| Mt. 387 or Mt. Batong Amat plus Aloha Falls; 724 MASL / Caranglan, Nueva Ecija | |
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| Tweet Topic Started: Feb 20 2017, 09:25 AM (1,648 Views) | |
| emancampos | Feb 20 2017, 09:25 AM Post #1 |
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Mt. 387 or Mt. Batong Amat plus Aloha Falls also known as Batong Amat Peace Park ![]() Mount 387 plus Aloha Falls BEST DAYHIKE DESTINATION Elevation: 724 MASL Hours to summit: 1.5 hours Hours to falls from summit: 1 hour Trail Class: 1-2 (387 peak) / 1-5 (peak to Aloha falls / traverse) Overall Difficulty: 4/9 Mt. 387 plus Aloha Falls traverse - The BEST ONE-DAY HIKING DESTINATION FOR ME SO FAR! - You will like the trail! - You will love the summit! - You will enjoy the views! - You will be enchanted by the falls! - You will feel that you are close to nature by the tree-planting activity! - You will even enjoy your new family through that Boodle Fight and Karaoke singing! (updated; March 28, 2017) February 20, 2017 ![]() Mt. 387 by Eman Campos, on Flickr ![]() Mt. 387 by Eman Campos, on Flickr ![]() Mt. 387 by Eman Campos, on Flickr Ever wonder why it is called Mount 387? As per Mr. Roy Manuzon of KAPUNCAN, the vast area is about 387 hectares and they decided to name it as Mt. 387 because of this. Mt. 387 is also known as Batong Amat. It is among the best hiking destinations in Nueva Ecija today due to the amazing scenes of the valley to the South and the vast plains to the West and North. It offers a view of the Caraballo Mountain range, the surrounding communities in the vast plains and valley. Its signature feature is the cluster of hills covered with "Kugon" grass, which resembles the Chocolate Hills of Bohol. During the rainy season, the hills are covered in green, resembling the enchanting beauty of the hills of Batanes. Now, that's Batanes and Bohol rolled into one! ALOHA FALLS Anther attraction is the Aloha Falls located within the same Baranggay and is just an hour trek from the summit of Mt. 387. To be able to have enough time to reach the falls, hikers must climb the peak at 6AM. Trail leading to summit is just 1.5 hours (with 5-minute breaks along the trail) but it is expected that hikers will spend 15 to 30 minutes in several spots along the trail to take photos. This means that it is possible that you will reach the summit after 4 hours of walking, rest and photo shoots. From there you can either backtrail for 30 minutes and have lunch or proceed to the falls in another hour of walk. You can then head back to the camp from that location, which may mean another 30 minutes to 1 hour walk. TUNNELS There is a network of tunnels here built by the Japanese during World War 2. You may ask the forest management to take you there. The Japanese Army set up camps in these hills during the war. There's also a cemetery where the Japs were buried. Their relatives have been visiting the place and offering flowers and prayers. Gold treasure? Yes. It is very likely that are treasures here but you need to be lucky enough to find and get these. KAPUNCAN The area is managed by KAPUNCAN, a non-governmental organization or NGO, authorized by DENR to undertake the reforestation and forest protection activities as well environmental laws enforcement over the area. KAPUNCAN was coined from several words. These are "Kalinga", Kalikasan" and "Puncan". Puncan is the name of the Baranggay itself. So, the name simply means Kalinga sa Kalikasan ng Puncan. This NGO was recognized by the DENR on June 30, 2015. This NGO is led by Mr. Roy Manuzon, a former DAR employee. His wife is an agriculturist and is the one assisting guests, by the way. ![]() Sir Roy, in blue, with our organizer, Ren Villaflor During our climb, we requested a "Sinampalukang Manok" for our lunch. It was indeed a satisfying meal for all of us. The place also sells coffee, instant noodles and other food too. You can request what food you want to eat for lunch. You should also ask for her homemade 'Kimchi'. Best so far for Pinoys. Sakto lang kasi lasa! ![]() Sir Roy's wife, Ma'am Rosemarie, in blue. A great cook and also a very accommodating host! The base at the foot of the hills also serves as a wildlife rescue center for captured