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.
Location: Subic, Zambales, Philippines
Jump-off point: Sitio San Martin, Brgy. Cawag Settlement, Subic, Zambales
Days required / Hours to finish: 1-2 days / 16 - 20 hours
General Specs: Major Climb; Difficulty 7/9, Trail Class 1-4
Cumulative Elevation Gain: 1,930 Meters
Total Trail Length: Approximately 33.7 kilometers
Jump-off point: Sitio San Martin, Brgy. Cawag Settlement, Subic, Zambales
Days required / Hours to finish: 1-2 days / 16 - 20 hours
General Specs: Major Climb; Difficulty 7/9, Trail Class 1-4
Cumulative Elevation Gain: 1,930 Meters
Total Trail Length: Approximately 33.7 kilometers
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.
We reached this point at 5:28 A.M.
It was really dark that we did not bother to take photos. From the jump-off point up to this point was an endless cardiac assaults. I did not remember that we had regrouping for even once.
1. Mount Balingkilat
Elevation (Summit): 1,100 MASL (3,608.92 feet)
Days required/Hours to summit: 1 day / 5 hours
Specs: Major climb, Difficulty 7/9, Trail class 1-4
Features: Two river crossings; the first hour trek is flat but rugged wet terrain coming from tributaries of creeks during rainy and "ber" months, but not in summer which is dry. The last remaining hours are open of continuous cardiac assaults; usually trek at dawn due to scorching heat as trails are open; overlooking Subic Bay and the nightly lights of the municipality of Subic. The summit offers the majestic and stunning scenery of Nagsasava Cove.
Days required/Hours to summit: 1 day / 5 hours
Specs: Major climb, Difficulty 7/9, Trail class 1-4
Features: Two river crossings; the first hour trek is flat but rugged wet terrain coming from tributaries of creeks during rainy and "ber" months, but not in summer which is dry. The last remaining hours are open of continuous cardiac assaults; usually trek at dawn due to scorching heat as trails are open; overlooking Subic Bay and the nightly lights of the municipality of Subic. The summit offers the majestic and stunning scenery of Nagsasava Cove.
The scenery at 6:03 A.M.
Sunset as viewed from where I stand
Regrouping at 6:13 A.M.
We were all 27 joiners, but at this point in time, we were only five who first reached this highest point. Two of our guides, went down to assist all those who were in difficult situation. We learned that most of those who were left behind are beginners. They were not really ready for this very challenging climb.
While at complete rest waiting for others to come
At this point, we were still not at the summit. The guide wanted to gather all the climbers before we had the last push to Mount Balingkilat's summit.
While at the summit at 6:41 A.M.
The backdrop that I had is the Nagsasa Cove which I already visited for thrice long before I have climbed this mountain. The view is really stunning and I did not have regrets that I scaled and joined this climb.
The panoramic view of the summit
2. Mount Bira-Bira
Elevation (Summit): 540 MASL (1,771.65 feet)
Days Required / Hours to summit: 1 day/ 3 hours (starting point from Mount Balingkilat summit)
Specs: Major Climb; Difficulty 7/9, Trail class 1-4
Features: It passes a strong current of water source (only during rainy and "ber" months; requires scaling of eight (8) peaks of steep ridges and short rocky knife edge trails with massive sharp rocks of open trails where the climber has to lift his body to overcome big chunks of rocks along the trails. Its summit offers a totality of the Mount Balingkilat scenery and the scenic Nagsasa Cove.
The trail heading to Mount Bira-Bira at 7:41 A.M.
It was relieving to see that there was an abundant water source along the trail. According to our guide this is just one of the two water source for the whole duration of 6 mountains course. Surprisingly, the water tasted better than the commercialized bottled water I brought with me.
A closer look of Nagsasa Cove at this point at 7:58 A.M.
The start of 8 peaks assault
Before reaching the summit of Mount Bira-Bira, you need to have an assault of 8 peaks with equal difficulty of ascent and descent. This is the kind of trail with steep ridges and short rocky knife edge trails with massive sharp rocks of open trails where the climber has to lift his body to overcome big chunks of rocks along the trails.
First of eight steep assault at 8:27 A.M.
The only shade we took refuge at 10:10 A.M.
This is the point where 16 of my 26 companions decided not to push further for the climb. They opted to have an exit going back to the jump-off point and 11 of us proceed up to the sixth mountain of Mount Redondo. They were worried that the trail ahead will be more rugged of technical trails and will be experiencing intense sun exposure. Yes, imagine, at 10:10 A.M. the sun is like piercing our skin and I was experiencing head ache. There was no place to hide to rest for a while from the searing heat of the sun. From what I knew, those 16 companions who decided to abort their climb reached the jump-off point at around 3:00 P.M.
