Caption This Adventure: Mt. Manunggal : What You Should Know

Anyone of you who wants to trek the historical site where Presidential plane 'Pinatubo' crashed during the unfortunate event on March 17, 1957 which killed Pres. Ramon Magsaysay and his staff, you may add the following points below as reminder or guide in your trek. 

The following points below were based on our experience. 

*Take a V-hire from Ayala Center Terminal going to Balamban for 120php and instruct the driver to drop you in Cantipala-Tabunan corner. 

1. Expect a 2-3 hours 6km. walk  from the highway to reach Brgy. Tabunan if you're going to take the Tagbao-Tabunan to Sunog Trail. (unless you have a private vehicle to save you from walking)

2. You can buy last minute provision in Brgy. Tabunan.

3. You may take your lunch in a small carinderia in Brgy. Tabunan.

4. Another 3-4 hours walk to reach Brgy. Sunog.

5. A steep trail with no shady areas to ease you from piercing heat of the sun. 

6. Mt. Mauyog is located in Brgy. Sunog. A guide is a must if you want to have a side trip to Mt. Mauyog which has a difficult and dangerous trail.

7. You can ask for a guide in a small sari-sari store in the foot of Mt. Mauyog.

8. No entrance fee in Mt. Manunggal. Practice 'LNT' principle.

9. Few house settlements located in Mt. Manunggal campsite.

10. Comfort room and shower are available in the campsite. Best thing. 

11. A side trip to Guining falls is a something should not be missed in the trip.

12. You can directly access the small path going down from the campsite going to the falls.

13. If side trip to Guining falls is not possible, go back and take the cemented road passing Brgy. Magsaysay to highway. 

14. A black dog named "Ramona" (Mikyu named her) will greet you, the famous guide dog in Mt. Manunggal.

15. Ramona will always lead the way. What an awesome dog. 

Mt. Manunggal Highlights

1. Camping under the stars.

2. A glance of Pinatubo's engine - a piece of history. 

3. Tall pines and wild ferns add canopy in the area. 

4. Flowers along the way.

5. Of course, fresh-cold air and a picturesque view of Balamban mountain range and its neighboring area. 

6. Finally, have a group picture with "Ramona".  :)

Cheers to your adventure. Visit Mt. Manunggal soon and share your experience. 


photo credits to fellow adventure buddies: Orville and Quinlee