Sunday, May 24, 2015

TREK GUIDE | Mt Pico de Loro 664 MASL



Mt Pico de Loro 664 MASL
Mountain Trek Guide


Mountain Facts
  • Mt Pico de Loro is at 664 MASL, considered to be the Highest Peak in the Province of Cavite.
  • Mt Pico de Loro is  part of the Palay-Palay Mataas Na Gulod Protected Landscape of the Palay Palay Mountain Range. A National Park, Game Refuge and Bird Sanctuary.
  • The last remaining lowland rainforest in the province of Cavite.
  • Palay Palay Mountain Range includes notable peaks like Mt Pico de Loro (664 MASL) the highest mountain in Cavite, Two extinct Stratovolcanoes namely Mt Palay Palay (648 MASL) and Mt Mataas na Gulod a.k.a Mt Marami Boulders (622 MASL), Mt Dos Picos (375 MASL).
  • Pico de Loro (Parrot’s Beak) is the name of the Rock Monolith.

Side Trips
Pico de Loro Waterfalls during Rainy Season.
13 Coves of Hamilo Coast, in Nasugbu, Batangas.
Kaybiang Tunnel, currently the longest tunnel in the Philippines with the length of 300 meters connecting Ternate, Cavite and Nasugbu, Batangas.
Experience sunrise and sunset viewing in the Summit.
Scaling the Rock Monolith Pico de Loro.




Trail Notes
  • The blogger has climbed Pico de Loro twice as of this post, May 2014 and February 2015.
  • Two weeks after my last climb, DENR announced the closure of the old trail effective immediately and introduced a new trail where jump off is from the DENR station.
  • This Itinerary is very much the same as the old trail Trek Guide I posted, Jump  off starts  from the DENR Station and skips the Magnetic Hill to Rene Medina's place. The new trail is described as a continues assault before coming to a junction with the old trail 15 minutes from the saddle campsite.
  • Traverse to Nasugbu, Batangas is possible. From there you can take tricycle and bus back to Manila or take Tricycle to pass through the Kaybiang Tunnel back to DENR in Ternate Cavite.
  • Guide is not a requirement unless you plan to traverse the mountain; Guides are for hire and would usually offer their service in the saddle camp site.
  • Soda drinks and water bottles are also available in the Saddle Camp Site, a hut was set up by locals where they sell these merchandise. These items are hauled from Nasugbu Batangas so they are also expensive.
  • Mt Palay Palay has a diverse flora and fauna. Base on my experience, hunters set up traps for local birds and sell their captures to interested visitors. This is illegal and not to be encouraged, please do not buy or bring home any of these endemic animals captured in the wild.
  • The trails before arriving in the camp site is thick with foliage of Bamboo, wear protective clothing like warmers for arms and legs. Bamboo leaves have rough surface; this is to avoid getting scratched.
  • Mt Pico de Loro summit is bare and steep grassland. Bring sun protection and umbrellas on a sunny day.
  • On a rainy day, do not attempt to scale the Rock monolith. The rope and the pass are slippery when wet, the rock wall at the back is 90 degrees with only a room for one person at a time.
  • Scaling the Rock Monolith is only for those confident in their physical prowess; if you have fear of heights, then do not dare climb Pico de Loro Monolith. 

Suggested Itinerary
4:00 AM      Meet up at Coastal Mall Bus Terminal bound to Maragondon Cavite.
                    Note: you can leave as early as 4AM if you don’t have to wait for everyone.
                    This itinerary was made for yuppie’s coming out from a night shift.
5:00 AM      ETD Leave by Bus bound to Maragondon, Cavite.
6:30 AM      ETA Arrival and breakfast for 30 minutes. Eateries are open in the tricycle terminal.
7:00 AM      Hire a tricycle to take you to DENR Office for registration.
7:45 AM      ETA DENR Office for Registration. Registration Fee (Php 25.00).
8:00 AM      Start Trek
10:00 AM    ETA Saddle Campsite
11:45 AM    ETA Summit, Lunch, Photo Op, Scaling the Rock Monolith

Option 1: Back Track to Ternate, Cavite
1:00 PM      Start descent, backtrack to DENR Station.
3:30 PM      ETA to DENR Station forwash up.
4:30 PM      Take tricycle back to Ternate then take bus back to Manila.
8:00 PM      ETA Manila.

Option 2: Traverse to Nasugbu, Batangas
1:00 PM     Start descent to Nasugbu-Ternate Highway
4:00 PM     ETA Nasugbu-Ternate Highway,
                   Options to take early dinner, hire tricycle to Nasugbu-Manila bus terminal
                   or hire Tricycle to pass the Kaybiang Tunnel back to DENR Ternate for wash up.
7:00 PM     If from DENR, hire tricycle back to Maragondon Bus terminal
7:30 PM     Last bus trip to Manila leaves at 7:30 PM


Estimated Expenses
Php 81  Bus ticket to Maragondon, Cavite
Php 225 Tricycle fare from Maragondon to DENR Office in Ternate, Cavite
Fare can be shared from 3 up to 4 passengers. This is a fix fare, we tried to negotiate but nil.
Php 25 DENR Registration Fee
Php 81 Bus ticket fare to Coastal Mall, Pasay.
Other expenses will be Carinderia meals or packed lunch.