wildlife and those surrendered by locals. It also has a tree nursery. ![]() Mt. 387 by Eman Campos, on Flickr MONKEYS AND RAPTORS There is a spot along the trail where there are lots of Bamboos. The spot is also thickly covered with trees. As per our guide, a colony of Monkeys thrive in there. If you are the first group of hikers up there, you will have a better chance of seeing these cute wildlife specimens. ![]() Mt. 387 by Eman Campos, on Flickr In this spot thrives a colony of Monkeys Deers and Wild Pigs also thrive in the area. Patience is what you need to be able to see them though since these animals shy away from people. While we were there, there's a lone raptor being kept in a cage, which look like an uncommon Hawk (not resembling the color of the very common Brahminy Kite, which is white in the head and red in its body). This one has a grayish color. Nonetheless, this could be a juvenile Serpent Eagle. ![]() Mt. 387 by Eman Campos, on Flickr Photo: My first time to see this specimen. This is maybe a juvenile Serpent Eagle or an uncommon specie of a Hawk. See live specimens of Serpent Eagles here. Click this link. Eagles that were successfully rehabilitated were released back into the wild. These include Serpent Eagles and hawks. Last year, a group led by Nueva Ecija Backpackers and Mountaineers Community (NEBMC) also released a Serpent Eagle captured by locals, which they named as "Malaya". During our hike last February 20, 2016, Monday, midway into the summit, we personally witnessed a Brahminy Kite hovering above us. Moreover, all visitors or hikers are encouraged to conduct a tree planting or a clean up drive to help in the preservation of the beauty of the mountain. Part of the itinerary now is that one seedling is planted by every hiker to inculcate in them the drive to participate in protecting the environment at any opportunity. ![]() Mt. 387 by Eman Campos, on Flickr For inquiries and reservation, you can reach Mr. Roy Manuzon via his social media account, https://web.facebook.com/roy.manuzon VIDEO Youtube video of our hike on Mt. 387 https://youtu.be/gU2KN6Vcn9c Mt. 387 (Batong Amat) specification Name of mountain: Mt. 387 Location: Puncan, Caranglan, Nueva Ecija Entry Point: Mr. Roy Manuzon Residence Entry Point Coordinates: LAT 15.90506 LONG 120.99212 Summit Coordinates: LAT 15.89990 LONG 120.97460 Elevation: 724 MASL Hours to summit: 1.5 hours Specs: Minor Climb, Difficulty 2/9, Trail Class 1-3 Phone signal: +++ Limatik: None Rattan: None Lipa (Poison Ivy): None References: perryodiko.com SUGGESTED ITINERARY MONDAY (or any day of the week) 12AM - Meet up at Cubao 1AM - ETD for Nueva Ecija 5AM - ETA at base camp/jump off (KAPACAN office c/o Roy Manuzon) 5:30AM - hike starts Climbing the peak may only require 1.5 hours of hike with 5-minute rest at intervals but the photo op at some spots will eat up your time. So, expect a 4-hour hike. 9:30AM - ETA summit of Mt. 387 10:30AM - ETD to falls and snack time! It is suggested that you proceed to the falls right away since when you backtrail down to the base, you might lose the motivation and enjoy the nap and alcohol instead after the good lunch of Sinampalukang Manok or so. 12:30AM - ETD base camp 1:30PM - ETA base camp 1:30PM - Lunch, boodlefight, alcohol, party party! 5:00PM - ETD to Manila 9:00PM - ETA Manila Tip: If you can do this on weekdays, the better since there are lots of hikers during weekends. With few hikers on the summit, you'll have much time to enjoy the photo ops at the summit. THINGS TO BRING 1. bottled water 2. meal pack or snacks for load up at falls (asks base camp to prepare your desired lunch back at the base camp / P70+ per head) 3. extra cash 4. extra clothes/shirt/undies 5. soap/shampoo/toothpaste/toothbrush/personal care items 6. maintenance medicine 7. round hat or umbrella 8. hiking shoes 9. swimming trunks/shorts (get wet at falls area) 10. hiking pole 11. camera 12. monopod 13. towel / tissue 14. sunblock 15. backpack 16. extra plastic pouches/bags for wet clothes or soiled clothes 17. hiking rod 18. head lamp FULL VIDEO OF TREK (387 Summit to Aloha Falls and back to camp) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pqFm2VDgu5U Edited by emancampos, Apr 8 2017, 02:17 AM.
