MOUNT KULIS AND ITS PERKS OF ADVENTURE

 Location:  Sitio Maysawa, Barangay Cuyambay/Laiban, Tanay, Rizal, Philippines

Our group of 11 which was the third batch to ride at the Noah's Ark

The thought of climbing again after total lockdown due to COVID-19 pandemic had really pushed me into an extreme excitement when a colleague invited me to join her organized tour for Mount Kulis.  The tour package was P1,200 but I did not mind the cost because that is also for my health benefit. I did not mind researching for this because what I only need at that moment was to experience again mountaineering.

My time to shine at the Noah's Ark

Being a new father to a first baby of almost 11 months, I prefer to stay at home to play with my son.  But this time, the mountains were calling me loud and clear and it was just irresistible.  The suggested itinerary and things to bring was sent to me by my organizer but I did not bother to read them.  After all, I am already a mountaineer since 1998.

Massive rocks at the waiting area of Noah's Ark

Just to give my readers a background, Mount Kulis is a part of the Fresno Agro Forestry and Eco-Tourist Campsite.  It is the newest hiking destination located in Sitio Maysawa, Barangay. Cuyambay and Barangay Laiban, Tanay, Rizal.  It is owned by an IP named Mr. Mabini Dela Sada and Merly (a native Dumagat), developed and managed Mr. Reynaldo Zapanta Fresno.  It caters local tourism so the locals in the area can also earn a living by selling food, of course the entrance fees, the hired tourist guides, plants for sale, accommodation and other services and things that guests or hikers can avail of.  

While at Sambong Peak

The tour started when we had a meet-up at the Greenfield car park and left there at 1:10 A.M. boarding a chartered van.  The drive took 1 hour and 30 minutes. It was too dark when we drop off at Maysawa Circuit.  Unfortunately, due to muddy and rough road the van was parked at the area.  Our group hired a tricycle with a capacity of three persons at P50 each. The drive took us 10 minutes, but it was such an extremely bumpy ride where in some instances our tricycle was at  30% slanting, so close to the ground almost dropping to the muddy and sticky road.

An attraction at the Sambong Peak

It was too early when we arrived at the registration site of Fresno Agro Forestry and Eco Tourist Campsite at around 3:00 P.M.  Our group was the first to arrive there.  The reception area is also mini-restaurant which I did not bother to take pictures because it was too dark then.  We rested there. I stretched my body in a long wooden chair and took a hot drink which I bought there. Milo costs P20.  Not bad at all.

A captured scenery while at Sambong Peak with Kulis Peak at the background

At around 4:00 A.M, we were already four groups and we were called for orientation with our respective assigned tour guides.  With the size of 11 in our group, we were given 2 guides.  We prayed and at 4:15 A.M. we started the trek. Unfortunately, I was not aware that I am suppose to bring with me a headlamp.  Thus, I find it difficult to trek along the muddy and slippery trail.  I stayed close to the tour guide who was at the lead, so I can see the trail from his flash light.

Another distance shot from Sambong Peak capturing the giant spider web Camp and the Kulis Peak

Our trek was leading to our first destination which was at the Noah's Ark.  For an average trekker, it will only take 30 minutes, but since it was muddy and slippery, it took us around 45 minutes for most of the group members.  The trail is narrow and  mostly grown with cogon and small rocks protrude on it.  There were no trail of cardiac assaults.  It was still dark when we reached there and occasionally there was slight shower, but it was not freezing cold because my body was being warmed by my physical trekking activity.  Our group was third to arrive at the place.  It was estimated that at around 5:00 A.M. sunrise will bright up the place, but it did not happen.  It was already 5:25 A.M. when the first group rode to Noah's Ark.  It took so long for the first group to finish pictorials because they want to capture all the angles they wanted.

The campsite as viewed while descending from Sambong Peak

From the Noah's Ark going to Sambong peak was barely 20 minutes but there were two assaults. While, it only took around 15 minutes to trek down from Sambong Peak to the camp site where the giant spider web play ground is located. Our group was the third to reach the campsite.  Enjoying the spider web requires that a group has a tour guide to arrange when to avail the facility.

The giant spider web has caught first my attention at the campsite

The campsite was spacious and campers who stayed overnight were there.  It was cool to be in such a green campsite.  I noticed that even senior citizens where there.  I was just wondering how come they were in the place showing their shaking legs while walking.

This group not ours had fun taking group pictures at the comfort rooms

It was fun at the campsite.  I noticed a certain group having pictorials at the comfort rooms.  They simultaneously came out from its door like that of a beauty pageant.  On the other hand, the structure to its left was a cottage accommodation.

The "kubo" cottage accommodation for overnight stay

The kubo accommodation is just from the right side of the giant spider web. This camp site is located between the peaks of Sambong and Kulis.

