MOUNT TARAK DAY CLIMB

Location: Mariveles, Bataan Jump-off point: Brgy. Alas-asin, Mariveles Coordinates: 14°30.357′N, 120°30′E Elevation (Ridge): 1,006 MASL (3,300 feet) Elevation (Peak): 1,130 MASL (3,707 feet) Days required/Hours to summit: 1 day / 5-6 hours Specs: Major climb, Difficulty 4/9, Trail class 3 Descriptive Summary: Its craggy landscape, sharp rocks, and steep location may have given rise to its name “Tarak” which was coined by the locals from two words: “Tabak” which means “hunting knife” in English and “Tarik” which means “steep”. Rich dramatic hues of sunset can be viewed at its best from the ridge. Whether you are on the ridge or at the summit, you will have a 270-degree view of sprawling hills and plains as well as its coastline and that is to include Corregidor Island and its neighboring islands and islets and the majestic Manila Bay for the farthest point of Cavite..

View Tarak Peak in a larger map

The scenic Tarak Ridge with the summit in the background

Mount Tarak is an ideal mountain for workout in preparation for major climbs. Partly, its trail and terrain is the similar to that of Mount Kanlaon and a few others. To really enjoy the climb, it is best to have it overnight. However, on my part, I was taking it as a workout.

The rolling trail near the jump-off point

Heading to the house of "Nanay"

This is the long flat trail heading to the house of "Nanay".   The real battle starts after the Papaya River where the trails are literally cardiac assaults.  But this mountain really provides training for major climbs.

The house of the famous "Nanay" in Tarak

We usually pass through this point to rest and we always had conversation with "Nanay".  From here,  I learned that there is a land dispute in this area.

Just after "Nanay's" house

I tell you, since I have been frequenting to have a work out climb here, I am no longer get the services of a guide.   What I usually do, was to have a late night trip to Brgy. Alas-asin, and from there, I would normally spend the rest of the night at the barangay hall where they do not charge anything plus there is a comfort/bath room where you can relieve yourself and take a fresh shower bath.




From the jump-off point, the trail is a dusty road where vehicles can pass and gradually trees are increasing in number and gradual elevation is evident that is why it is still manageable to trek. Occasional long cardiac assaults will then be experienced one hour before approaching the Papaya River with deep gullies (ravines) which as far as I can recall totals to five though it is a consolation that the trail is becoming too shady because of thick concentration of trees along the trail. At the most, for an average-paced climber, it will take more than three to trek from the jump-off point to Papaya River.

The long cardiac assaults after Papaya River

Papaya River, which I am wondering why it was called such despite of the non-presence of papaya plant around. This is point here is the only known water source to climbers though a few guides revealed that there are some minor water sources available though not accessible near the usual trails. Water here is so fresh it is safe to drink. From this point to the ridge is challenging since you must have longer strides and more cardiac assaults are evident, jumping over the roots or holding on to branches for support. Emerging to the ridge is a rewarding sight as it is an open clearing grown with cogon. The campsite at the ridge is protected with thick bonsai trees. However, you are advised to bring with you extra pegs as gusts of wind from the South China Sea at night will still uncontrollably be penetrating to the hidden camp site on the ridge.

The entry to the Ridge with lose soil trail

It is advisable for first-time climbers to hire a guide since the trails can be misleading. In my second time here, I was lost together with a friend. We were leading to a pineapple plantation and there was nobody there where we can ask for assistance.

Part of the extremely rocky steep Ridge

ACTUAL CLOCKED TIME OF ACTIVITIES

04:30 Board Bataan Transit on its Doroteo Jose Terminal to Brgy. Alas-asin, Mariveles
08:30 Brgy. Alas-asin; register at the barangay hall
09:40 Start trek
12:30 Papaya River, take a break for lunch
13:00 Resume trek
15:00 Tarak Ridge, take pictures for 15 minutes
15:15 Summit assault
16:00 Summit just for picture taking
16:30 Back to the ridge and without rest descend
17:00 Papaya River (without taking rest)
19:30 Back to the jump-off Point
20:00 Dinner in Brgy Alas-asin
20:30 Left Brgy. Alas-asin boarding a mini-bus for Balanga
21:50 Balanga, Bataan
12:00 Left Balanga boarding Genesis airconditioned bus
02:20 Arrived Boni MRT Station