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| emancampos | Feb 20 2017, 12:05 PM Post #2 |
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![]() Mt. 387 by Eman Campos, on Flickr ![]() Mt. 387 by Eman Campos, on Flickr ![]() Mt. 387 by Eman Campos, on Flickr ![]() Mt. 387 by Eman Campos, on Flickr ![]() Mt. 387 by Eman Campos, on Flickr ![]() Mt. 387 by Eman Campos, on Flickr ![]() Mt. 387 by Eman Campos, on Flickr ![]() Mt. 387 by Eman Campos, on Flickr ![]() Mt. 387 by Eman Campos, on Flickr Edited by emancampos, Feb 24 2017, 07:36 AM.
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| emancampos | Feb 20 2017, 07:21 PM Post #3 |
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My share of saving the forest![]() Mt. 387 by Eman Campos, on Flickr ![]() Mt. 387 by Eman Campos, on Flickr My share. Seedlings will have a better chance of surviving when planted during the rainy season. I shared with this seedling half of what's left of my drinking water. I only had around 100 ml of water. The plant needed it more than me, I thought. Nevertheless, I felt happy doing this. My first time to do this. I wish I will be able to plant a thousand or perhaps a million tree too. ![]() Mt. 387 by Eman Campos, on Flickr All the other hiking sites should be treated like this. Every hiker must plant a tree. If there are about 1 million hikers doing 1 hike a month in the average, then that will be 12 million trees planted every year! Not a bad idea, huh? A 250ml additional bottle of water should be carried to water the plant and help the seedling get more chances of surviving the dry spell. Perhaps tree planting sites should start from the edges of forested areas to provide shelter for the seedlings during the summer months. Water in the ground is even stored longer in these spots. There should be no tree planting during the summer months (March, April, May). The seedlings should stay in the nursery and let it grow there. At the first drop of rain in June, the onset of the rainy season, we can resume the tree-planting activity. Edited by emancampos, Feb 20 2017, 10:15 PM.
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| emancampos | Feb 20 2017, 07:41 PM Post #4 |
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With Ren, our tour organizer![]() Hiking is always enjoyable, whatever peak you're going to climb. To get the best of it, you should have a good tour organizer nonetheless. Ren is one of those guys who understands what we like to experience. He meets his client's expectations, surpassing it even at times. This is my 3rd hike with Ren. The last 2 were organized by him. You may reach Ren at his social media account, Ren Venus Villaflor Auditor. Link is https://web.facebook.com/audirenz. Phone is 09773768006. He is known in the hiking community as 'Emboy Palaboy'. Edited by emancampos, Feb 20 2017, 07:45 PM.
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| emancampos | Feb 20 2017, 08:00 PM Post #5 |
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MORE PHOTOS Start of trek: 5:30Am ![]() Mt. 387 by Eman Campos, on Flickr ![]() Mt. 387 by Eman Campos, on Flickr ![]() Mt. 387 by Eman Campos, on Flickr ![]() Mt. 387 by Eman Campos, on Flickr ![]() Mt. 387 by Eman Campos, on Flickr ![]() Mt. 387 by Eman Campos, on Flickr ![]() Mt. 387 by Eman Campos, on Flickr ![]() Mt. 387 by Eman Campos, on Flickr ![]() Mt. 387 by Eman Campos, on Flickr ![]() Mt. 387 by Eman Campos, on Flickr Edited by emancampos, Feb 21 2017, 12:32 PM.
