MT. MARANAT DAYHIKE

Mt. Maranat is part of the Sierra Madre mountain range, and lies between the provinces of Bulacan and Rodriguez, Rizal. Unknown to most mountaineers, “Maranat” is actually the name of the falls, which belongs to Mt. Oriod. The local practices of coal mining and bamboo harvesting didn’t affect the luscious scenery and the mesmerizing view along the trail.

Licao-Licao, where you can but your last-minute items before heading to jump-off.

You can even  buy your lunch if you don't have a packed one.

Let's start the trail towards the jump-off.

Bamboo house along the trail, resembles its surroundings.

Sierra Madre mountain ranges along the trail.

If you are planning to commute on your way to Maranat, the easiest option is riding a bus going to “Tungko” along EDSA, get-off to the last bus stop, or the Tungko Town proper itself. From there, look for the PUJ Terminal near the public market, and take one bound to Licao licao. It will take almost 40 minutes from the terminal to Licao licao. There are sari-sari stores, carinderia and pay-CR for your last minute preparations before heading to jump-off. You can start trek to jump-off or take a cab for Php 35.00 per head. Maranat and Mt. Balagbag have the same jump-off. You have to pay the registration fee of Php 20.00.

Jump-off for Mt. Balagbag and Maranat. Registration of Php 20.00. 

Make sure to try some kwek kwek before starting the trail.

With mountaim buddies, Roni, Jonel, Rhoda, Jhong and Israel.

Aling Julma's store, famous for it's bibingka.

Raph, Joel, Roni, Israel and Jhong. A Baguio-like background. 

Mt. Arayat is somewhere in the background. I'm sure of that.

With our new-found friends. 

Meet our organizer- Jhong.

The first kilometre of the trail is quite easy. You will pass by the quiet neighbourhood of its locals, and the trail is a combination of concrete and rough roads. You will even meet the locals on your trail, so better greet them a good day (well I think if you’re a mountaineer you should already know that). After an hour of walk, the mesmerizing view of surrounding mountains will greet you.

50% of the trail and now heading to Maranat falls.

Amazing view everywhere.

Meet my travel buddy and my bestfriend: Jonel

Tis road leads to somewhere: The Maranat falls.

The next kilometres is quite challenging, and you will encounter assaults which is difficult for first-timers. Unlike other mountains, the trail going to the campsite is descending, or I say towards the Maranat River. One of the promising on your way towards the campsite is the view, one of the best views I have seen. You will even have a glimpse of Mt. Arayat, standing majestic beyond the plains of Rizal. One of the icons of Mt. Maranat is Aling Julma’s store, which is also famous for her bibingka.

Boulders. along the river you have to cross. 

Or you have to cross the river itself.

Jonel, and it is his second climb on this mountain.

If you didn't choose crossing the river, you will face this giant rock.

Roni and Israel took the challenge of crossing the river.

And we took the challenge of crossing the boulders.

This is used to the trail, certified resident of Maranat.

This deserve a shot.

With Roni, Rhoda and Israel.

The trail towards the river will take you an hour depending on your phase. You have to cross the river towards the campsite; there are also trails along the boulders if you don’t want to get wet. It will take you about 30 minutes from the river to the campsite. 

Meet Tatay Nestor's cool house.

A kitty will even makes you feel more relaxed and welcomed.

Lunchtime with the team.

Dreamcatchers.

Selfie with Tatay Nestor and the team.

Once you get to the campsite, you will be greeted by Tatay Nestor and his cool house. He is the guide that helps and assists mountaineers in Maranat. He is very accommodating and friendly, and one of the icons of the mountain.

Let there be peace. And it starts with the mountains.

We ate our lunch at the campsite, and took a rest before heading to Maranat waterfalls. Actually it is few minutes from the campsite, but if you’re rooting for a challenge, you can go back to the river and from there, ascend to the waterfalls through the boulders (or also called bouldering, as what my friend Jhong describes it). It is very difficult since you have to climb large rocks or boulders, and you must be careful since the trail there is very steep.

Bouldering.

Boulders everywhere.

You have to be careful on every step. 

Israel, Rhoda and Roni taking some rest.

The trail going back to the jump off is more challenging, since you have to deal assaults, and steep ascending trails.

One of the best falls of Mt. Maranat.

Swimming time. Beat the heat of the summer.

Macho guwapitos.

Taking some rest at Mang Nestor's house before heading back.

Pre-departure selfie.

Capturing the dramatic sky.

God's wonders you will only experience in the mountains.

Mt. Maranat is an underrated mountain, and the level of difficulty on the blogs I have read is 4/9. This is actually one of the most challenging mountains I have climbed so far and yet marked as one of my favorites. It is actually not advised for first-timers for its trail, but recommended for those who seek outdoor challenges. 

Til next climb Rhap, Rhoda, Jhong, Roni, Israel and Jonel! :)