby from the other summits.
You made it Josh! |
The spacious summit above even has more surprises. It has this dramatic dead tree that we took an effort on taking pictures with. More photos in the video at the bottom.
photogenic dead tree |
And played with the sun (yes, the sun) while it rises from the horizon.
*anime music in the background * lol |
hadouken |
I conquered Mt. Parawagan pose |
Feel free to take everything in here as the wind roughly blows to your body and feel rested after that grueling ascend. Make sure to take your time and appreciate all the views here.. you can even congratulate yourselves on making it all the way here as it is not every day you'll achieve something like this, right?
My brother even had this cool idea of having this semi-formal themed photoshoot up there. Crazy but that is what makes our world a little bit interesting in some way we cannot fathom. lol!Â
sponsored by.. (haha!) |
Anyways, don't forget that you have to go back down again on the same trail so make sure to gather all your energy up there and use it on your way down. Was it worthy? Of course! To be honest, our expectations before were just as high as the clouds so we were kind of looking forward to it too much that it came to a point which it was not helping anymore. But hey, if you are looking for a perfect place for that trail run training or a great mountain to go with your friends who are just beginners, I highly recommend this place.
where are you going ghorl? |
Too bad I was not yet video recording our adventures at that time and the drone unit I was borrowing was not yet available. That would be so epic! Looking forward to going back here if the opportunity presents itself but for now, let me provide you with this video I made.
I hope this gives you at least the vibe and some inspirational shots you can do if you are planning to visit this mountain anytime soon.
If you cannot see the video above, click HERE for it
Related climbs:Â (All can be done on the same jump-off point)
version 1:
2. Mt. Binacayan
version 2:
4. Mt. Lagyo
6. Mt. Parawagan - THIS
Mt. Parawagan | A beginner-friendly hike
Reviewed by Michael
on
March 28, 2020
Rating:
This looks like a great adventure! As soon as the quarantine ends I will go out with a group! Thanks for the inspiration.
ReplyDeleteThat is the plan of many including me lol
DeleteThis looks amazing hike! I am missing the Philippines even more. Sana wala ng Covid19!
ReplyDeletemalapit na mawala yan!
DeleteNakakamis pumunta ng bundok bwesit na Covid na yan panira ng pangarap eh XD
ReplyDeleteHahaha
DeleteLooks like you had a great time and all the pictures came out to be so amazing.
ReplyDeletethank you!
DeleteNature hikes are one of my favourites! I love the view, breathing in fresh air & taking photos. I can see that your whole gang had much fun.
ReplyDeleteHaha! You can say that lol!
DeleteYour adventures look so fun. I would love to explore these places.
ReplyDeleteGo for it
DeleteThis place looks like a nice one. I would love to visit there sometime in future.
ReplyDeleteA great idea
DeleteI love exploring and travelling. This looks like it was so much fun!
ReplyDeleteHave you tried hiking though?
DeleteAn amazing place, your photos are so beautiful Michael.
ReplyDeleteOh wow! You are very brave! I guess the view is worth it! Very nice! Keep sharing with us!
ReplyDeleteYou said. Okaaaay! Haha!
DeleteWow, so beautiful. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the visit! =)
Deletevery important information.
ReplyDelete(y)
DeleteNpka ganda nman dito . Ito ung isa sa namimis ko ang mag hike hndi ko na naulit simula nung 2 na anak ko 🥺 sna makahike ulit soon .
ReplyDelete