In the picture is Gani Dionela at the other side of the Ridge, with the backdrop overlooking the vast expanse of Bataan lowlands and coastal area

Particulars	Amount
Trail food	P110
Bus Fare (Bataan Transit Airconditioned Bus from Doroteo Jose, Sta. Cruz to Brgy. Alas-asin, Mariveles)	267
Breakfast in Brgy. Alas-asin (Eatery)	40
Registration fee (Barangay Alas-asin Hall)	40
Dinner in Brgy. Alas-asin (Eatery)	40
Minibus Fare from Brgy. Alas-asin to Balanga, Bataan	48
Bus Fare (Genesis Airconditioned Bus from Balanga to Boni MRT Station)	210
TOTAL EXPENSES	P755

The Ridge taken from the midpoint going to the summit

Taken Near the Peak 3 of Mount Mariveles

Just a clarification.  Mount Tarak is famous to be Mount Tarak.  However, Tarak is just a ridge in Mount Mariveles.  There are three peaks of this mountain.  First, one has to traverse the Tarak ridge heading to Peak 1, then to Peak 2 and finally to Peak 3.

Descending the Tarak Ridge coming from Peak 3

You might be wondering why I am wearing different outfit when my climb is only day climb.  Well, this post is a combination of three dates of climb.

The captured view while starting to descend from Tarak Ridge

Descending Tarak ridge is a little bit risky since, its trail has loose soil and you have no choice but to hold on to the sharp leaves of cogon grasses.  Its leaves' edges are serrated, finely toothed, and embedded with sharp silica crystals, making them feel abrasive, like sandpaper or a razor, especially if you move your hand down the blade.

The scenery taken from a clearing midpoint of Papaya River and jump-off point

You may also want to read my blog post of the Summary of My 100 Plus Climbing Portfolio  and the detailed blog post of my Asia Trilogy Climbs of Mount Fuji Climb (Japan), Yushan Climb (Taiwan) and Mount Kinabalu Climb (Malaysia).

THANKS FOR READING!

METROPOLITAN MANILA

Note: This post has been updated to September 7, 2026

METROPOLITAN MANILA with a land area of 636 square kilometers, is widely known as METRO MANILA, which is consist of 16 Highly Urbanized Cities:  (1) Caloocan, (2) Las Pinas, (3) Makati, (4) Malabon, (5) Mandaluyong, (6) Manila - the capital city, (7) Marikina, (8) Muntinlupa, (9) Navotas, (10) Paranaque, (11) Pasay, (12) Pasig, (13) Quezon City, (14) San Juan, (15) Taguig, and (16) Valenzuela; and a municipality of Pateros.

Map of Metropolitan Manila (Photo credit: www.sketchbubble.com)

MAKATI CITY

Makati City is the leading financial, commercial, and business center of the Philippines, which is a part of Metropolitan Manila.   It serves as the premier economic hub and financial capital of the country, hosting major corporate headquarters, banks, and foreign embassies.  It covers a land area of about 21.57 square kilometers, bordered by the Pasig River to the north, Taguig to east, and Pasay to the west.  It comprises 33 barangays, featuring the prominent Makati Central Business District (CBD), the historic Poblacion district, and affluent enclaves like Forest Park.  It boasts one of the largest and most dense collections of skyscrapers in the Philippines.  It is founded in 1670 as San Pedro de Makati, it evolved from an agricultural town and the site of the nation's first airport into a modern metropolis.