This was the view that I captured at 11:12 A.M.
I really would like to drink more water, but I knew I still have a long way ahead and so I just sip a little amount of water just enough to have my throat become wet. I really don't know why my perspiration became dry and my head is like bloating with intense heat. I had an umbrella but it doesn't help to alleviate the intense heat directly coming from the sun.
Reached the summit of Mount Bira-Bira at 11:23 A.M.
I felt a sort of great joy when I reached the summit of Mount Bira-Bira due to the difficulty I experienced. It was not a joke experiencing intense heat and you do not have a choice but to continue trekking. I waited for my companions since there was only one girl trailing with me. The backdrop of the summit is the totality of Mount Balingkilat with a water falls, seemed like a "crying mountain."
With the three brave and strong "Lady Amazons" at Mount Balingkilat summit
Would you believe that the four of us were left behind, the 7 others were far ahead of us. They are seasoned climbers anyway. This time, I cannot categorized myself as seasoned climber. Only one guide was left for the four of us. The other guide was with the company of the 7 others who were ahead of us. The guide told us that there is no way, that we can have an exit. We need to finish the climb, because we only have one guide left for us four.
3. Mount Naulaw
Elevation (Summit): 450 MASL (1,476 feet)
Days Required / Hours to summit: 1 day / 1 hour (starting from Mount Bira-Bira summit)
Specs: Minor Climb; Difficulty 2/9,Trail class 1
Features: Equipped with rolling flat rails grown with talahib grass more than half of the height of 6-footer human frame. Open trails with extremely scorching trails. From its summit can be seen the Nagsasa Cove, Mount Bira-Bira, Mount Dayungan and Mount Redondo and dramatic slopes of hills and unknown hills.
The trail of Mount Naulaw
I was consoled that the guide told me that it will only take an hour to reach the third peak (Mount Naulaw). From the very first, the talahib grasses are short and the trail was really that flat. You can run if you want to, which I did.
Though the trail was purely rolling, it was an endless sight of rolling terrain and I can see at a very far distance the fourth mountain which is Mount Dayungan.
More than half of the trail towards the summit was grown with very tall talahib grasses
As much as I would like to run along the rolling trail, I can't because the tall Talahib trees, taller than me by 3 feet, covers most of the trail and their leaves emit more heat for they are like sun reflectors. Another thing, the blade of the leaves can cut the skin so easily aside from the fact that they are itchy when the touch the skin.
Mount Naulaw summit at 12:19 Noon
I really don't know but I never felt hungry on my trail. I was saving my water and not only that I was saving the battery of my camera because I knew, I still have a long bloody trail to shoot with. I was closely chasing the guide, but he is quite fast. I can see how he trekked along those tall Talahib grass with reckless abandon. Me, I was using my umbrella as shield to the talahib grasses not to hit my skin and eyes. The three other ladies were left behind filming every part of the trail and dramatic mountain slopes.
Mount Dayungan, the fourth mountain as viewed from Mount Naulaw summit
As I looked ahead, I can see in totality the fourth mountain of Mount Dayungan. I was told by the guide that it would take 2 -3 hours for me to reach its summit with my pacing. Oh my God! It was already 12:19 Noon. Anyway, he assured me that the trail ahead is not as challenging as that of Mount Balingkilat and Mount Bira-Bira. Well, I was determined to finish the whole course. I never gave up in all my climbs.
4. Mount Dayungan
Elevation (Summit): 935+ MASL (3,067.59 feet)
Days Required / Hours to summit: 1 day / 2-3 hours (starting from Mount Naulaw summit)
Specs: Major Climb; Difficulty 5/9; Trail class 1-3
Features: Its jump-off point is at the second water source. Requires cardiac assaults to the summit. Some of its open trails are grown with thick grasses where there is nowhere to take refuge from the intense heat of the sun. It has a summit of deception before you reach the real summit with 360 degree-view for it can almost capture the lower elevation of Mount Naulaw, Mount Redondo, Nagsasa Cove and also Mount Cinco Picos and the farthest stretch to Mount Bira-Bira and Mount Balingkilat.
