The trip was unexpected and unplanned but it turned to be one of the full packed and nutritious trip I had for the month of February.
How to go there?
We took Lucena Bus through Jam Bus Liner in Buendia at 5am that morning (but since we were late, we took the bus at 6am). The travel from Buendia to Maharlika Highway San Pablo took 2 hours and 30 minutes. From that point, we rode a tricycle going straight to the Jump off, which is in Sto. Angel.
From the Jump off point, we walked all the way to the registration area. Registration site is located on the side of Lake Pandin.
You can stop in there and chill to the bamboo rafts available at the lake. They are selling Buko and lunch as well.
We preferred not to take an early lunch. We just savor the time to appreciate the view.
To lessen the expenses, we decided to join the other group so we can divide the fees for the guide with them.
Note: Getting a guide is compulsory. It’ll cost P300 for 10 pax.
We started the trek at exactly 9am. The trail was really just fine, suitable for beginners. No technical parts on the trail. So be at peace that this is just another “walk in the park experience” for beginners.
After an hour, we reached the summit.
There is a sign of rain when we reached the summit. The following minutes had just proven our instinct. It first blew a cold and strong wind that made us go to the nearest shelter we saw at the summit to protect ourselves. The sky get cleared after a few while.
View at the Summit of Mt. Mabilog
Mt. Cristobal as seen from the summit of Mt. Mabilog; Mt. Banahaw is at the back of Mt. Cristobal and should be clearly seen from the summit of Mt. Mabilog as well, but because of the fog, only the shadow can be seen.
From the top, you’ll see from afar the 2 known mountains – Mt. Banahaw and Mt. Cristobal or also known as The Holy mountain and the Devil’s mountain. I don’t know much about their history, as to why it was known as that, but it sounds interesting to me.
Since the sky is promising a good weather already, we took right away the opportunity to appreciate the view at the summit and head down right away. We descended to the Sulsugin Trail which on the side of Nagcarlan.
The mark that ends the trail of Mt. Mabilog Traverse
Once you reach the gate on the side of Nagcarlan, that’s where the end of the trail is. Just take a few minute walk from there and you will reach one of the seven lakes of Laguna named Lake Yambo.
From Lake Yambo, we hired a private tricycle since there are few options available for us as we don’t want to at stake our time and opportunity to check other places we planned for the day. Kuya Kid (Tricycle Driver), was the one who helped us reach Bunga Falls. From Lake Yambo, it’ll take 30 minutes to reach it.
When we reached Bunga Falls, it was around 1pm. We registered and paid P5.00.
Note: As of the time of our visit February 2014, there’s no available restroom or dressing room nor changing room at the place. So If you plan to get wet, make sure to talk to the lady at the registration area if she will allow you to use her room to change clothes. No restroom as well in her room.
The water is too cold! Woah!
Once you reach the falls, you’ll be asked by the officials there if you’ll rent a cottage. Cottage is costly in the place. It’s around P300.00 – P600.00. We decided not rent because we will not be staying long at the place. We just leave our bags to a place where it is a bit hidden near the falls.
From Bunga falls, we walked to the next street and hire a tricycle that brought us to the Underground Cemetery. It will take just around 20 to 30 minutes to reach Underground Cemetery from Bunga Falls.
The Underground Cemetery
There are no fees when you visit the place. It’s free. Yes, you read it right. It is Free. You will just be asked to log your name and that’s it.
I was just surprised when we went underground because it was too small and I mean it, Really – – Small. When you reach the underground, if I’m not mistaken, you can just do at least 10 to 12 steps to see everything you wanted to see.
Well, somehow, I appreciated the outside appearance of the church as it was maintained and actually clean.
We wrapped up the day by checking everything we planned for the day and crossing these places in our bucket list. 😉
We rode a jeep going back to San Pablo and rode a tricycle going to the terminal.
Breakdown of Expenses:
Buendia to Maharlika Highway (San Pablo) – P127.00
Maharlika Highway to Sto. Angel (Special)– P120.00
Guide Fee – P300.00 per 10/pax
Tricycle from Lake Yambo to Bunga Falls (Service) – P150.00
Registration to Bunga Falls – P5.00
Tricycle from Bunga Falls to Underground Cemetery – P15.00
Jeep from Underground Cemetery to San Pablo – P25.00
Tricycle from San Pablo to Terminal – P25.00 each
Itinerary:
6:00am Buendia to Maharlika Highway
8:30am Tricycle going to Sto. Angel/Registration/Lake Pandin
9:00am Start Trek
11:00am Summit of Mt. Mabilog/Photo ops
1:00pm Lake Yambo
2:00pm Bunga Falls
3:00pm Underground Cemetery
4:00pm Terminal going back to Manila
6:30pm Hooray! Manila.
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Joey in Wanderland 