The financial district along Ayala Avenue, the Wall Street of the Philippines

Ayala Avenue is a 1.9-kilometer major thoroughfare in Makati City, that serves as the core of the country's financial industry.  It is widely known for housing the headquarters of top local and multinational corporations, major financial institutions, and the Philippine Stock Exchange, thus, it earns the reputation of being the Wall Street of the Philippines,

The Glorietta Malls of Makati Business District captured from One Ayala Mall balcony

The festive Christmas at Ayala Triangle Gardens

Vibrant evening captured from Ayala Triangle Gardens with the 

Philippine Stock Exchange Tower (left) at the backdrop

MANDALUYONG

Mandaluyong City is a highly urbanized, progressive economic center located at the heart of Metropolitan Manila, widely known as the "Tiger City".   It has an area of 9.29 square kilometers consisting of 27 barangays which is divided into 2 political districts.  It is bordered by Manila to the west, San Juan to the north, Quezon City to the northeast, Pasig to the east, and Makati across the Pasig River to the south.

It shares the bustling Ortigas Center business district with Pasig City, featuring soaring corporate skyscrapers and commercial zones.  It is home to world-class shopping complexes like SM Megamall and Shangri-La Plaza, as well as major corporate headquarters including the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and San Miguel Corporation (SMC).   Its major thoroughfares like EDSA run directly through the city, connecting commuters to the rest of the capital region via multiple MRT-3 stations.

Part of the massive SM Megamall

SM Megamall ranks generally between 5th and 10th largest shopping mall in the world, depending on whether the list measures Gross Leasable Area (GLA) or total floor area.  It is approximately 474,00 to 500,000 square meters (about 5.1 to 5.4 million square feet).  It is situated in Ortigas Center of Mandaluyong City.

Dona Julia Vargas Avenue near the Podium

Dona Julia Vargas Avenue is a major east-west thoroughfare in Metro Manila that connects Pasig City and Mandaluyong City through the Ortigas Center business district.

The Podium Mall facade

The Podium Mall is a upscale, eco-friendly lifestyle center located in Ortigas Center known for its modern architecture, luxury retail, and sustainability features.  It is designed by Arquitectonica, the inter features multi-level curved walkways, high ceilings, and sleek glass elements.  It has a massive glass ceiling and central skylight flood the interior atrium with sunlight, creating an open and airy atmosphere.   The complex highlights cultural elements, such as the Cubi metal sculpture by National Artist Arturo Luz.

The Podium Mall interior

It is recognized for eco-friendly architecture, holding a LEED Gold Mark (Core & Shell) pre-certification and Singapore's Green Mark Gold Award.  Its eco-facade has that exterior that incorporates a living green wall facade.

The Podium Mall reception hall

It houses luxury and international brands like Dior, Rolex, Adidas, Mango, and Uniqlo.  It features a wide range of upscale cafes and restaurants, including specialty Japanese cuisine and artisanal coffee sports.  It houses three exclusive Director's Club Cinemas for a premium movie-watching experience.

The totality of Esda Shangri-La Manila hotel (Photo credit: www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review)

Edsa Shangri-La Manila is a luxury 5-star urban resort located at 1 Garden Way, Ortigas Center known as an "urban oasis," featuring lush tropical gardens right in the busy Ortigas business district.

The Poolside of Edsa Shangri-La Hotel

Edsa Shangri-La Manila offers 631 rooms and suites split between two distinct wings --- the Tower Wing and the Garden Wing where it is connected directly via a walkway bridge to Shangri-La Plaza Mall and very close to SM Megamall.

At the rooftop of Lancaster Hotel

Lancaster Hotel Manila is a 42-story tower along Shaw Boulevard in Mandaluyong City.  It is just a block away from the MRT Shaw Boulevard station.  It overlooks the Wack Wack Golf and Country Club and sits minutes away from Shangri-La Plaza and SM Megamall.  It offers apartment-style suites equipped with kitchen or dining facilities, air conditioning, and separate sitting areas.

With the backdrop of the massive and modern building of Mandaluyong City Hall

SM Mega Tower (left) and BSA Twin Towers (right)

Archdiocesan Shrine of Divine Mercy

MANILA

The City of Manila is the historic capital and second-most populous city of the Philippines, which is divided into 16 administrative districts, including Intramuros, Binondo, and Quaipo.  It is located in the eastern shore of Manila Bay at the mouth of the Pasig River.  It is famous for its attractions like the historic Walled City featuring Fort Santiago and the Manila Cathedral, Rizal Park and Binondo - the oldest Chinatown in the world, famous for its food and heritage.

