Mt. Tagapo stands at 438 MASL, considered as a minor climb with a trail class of 2/9. This mountain in Talim Island is perfectly good for beginners/starters. Mt. Tagapo is also known as Mt. Susong Dalaga because of the shape of the peak from afar that looks like the breast of a young woman. But the name of Tagapo means “taga” which means “to chop”. School trivia, Rizal mentioned Talim Island as well as the Calamba Island in his book, El Filibusterismo.
It’s a sunny Sunday when I and my buddy decided to go for a day hike at Mt. Tagapo. Though there’s news of 80% chance of raining that day, we didn’t feel any sign of it the whole time we ascended up to the summit.
How to go there?
From Mcdo Crossing, we took a jeepney bound to Binangonan and alight at the proper town. From the market where we alighted, we walked going to the port.
From the port, we rode a pump boat routing to different barangays on the island. We alighted at Barangay Janosa which is the third barangay on the queue.
We registered at the barangay hall and secured a guide. (Getting a guide is mandatory to this area.)
A very small world indeed! We met the friends of our friend, Dexter and decided to hike together.
The trail is covered with bamboos and grass and no doubt easy.
Me and my buddy
Once you reached the Mango Tree, it’s a sign that you are 45 minutes away from the summit.
And when you reached the Sampaloc Tree, you are 20-30 minutes away from the summit.
Before we head to the summit, we took time to rest under the tree and breathe fresh air.
The Lonely Blue Bug..
The last leg going to the summit is bald and the heat of the sun became unbearable. So as girl scouts, we have brought things that can cover our skins. As they say, “Ang totoong mountaineer, nagpapayong.” (A real mountaineer uses umbrella while trekking)
And here we are now! Summit it is!
Insert “Dexter” Haha – Sorry, we weren’t able to join you in Mt. Balingkilat!
The overlooking of the Laguna de Bay is clearly seen from the top!
Laguna de Bay is the largest lake in the Philippines
We noticed 2 big holes at the summit. Our guide said that long before, people believed that there are treasures hidden in this mountain that is why; people had tried to look for it by digging holes at the summit. Nobody knows if the people who made the hole were able to get anything.
Descending Mt. Tagapo
Going back to the city now…
As for the people of the island, the treasure was stolen. But as for me and for other mountaineers who appreciates the beauty of the nature, the real treasure is just right there – To the mountain we set foot into.
Breakdown of Expenses:
Crossing to Binangonan – P42.00
Binangonan Port to Baranggay Janosa (Boat ride) – P30.00
Registration – P20.00
Guide – P300.00 – P500.00
Add/Follow me:
FB: www.facebook.com/theadventourist1
IG: joeyinwanderland
Photo Credits: Erika Sauler and Jaymee Gamil
Please don’t hesitate leave a comment, like or follow this article. Thank you!
Joey in Wanderland 