The water source at the foot of Mount Dayungan
It was disappointing that heading towards the water source has such a magical scenery. However, I need to save the battery of my mobile phone. By this time, I just lost my power bank and I was not really ready for the logistics of this specific climb. The water source itself has a stunning and dramatic landscape. Three of my male companions who were ahead of us were caught by us having a refreshing bath at the water source. They just descended from Mount Dayungan summit and they would be heading for the fifth mountain, the Mount Cinco Picos.
Heading to the summit of Mount Dayungan at 1:51 P.M.
Unfortunately, my mobile camera was already giving signal because it already reached a critical level.
If given the chance, I would go back and climb these last three mountains, but according to my guide, I still have to pass thru Mount Balingkilat. No! no! no! But if ever, it should be a 2-day climb.
The magnified view of the lowlands from Mount Dayungan summit at 2:48 P.M.
5. Mount Cinco Picos
Elevation (Summit): 881 MASL (2,890.42 feet)
Days Required / Hours to summit: 1 day / 2-3 hours (starts from Mount Dayungan summit)
Specs: Major Climb; Difficulty 5/9, Trail class 1-3
Features: It has 7 peaks to conquer and if all these are scales, it will take a maximum of 4 hours for a seasoned climber not for a beginner. Its peaks vary from open to densely forested sections. It takes two peaks from Mount Dayungan to navigate to the foot of this mountain with rolling and magical trails in between.
Just ascended from Mount Dayungan
One of our male companion has waited for us at the foot of the Mount Dayungan, though this was another side of the mountain where we do not have to pass thru the second water source.
Heading to the first of 7 peaks of Mount Cinco Picos
Scaling Mount Cinco Picos towards its first peak offered gradual assaults. This time since it was already late in the afternoon is no longer hot. Thus, it was already a relaxing trek. We were 6 then including our guide. I stopped recording videos because my camera was already giving signals of being almost drained.
Tried to capture one more shot while heading to the 5th summit
Still working towards the 5th summit
I tell you, Mount Cinco Picos has the best view of all the 6 mountains of the Cawag Hexa climb. The details of its summit (referring to the first peak) was really stunning at 4:46 P.M. We did not explore the other 5 peaks for it was getting late in the afternoon. I intended not to open my camera for I was just reserving it for the last mountain, the Mount Redondo.
Last look of Mount Cinco Picos at 5:37 P.M. bridging to Mount Redondo
Finishing Mount Cinco Picos was already late in the afternoon. But it looks like the day is still up. I was waiting for the sunset at this moment. The guide told us, there is nothing to worry in Mount Redondo since all trails were rolling. This time, we have eaten already all our trail food and lunch meal. By the way, we have eaten our lunch after we descended from Mount Dayungan.
6. Mount Redondo
Elevation (Summit): 660 MASL (2,165 feet)
Days Required / Hours to summit: 1 day 3-4 hours (starts at the summit of Mount Cinco Picos)
Specs: Minor Climb; Difficulty 3/9; Trail class 1
Features: It offers the longest trail walk of taller-than-human frame Talahib grasses before finally descending back to the jump-off point of another 3 hours including 2 river crossings. We hiked this mountain on a night trek, because our Cawag Hexa climb was from 1:00 A.M. of Saturday and finished it at 1:00 A.M. of Sunday. We tend to take sleep along the creepy trails of this mountain. No clearings can be found and the trails are just enough for a human body to pass through it. Being on tail, I experience that a strong force has been pulling my backpack. It was indeed scary to be at Mount Redondo's trails at a night trek.
My last capture from my mobile camera till it was drained
This was were when we were trekking over a very long ridge heading to Mount Redondo. I got all my water used up. Nothing was left to me. But it was good that everything was cooling up in preparation of the night time. The wind was soothing to our skin. I just love it.
Credit to my companion who owns this video while approaching Mount Redondo
Just a grab video from my companion taken while approaching Mount Redondo
Grabbed video from my companion during sunset in Mount Redondo
It was already dark when we were able to set foot in Mount Redondo at around 7:30 P.M. The trail was very long and we did not even know which part of it was the summit. What I knew was just an endless Talahib trail in the middle of darkness. Out of hunger and thirsty, our group of five without the guide, would agree to lie down along the trail to rest, not thinking that the narrow grassy trail will be infested with snakes. In few instances, we overslept and dreaming we were in the comfort of our beds. We had hallucinations that the lights we produced from our headlights were few houses where we can knock and begged for food and water. At around 10:30 P.M., our guide reappeared bringing with him bread and Royal True Orange drinks we literally devoured. We reached the jump-off point at passed 1:00 A.M. of the following day with the rest of our companions already snoring in their beds.
Would you also dare to have a DIE HIKE in Cawag Hexa?