The historic Rizal Park  where the national hero Dr. Jose Rizal was executed

Rizal Park is also known as Luneta park or simply Luneta with a land area of 58 hectares (140 acres) urban park located in Ermita, Manila, Philippines.  It is originally known as Bagumbayan outside Intramuros during the Spanish era, the site became notorious for public executions, including the Gomburza priests (1872) and national hero Jose Rizal on December 30, 1896.  It hosted the formal recognition of Philippine independence on July 4, 1946.

Park Layout and Key Attractions

• Northeastern Section (16 hectares): features the National Museum Complex and Agrifina Circle.
• Central Section (22 hectares): Houses the iconic Rizal Monument (holding Rizal's remains and guarded by the Philippine Marine Corps), the Independence Flagpole, and the Central Musical and Dancing Fountain.
• Southwestern Section:  features Burnham Green, the Quirino Grandstand, and Manila Ocean Park
• Gardens:  Includes the Chinese Garden, Japanese Garden, and Children's Playground.

The Pasig River with the background of Sta. Cruz and Quiapo buildings

At the poolside of Sofitel Hotel in CCP Complex

Skyscrapers in Manila and the Manila Bay as viewed from the Sofitel Hotel from CCP Complex

Manila Bay coastline as captured from Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) complex(Model: my son)

Bayview Park Hotel Manila

The Post Office Building

Quiapo Bridge captured from Arroceros Forest Park (Model: my son)

At the walls of Intramuros with the backdrop of the buildings of Manila along T.M. Kalaw St.
Intramuros is a historic, 0.67 square kilometer walled district in Manila founded and initially built starting on June 12, 1571, by Spanish Governor-General Miguel Lopez de Legazpi.   It is considered as the oldest part of the city and the center of Spanish colonial power in the Philippines.  Its initial fortification prior to the building of the massive wall consisted of a palisade of palm logs.
The historic and symbolic Manila Cathedral
The Minor Basilica and Metropolitan Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, commonly known as the Manila Cathedral, is a Roman Catholic basilica and the cathedral of the Archdiocese of Manila.  It is dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary of the Immaculate Concepcion, the principal patroness of the Philippines.

The captured facade of Manila Cathedral

Manila Cathedral was originally constructed in 1571 as a parish under the Archdiocese of Mexico, the church became the seat of the new suffragan Diocese of Manila, which was established on February 6, 1579, by Pope Gregory XIII.

Palacio del Governador: A Hispanic Legacy
T.M. Kalaw Avenue: A busy district of Ermita
Welcome Rotonda: Separates Manila and Quezon City

MUNTINLUPA CITY

Muntinlupa City is a highly urbanized, first-class city in the southernmost part of the Metro Manila, known as the "Gateway to Calabarzon".   Calabarzon is Region IV-A, one of the 18 administrative regions of the Philippines, which stands for the provinces of Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon.  It has an area of 39.75 square kilometers consisting of 9 barangays and that includes the most progressive business district of Ayala Alabang.  It borders Taguig, Paranaque, Las Pinas, Cavite (Dasmarinas, Bacoor), Laguna (San Padro), and Laguna de Bay.

It is home to major business and lifestyle districts like Alabang (including Filinvest City and Alabang Town Center).   It is famous for upscale communities like Ayala Alabang Village.  It also has the main national penitentiary New Bilibid Prison which is managed by the Bureau of Corrections.  It is often referred to as the "Emerald City" due to its notable green spaces compared to other dense areas in the metropolis.

Alabang Business District

Posadas Village Clubhouse in Sucat, Muntinlupa City

PARANAQUE CITY

Paranaque City is a coastal, highly urbanized city in Metro Manila, known for its entertainment complexes, major transportation hubs, and rich cultural heritage with a land area of 46.57 square kilometers divided into 16 barangays, bordered by Pasay, Taguig, Muntinlupa, Las Pinas, and Manila Bay.

