Mount Manalmon is less than 3 hours ride from Metro. It is located in San Miguel Bulacan and part of the Biak-na-Bato National Park. While considered an easy climb, the trail of this mountain becomes steep and rocky as the summit is approached.
The beginning.
We can't wait for another amazing moment to experience and to be so close to nature so despite bad weather forecasts we agreed to continue our 2nd annual trip--thank God cause it turned out to be the best decision for the group. It was raining on our way to Bulakan but when we finally reach San Miguel and get off from the bus, weather got better, and there was only drizzle.
We then rode a tricycle to Sitio Madlum (P60each) which took us about 45 minutes. The road was ok during the first 20 minutes, but it became rough as we near Sitio Madlum. Too late to realized that sitting at the back edge of the trike was really not a good choice. :(
Past 9:00AM when we arrived at Sitio Madlum. The water in the river is quite higher compare to other photos I saw online, maybe because of the constant rains. The river was surrounded by lush green rocks offering a peaceful and tranquil scenery. We enjoy the view, we took pics while our lead-climber settle all the necessaries fees at the registration area.
Crossing the Monkey Bridge
Most of us get excited to try the monkey bridge. When it's already my turn, I gathered all my courage. The bridge is quite high, the river is deep for sure due to regular rains, and MyGhadd! I dunno how to swim! But our guide assured that he will jump in just incase anyone from us fall down, he also said that so far, no one has fallen from the bridge yet! So be it! I set my foot on the bar and grip firmly on the cable. Though I'm wearing trek shoes, it still feels slippery cause of the thick mud on it's sole. It is not as easy as I thought! My knees went trembling on the first steps. I even want to back out. But they encourage me to finish it. Our guide also told me not to look down, and it helps. :) Glad that despite my shaking knees I survived the challenge. :) Woo-hoo!
We were off to trek after braving the monkey bridge. It was a beautiful misty morning. The trail was friendly for anyone who can walk in between the raindrops for 2 hours.
As we go up, the weather was getting better and as we reached the summit we were greeted with the spectacular views of Mt. Arayat and Mt. Gola, plus the panoramic view of the Madlum River at the north side.
We took a lot of picture (walang bababa ng walang pang propayl pic na kuha! hehe), we give thanks, enjoyed the views and we're really happy that it was a cloud free summit. :) We didn't stay long at the top, we were all starved and so we headed back down.