On The Map




Ang Pala-lagaw Photo Gallery
These photos are all published in my Flickr Account.
Click here for more: Mt Pico de Loro



One of the most responsible Mountaineer I ever met. Sir Teo is not carrying his own trash, he picked them up while trekking.



Overlooking the Nasugbu Landscape.



Trails near the campsite is distinguished by clusters of Bamboos.











Francis Balgos is a Call Center Agent, Weekend Travel Warrior, Amateur Spelunker, Sometime Surfer, Newbie Mountain Climber, Photography Enthusiast, Certified Beach Bum, A first born son, True Explorer...

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66 comments:

  1. Awesome pics! Been meaning to see that place.

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  2. I'm also a fellow Ilonggo working in Manila. can I tag along on your trips? :)

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    Replies
    1. ilongo ka? wanna join us sa sunday basi masaka kami pa pico? :)

      Delete
  3. Been to Pico De Loro last week, it was a lot of fun pero buwis buhay ang monolith! hahaha

    It was just my second climb pero astig agad hahaha Enjoyed reading your post. And your pics reminded me of my experience while climbing Pico De Loro. Nice post,very informative.

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  4. are they allowing overnight on pico now?

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  5. Hi was wondering, did you hire a tour guide and if you did where did you hire them from? :) hope to hear from you thank you! :)

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  6. pwde na bang mag overnight sa taas?

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  7. This is the precise weblog for anybody who needs to seek out out about this topic. You notice so much its almost arduous to argue with you. You positively put a brand new spin on a subject that's been written about for years. Nice stuff, simply nice!

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  8. kahit wala na bang guide scaling the monolith?

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    Replies
    1. Guide is not needed in the monolith..
      Caution is requested though kasi delikado din yun.

      Delete
  9. Hey, just a question: If I wanted to take my car with me instead of taking a bus, will there be a place to park it when I get to Maragondon/the DENR Station?

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    Replies
    1. DENR Station has parking lots.. You can also park in the roadside.

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  10. Hi Francis! Been searching the web for blogs about the Mt. Pico de Loro hike, yours is one of the most detailed one yet! :) Question though: Would you suggest first-time mountain climbers on Mt. Pico de Loro? We're around a group of 6 and it's our first time climbing a mountain.

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    Replies
    1. Hi,

      Mt Pico de Loro is recomendd for beginners. Always consider physical fitness when you climb. theres really no hard or easy mountain, only climbers with stamina and determination.

      Required na yata ang guide sa pico de loro, they can asses you b4 u climb.

      Delete
    2. Thanks for the prompt reply sir! :)

      Do you know how much would a guide cost?

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    3. Hi Erwin! Sorry to butt in, I climbed Pico for 3 times and I must say that it is really for beginners and yet, I am not still familiar with the trail :) By the way, me and my office mates (group of 5) planning to hike on Nov. 18,2015 (APEC Week) all of them are first timers and we are coming from South - Baclaran. I’d like to suggest if we can join your team (depend on your date). We can meet at Pico De Loro DENR office and hire for a tour-guide? What you think? Just a suggestion. Don’t worry not bogus here. 

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    4. Hi! Push po kami tomorrow since we'll be busy come the APEC Week haha! Thanks for the offer though! :)

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    5. Hi @casahousebahay, plan din po namin mag pico on nov.18, baka po pde kami sumabit, first timers lang po kami and 3 pala po kaming sure. :)

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    6. Hi we're planning to trek on nov 18 night.. pwede po ba mag over night camping dun? asking for your response..

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    7. Hi Shiela,

      I dont see any reason why not..
      This mountain has a designated camp site.

      Delete
  11. I dunno na Sir.
    Di nako bumalik sa pico, it has become to commercial for me base on my last climb.

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  12. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  13. bro open p ba ung waterfall s pico?

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    Replies
    1. Hi Sir Jureco,

      Usually sir kung tagulan, open yung falls.
      Hindi naman nag sasara yun eh, yun lang, kung walang ulan, walang ring tubig dun.
      You might have to consider that.

      Delete
  14. We're planning to hike in Pico de loro this coming Nov. 18... and this is my second mt. to hike. thanks for the idea of your itinerary

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  15. We're planning to hike in Pico de loro this coming Nov. 18... and this is my second mt. to hike. thanks for the idea of your itinerary

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  16. hello po, pwede po ba maghike dun even if der is no tour guide..?

