Mt. Pamitinan and Mt. Binakayan Twin Day CLIMB
Mt. Pamitinan (left) and Mt. Binacayan (right)
Mt. Pamitinan and Mt. Binakayan Twin Day CLIMB
Mt. Pamitinan and Mt. Binakayan are located at Barangay Wawa, Montalban,Rizal. It is situated near the Sierra Madre Madre Mountain Range and sit inside the 600 hectares Pamitinan Protected Landscape.
The landscape of both mountains is characterized by karst or limestone formations making the climb up Pamitinan and Binacayan challenging and very exciting especially for rock lovers.
People visiting Wawa Dam can see these two mountains looming beside each other just separated by the Wawa River where, as the legend goes, Bernardo Carpio stands to prevent both mountains from colliding with each other.
Other activities that can be done in the area includes going inside the historical Pamitinan Cave where Andres Bonifacio declared independence in 1895, exploring the Bat cave, rock climbing, and wading at the Wawa Dam. I have also seen bikers frequent the area for the exciting terrain and picturesque view.
February 7, 2015- For my fourth (and fifth?) hike this 2015, I joined once again the group of Sir Gideon Lasco of Pinoy Mountaineer. This time we went to Montalban, Rizal and climbed two (2) mountains in one day. This would’ve shocked me but after being with Sir Gideon’s team for three climbs already, I’ve learned to anticipate (and appreciate, as well) very challenging and unique hikes in less explored areas.
The first mountain we climbed was Mt. Pamitinan. The hike to the summit, which only lasted for an hour and twenty minutes, can be divided into two parts: the light, warm-up trek in a moderately sloping trail, and then, the assault to its rocky summit.
The first part of the Pamitinan trail which we hiked for about twenty-five minutes features an established path lined mainly with banana trees. It begins at the hanging bridge near the tourism office, passes by rock climbing area and the huge balete tree, and then ends at a resting spot which also serves as a landmark of the trail going to another mountain: Mt. Banoi.
After resting and eating some trail food, we then proceeded to climb the second part of the trail which visibly highlights the a very beautiful karst landscape. I used the word “climb”, instead of “hike” as the assault is characterized by a lot of scrambling up jagged rock faces all the way to the summit.
By 8:30am, we were already at the craggy peak of Mt. Pamitinan. Once there, one is confronted by the great Sierra Madre Mountain Range and verdant forest that covers it. We also saw Mt. Arayat rising alone at the far horizon. We stayed for forty-five (45) minutes soaking in the beauty of the sprawling mountains and talking about other unexplored peaks near the area.
Mt. Pamitinan Summit with Mt. Binacayan at the background
In hindsight, Mt. Pamitinan was a good preview of how the next climb will go. It was a nice warm-up climb as well for the more physically demanding Mt. Binacayan- our second mountain for the day.
Mt. Binacayan
Mt. Binacayan is the less known and less explored neighbor of Mt. Pamitinan. It also features a rough limestone terrain as Pamitinan, however, Mt. Binacayan requires more climbing time due to the technicality of the trail (meaning: more jagged and vertical rock faces-wohoo!). Also, there is no established trail yet to Mt. Binacayan.
We started the hike at about 10:00 am. First we walked on a wide, cemented community road , followed by a steep dirt road that led to a sloping gabi and banana plot where the ground is covered by loose rocks. By this time, the sun is already high up and we can already feel its suffocating heat, making the climb more of a struggle.
The loose rocks on the trail made the climb a struggle
Further up, we were greeted again by the boulders. We then ready ourselves (especially our hands) for another exciting time climbing jagged rocks while struggling to avoid much of the bamboo that covers our non-existent trail.
We had our lunch at 1PM under some bamboo shades. No one thought that the climb would be so taxing and we all expected a great reward after (note: reward= the most delicious dinner the world can offer). We then proceeded to hike to the summit after forty-five minutes of fuelling up with food and taking some rest.
We climbed, hoped and balanced again on the cruel landscape of Mt. Binakayan and reached the summit after fifteen minutes of life threatening and painful ascent. We did not took our time at the exposed peak as the sun is having so much fun toasting us. We just captured some photos, dream a little again of future mountains and went down.By 4:30PM, we were back at the community where we were greeted by a very friendly local that offered us iced water.
Mt. Bincacayn Summit- 2nd mountain for the day!
After our hike, we went to the Wawa Dam and took a very refreshing dip. The cool waters is such a delight after a whole day hike under the sun.
Wawa Dam
In Retrospect
The climb to Mt. Pamitinan, and Mt. Binakayan is the first twin day hike I have accomplished. It was a challenging and very technical climb but I enjoyed it too much to feel the exhaustion or the heat of the sun. I felt that I could go on and on! Really, there is something in the boulders that draws me and swallows me whole that I forget everything. It was only me and the rocks. In these mountains, the hike itself is the reward.
I can confirm now that I am really inlove with boulders. I am fervently wishing that I could try rock climbing again- soon! Also, I am wishing that I could climb more mountains that have the same features as Mt. Pamitinan and Mt. Binacayan i.e Mt. Guiting- Guiting, Mt. Mantalingahan, Mt. St. Paul.
Rock on and more summits for all of us!:D
Also, I would like to thank sir Gideon Lasco for inviting me to this hike. It is always awesome to be on his team.
