CAWAG HEXA CLIMB: DAY HIKE OR DIE HIKE

 

Mount Balingkilat:  the first peak of Cawag Hexa Climb

The Cawag Hexa Climb (or Hexalogy) is a challenging, multi-peak day hike in Subic, Zambales, Philippines, that traverses six mountains:  Mount Balingkilat, Mount Bira-Bira, Mount Naulaw, Mout Dayungan, Mount Cinco Picos, and Mount Redondo, offering tough terrain, rocky ascents, and stunning coastal views, making it a difficult trek not for beginners.   

I was one of the joiners in this climb and what attracted me to do this climb was its advert that for 6 mountains, it can be climbed for 14 hours, but actually we did it for more than 24 hours non-stop trekking.  Indeed, not a day hike but rather a DIE HIKE.

While at the meet-up venue at Greenfield District Parking Lot

As early as 7:50 P.M., I was already at the Greenfield District Parking Lot in Ortigas Center waiting for 25 other joiners of the climb.  We were booked by our organizer for 2 vans.

Left Greenfield District at 9:35 P.M.

We were supposed to leave at 9:00 P.M., but three joiners were late and they arrived at 9:32 P.M. since they came from their office work for an overtime.

Arrival at the jump-off point at 12:39 midnight

Without any sleep, where all of us joiners are working employees, we started our trek at 01:00 dawn our trek after registration and orientation at the jump-off point in Sitio San Martin, Brgy. Cawag, Subic, Zambales.  As you can hear, the guide told us that the trek duration will be between 15-18 hours, as opposed to the Facebook advert of 14 hours.

The first river crossing at 1:24 dawn

The river where we crossed was too wide and has a very strong current and we had no choice but to cross without removing our trekking shoes.  It was too dark then and the possibility of having a snake on the trail has not came into our minds.  We were all in a hurry because the guide told us that the 15-18 hours is their pacing and not a regular trekking duration for climbers like us.

MOUNT TIMBAK: THE 9TH HIGHEST PEAK IN THE PHILIPPINES AT 2,717 MASL

 

Location: Atok, Benguet, Philippines
Entry and Exit Points:  Sitio Timbak, Barangay Cattubo, Atok, Benguet
Elevation: 2,717 MASL (8,914 feet)
Days Required / Hours to Summit:  1 day / 25- 35 minutes
Specs: Minor Climb; Difficulty - 2/9; Trail Class 1

Features:  The third highest mountain in Luzon and the 9th highest peak in the Philippines.  It has open trails on its sides planted with local crops like potatoes, cabbage, carrots, lettuce and different varieties of flowers and cactus.  From its 360 degrees viewpoint, rice terraces and other mountains can be viewed on their most splendid beauty.  Sea of clouds can also be viewed depending on the months of visit according to our local guide.  It is the most easiest climb I ever had since from the jump-off point starts at 2,249 which means that only 468 MASL is left to scale to the summit.

While at the summit of Mount Timbak

I was just a joiner of this climb and it started when we had a meet up at the Greenfield District parking lot in Ortigas Center of Mandaluyong at around 8:00 P.M. but we left boarding a van at 9:00 P.M. heading towards Atok, Benguet.

Our meet-up venue at Greenfield District parking lot

It was a long drive heading north and most of the joiners were Call Center agents and seasoned climbers.  I knew nobody in the group.  I just saw the advert of this climb in Facebook and I paid for a down payment thru GCash so that I can be included in the climb.

Stopover at Leeza's Restaurant in Sison, Pangasinan

At around 2:10 A.M., our van had a stopover in Sison of the province of Pangasinan to take something to eat or drink hot coffee or eat goto to warm our stomach.  It was very cold inside the van and some might have taken sleep but I did not.  We have already 214 kilometers for more than 3 hours drive.

Our van service vehicle

If you will notice, most of those who had a stopover in the restaurant are mountain climbers in the mountains of the North.   Some, though not in the same group, recognize each other since most of them climb mountains almost every weekend.  Only a few are really families who travel for leisure to the North particularly Baguio City.

Heading to the jump-off point

As early as 7:54 A.M., we were already driving towards the jump-off point.  I felt dizzy because I was not able to sleep during the trip.  This is the usual arrangement when we do have climbs in the North, we leave Manila at around 9:00 P.M. or 10:00 P.M. usually Friday evening since most of the joiners are still coming from their work.

Parking at the jump-off point

Our van drove to the higher elevation just to park at the jump-off point which was already at 2,249 MASL.  We can feel the cold air.  Benguet is noted for having a cold climate because of its mountainous area at a very high elevation.

The view from the jump-off point at 7:57 A.M.

The view was really rewarding.  Wherever you turn your eyes, rice terraces are very visible.  The terraces are planted with local crops and even flowers.

Started the trek at 7:59 A.M.

Even if I was sleepy, I managed to go ahead with the rest of my fellow joiners as I wanted to capture them climbing up in one line.  The fresh air that I breathed invigorated me.  

The panoramic view as we climbed higher

As we climbed higher, more neighboring mountains can be seen.  The dramatic rice terraces terrain are becoming more evident, such a view to behold.

The view deck at 8:02 A.M.

At the view deck, there is a store where we can buy our breakfast for hot milk, coffee or chocolate but most of all the cheaply priced fresh vegetables.  For just 3 minutes trek, we already reached this very rewarding view.

Loving the experience of being on top of everything

You see, when you are in this kind of place, you will be in complete spell admiring the beautiful creation of God.  You feel so different.  I was completely speechless to be exact.

Still at the view deck

It was already 8:18 A.M. and we were still at the view deck since some of our companions were still sipping their hot coffee and eating local delicacies.

Cactus for sale

It was already 8:23 A.M. and still at the view deck

I don't understand why some of my companions were buying vegetables and fruits when we are still to trek to the summit.  Besides, we were the only group that were there.