Tents for rent at the campsite

It took us almost an hour to enjoy the giant spider web, since the first two groups stayed long while they were on their turn.  There will be no problem with regards to the photographer, because the tour guides are already well-trained to capture best shots in this specific location.

Then, our group's turn was on . . .

. . . and my turn as well

Approaching Kulis Peak

It took us around 10 minutes to trek going to Kulis Peak.  I can't believe, it was only around 8:00 A.M. when we arrived there.  The house erected at the peak was the house of Cardo Dalisay, a nipa hut where the long running ABS-CBN TV show "Ang Probinsiyano" took place.

While resting at the outdoor dining tables at Kulis Peak

We waited to be accommodated inside the restaurant at Kulis Peak where guests can order meals whether breakfast, lunch, dinner depending on the time they are there.

Lover's lane: A lover without a lover

Dining at Kulis peak with such a refreshing backdrop

The packed meal prepared by my wife

Diners want to stay longer at the dining area to enjoy the rich green backdrop

Part of the captured scenery while dining at Kulis peak

When we arrived at the Kulis peak, there was a group having pre-nuptial pictorials.  It took us a while to stay there enjoying the cool breeze of the mountains.

A captured picture at Kulis peak

A souvenir photo with my good friend, Teacher Kathreen Tubadeza Tordil

Mount Kulis is just 620 MASL compared to Sambong Peak at 629 MASL.  But the former has a restaurant to cater guests meal needs.

The 4 x 4 ride servicing guests

While leaving Kulis peak, the restaurant owner offered a ride-for-hire thru 4 x 4.  The ride costs P20 per head going to the registration site.  This same vehicle can service guests to the campsite and Sambong Peak, as you will see the non-concrete roads leading to these points are wider.  The presence of the 4 x 4 vehicle answers my question earlier why a group of female senior citizens were seen by us at the campsite.

Relaxing in a hammock while on our way to the registration site

Still along the trail going to the registration site

Since, it was not hot, our group opted to just trek down back to the registration site for around 15 minutes and not ride at the 4 x 4 vehicle.

Before posting this blog, I read some blogs and I saw their posts of the sea of clouds which we did not witness.  It might be that there is a month that a dense sea of clouds appear which can be seen from the two peaks.  But during our time of visit, we did not see such.

Approaching the registration site

As we touched down near the registration site, we have seen flowering and ornamental plants for sale where my companions bought some.  It prices range from P50 to P100.

The first store we bought cold refreshments

The parking space for vehicles near the registration site

I did not know how the registration site looks like when we arrive because it was too dark and now I can see it in broad day light.  I was just wondering why they are able to have their vehicles pass through such a rough and hostile road.

The restaurant (left) and the registration office (right)

The guests at the restaurant who were not observing the IATF protocols

Face mask and social distancing were obviously not observed by the guests. They stayed there longer after taking their lunch and waiting for other companions who took shower.

The main entrance to the Fresno Campsite with registration office at the right

Of course, we were not yet done with our tour package, because we need to trek down to the Spider Hanging Bridge and Lion House Water Falls. Its trail is just near the parking space.  This is a different trail from the three destinations we visited.

A descending trail going to the Spider Hanging Bridge

The trek to the hanging bridge is estimated to be for one hour and these were mostly descending with muddy and slippery trail.

Another part of the trail

In two instances, the road was partly concrete

Enjoying a relaxing seat at the middle of greenery

Along the trail, we were amazed to see green corner selling flowering and ornamental plants.  This time, it was cheaper than what we have seen near the registration site.

An open campsite near the Spider Hanging Bridge

It took us more than 30 minutes to wait for our other companions at the campsite near Spider Hanging Bridge.  This is the point where we need to regroup.

Cottages near the hanging bridge

There were cottages near the hanging bridge but they were all damaged by the recent Typhoon Ulysses and so they cannot accommodate guests.  These were constructed to accommodate guests who wanted to stay overnight to enjoy not only the picturesque hanging bridge but most importantly the Lion House Water Falls.  This place is inhabited with ducks and turkeys.

The Spider Hanging Bridge

This hanging bridge in an elevation of 80 feet high and according to our guide, it has a length of 220 meters long.  Others who have fear in height do not dare to cross this.

I was at the other end in this picture

By the time we arrived here, no other groups were here.  Thus, we had the luxury of spending longer time to have pictorials. From this point, if one is only observant, you will see the Twin Mountains visible around.

The first part of the concrete stairs leading to the water falls

The stairs were so steep and with higher intervals that you have to extend your legs wide.  But it was not the same all throughout, because you have to end up wading along the rushing river.

Rock scrambling and wading along the river

From the concrete stairs, we had a rock scrambling ranging from small mossy rocks and big boulders and to wade against the rushing current of water.

Climbing temporary wooden vertical stairs

You have no choice but to plunge your shoes while trekking because if you remove your shoes, sharp rocks might cut the skin of your feet.

