Traversing Mt. Pamitinan and Wawa Dam in Montalban, Rizal

Looking at this scenic view, I remember a myth that was told when I was still in elementary. It was a story about Bernardo Carpio, a man with a strength that was similar to Hercules and was told to cause earthquakes and separated this mountain in Montalban.

It was long time ago and yet this was the first time I ever witness this scenery here in Rizal. It was the mountains called Mt. Pamitinan and Mt. Binakayan.

 Going to Mt. Pamitinan

We were up early and met up around 6am in Cubao, Quezon City. We are bound to leave at 6:30am and ride a van going to Rodriguez, Rizal. While waiting for my two colleagues to arrive, Aaron and I bought for some food to bring on the trip (we planned to eat somewhere near the river). We rode a van located just in front of Jollibee in Plaza Fair, a few walks away the MRT staion, with a signage Rodriguez-Cubao.

(Here’s a complete guide on how to go to Wawa Dam)

The fair going to Rodriguez, Rizal costs Php 50.00 each. From there you’ll take a tricycle or Jeep going to Wawa Dam. The terminal is just near Lhuillier Pawnshop. Took the trike if your travelling in groups, its better and easier just tell the driver your going to Wawa River.

We arrived at the ticketing booth at around to 7:16 am and met our tour guide Sir Frank.

Here are the things you’ll need in this trek.

A must:

• 2-3L of water
• Packed lunch
• Trail foods (nuts,raisins etc..)
• Flashlight/head lamp
• Sun protection (hats, arm sleeves etc…)
• Toiletries
• Mess kit
• Garbage bag
• Extra Clothes (pants and shirts and underwear day 1 + 1 rule)
• Med kit (if your going in group, one can bring for the whole team)

Optional:

• Gloves (optional but recommended)
• Camera
• Poncho/rain coat
• Trekking pole
• Emergency shelter (optional)
• Rope

Mt. PAMITINAN , Montalban (Rodriguez), Rizal | Major jumpoff: Brgy. Wawa, Montalban (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 | Specs: Minor to Medium, Difficulty 5/9 |Features: Limestone formations, scenic views ofSierra Madre and Rizal province

The Trek at Mt. Pamitinan

After meeting our tour guide, signing a waiver and paying Php 2.00, we headed straight at the Barangay Hall for security purposes. Just present your waiver at the front desk, you will not need to pay. (But there are times where you would be ask for 10’s or 20’s for Mirienda so better be ready atleast).

The hike will require some physical fitness and some parts are roped area. For faster arrival you can use rope and do wall climbing.

Because the place has become a tourist destination, the community in the area tends to make business out of it. We pass by some trinkets and other food stalls before reaching the riverside.

Our tour guide suggested for us to do caving first. It’s the first cave you will see in Mt. Pamitinan. It’s a very long cave with only one entry. We were told that it became a hiding place of the Japanese, and the Americans bomb it in World War 2.

See the arrow, will be heading to that cave.

Take caution always when going down. The photo below is how the river looks like on thr right side.

The first cave we are about to enter is a leveling cave and if your adventurous enough, Mang Frank told us that you could go under in 3 levels where you’ll find a river at the end. But it is recommended only to try if you have proper equipment’s with you. We decided to go back after walking for an hour and reaching only the mid of the cave. It felt like endless.

Our main goal was to reach the summit of Mt. Pamitinan, but we didn’t expected that the trail would be a bit hard. We took some shortcuts with lots of rocky parts along the trail. This part is 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.

Gloves are much needed in the trail we went in to. There are jagged edges of rocks and thorny vines you’ll meet along the road. We also pass some slopes that are almost 75 degrees good thing there are pre-installed ropes to help us go up.

We planned to take a cave up in the hill that according to Mang Frank will take us straight near the summit. But unfortunately it was closed because some miners and treasure hunters barricaded the place.

Oh look! theres an egg!

The trek for me was strenous and I said to myself, “Isang maling hakbang lang, I could have fallen or die there” Thank God we didn’t. I imagined it would be even more difficult or dangerous to climb if it’s raining out there.

The place is recommend for rock climbing enthusiast.

This one is the real thing … don’t keep me hanging. lol!

Heres another cave we entered. Not for people who are claustrophobic.

This what it look like inside.

looking at the entrance.

The whole trek lasted for 1.5 to 2-5 hours going up. Unfortunately we weren’t able to reach the summit because of the detours we made. So we decided to just head to the Wawa River, have a dip and take our lunch there.

Here are some photos going to the river.

See that stone? Thats where we are a while ago.

Now were off to have lunch, take a dip and enjoy the Wawa River.