I said yes right away when someone invited me to climb Mt. Nagpatong and Mt. Masungki on the said day, I searched its location and viewed some images of the mountains in the internet, and I discovered that Mt. Nagpatong is famous for its elevated platform! Do you know what I mean?
Can you imagine that? So,we left the metro early in the morning and arrived safely at the site two hours later. By the way, Mt. Masungki and Nagpatong are both located in Barangay Cuyambao in Tanay, Rizal.
There is a small community, wherein some locals generates income by selling refreshments and stuff used for hiking, they also offer use of bathrooms and toilets for a minimum amount of money. They are farming on fruits and vegetables, so no wonder its forests is lush. There were overripe fruits left scattered along the way, and locals don't mind them all!
Anyway, the trail is established although there are parts which are blocked with boulders and bamboos. Rocks are sharp that it can cut and hurt, so gloves are essential.
Some passages have low headroom so we have to be cautious. There are elevated areas and gap which are accessible by improvised ladders and bridges made from tree trunks and vines.
The sight of sinkholes are disturbing, even though they are barricaded, they can be a threat to those who are not familiar with the place so hiring a local guide is very important. We tried to take a look at one of the sinkholes and oh my, it is dark and bottomless...I don't want to be there!
After a few hours we reached the summit of Mt. Masungki, we made our way to the rock formation and with only a limited space we got that flag raised and we made it! Yes! After the quick lunch and nap we moved on to the next destination...Mt. Nagpatong. It would only take 15 minutes or less hike to Mt. Nagpatong via a shorter route, but our group got lost, we missed the passage leading to Mt. Nagpatong. Good thing that some locals found us and lead our group to Mt. Nagpatong.
As I reached the foot of the rock formation, I looked up and stared at the slender trunks of the ladder. I was supposed to take a photo or a short video, but I became silent and was deeply thinking if I would climb or not! I admit, I was scared but what about the flag? What about that freedom climb?
I have to do it! It's now or never!
So step by step, and slowly but surely, holding on to the ladder tightly like what the guide said "hold on tight and everything will be alright", just look up, don't look down!
Later on, I didn't realize that I was already standing atop the rock formation! I made it to the top, I grabbed the flag and waved it like it was dancing with the wind. My knees were still shaking because the platform which I thought was flat, was not! It was narrow and uneven and has slopes and holes so I was very careful walking on it, we were lucky that it didn't rain or else I can't imagine how slippery it would be. It would be so scary.
Well, I managed to descend with the help of our guide and it went well. Another summit has been conquered and I never felt so victorious! My determination overcame my fear. And it feels so good! Before I end I just want to remind those who are planning to climb the Nagpatong rock formation to be very careful, no nets to catch you, if you're in doubt...don't! Don't fail to register at Cuyambao Barangay Hall, pay the registration fee and get a guide. It would be convenient if you'll take a private vehicle because the registration office is far from the jump off. Wear comfortable clothes, wear gloves for protection. Bring food and water. Practice LNT!
Okay that would be all!
Happy trekking!
THANK YOU FOR READING!
