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 backgroundAt 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.
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.
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
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.
