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.
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Team Love and Team Baby ko
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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.
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2nd Registration area in Mt Pico de Loro
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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.
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Sir Jay, Sir Orlan and Ewin
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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.
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| Great morning! |
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| Moment... |
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| 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.
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| The summit |
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| Jing and Julius |
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| Sir Jay in his signature pose |
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| We're up for this challenge! |
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| 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.
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| Awkward selfie pose hahahaha |
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| We cant see straight... and stand straight hahaha |
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| Congrats ladies! You've made it to the summit! |
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| 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.
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| Time to descend! |
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| Terrifying part going to the base of the monolith |
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| (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 - **.**
