I can’t remember the last time that I trekked or climbed a mountain, when I was younger, I had experienced some mountain climbing with my friends, that was almost 2 decades ago.
So when I heard about the plans of SEO Organization Philippines of organizing a camping/trekking, I was excited. Although I have no idea about the destination, all I know is that the target is to see Kairukan Falls at Mount Silangan in Morong, Bataan.
The climb/trek/camping was scheduled to commenced at the Bataan Common Terminal in Balanga, we were supposed to meet there at 4:00AM (November 27). So I left the house at around 11:00 PM (November 26) to catch the first trip of Genesis Transport bound to Balanga at 1:00 AM. I wasn’t able to catch the first trip (1:30 AM schedule), it was the second trip (bound to Mariveles) that I was able to take, I arrived at Balangan Common Terminal at exactly 4:00 AM.
The original plan to leave Balanga at 5:00 AM, but we were able to leave 6:00 AM due to some unforeseen circumstances. The trip to Morong and the marketing for food took us at least 2.5 hours and another half an hour to reach our jump-off point.
We started up with high spirits and everyone was excited, the view was magnificent. The whole trek will be a test for my stamina, at over 40 years old and less physical activities, I’m not really prepared for a 2-4 hours trek to the mountains.
But that does not deter me to pushing myself to the limits, the beauty of God’s creation on that place motivated me to continue.
The trek was a combination of uphill and downhill climb, some climbs were stiff & treacherous, a lot of times that I almost gave up, it was so hard & painful for me. After almost 2 hours we were able to reach the ‘summit,’ the guide told us that the next phase would be almost all downhill trek.
Finally after more than 3 hours of trekking and resting we were able to reach Kairukan Falls, 8 of the 18 (and 1 guide) participants came to the area first, we settled and started preparing for lunch. The falls was a great view, all the pains vanished after seeing how mighty it was.
The rest of the group came, of all the 18 who tried, only 14 were successful, 1 suffered cramps the 3 others decided to accompany him until the cramps subsided and headed back to Kanawan. For us, we enjoyed the scenery, bathed on the cold water of the river and enjoyed our lunch.
After a couple of hours, it’s time to trek back to Kanawan Village, this will be another 3 hours of painful ordeal.
Wow! Looks like nag-enjoy talaga kayo!
Too bad I was not able to join the trekking.
But heck! Yung pang-apat na photo! Baka nanginig na tuhod ko LOL! Medyo may phobia ako sa height lalo na pag hindi steady yung platform.
Sir pwede po bang mag camp malapit sa falls? We’re planning of an overnight trip. Thnaks
Yung mismong falls sir mabato, pero merong place malapit dun a pwedeng pagtayuan ng tent. Just make sure na may guide (local) kayo na kasama, the place is too remote.
This post i got a chance to view today brought my interest to write acknowledgement to the Author. I live in Morong and I appreciate your story and experience in our town.
Right now we found ourselves a group called WOMB Explorers to contribute to the Tourism Industry of our town showing beautiful places of the mountain which has fascinating views and waterfalls. The group’s aim is for the conservation and protection of our natural resources and its habitats. You may check out our FB page account: http://www.facebook.com/comevisitwondersofmorongbataan for more details and soon our web site. The group are still conducting feasibility studies and legalities for the safety of our local and international tourists. We hope that you come to us again.
Thank You Very Much Master Ricky!