This trip is like a walk through history, particularly and surprisingly, with the life of Andres Bonifacio. In high school, Cavite is known as the place of our very first President of the Philippines, Emilio Aguinaldo and as the place for the historical declaration of our freedom in Kawit, Cavite.
In our history books, there are two mountains that were mentioned to be the mountain where Bonifacio was executed – Mt. Buntis and Mt.Nagpatong (As to really which, it’s still on a debate).
Mt. Buntis is located in Maragondon, Cavite. This mountain has a difficulty level of 2/9, a minor climb as per Pinoy Mountaineer Site. According to the locals, Mt. Buntis is named after its summit appearance from afar. It looks like a belly of a pregnant woman.
How to go there?
From Coastal Mall, ride a bus bound to Naic and alight at the Maragondon High Way (in Petron). It will take at least 2 hours for you to reach the place. From the high way, ride a tricycle and ask them to drop you to Caingin Hanging Bridge.
From there, you can already secure a guide. Actually most of the locals are familliar to the place. Just beware because they tend to overcharge tourist and even mountaineers.
Kuya Luming (Our Guide)
To Mt. Buntis
You’ll pass the Caingin Hanging Bridge and enter a trail composed of bamboos. That made our walk a bit refreshing because it has, at least, some shades.
Sheryl posing at the bridge
The trail is visible and manageable. There’s no way that you can get lost on your way to the top, so getting a guide is not necessary.
From this point, you may visit the small hole/cave where in our history, Bonifacio hid. This also serves an indicator that you are 5-10 minutes away to the summit.
We reached the summit after an hour and 20 minutes. The view wasn’t so special as it is covered by mountains as well. However, it gives you the view of Mariveles range from the summit.
Sheryl, Joey and Des at the summit of Mt. Buntis
Summit of Mt. Buntis
Descending Mt. Buntis
We have informed Kuya Luming (guide) of our desire to visit the Bonifacio Shrine. When we were about to reach the jump-off, I reminded him of that. I was a bit irritated because he said that he doesn’t know the way, when in fact, I asked him several times if he knew the way before we decided to get him as our guide. As we argue with him, someone from the field approached us and volunteered to take us to the Bonifacio Shrine. Meet Kuya Fred.
From where we stand, it took us 40 minutes to reach the Shrine.
The scorching heat of the sun is draining our energy. Kuya Fred have probably felt that we slow down as we are thirsty and sleepy because of the temperature, he offered Buko, free of charge!
I was able to finish four coconut juices in one seating. LOL
That supplied enough water until we reach the Bonifacio Shrine..
Bonifacio-inspired Pose
From the shrine, we walked for 40 minutes towards to the town to get a private tricycle (P50/head) that can take us to the Maragondon Town (Bonifacio Trial House, Maragondon Old Church and Bus Terminal)
At Maragondon Old Church
Wood carving of the door of the old church
At Bonifacio Trial House
Note: There are no fees etc in these places just donations.
We wrapped the day by taking lunch in Naic, Cavite. Their food tastes good.
Breakdown of Expenses
Coastal Mall to Naic, Cavite – P76.00
Petron to Kaingin Hanging Bridge Tricycle – P10.00/each
Guide – P300.00
Registration to Bonifacio Shrine – P20.00
Tricycle going to Maragondon Town – P50.00 each (Contracted with the Driver)
Naic to Avenida Terminal – P87.00
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Joey in Wanderland 