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| emancampos | Feb 21 2017, 12:40 PM Post #6 |
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![]() Mt. 387 by Eman Campos, on Flickr ![]() Mt. 387 by Eman Campos, on Flickr ![]() Mt. 387 by Eman Campos, on Flickr ![]() Mt. 387 by Eman Campos, on Flickr ![]() Mt. 387 by Eman Campos, on Flickr ![]() Mt. 387 by Eman Campos, on Flickr ![]() Mt. 387 by Eman Campos, on Flickr ![]() Mt. 387 by Eman Campos, on Flickr ![]() Mt. 387 by Eman Campos, on Flickr ![]() Mt. 387 by Eman Campos, on Flickr |
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| emancampos | Feb 21 2017, 12:47 PM Post #7 |
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![]() Mt. 387 by Eman Campos, on Flickr ![]() Mt. 387 by Eman Campos, on Flickr ![]() Mt. 387 by Eman Campos, on Flickr ![]() Mt. 387 by Eman Campos, on Flickr ![]() Mt. 387 by Eman Campos, on Flickr Back at base camp! ![]() ![]() Mt. 387 by Eman Campos, on Flickr Lunch! ![]() Mt. 387 by Eman Campos, on Flickr ![]() Mt. 387 by Eman Campos, on Flickr ![]() Mt. 387 by Eman Campos, on Flickr |
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| emancampos | Feb 22 2017, 05:52 AM Post #8 |
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Revenge Hike! Aloha Falls via 387 trail ..... very soon! RAPTORS? Yes. Hawks and Eagles roam the area! ![]() Raptors roam the area Edited by emancampos, Mar 30 2017, 11:52 PM.
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| emancampos | Feb 26 2017, 01:39 AM Post #9 |
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![]() Mt. 387 by Eman Campos, on Flickr Thanks to our guide, Jasfer Ducusin, for taking a photo of me! |
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| emancampos | Mar 28 2017, 08:47 AM Post #10 |
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AMAZING TRAIL! One reason why Mt. 387 + Aloha Falls traverse is one of the best, if not the best dayhike destination is the trail. ![]() things you need to bring to enjoy the hike safely ![]() protection from the sun, sharp grasses and poisonous plants (some plants cause itch) It's basically a 'hayahay' trail. 90% of the trail is an easy climb but there are portions along the traverse line leading to the falls that will really push you to your limits, especially if you are the typical dayhike climber. In the early morning, you will hear different sounds of birds calling out. Sounds that you don't usually hear from parks and even other hiking trails. There are raptors in the area that regularly hover above. Get your hi-speed cameras ready! If you are early and lucky enough you might get a glimpse of the colony of monkeys in the area. Perhaps the wild boars (baboy ramo) and the deers that roam the area. There's a steep slope covered with grass, making it slippery, that will surely make you doubt if you will continue or not. After that, there's another challenging steep slope that you need to go through. Aside from being slippery due to the grass cover, the uncovered portions of the soil is loose and dusty. With one mistake, you might lose your balance and foothold, and pull you down the hill rolling. A broken limb is the least you'll get. Know more about this slope. Proceed here. Click this. Aside from this are the trees. There are portions where there are Pine trees, bamboos, the usual trees composed of Mahoganies and there are portions that are just grassy. There are ridges where you can get a bird's eye view of the plains of Nueva Ecija to the East and then the plains of Pampanga and Bulacan to the West. That makes this trail even more awesome. There's also a river crossing leading to the falls. Enjoy navigating the rocky and wet terrain. A long walk on the wide but dry riverbed after enjoying the Aloha Falls will give you another unique way to cap off the hike. The riverbed is mostly dry during the summer months. A truck awaits you at the rendezvous point and gets you back to the base camp. Enjoy the bumpy but enjoyable ride! Here are some photos; Flickr files Mount 387 plus Aloha Falls ![]() I donated a 3x5 feet tarpaulin poster to KAPUNCAN. This will serve as a road sign for motorists coming from Manila. Photo shows the simple turnover rites, with KAPUNCAN head, Mr. Roy P. Manuzon, in white. Others here are my peers from Emboy Palaboy adventures, led by Renz Villafor (far left / black shirt). ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Mount 387 plus Aloha Falls ![]() Edited by emancampos, Aug 20 2017, 06:05 AM.
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12:45 AM Jul 11