Saturday, March 22, 2014

Mt Pico de Loro and the Parrot's Beak - Ternate, Cavite Route

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Mt Pico de Loro is not new to me as this is already my second time to conquer this mountain. But like what every mountaineers say, every hike is different. The difference of this hike were 1) unlike my first climb, I only went there for a day hike. Now I'll be staying for an overnight. 2) We did a night trek going up and 3) lastly, I climbed the monolith slash the famous Parrot's Beak.

Just to give you a short background, Mt Pico de Loro (also called as Mt Palay Palay) is situated in the boundaries of Cavite and Batangas. While having said that, trekkers who wanted to climb Mt. Pico de Loro have a choice whether they'll start on the jump off point in Nasugbo, Batangas or the one which is located in Ternate, Cavite. Cool huh? Also, in Cavite it is considered to be as the highest point with a topography of 664 MASL (according to Pinoy Mountaineers).

How to get there?
Well since most of us in this trip were Cavitenos, we started our adventure on the jump off point located in Ternate, Cavite. Going there is just plain and simple. From Baclaran or Coastal Mall Terminal, ride a bus with a signboard going to Ternate. Tip: Make sure that it will passed through Cavitex as that is a much faster way to reach Ternate. You'll be dropping off at the last point which is the Ternate Terminal so getting lost on the way is impossible. Lols! Bus fare is 84 pesos and it will take 2-3 hours. Alight at Ternate Bus Terminal, you can rent a tricycle for 75 pesos per head or a jeepney (didn't know the price) going to the jump off point/registration area of Mt. Pico de Loro. Renting a tricycle is ideal for small groups while jeepneys, well of course, are for large groups who wish to visit the said mountain.

Team Love and Team Baby ko

Upon reaching the feet of Mt. Pico de Loro, we first proceed on the registration area near the jump off point. Registration fee is 25 pesos per head. There is also a comfort room in the  area and it is free of use where you can changed up your clothes. After that, we then head to the jump off point and started our trek. We started at around 4:30pm and expected to reach the campsite no over 8:30pm. 4 hours is the average time to hike this mountain. And Oh, there is another registration area on the Camp 1. Fee is 20 pesos and I don't know why there are two registration area with fee in this mountain.

2nd Registration area in Mt Pico de Loro
What I like about Mt Pico de Loro is its lush green surroundings. Its trails are fenced with tall trees which make shades for trekkers. Less rays coming from the sun during hike means more energy for trekkers. There are also some parts of the trail wherein fresh air breezes on you which is very refreshing for someone like me who lives in the city. Mt. Pico de Loro is a known hiking destination in Luzon and I would like to commend DENR because what you have implemented to protect this mountain is really working and efficient. Yes, this mountain is protected by the DENR.

Trail of Mt. Pico de Loro is a combination of easy trekking to average. The first part is quite easy as it will only requires you to walk into a slightly slanted trail going up. But as you reach the middle 'till up to the summit, trails are getting steeper. I also noticed that we are not constantly going up. There are parts wherein after we trekked up, the trail will lead into a down trail then up again which is very exhausting and draining. Good thing we started our trek late in the afternoon to almost dark. Mr. Sun almost settling down and the environment is getting humid.

Sir Jay, Sir Orlan and Ewin
After almost forever of trekking, walking in the dark... finally, we heard voices. It only means that we're near the campsite. So our spirits were lifted high and rushed hastily to the top. Approximately 3 hours, we were able to reach Mt. Pico de Loro's campsite. The scene at the campsite were like night market of the metro. Haha. There were lots of mountaineers that night. I've never seen a campsite wherein tents were pitch side by side. Take note, campsite of Mt Pico de Loro is quite big yet mountaineers able to fill that land area. Amazing! Luckily we're able to find a spot where we can pitch our tents. After that, we prepared our dinner, eat and had some socials. Then we decided to sleep as we will head to the summit the next morning.

Great morning!
Moment...
This has been my home for 1 night :)
[I guess] They woke up the next morning at 5am (me at around 6am). Lols. We had our packed hamburgers from Jolibee as breakfast then prepped up to descend at the summit of Mt. Pico de Loro. From the campsite, it took us 20 mins to reach the summit. I suggest extra caution should be taken when going to the summit as the wind blows hard on this part of the mountain. We can't barely stand straight due to the wind. I felt like it will blow my small body into the mid-air. That's how strong it was.

The summit
Jing and Julius
Sir Jay in his signature pose
We're up for this challenge!
Hold tight repa!
Upon reaching the summit is a 360-degree scenic view. Some place I had identified during my stay on top were the Manila Bay, Mt. Marami of Maragondon Cavite, Mt Talamitam and Mt. Batulao of Batangas and the Corregidor.