It is noted for being an entertainment city with massive beachfront tourism and gaming district home to luxury resorts like Solaire Resort & Casino, City of Dreams Manila, and Okada Manila.  It is the cradle of Baclaran Church - a formally known National Shrine of Our Mother of Perpetual Help, famous for being an international pilgrimage site.   It is also home to Ayala Malls Manila Bay in Aseana City and the Paranaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX), a major multi-modal public transport terminal.

The Skyway above South Expressway with the backdrop of Azure Urban Resort Residences

Okada Manila Luxury Hotel and Casino Resort

Okada Manila, is a 5-star luxury resort which covers a vast oceanfront area of about 30 to 44 hectares in Entertainment City, Paranaque City, where it features two main 15-story hotel wings (Pearl Wing and Coral Wing) connected by sky bridges.  Its distinct gold-colored glass facade reflects the famous Manila Bay sunset.  Its complex houses over 1,000 luxurious rooms, suites, and upscale villas equipped with modern smart controls and  luxury amenities.

The Dancing Fountain at Okada Manila

This dancing fountain at Okada Manila measures 37,464 square meters, an iconic multi-color dancing water feature as large as 50 Olympic-sized pools.  The water jets of the fountain can shoot water higher than its 19-storey hotel building.  It is equipped with over 700 high-power water jets.

PASAY CITY

Pasay City is a major urban center in Metro Manila, famous for housing the main international gateway, Ninoy  Aquino International Airport (NAIA) with a land area of 13.97 square kilometers consisting of 201 barangays divided into 20 zones across 2 legislative districts.

It is where SM Mall of Asia (MOA) is located, one of the largest shopping malls globally, featuring an arena, amusement rides, and scenic Manila Bay sunsets.  Newport Worlds Resorts - a major entertainment and commercial complex located across from NAIA Terminal 3 is also a part of this bustling city.  Star City - a popular family amusement park situated near the harbor area is also one of its attractions.

The city hosts the majority of NAIA's terminals and major bus lines.  It also boasts a highly dynamic business and tourism activity featured thru reclaimed land developments along Bay City like the SM Central Business Park.

Ninoy Aquino International Airport Expressway (NAIAX) cutting through the Newport City

Newport City functions as a mixed-use commercial and business district near Ninoy Aquino International Airport and is a part of the progressive Pasay City.

Sea Residences of SM Central Business Park
SM Central Business Park boasts several high-end hotels and staycation suites as part of its real estate development expansion.  The location is favorable as the airports (domestic and international) are located within the city. 

PASIG CITY

Pasig City is a bustling, highly urbanized city in Metro Manila, Philippines, known as a major commercial hub bordered by Quezon City, Mandaluyong City, Marikina City, Rizal province, Taguig, and Pateros with a land area of 48.46 square kilometers split into 30 barangays.  It is derived from an old Sanskrit word meaning a river flowing from one body of water to another (Laguna de Bay to Manila Bay).

Pasig River blends with the towering modern skyscrapers 

(Photo credit to @renz.sanjuan via Above the Philippines)

Ortigas Center which partly belongs to Pasig City as shared with Mandaluyong City is one of the country's top financial and commercial districts.  The city is home to major lifestyle and business spots like Capitol Commons, Estancia Mall, and Robinsons Galleria.  Its local government unit is headquartered at the Pasig City Hall on Caruncho Avenue.

Aerial view of Pasig City (Photo Credit: www.reddit.com/r/CityPorn)

The Pasig Revolving Tower (Photo credit: https://www.spot.ph/newsfeatures/)

The Christmas adorned Meralco Building

Meralco Building (also known as the Lopez Building) is a famous 14-storey corporate headquarter located along Ortigas Avenue in Pasig City.   It houses Meralco Theater also known as Meralco Auditorium where it seats over 1,500 people and hosts concerts, plays, musicals and events.