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  17. Hello guys,, we have a climb on nov 8,2015 pico de loro, day tour only,, visit our facebook page facebook.com/beatustravel or message me. 09988510963,, thanks,, were already 12pax the more the merrier,, :)

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  18. For pico de loro day tour, visit our fb page facebook.com/beatustravel or message me. 09995772823. May climb kami this nov 8 sa pico, 12pax na kami, kung gsto nio magjoin 2nd van na po,, thankyou

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  19. Hello po,sir my balita na po ba kayo kung pwede na po mag overnight sa pico?may akyat po kasi kami this coming nov 11 and 12..thanks po

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  20. Hello po, we're planning to "conquer" pico de loro one of these days. We're a team of five from quezon province (commuters). Anyone knows kung meron transient house near denr? Contact nos? Thanks.

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  21. Plan po namin mag pico this nov.18 baka po may pede makasabay. 3 palang po kaming sure and lahat kami 1st timers.

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    Replies
    1. hi punta din kami nov 18 pico, 3 lang din kmi first timer din pwede maka join?

      Delete
  22. Hello Guys, ask lang po pano po ba pumunta sa Ternate from Pala-Pala Dasma?
    Balak po naming umakyat sa Nov.28 at manggagaling po kami sa Biñan City.
    Thanks.

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  23. Hello Guys, ask lang po pano po ba pumunta sa Ternate from Pala-Pala Dasma?
    Balak po naming umakyat sa Nov.28 at manggagaling po kami sa Biñan City.
    Thanks.

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  24. Hi guys, Ask lang po kung pano mag commute from Pala-pala Dasma going Ternate,
    Balak po kasi naming umakyat sa Mt. Pico de Loro sa Nov 28.

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  25. Do we need to set up a reservation or walk in na lang? Thanks.

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  26. Pico is a protected landscape.. but you dont need reservation like the Mt Pulag National Park. Walk in nalang po

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  27. Sir ask ko lang, ok lang ba to trek Pico with a group of 2-4? And what time po nagbubukas yung registration, plan sana namin to do a Sunrise there, as early as 5:30 in the summit, pero if hindi po possible, gang what time po kaya pwede registration para ang i chase nalang namin is yung sunset.

    Thanks sir

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  28. Cool I am gonna climb again pico de loro soon, mag kno po iyong guide fee ninyo samin kasi dati mahal any way here's my post about our climb thank you for this article.

    http://www.odysseyawaits.com/2015/06/mt-palay-palay-also-known-as-pico-de.html

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello Carl,

      Never o pa nagawa na kumuha ng guide service sa Pico.
      This mountain is so popular most of my hiking friends are actually familiar with it.

      Delete
  29. Hi! we're planning to hike in pico de loro on Dec 12, should we need to book a slot?

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    Replies
    1. Hindi po ito Mt Pulag.. No need for pre registration.

      Delete
  30. HI! we're planning to hike in pico de loro on Dec 12, should we need to book a slot?

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  31. hi okay lang ba mag hike mag isa? hahahaha or need pa ng guide planning to go on dec 12 :) ty

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  32. akyat ako ng Jan 2....

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  33. hi guys..Sino aakyat this jan.24? thanks

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  34. Pwede pa po ba mag overnight sa pico?

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  35. Pde pa po ba overnight camping? Thanks

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  36. San po kaya pwede maghire ng tour guide?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Can I invite? Is this a blog? Thanks!
      Anyone interested to climb Pico de loro on March 5 (Saturday). 500 all in (meals not included) PM me on FB
      5 slots left

      Delete
  37. San po kaya pwede mag hire ng tour guide:pag maghahike sa pico?

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  38. hi francis kung sakali bang ndi kme mghired ng guide for 1st timer,my mga sign or palatandaan pa ung strek paakyat

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  39. Thinking it is light, ignorance is darkness, ignorance it was heresy for human and most contemptible are those who mistreat subordinates.

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  40. Hi..sino po my akyat this 15 friday Sa Pico.. pajoin nmn 3 kmi ung 2 1stymer po..tnx

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  41. Hi..sino po my akyat this 15 friday Sa Pico.. pajoin nmn 3 kmi ung 2 1stymer po..tnx

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  42. hello po me and my workmates are planning to hike pico dis coming may ..
    who wants to join po?3rd time ko na po umakyat sa bundok ..
    :)

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  43. Hey there! may contact po ba kayo ng guide dun? salamat

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  44. Ask ko lang kung pwede mag overnyt?? me akyat kasi kami ngayong sept9,2016to sept 10,2016 sana.

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  45. anyone who s planning to take a dayhike, can i join?

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  46. any contact po sa guide doon?

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  47. hi..solo lang po ako..plan ko po ma hike yun mt. pico de loro this summer, pwede po ba maki join sa team?

    ReplyDelete

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