Pico De Loro is in Ternate, Cavite, Philippines. Pico De Loro means the "Parrot's Beak".
Why Pico De Loro? The answer is straightforward, Pico De Loro offers an astonishing view, and it is suitable for beginners and even for experienced hikers. Although it is said to be a minor climb with the difficulty level of 4/10, never underestimate Pico De Loro as it can also be challenging for you. The steep and muddy path can be a struggle while finishing the hike. Make sure to wear the right trekking shoes or trekking sandals to protect yourself.
According to the DENR, Pico De Loro will be temporarily closed starting from October 1, 2016, until further notice for some improvement and a rest for the mountain. It is the perfect time to do it as no one know when Pico De Loro is open again for hikers. The weather forecast said that it would rain on the weekend (Saturday, September 24), which did not happen. Thank God for the good weather!
Breakfast at Jolibee before departure to Cavite
WAY TO GET THERE
The only way to get to Ternate, Cavite from Metro Manila is by bus or van. If you prefer DIY, you may take a bus via Cavite at the Coastal Mall and ride a tricycle to go to the DENR site, or you may book with an agency that offers Pico De Loro hike. Roundtrip transportation is typically included in the tour package. It is less hassle and more convenient when booking with an agency. Since my friend Jedai and I booked with "Beyond Outdoor Adventures", the meeting point is at Caltex Gas Station Gil Puyat Ave, Makati City at around 4:30 am. It is advisable to leave early to avoid traffic.
JUMP OFF AT DENR
Manila - Cavite takes typically around 2 hours (without traffic). As soon as we reached Cavite, we headed to the DENR Campsite for registration and to use the toilet. Please note there are toilet charges of P5 per entering, P10 for a shower, P10 for doing your "thing".
CREEK, ROCKS AND MUDS
We started our hike at 7:30 am. We were with a team of 10 people with two guides (Allan and Marlon). Upon starting our trek, we were already questioning whether Pico De Loro is minor or should it be considered as a major hike. We were surprisingly greeted with creek, rocks, both small and big ones and muds. The first 30 minutes trek is already enough proof that this will be a challenging hike. We were given in between break for 5 minutes from time to time. Before hiking further up to Pico De Loro peak, I have read a few blogs about this hike and already know what to expect. The bloggers were right. We need to rely almost 90% on the trees or woods to support us while we climb up and down. There was no wind until we reach the base camp, which means water is our new best friend. There is no need to worry about running out of the water as they sell water up on the base camp for P50 per bottle.
View from the tower. 1 more hour to go till we reach the Base Camp
Photo credit: Beyond Outdoor Adventures
THE BASE CAMP
After 2 and a half hours, we reached the base camp at 10:00 am, and we were given a break for 30 minutes to rest, to eat and to take pictures. At the base camp, they sell Water, Juice, Gatorade, Halo Halo and snacks such as Pancit Canton (Noodles) and Nissin Cup Noodles. You should expect to pay a higher price as it takes a lot of effort for them to bring all those up to the mountain. After we finished our snacks, we went to take some pictures. It is fascinating to see the view with my own eyes and even whispered to myself "I hiked this for 2 hours and a half".
Fascinating view at the Base Camp
This one has caught my eyes, This is the view to the Summit, which takes 30-40 minutes to hike the summit
ASCEND TO THE SUMMIT
There are a lot of people by the time we were heading up to the summit, and we have to line up. It is expected as Pico De Loro is closing soon. Hiking up the summit is super challenging as we need to climb up and hold on to the rocks, trees and the green plants. Beware of some falling stones, both small or big! The assault gets harder as we get closer to the top. We were lucky that the guides were there to guide us to the top. After reaching the top, I forgot all the trouble and all the tiredness I have dealt with when I saw the stunning view and the fact that I am on top of Mt. Pico De Loro. All the hardship was all worth it!
It was a busy day at Pico De Loro
A glimpse of the Monolith
I'm on top of a mountain!! Trust me it was all worth it!!
Jedai as usual doing her Darna pose
Group picture
Photo credit: Beyond Outdoor Adventures
THE MONOLITH
The Monolith is located at the side of Pico De Loro Summit. It is incredible to this see this with my own eyes, from pictures to reality. I was fortunate enough to see this before they close. We did not get to climb the Monolith as it is closed since March 2016 because of some soil erosion and loss of vegetation. It would have been perfect if we were able to climb it, but seeing it on the other side is already a token.
The Monolith
A Selfie with the Monolith
DESCENT BACK TO TRAIL HEAD
At 12:30 pm, we start to descend back to the DENR site. It is shorter heading back down. However, It is a battle between slippery and trying not to fall. Heading down from the Summit is very slippery and sitting down while going down is recommended but beware not to strip your pants, sitting down sideways while going down will be more comfortable. As we get closer to the DENR site, the more it gets muddier and slippier. I accidentally fell once as I stepped into a muddy path with pieces of stems by accident and slipped. I got a few scratches on my right arm but other than that I'm all fine, and since I am not wearing proper trekking shoes, so I'm having difficulties hiking down. It is advisable to wear trekking shoes or sandals to protect yourself from any accidents (minor or major). We finally reached the DENR site at 2:00 pm, and we quickly freshen up ourselves and change.
It is a lot challenging than how it looks
MEAL AT LOLO CLARO's
We went to Lolo Claro's to have our late lunch there. The set meal (choice of fried chicken, pancit or lumpia with rice) cost around P125, including one drink. They also offer other local dishes on their menu. The food was quite delicious and rewarding after a tiring hike.
Overall, the whole experience was amusing and unforgettable. Although I have done hiking many times back in Hong Kong, Pico De Loro is probably the most challenging hike I ever have done in my life. It is the second mountain I have hiked in the Philippines, and I would say hiking in the Philippines is very different and challenging. The whole adventure was worth it.
My next hike in the Philippines will be at Mt. Pulag. Watch out for my next blog!
BUDGET
Mt. Pico De Loro Tour - P1,300
Breakfast (Jolibee) - P100
Water (At Base Camp) - P50
Pancit Canton (At Base Camp) - P30
Lunch (Lolo Claro) - P125
Uber ride to the meeting point (sharing with two people) - P100
Uber ride to home (sharing with two people) - P100
Total spending: P1,805
THINGS TO BRING
1 bottle of water
1 small towel
Snacks (such as, bread, energy bar, apple, mints)
Extra clothes
Extra shoes/ slippers
Toiletries (such as, tissue, wet tissue, powder, cologne, mosquito spray, alcohol)
Rain coat (in case of rain)
Sunblock lotion
Sunglasses and Cap
Plastic bags for trash or wet clothes/ shoes
Camera or other gadgets
SAMPLE ITINERARY
03:00 - Head to Caltex Gas Station Gil Puyat Ave, Makati City
03:45 - Eat breakfast at Jolibee
04:30 - Meet up with the BOA
05:00 - Head to Cavite
07:00 - Arrive at the DENR site for registration, toilet or some light snacks
07:30 - Start trekking
10:00 - Arrive at Base Camp, rest, eat and get ready for the summit assault
10:30 - Summit Assault
11:00 - Summit, Cimb to the Monolith is optional
12:30 - Start descent
14:30 - Back to DENR site. Fresh up and change clothes
15:00 - Head for lunch
15:30 - Lunch at Lolo Claro
17:00 - Head back to Makati
19:00 - Back to Makati
CONTACT
BEYOND OUTDOOR ADVENTURES
Contact no. +63917-838-1624
Email: www.beyondoutdooradventures.com
Yours Truly,
Michelle Chan