Awkward selfie pose hahahaha
We cant see straight... and stand straight hahaha
Congrats ladies! You've made it to the summit!
The campsite from the summit...
Aside from the view, you'll also see the pride of Mt. Pico de Loro on its other side - the monolith (also known as Parrot's Beak). Parrot's Beak of Mt. Pico de Loro is a vertical stone structure which stands at around 60 meters. Being able to reach its base is considered to be the most challenging part of this mountain. I attest to that. The trail going on top of it was (a bit) terrifying. I couldn't remember how many times I cursed and said bad words upon my climb up to the monolith. There are part of the trail that you'll be crossing an inclined stone. Some trails were even like my both feet is just right to the trail and a few more inch/step is already a ravine. Apart from having shoes/sandals with good grip, upper body strength is also required as there is a rope installed where you need to hang-on in order to continue the climb. Julius and I were both hesitant to rely all our weight on that rope because it doesn't seemed that strong. Hahaha. So again, be very careful. Accident to this point is really imminent so climbers should take another extra caution when conquering the monolith. After all those things we've been through, a feeling of accomplishment has been a great reward as we reach the base of Parrot's Beak. It is really recommendable to people who loves adventures and to those who are thrill seekers.

Time to descend! 
Terrifying part going to the base of the monolith
(right photo) zoom in mode
My 2nd visit to Mt. Pico de Loro has been a different experience. Plus I have accomplished what I promised to myself back in 2011 - to climb and reach the base of Parrot's Beak. We're blessed that day because the weather favored with us. It was such an amazing trek!

Side story: We climb Pico de Loro at night and we didn't got lost... however, when we descend back to the jump off the next day, and at daytime, we got lost. Hahaha. We didn't know why or how. But just remember that when you see a big trunk and a DENR sign on the trail, take the way up and not the straight way. Lols!

Breakdown of Expenses:
Bus (Coastal Terminal - Ternate Terminal) - 84 Pesos
Tricycle (Ternate Terminal - Jump-off point) - 75 Pesos/pax
Registration Area 1 - 25 Pesos
Registration Area 2 - 20 Pesos
Food - **.**

48 comments:

  1. Cool stuff! We're gonna climb this Saturday, hope I can be crazy enough to conquer the monolith. Hahaha! Thanks for the great photos! :)

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    Replies
    1. Just be cautious and you'll be fine. Have fun also! Thank you!

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  2. the girls are so brave, grabe.. tinitingnan ko plang ung picture parang nalulula na aq ah, ehehehe.. thumbs up for u guys...

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  3. hala grabe ganda..i lab every thing in ur adventure..kaso nkktkot ang taas im afraid of heights!

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    Replies
    1. Thank you! Try mo din para ma-conquer mo na fear of heights mo :)

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  4. I really love your blog! ♥ Haay grabe Ganda ng lugar!

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  5. Mas detalyado Ito Kesa iba. Thank bro

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  6. sir! planning for a day hike here in Pico de Loro. Pano ung route pabalik ng bus terminal? may readily available ba na public vehicles pabalik?

    Thanks in advance!

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    Replies
    1. Bale sa jump off point ng pico de loro may paradahan ng tricycle na bumabyahe pabalik ng Ternate terminal

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    2. Thanks sa reply sir! May 3rd naka set na kami. 3 fist timers sa Pico.

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    3. ayus! Ingat and enjoy the view!!!

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  7. Hi.kuia jhay, we are planning to trek on this mt. Cn you give us a few tips?
    The last time na nagtrek cla, they.were totally unprepared even their poor shoes broke down..hahaha.konting advise nman jan bago sumabak.thanks! More power on your blog its really interesting.


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    Replies
    1. hahaha naku baka naka sneakers shoes kasi sila. hehe... Tips? Hmmm... Invest on trekking shoes or sandals (sandugo, tribu is ok na). Tapos ok din mag leggings at arm sleeves para iwas sa matatalim na damo pati na din protection sa araw. At ang pinakaimportante sa lahat, WATER. Dala kayo ng sufficient water. mahirap mamundok ng uhaw at tuyot ang lalamunan.

      tapos stretching din at dasal before the hike :)

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  8. is it safe to bring with me my 6yr old son? he is such an adventurer like me though!

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    Replies
    1. Trail going to the campsite is quite safe but going to the peak and specially to the monolith is, on my opinion, dangerous for kids

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  9. hi geejay, nice blogsite..im a beginner on this though was able to hike 2 mountains already..one in batad and the other one in zambales..how safe is the rope that you hold on to when climbing the monolith? thanks..

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    Replies
    1. I don't find it safe. So, I suggest do not rely your full weight upon climbing that monolith using that rope.

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  10. I, together with my friends will go on this Mt. on May 24. And I'm really excited about this plan. Yet, none of us knows the trek to this Mt. Sana di kami mawala no?! hahahahah

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    Replies
    1. Positive lang :) Be vigilant of the signs para di maligaw. Ingat and enjoy the trip/hike!

