The Mountain
Mt. Mariveles Pantingan Peak is located in Sitio Duhat, Brgy.Saysain, Bagac Bataan. It is one heck of a mountain classified as Major Level II Strenuous with an elevation of 1388masl.
The Trail
From jump-off to Danny's gate is fairly easy to hike, be sure to be hydrated in this particular trail and observe the time you trek it. Mas maganda if early morning kayo mag trek dito because its fairly open and hot, except for the breeze coming from the sea i guess its bearable na din.
Upon reaching the last gate leading to the forest, a couple of minutes walk is needed to reach the last h2o source. Rehydrate again but rest after, eat your lunch here because after this its gonna be all trail and no place to eat comfortably.
Mainly the trail is sobrang masukal as in sobra! because bihira itong akyatin and that the plants bushes easily grow around here. Gradual ascent to assault is expected here, after you have reached the "kalahati na ng bundok" rest and tignan nyo if you can still continue or call it a day. Kalahati ng bundok doesn't count yung akyat nyo from jump-off to danny's gate.
The trail is already destroyed or altered by vegetations and landslides not to mention the illegal loggers' destruction of the forest.
Bad news though.... The trail leading to the pinaka-summit is blocked by heavy landslides. In short the traditional trail if already blocked off, unless you find another way or that you try really hard to make a new one.
The People
The aeta community if very generous and gave us a warm welcome. We paid Php600 for the 3 days guide, but i do advise you to take 2 guides. Mahirap tlaga mag tabas ng daan, bumigay pa yung itak ng guide namin. You are also to provide them with food and lodging for the duration of the climb. When we went home they even gave us plenty of green manga and even fed us corned beef and rice. Please be conservative, wag mag wala na parang ewan dito, girls and boys.. observe proper attire and attitude. Btw, naligo lang kami sa hose na galing sa bundok with no harang, naka shorts lang kami nun. But i guess may cr sa ibang bahay.
The Weather this April
Sunny to extreme winds at night. Hot and Humid when you enter the forrest. Cold to very cold at night, you can see the air that comes out of your mouth.
Where we Camped
Danny's Gate leading to the forest to avoid the sun and winds. And ecamp a couple of minutes away from the summit which can only house 1 dome tent and 1 tadpole and this is not in a comfy way. So if you reach "kalahati ng bundok" re-assess your climbing pattern and people if its better to rest than to continue.
The Wildlife
No Limatiks as of now, thank god! many giant ants like the bulldog ant, bees, tuko, traces of wild pigs lair and traces of deer, thermites, lawin, couple of different bird species like wild pigeons and pugo. The vegetation is one mouthfull. Many yantok, avoid touching them, matinik. So bring tape to remove it not by scratching it, many vines that can rip your bag pack cover to shreds. Use gloves and bring a knife just in case.
The Gear
Knife to cut those vines that comfortably sticks to your skin. Walking stick or trekking poles. scotch tape to remove the tinik. Proper clothing for the sun and cold nights. nad don't forget the usual payload on this kind of climb.
The Mountaineers
Dapat malakas ka dito and malaki ang will power or fighting spirit mo or the mountain may break you down. Lester's last climb was mt.pinatubo delta trail summit ridge two years ago, while Maj was around 6mos ago, mt.tapulao. So you get the picture how this hikers fare during the climb. Hehehehe.
The Conclusion
It's one mountain that you should not miss!
Breathtaking! Literally!
Best trekked during the summer season (kesa maraming limatik sa trail diba?)
Location Location Location
Bagac, Bataan. Brgy. Saysain Sitio Duhat.
The Budget
Php153 x 2 Fare to Balanga, Bataan via Bataan Transit
Php39 x 2 Fare of Jeepney from Balanga to Bagac, Brgy. Saysain
Php30 Trike Fare to Sitio Duhat (aeta community)
No Reg Fee po dito.
Guide Fee, Haggle a bit but be generous enough, they gave us free lunch and even freshly picked mangoes for dessert at nag-uwi pa kami ng kalahating trashliner ng mangga.
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