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Mt. Binacayan; 424+ MASL in Rodriguez, Rizal
Topic Started: Apr 2 2017, 11:00 PM (145 Views)
emancampos
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Mt. Binacayan

also called as Mt. Binicayan

Major jumpoff: Brgy. San Rafael, Rodriguez, Rizal
LLA (Binacayan): 14°43′30.5′′N 121°11′26.1′′ E 424 MASL
Days required / Hours to summit: 1 day / 2-3 hours
Specs: Minor, Difficulty 3/9; Trail class 1-4
Features: Limestone formations, scenic views of Sierra Madre and Rizal province


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Mt. Binacayan

VIDEOS

At the summit;



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_phNioX0Rgg


Complete video of trek;



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ljkCa89z3DA

Mt. Binacayan has its unique features to offer. The rocky trail and the 360-degree bird's eye view at the summit are awesome!

It will take you about 1 to 2 hours to reach the summit.

It has 3 interesting spots, or peaks where climbers can enjoy the photo ops for the good view of the surrounding valley and clusters of mountains and hills, including the lovely Marikina River that resembles a snake sneaking through the valley, plus the Wawa Dam .

Guess what?

The hardest part was not the rockies wherein you will be compelled to use both of your hands to pull your own body up the treacherous labyrinth carved out of edged rocks. Perhaps, a helping hand so you wont get stuck right there.

I can even say that with one mistake, the least you can get is a broken limb.

So, respect that danger. Navigate the maze with high respect for nature.

The hardest part was the first few hundreds fast steps from the jump off point (Baranggay hall) to the first station. A third of the walk is on paved road. The steep slope will surely upset you to the point of quitting, thinking you've reached the point of passing out or suffering a heart attack. LOL :D

Past the paved road is also a steep climb on dirt. Steps have been carved out but the steep ascent non-stop is punishing.

Nonetheless, once your body have adjusted to the pace and when the climb begins to slow down as you reach the rockies, you will know that you can survive it anyhow.

To safely navigate the maze of huge sharp rocks, bring your Gloves, Hiking Shoes, Hiking Pole and your Head Lamp. Trek can start as early as 4:30am, it will still be dark when you reach the rocks.

First reward are some huge rock formations at the Eastern side of the Mt. Binacayan that allows you a good view of the the valley including the Marikina River, Wawa Dam and the surrounding mountains and hills.

Next spot is another huge platform on that same side but around 20 meters meters higher. They call this as the Dinosour Head since it indeed resembles the head of a Jurassic Park's monster.

Same view provided by the first spot but a little better since you can now get a glimpse of the Western side, offering a view of the clusters of housing projects in that part of Montalban.

The third spot is the summit itself.

Amazing view indeed!

Perfect for a 360-degree shot using a monopod.

You can even capture the peaks of Mt. Paminitan, Mt. Hapunang Banoi and Mt. Binacayan at an angle as if you're trying to skewer these.

You can also capture the much lower but recognizable Mt. Sipit-Ulang monolith to the West.

Not far away, East of the 3 lovely peaks, and obviously in a commanding stand is the cone-shaped peak of Mt. Ayaas, which stands at 600 MASL plus.

Been on that summit too! ;)

I remember one of our guides telling us that actress Kyle Padilla enjoyed the climb too well since she even climb down running and not like most us who were slowly and painstakingly trying to survive the descent.

The guide was amazed by her stamina and agility. He said, "Tinaktakbo, patalon-talon. Ang galing ng balanse." (She was running, taking leaps at times. Her balance was awesome.)

Going back, the summit of Binacayan somehow shares with Pamitinan the distinction of being the focal point of the group of peaks, which includes Ayaas and Sipit-Ulang.

Going down, on what the guides call as a 'Shortcut' remains a painstaking one. In fact, it was much harder that the route we took for the assault.

Then again, the hardship, the risk, are worth it.

Added skill, added confidence and added bragging rights!

Mt. Binacayan is highly suggested!

Enjoy the refreshment at the 1st station (the same station you'll reach when you climb up). They offer fruit shake, softdrink, energy drink and water. I enjoyed the Guyabano Shake. The rest of the peers have chosen Mango shake and Avocado shake on the other hand.

By the way, if your time allows it, you can proceed to Wawa Dam too.


THINGS TO BRING:

1. Gloves
2. Head Lamp
3. Hiking Pole
4. Hiking Shoes
5. Round Hat to beat the searing heat
6. 1/2 liter of water at least
7. Snacks

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Must have these; HIKING SHOES, HIKING POLE, HEAD LAMP


Some photos;

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view of the valley, the Marikina River and Wawa dam

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view of the valley, the Marikina River and Wawa dam

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dinosour head

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view of the plains of Rodriguez and San Mateo

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summit, with Mt. Hapunang Banoi and Pamitinan in the background

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summit, with Marikina River that leads to Wawa dam in the background

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descent via this 'shortcut'

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Mt. Binacayan as seen from Baranggay proper

MORE PHOTOS here Philippine Hikers Forum album
Edited by emancampos, Apr 8 2017, 07:07 AM.
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emancampos
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From start to finish.

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At Cubao, waiting for our ride

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trike from Rodriguez town proper to Brgy. San Rafael, Montalban

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registration at Brgy. hall

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Goto with egg and chicken for breakfast

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the rockies

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Edited by emancampos, Apr 3 2017, 10:09 PM.
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emancampos
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Edited by emancampos, Apr 4 2017, 05:43 AM.
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emancampos
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QUATRO PICOS: Ayaas, Hapunang Banoi, Pamitinan and Binacayan (shot from the summit of Binacayan)
Edited by emancampos, Apr 4 2017, 05:56 AM.
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emancampos
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Halo-halo, softdrinks, energy drink and water at 1st Station

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emancampos
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emancampos
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TWO JUNGLES

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Marikina River and Wawa dam

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Edited by emancampos, Apr 4 2017, 07:53 AM.
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emancampos
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emancampos
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QUATRO PICOS

- HAPUNANG BANOI, PAMITINAN, AYAAS and BINACAYAN
- shot from the summit of Binacayan
http://s15.zetaboards.com/emancampos/topic/10167239/1/

#PhilippineHikersForum
#hikersph
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emancampos
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Dont forget your gloves

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For climbing the rocks.

Stores around the Baranggay sell these for only P50.
Edited by emancampos, Apr 4 2017, 08:36 PM.
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