Mt. Pamitinan
Major jumpoff: Brgy. Wawa, Rodriguez, Rizal LLA (Pamitinan): 14°43′51.7′′N 121°11′29.2′′ E 426 MASL
Days required / Hours to summit: 1 day / 1.5-3 hours
Features: Limestone formations, scenic views of Sierra Madre and Rizal province
BACKGROUND Brgy. Wawa in Rodriguez (formerly Montalban), Rizal has long been known to outdoor enthusiasts for its beautiful Montalban Gorge and the various activities that can be done there: caving in Binacayan Cave and Bat Cave, mountain biking, swimming by the Wawa Dam,and rock climbing in the limestone cliffs.
Mt. Pamitinan has a more established trail that takes roughly 1.5-2.5 hours going up. The first part is forested, passing through some attractions such as an ancient balete, the rock climbing. The Hapunang Banoy Junction is a rest area prior to the second, rocky part the trail. This part will be enjoyable to those who are used to rock climbing or bouldering, and a bit of a challenge for beginners – for whom it will be manageable, but requiring of concentration and care. The rocks are surrounded with bamboo trunks, some of which have alternating sections of holdable green and thorny brown trunk segments. Wearing gloves is recommended to ensure a comfortable grip on the jagged edges of the rocks and keep your skin off thorns.
There are several viewpoints along the trail, culminating in the summit which has a 360-degree view. To the North, one can see Mt. Hapunang Banoy and a distant Mt. Arayat, and from northeast to south, a vast swath of Sierra Madre mountains, thankfully still green. To the west on the other hand are the rapidly-growing towns of Rizal, and the more immediate scenery of Wawa River and Mt. Binacayan.
Wanderlust Day Hike Tour
At 5 am we arrived at Brgy. Wawa, Rodriguez, Rizal. We started to register ourselves (P50.00 each). We have two awesome tour guides.
At 6, we started our adventure, at first we crosses the bridge.
There are three stations before we reach the summit. Each station has a mini store.
Before the first station we pass by in this area (see image below) but we take the Bat cave because the Pamitinan Cave is close dueto under renovation and for safety purposes.
The struggle is real when we reach the third station, gloves is highly recommended to wear before proceeding. In here our adventure is more fun, Rocky climbing.
At 9am we reached the summit. It feels great in the top!!!
The buwis buhay pose!
At 10:30 we went back to the third station for our lunch. We take the same way where we passed in going up.
At 12 noon, pack our things and jump off the mountain and proceeded to Wawa Dam.
Our adventure in Mt. Pamitinan is worth it, with the effort of our two lovely and energetic tour Guides ate mary Jane Tiaon and Jeane Zeque Zaballero. You guys are awesome!
Team Wanderlust!
February 26, 2017