Triple Fun at the Summit, River and Caves of Mt. Manalmon

Mt. Manalmon is a perfect barkada getaway especially those who love outdoor activities that are fun but not too risky. Here, the heart-pounding adventure begins right at the jump off point in Sitio Madlum. We had get to the other side of Madlum River to register, pay fees and arrange guides – by crossing a scary Monkey Bridge.

A failed attempt to cross the Monkey Bridge

It’s really not much of a bridge – just two long metal cables, the upper one for the hands, and the lower one for the feet. The whole group except me and Elmer managed to cross the bridge. We chose to pay for a balsa for P5 (sad, my fear of heights took over me). The group ended up crossing the river again anyway, as the trail for Mt. Manalmon is on the other side.

Balsa Ride

The trail begins with cemented ladders, and runs across muddy farmlands. It was actually very easy and we reached the summit, just 196 meters above sea level, after about an hour. The summit is the second of two big monoliths that we encountered. From the peak we could see Madlum River running across lush greens, Mt. Gola on the other side and Mt. Arayat from afar. We ate lunch at the summit and resumed our trek back, crossed the river again to leave our things and prepared for spelunking. Many of us were not able to bring headlamps so we rented them for P30 each. We crossed the river again and trekked on the other side.

Crossing a shallow part of the river

Part of the trail

Mount Arayat

The first monolith

Mount Gola and Madlum River, viewed from the summit.

There are a number of caves in the area. To make the most out of the trip we chose what our guide called a “technical cave” – which required precise footing and frequent bodily contortions. When we reached the cave opening, our guide led the chanting of an ancient hymn – to supposedly ask permission from the spirits of the cave and to ask for safety as well.

Entering the cave, vertically

Looking clean so far!

A shaky, slippery ladder

Glistening crystals

Ang Pagpasok sa Masikip na Butas

Aftermath of spelunking:
We look like we took a crap with our pants on.

Our guide was accompanied by two other assistants, who instructed us where which rock to hold and where to place out feet. They were very helpful, and there even times that we had to step on them. Inside we were amazed by the interesting rock formations. Some appear to be in a pristine condition, judging from the crystals on them which were still  intact. It took us roughly two hours to explore the entire cave. Tired and mud-drenched, we excitedly crossed the river again and swam to our hearts’ delight.

Swimming time! That's me with a lifevest on.

I’m definitely coming back to Manalmon to cross the Monkey Bridge.

RATING

Mount Manalmon 2/9

Caving 4/9

ITINERARY AND EXPENSES

0500 Took bus (P130) from Cubao for San Miguel Bulacan

0700 Arrived at San Miguel, ate breakfast, bought food

0715 Took trike (P200 for 4) for Sitio Madlum

0830 Stop over to pay for entrance fee (P15) at the checkpoint , continued trike ride to jump off

0900 Arrived at jump off, crossed the river by balsa (P5), paid reg fees (P5), started crossing the monkey bridge

(hiking, caving and swimming followed for the whole day)

Same route out.

Other expenses

Cave guide P30/pax

Headlamp rent P30/pax

TIPS

1. Avoid fees by bringing your own headlamps.

2. When we arrived at San Miguel, Bulacan, only Dunkin Donuts and a small carinderia selling only three different dishes were open. We should have bought food in Manila.

Photocredits: Elmer Reyes, Ron Hubsch, Jeffrey Sta. Maria and MJ