Craving for an adventure near Metro Manila? Visit Mt. Manalmon in San Miguel, Bulacan!
While it is currently closed to the public until the investigation of the accident at the Madlum River is done, it remains a top spot for an overnight adventure.
HOW LONG IS THE TRIP FROM MANILA:
Oh, it only takes 2 hours from Manila! Good catch!
WHEN TO VISIT:
Advisably summertime as the river swells during the rainy season.
WHAT TO EXPECT:
- You have two options for crossing the Madlum River to the Registration point: either take the balsa (like what we did) or, if you’re brave enough, take the Monkey Bridge.
- Expect to be amazed at the caves. This will be the starting point of your journey.
- If you are a beginner, this is the perfect jump-off for your new trekking hobby! The trail is easy until you reach the first campsite on the other side of the Madlum River.
- Awesome camping adventure!
- Breathtaking view of Mt. Gola beside Mt. Manalmon and the Bulacan province when you reach the peak.
- Friendly people who are always willing to help out.
- Perfect spot for a bottle of cold beer.
- Out of water? No problem, there’s a spring right across the campsite. Your water will be cold and soooo refreshing.
WHAT TO BRING:
We recommend traveling light as much as possible. Don’t bring unnecessary things. Remember, you are going on an adventure and not a luxurious out-of-town trip. Traveling light will help you pass through the cave easily and climb the mountain with ease. Take it from us: it’s hard to climb with tons to carry on your back.
- Water – at least two 1-liter bottles for each person. You have to stay hydrated!
- 2-3 pieces of clothes + underwear, of course – As mentioned earlier, you don’t need to bring a lot of clothes. Aside from it being an overnight trip, you don’t really need to change clothes every once in a while. You smell bad after the climb? Don’t worry, that’s normal.
- Flashlight – Although the moon’s light at night is a breathtaking sight, you would also need those flashlights. It will help you see inside your tent, and it might be handy when you have to pee somewhere away from the camp.
- Food to eat – You have the option of bringing canned goods and bread with you on this trip, but if you have regular mountaineers with you, they should have cookware with them. We’re lucky enough that we have fresh food for lunch and dinner.
- Cookware and utensils (if applicable) – If you’re cooking, you will need handy pots and firestarters. Don’t forget the pocket knives, small cutting boards, and containers. If you’re eating with utensils, don’t forget to bring one. You may also choose to go all out by eating on a banana leaf using your hands. Oh, the simplicity of life!
- Meat and other raw supplies – In addition to your cookware, bring your meat and condiments. Ingredients would depend on your menu for the trip. For this one, you can task three people to split the load so no one will feel burdened carrying all the food.
- Soap for your body and cleaning your cookware (if applicable) – Don’t forget to bring soap to wash yourself. You may want to wash your face after the climb or your hands before eating. Soaps for cleaning your cookware should be brought, too. You wouldn’t want to cook in a dirty pot, would you?
- Towel – Bring one small towel with you because you’ll get all sweaty, and in a mountain like Manalmon with a river, of course, you would want to swim!
- Tent – Most importantly, don’t forget to bring your tent to keep you protected at night. Maximize your tent by using it to change clothes, too.
- Powerbank – Although you wouldn’t find time to use your smartphone in Manalmon (because there’s no signal most of the time), you can still use your power bank to charge your cameras. Just a tip: In a clear night sky, it is obligatory for you to take a long exposure shot. It would be a crime not to do so. Kidding aside, it’s pretty, and no one would want to miss it!
- Shoes – Gear up! Even though this is just a minor climb, it is best to be ready and wear shoes that would protect your feet. I just wore Sanuk on the day of the climb, and although it felt comfortable on my feet, it wasn’t comfortable for my shoes since I almost had it ripped off.
- Compass – You will have your guide here in Manalmon, but it’s better to be safe than sorry. Bring a small compass with you to track the direction you’re going.
- Miscellaneous items – Be sure to bring a basic first aid kit. There’s nothing wrong with being ready for anything that might happen. Don’t forget sanitary pads for the ladies ’cause you’ll never know when your period will strike. Have some sunscreen and bug repellant.
FINAL TIP:
Listen to your tour guide. When they say you can’t swim alone in the river, then don’t. We were warned by our tour guide not to swim unsupervised. He may not have told us the reason, but we felt like we had to take his words seriously. So please, when you decide to head to Manalmon, don’t take things into your own hands. Nature works in mysterious ways, and you’ll never know.
PS.
Don’t forget to take the monkey bridge. It looks fun, but it’s not for the weak of heart 😝