Trekking to the summit resumed at 8:32 A.M.

Take note, we only had trekked for 3 minutes going to the view deck and this time, we again resumed the trek at 8:32 A.M.

I was ahead of them at 8:36 A.M.

Reached this point at 8:38 A.M.

The view just below our location

Communication Towers were at the higher elevation

The view at 8:46 A.M.

Group picture at 8:55 A.M.

The organizer requested for a group picture for his business advert.  Bundokerong Pandak was the organizer of the event.  I really don't him personally, but I can always see his Facebook advert to joiners climb.

I just love this view while on trail

The mandatory 5-minute rest at 9:15 A.M.

We were advised to stop by the organizer so that we can regroup at this point.  Some were left behind since they are filming and taking instagrammable pictures.  A few in the group even took with them costumes while taking pictures and videos.

Look at this! Such an amazing view

Literally superb view

Finally the summit at 9:20 A.M.

Excluding all the rests and stops from the jump-off point to the summit, it was only 32 minutes total time that I spent for my personal record.

Literally on top of the world

The view below our location

Another summit angle shot

This is much better

The community down the summit

We left the place at 10:12 A.M.  I for one, bought some vegetables and fruits for it those were really from cheaper compared to Baguio City prices where we will also go after this climb.

CLUB BALAI ISABEL: AN ECO-FRIENDLY LAKESIDE RESORT IN TALISAY OF BATANGAS IN THE PHILIPPINES

 

While at the poolside of Club Balai Isabel

This resort offers a serene escape on the shores of Taal Lake with varied accommodations (rooms, villas, apartments), multiple restaurants serving Filipino/Asian food, water sports (kayaking, paddleboards, Aqua Park), pools, a spa, and extensive grounds ideal for families, events, and nature lovers seeking relaxation and adventure. For more information, you can visit there website at www.balaiisabel.com.

The pool uses filtered lake water to promote sustainable practices

The spacious open field can also be used for outdoor activities for bigger groups like ours.  There was so much to do within the property.

A scenic lake-side to accommodate large groups of guests

Both sunset and sunrise are spectacular at Taal Lake, offering breathtaking views of the volcano island, but sunsets often get a slight edge for dramatic colors and the surreal feeling of watching life return to the lake's edges after eruptions, while sunrises provide a peaceful, golden start; ultimately, it depends on your preference for golden glow or fiery hues, with Tagaytay Ridge being a prime spot for both.

A closer view of the Taal Volcano

This resort is 78.5 kilometers away from Manila and can be reached by a private car for one hour and 40 minutes drive via R-3 Road or Radial Road 3 which is  a major arterial route in Metro Manila, Philippines, serving as a key connector from the city center (Manila) southwards through cities like Pasay, Makati, Paranaque, Taguig, and into Muntinlupa, largely utilizing the Osmena Highway and the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX). It's one of the ten radial roads designed to link different parts of the capital region.

Another captured view of the Taal Volcano

Its accommodations is a mix of standard rooms, spacious suites, and villas with kitchenettes for longer stays.

Capturing the best backdrop of the resort

The resort has several restaurants like Terraza Cafe (local food), Kumintang Republik (pizza/steak), and Hapag ng Karpentero (Filipino).

Strolling around the property

The resort's location is strategically good in capturing the view of the iconic Taal Volcano in all parts of the resort.  This part of the resort is always filled with guests all the time of the day.

A spacious events hall for corporate events

The venue is popular for weddings, photoshoots, and corporate events due to its size (12 hectares) and facilities.  SDO Mandaluyong management, teachers and staff have stayed here for 2 days as funded by the local government of Mandaluyong as a treat for teachers where Mr. and Miss SDO Mandaluyong was held.

The extended dining hall due of the venue's hall

It also offers activities like Aqua Park (inflatable playground), kayaking, banana boats, jetskis, sailing, tennis, and karaoke.

Our resort's accommodation

Club Balai Isabel or officially Capital O 154 Club Balai Isabel has a gym, featuring a 24-hour fitness center, allowing guests to work out at their convenience while enjoying their stay with views of Taal Lake.

Relaxing at my accommodation

It does not only have a huge swimming pool, but rather multiple swimming pools, chapel (popular for weddings), green spaces and shuttle service.

A picture frame at Club Balai Isabel

I was late for the breakfast

In this picture frame,  there is always a queue of guests who wanted to capture their own picture for a lifetime memorabilia.  Thus,  my colleague Allan de la Trinidad and I decided to have a picture here early in the morning.

Approaching the clubhouse's pool

 

Ready for a swim after our afternoon's activity

Enjoying a refreshing swim at the pool

Endless bonding with my colleagues at the pool

My colleague, Allan de la Trinidad

Rolling at the grass

The resort's chapel

Waiting for the magical sunset

The sun is still up

The pool by the night

Another shot at the pool by night

Recapturing the pool view before leaving

Going back to our accommodation late from night swimming

The property is highly secured for the guests where we can freely roam around late

How to go to Club Isabel by Public Transport

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Bus from Manila:

• Head to major bus terminals like DLTB (Buendia) or PITX.
• Look for buses going to Tagaytay or Nasugbu, asking specifically for those passing through Talisay.

2. Alight at Talisay Town Proper:

• Tell the conductor or driver you're going to Talisay, Batangas, specifically the area near the church.
• The bus will stop near the Talisay Church

3.  Tricycle to Club Balai Isabel:

• Find the tricycle terminal near the church.
• Take tricycle and tell the driver to take you to "Club Balai Isabel", located on the shores of Taal Lake.
• You might pay more if you want the tricycle exclusively for yourself (around P24), otherwise, you'll wait for other passengers.

THANKS FOR READING!