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    2. Success! We went there last Saturday and it was a blast! Really. Nung pa ascend parang di pang begineer e. haha pero ayos. Astig! :))

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    3. It seems like you enjoyed the hike :) Sundan na yan ng kasunod! hahahaha

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  11. may watersource po ba sa campsite near the summit??

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    Replies
    1. Wala pong water source na malapit sa summit so bring enough water during your hike

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  12. may guide po ba?bago lang kc, aakyat kmi this may 24 baka maligaw,waah

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    Replies
    1. I believe may mga nagooffer ng guide sa jump off point

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  13. First time trekker/hiker po at s pico de loro ang binyag. Advise nmn sir kng ano mga dpat isuot (shoes, shirt/sando, short/pants) ska kng ano mga dpat dalin. Day hike lang po kami. Thanks

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    Replies
    1. I would suggest invest on footwear. Do not use basketball shoes and sneakers instead, use trekking shoes or sandals (Sandugo, tribu, etc.) Sa damit naman wear dry fit shirts. Light weight kasi un pati madaling makatuyo ng pawis. then para iwas sugat sa makakating talahib, arm sleeves and leggings ay pwede na.

      WATER. pinakaimportante :)

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  14. May promo ang metrodeal for Mt pico de loro adventure. 999/pax lang

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  15. hey do you know if merong parking around the area?

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    Replies
    1. Yes there is. You can park it the registration area near the jump off point

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  16. Hi Geejay,

    Do you have any idea how much yung fee sa guide? Do you find it safe na mag overnight for small group 2-4 person? Thank yu so much

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    Replies
    1. Sorry pero wala akong idea how much ung guide sa Pico. Safe? Hmmm, I find it safe naman for overnight. Like what I stated above, madaming tao nung pumunta kami. Just make sure na ok ung weather pag akyat nyo ah baka kasi madaming tao nung umakyat kami ay dahil sa ganda ng panahon nun.

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  17. Hi geejay,
    Tanong ko lang kung madaling sundan ang trail paakyat ng Mt. Pico de loro? Hindi ba maliligaw kahit kasamang guide? TIA

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    Replies
    1. 2 beses ko na naakyat yung tong Pico at walang guide. Una di naman kami naligaw. yung 2nd time naligaw kami nung pababa na pero may sign naman kaming nakita na mali na ung nadaanan namin. Marami namang signs na nakakalat sa Pico de Loro. Maging mapagmasid lang kayo para maiwasan ang ligaw :) Ayun

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  18. Hi Geejay, can a beginner climb the monolith? How many hours before you reach the top? Im kinda worried. Hehe! Thanks! Nice blog btw. :)

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    Replies
    1. For as long as he/she can lift herself up using the rope, then climbing the monolith wouldn't be a problem. It also take guts to try this part of Pico de Loro. Climbing the monolith? Well, it would only take less than half an hour.

      Thanks as well for visiting my blog! Take care and enjoy your trek :)

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  19. Nice shots. Nagpunta rin ako last year sa pico de loro. Eto yung guide na sinundan ko para makapunta dun hehe: How to get to pico de loro

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  20. Hi GeeJay! I'm Jam. We will hike there by end of September and I'm researching how we can go to Ternate from Laguna. Di kasi kami pamilyar sa cavite eh. Saang landmark sa cavite pwede kami bumaba then sumakay papuntang ternate? Thank you.

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    Replies
    1. di ko po sure pero try nyo po sa SM dasma... sorry kasi di ko din po kabisado ung way kung manggagaling ng Laguna

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  21. hei bro, just wanna ask kung may makakasama bang tourist guide dun na pede mag guide paakyat saka yung destination ng summit? then kung meron man how much it will cost? im planning to go there sama ko rin mga friends ko.

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    Replies
    1. may mga nagaalok ng guide sa mismong registration area. tanong tanong lang kayo dun. about the fees, last balita ko is 300 and above depende sa magiging usapan nyo din. Sorry di ako makapagbigay na sure price, di kasi talaga kami nakuha ng guide.

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  22. Pico De Loro Beach & Country Club
    FULLY FURNISHED CONDO UNITS FOR RENT
    rate starts P4500/night
    COOKING is allowed

    S T U D I O
    1 B E D R O O M
    2 B E D R O O M

    for booking inquiries,
    please call/text 0922-8855552
    picodelorobeachresort@gmail.com

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  23. Hi! Is it possible na mag umakyat ng Pico de Loro ng mag-isa?
    Ano yung challenges sa pag-akyat ng mag-isa? thanksss :)

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    Replies
    1. yup possible naman. challenges, well may chance na maligaw ka if you missed out the signage. Be more vigilant nalang if ever you'll be doing solo hike.

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    2. wow :)
      hope i can do the same this coming vacation. :)

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