The magical grounds of Meralco Building during Christmas

QUEZON CITY

Quezon City is situated in the northeast part of Metro Manila,  is the most populous and largest city by land area in Metro Manila covering 161.11 square kilometers consisting of 142 barangays divided politically into six congressional districts.  It was founded on October 12, 1993, by President Manuel L. Quezon, after whom the city is named.  It is distinct from Quezon Province.

It served as the official capital of the Philippines from 1948 to 1976 before capital status returned to Manila.  The city is designed as a planned community to relieve congestion in Manila.

The busy major commercial and business district of Cubao

Cubao District as captured from Cubao MRT Station (Models: My wife and son)

A train approaching Cubao MRT Station

The Sunken Garden of the University of the Philippines Diliman Campus

The poolside at the 7th floor of Park Inn by Radisson
Park inn by Radisson North Edsa is a 4-star upper-midscale hotel brand operated globally by the Radisson Hotel Group located at the SM City North EDSA Complex.  It is positioned as a contemporary upper lodging option catering to both business and leisure travelers.  It is known for a colorful, friendly, and functional environment focused on a comfortable and hassle-free stay.   Properties typically feature modern guest rooms, on-site dining or grab-and-go good options (such as DASH counters), fitness centers, and meeting spaces.

SAN JUAN CITY

San Juan City is the smallest highly urbanized city by land area of 5.95 square kilometers divided into 21 barangays across two legislative districts.  It is bounded by Quezon City on the north and east, Mandaluyong on the south, and the City of Manila on the west.

It is formerly called San Juan del Monte ("St. John of the Mountain") after its hilly terrain and patron saint, St. John the Baptist.  It is known as the site of the Battle of San Juan del Monte (Pinaglabanan), the first major battle of the Katipunan against the Spanish Empire in 1896.  It was converted from municipality into a highly urbanized city in 2007.

It is where Greenhills Shopping Center is located, a famous commercial district known for its retail shops, tech gadgets, and bargain tiangge (bazaar) famous for pearls.  Another landmark it has, is the Pinaglabanan Shrine, a historic park and monument dedicated to the heroes of the Philippine Revolution.  It is also known for its Santolan Town Plaza, a modern lifestyle and dining hub.

The imposing skyscrapers of San Juan City (Photo credit: UP Philippines)

TAGUIG CITY

Taguig City is a major financial, commercial, and residential center in Metro Manila with a total land area of 45.21 square kilometers divided into 38 barangays.  It is situated on the western shore of Laguna de Bay.  It is known for blending historic origins as a fishing community with modern, high-density urban zones.

It is noted for the following features:

1. Bonifacio Global City (BGC): A premier financial and lifestyle district filled with corporate headquarters, high-end malls, and public art.
2. Mc McKinley Hill:  An upscale residential and commercial township featuring European-inspired architecture, notably the Venice Grand Canal Mall.
3. Parks and Recreation:  Offers urban green spaces and recreational hubs like Bonifacio High Street and local city parks.

The modern business district of Bonifacio Global City (BGC)

The high-end Venice Grand Canal Mall

VALENZUELA CITY

Valenzuela City is a busy, first-class, highly urbanized city in Metro Manila located about 14 kilometers north of the capital city of Manila with an area of 47.02 square kilometers divided into 33 barangays.  This city is known as the "Northern Gateway to Metropolitan Manila" because the MacArthur Highway and North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) pass through it.

This city started as a small fishing community and was founded as the town of Polo in 1623 when it separated from Meycauayan, Bulacan.  The town was later renamed after Dr. Pio Valenzuela, a famous local hero and leader of the Katipunan revolutionary society.   It was chartered as a highly urbanized city in 1998.

The city is a major center for manufacturing and trade, featuring factories that produce food, plastics, metals, and textiles.   Its local government is recognized nationally for good financial governance and smooth business processes.

It has the popular Valenzuela City People's Park - a popular public park with open spaces, exercise areas, and fountains.  It also has the Museo Valenzuela, a cultural center highlighting local history and art.  It also houses the major religious landmark National Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima.

An aerial view of Valenzuela (Photo credit to Philippine Tourism)

THANKS FOR READING!