Mt. Sipit Ulang

MT. SIPIT ULANG Rodriguez, Rizal Major jumpoff: Brgy. Mascap, Rodriguez, Rizal LLA: 14°45′20.7′′ N, 121°10′38.2′ 252 MASL (+210m) Days required / Hours to summit: 1 day / 2-3.5 hours Specs: Minor, Difficulty 3/9 (Paniki Trail), Trail class 1-4 with limestone scrambling Features: Limestone formations, scenic views of Wawa

BACKGROUND Yet another hiking destination in Rodriguez, Rizal is Mt. Sipit Ulang in Brgy. Mascap. This mountain, which literally means “crab’s claw”, is named after the claw-like rock formation at its pinnacle. Like many of the newly-discovered mountains in Rizal, Mt. Sipit Ulang features limestone trails and spectacular scenery at the top.

The mountain has two trails. The premiere – and relatively new – trail is called the Paniki Trail, named after the bats that dwell inside the cavernous structures under its rock formations. This very rocky trail features cave-like passages which require a bit of scrambling and some acrobatics on the part of the hiker, but is surprisingly well-conceived, with a ladder in tow in one of its most exciting parts. This is our recommended ascending trail, taking 2-3 hours to reach the top.At the summit, the highlight is a view of the three rocky mountains of Wawa: Hapunang Banoi, Pamitinan, and Binacayan. Mt. Ayaas looks more proximate – there is actually a trail from Brgy. Mascap that goes to Mt.Ayaas!

This was our third hike, and the more we hike the less stress we feel in our lives. LOL! Sometimes, we need to have a break, feel the fresh air in the mountains, feel how beautiful our nature is, and make your life more satisfied! Explore, life is too short, enjoy every moment of your life, take more pictures, its more fun. LOL!

ITINERARY

MT. SIPIT ULANG DAYHIKE

0400 Take van from Cubao to Eastwood, Rodriguez, Rizal 0530 ETA Rodriguez, Rizal; take trike to Brgy. Mascap 0630 Arrival at Brgy. Mascap. Register at barangay hall 0700 Start trek up Mt. Sipit Ulang 0930 ETA summit. Explore rock formations 1000 Retreat to the benches – possible lunch stop* 1030 Start descent 1200 Back at Brgy. Mascap. Tidy up.