Another hostile trail

We were almost there

As we are almost approaching the water falls, boulders of rocks are becoming huge and massive and you need to crawl or climb on it.  I was astounded because in this part I heard a big crushing sound.  I saw a big boulder of rock fell from the top.

Alas! the much awaited prize is already in our hands

I really did not intend to swim, but the water was so inviting and so I gave in.  The water is not too cold and the more you dip your body, it becomes so relaxing and soothing to your skin.

I was so intimate with nature

Feeling more intimacy with nature

And bonding with my treasured companions

Going back to the registration site was indeed a struggle for some because the trail were in most cases assaults, the reverse when we were just going there.  It was getting colder when we arrived at the registration site and took another lunch.  We decided not to take shower but boarded tricycle back to Maysawa Circuit where our chartered van was waiting for us. A few of us took shower for a fee of P20 per head.  Another eating was held eating the specialty "lomi" in the area.  We left the place at 4:00 P.M. and was home at 7:00 P.M.

SUGGESTED ITINERARY

12:30 -1:00 AM - Meet Up at Greenfield District Car Park

02:30AM - ETD to Maysawa Tanay

04:30AM- ETA to Fresno Agro Forestry and Eco Tourist Campsite (Register, Secure Guide and Briefing) 05:00AM - Start trek

05:30AM - ETA to Mt. Kulis (Cardo's House & Campsite)

05:40AM - Resume Trek to Noah's Ark

06:00AM - ETA to Noah's Ark (Photo Ops)

07:00AM - ETD to Sambong Peak

08:00AM - ETA to Sambong Peak (Photo Ops, Breakfast)

09:00AM - ETD to Spider Web

09:15AM - ETA to Spider Web

10:00AM - ETD to Mt. Kulis (Rest)

10:30AM - Descend to Jump Off

11:00AM - ETA to Jump Off

11:10AM - Descend to Hanging Bridge

12:00AM - ETA to Hanging Bridge (Photo Ops and Lunch)

01:00PM - ETD to Lion's Falls

01:30PM - ETA to Lion's Falls (Photo Ops, Swimming)

03:00PM - ETD to Jump Off

04:00PM - ETA to Jump Off (Rest then Shower)

05:00PM - ETD to Greenfield district Shaw

07:00PM - ETA to Greenfield District Shaw Home Sweet Home

RATES AND FEES

Day Tour

Entrance Fee – Php150/head

4am-4pm

Overnight Tour

Entrance Fee – Php200/head

4pm-1pm the following day

Tent Pitching Fee – Php300/tent

Tent Rental – Php500 good for 2 persons

Sleeping Mat – Php100/mat

Cottage – Php2,000/day tour & Php3,000/overnight

Tour Guide – Php500

Food Orders:

Breakfast – Php120/meal

Lunch – Php250/meal

Dinner – Php250/meal

HOW TO GET THERE

By Private Transportation

Route 1 – Via Marcos Highway

You need to pass over Masinag, Cogeo, Boso-Boso Resort, Palo Alto and Garden Cottages. Follow the road until you reach Maysawa Circuit, the jump-off point for Mt. Sapari and Mt. Binutasan. From the waiting shed, this is more than 1 kilometer away from Treasure Mountain, go straight up then turn right when you see the signage for Fresno Agro Forestry and Eco Tourist Campsite.

Route 2 – Via Sampaloc in Tanay, Rizal

Take the Sampaloc Road and pass the street to Daranak Falls. Drive straight until you reach the junction then turn left. You should pass Sierra Madre Resort, Ten Cents to Heaven then Pico de Pino. Continue driving until you see the jump-off point Maysawa Circuit. From the waiting shed, this is more than 1 kilometer away from Treasure Mountain, go straight up then turn right when you see the signage for Fresno Agro Forestry and Eco Tourist Campsite.

By Public Transportation

Route 1 – Via Cogeo 

Ride a van or jeepney going to Cogeo Gate 2 

Take another jeep bound to Sampaloc, Tanay. Terminal is beside CityMall. 

Get off at Sitio Maysawa or jump-off to Maysawa Circuit. 

From here you can walk for 45 minutes to an hour or hop on the tricycle to get to Fresno Agro Forestry and Eco Tourist Campsite 

Cubao to Cogeo Gate 2 – Php24-Php30

Cogeo to Sitio Maysawa – Php45

Tricycle from Sitio Maysawa to Fresno – Php45-Php50

Route 2 – Via Tanay

Ride a jeepney going to Tanay town proper and get off at Tanay Public Market. 

Take another jeep going to Sampaloc (Php29) 

Ride a tricycle going to Fresno (Php250-Php350 for 4 persons) 

CONTACT NUMBERS

Mobile Numbers at 0999-553-4449; 09465523659

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT 

The blogger is extending its thanks to Teacher Kathreen Tubadeza Tordil for some of her pictures used in this post.