Mt. Romelo | Unveiling Waterfall Paradise

  Date : May 9, 2015 | Author : Jeric Par Esplana | Category : Travel Blog

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Mt. Romelo's Peak

Mt. Romelo is located in the municipality of Famy in Laguna. This mountain got its name from the Romelo River  that runs through the Siniloan, Laguna. It is considered as a minor climb with a difficulty of 2/9.  This mountain is a paradise of waterfalls that have become a popular destinations by the mountaineers. As of 2015,  

Seven (7) waterfalls are open for the tourist and those are: 

• Buruwisan Falls
• Batya-Batya Falls
• Sampaloc Falls
• Lanzones Falls
• Sebakon Falls
• Sapang Labo Falls
• Twin Falls

You need to have at least 2 days so you can witness all the waterfalls scattered within the area of Sierra Madre including Mt. Romelo. 

Landmark 

How to get there: It is so easy to locate this place, just ride in LRT 2 up to Legarda station (Php 20.00, Php 30.00 now). From that area, you'll walk maybe 10 minutes before reaching the terminal of Raymond Bus. Tell the conductor that you're going to Buruwisan Falls in Famy, Laguna and they already know where to drop you off (Php 130.00).  You will see this signage as your landmark.

Once you arrived in the jump-off area, you are required to pay a registration fee of Php 50.00 per head and should hire a personal tour guide. You need to present at least one (1) Identification Card and surrender it to the locals, it's used for their monitoring. 

Summit

It is really recommended to beginners because the trail was very easy. It will just take an hour before reaching the summit. From its peak, you will see the scenic view of Sierra Madre and you'll enjoy the grassland terrain of this mountain.

Best Tour Guide (Kuya Don)

We were impressed with the kind of service given us by our tour guide. He is Kuya Dondon and as you can see in the picture, it's not scripted nor planned. He's really gentleman and will give you an assurance that you're safe with him. He showed us the real meaning of guidance. We're very thankful to him because of his kindness and one of a kind service. Trivia, he was featured in I-Juander as the tour guide of the said program in GMA News TV.

Lanzones Falls

These are the two (2) falls out of seven (7) . It is better if you visit this travel destination during season because just like in our case, Buruwisan Falls was totally dried. Instead of three (3) falls, we were able to see only two. You must wear a sandals or a trekking shoes because the trails going down are steep (not advisable to wear a slipper). It's just a 10-15 minutes walk from campsite going to these two falls. 

Lanzones Falls is smaller and thinner in appearance with a shallow catch basin. You can stand under the raging water of the falls and enjoy its natural way of giving relaxation. Make sure to wear a sandal because the bottom part of the basin is rocky.

Sebakon Falls

Sebakon Falls also known as Old Buruwisan Falls is actually not similar to the appearance of the real Buruwisan Falls. The basin is not so wide and clear. There is a part where you can only dip (left side facing the falls) and from center to right , it is very deep so be careful.

Note : In our experience here, we encountered two aggressive snakes going to the falls. You must be alert and don't worry because your guide will protect you with the help of their dagger.

Descend

Because May 10, 2015 was Mother's Day, so as early as 9 AM we decided to leave the place. We were not able to visit the remaining 4 falls (not included the dried Buruwisan Falls). Make sure that put a sunblock to the exposed skin of your body because most of the trails are exposed to the sun.

Travel | Jepar

--Here's my short clip travel video--

--Reminder--

As a Travel Blogger, I am sharing all my experiences, guides and the expenses in every trip I have been so that you can also experience this trip to specific place with your friends or family. Be responsible enough by: following the rules and regulations of the place, learn to protect and maintain its genuine beauty, be nice and respectful to local people, observe cleanliness, leave no trace.

--Contact--

• 0912 961 3105 - Tour Guide (Kuya Don) 
• 0917 444 7594 - Barangay Captain
• 0919 393 9734 - Police Assistance
• (049) 501 8053 - Municipality of Siniloan

--Itinerary--

0500 - Meet Up (Farmers, Cubao )
0530 - ETD Manila via Public Vehicle

0600 - ETA Legarda Station LRT 2
0800 - ETA Buruwisan Signage (Famy)
0805 - Registration Process
0810 - Breakfast
0840 - Start Trek
0940 - ETA Summit
0945 - Picture Taking, Rest, Etc.
1010 - ETA Campsite Area
1020 - ETA Buruwisan Falls
1040 - ETA Sebakon Falls
1045 - Early Lunch
1050 - Rest
1100 - Swimming
1200 - ETA Lanzones Falls
1300 - Descend via Same Route
1320 - ETA Campsite
1500 - ETA Jump-off Area
1700 - ETA Manila

--Budget--

Note: Rates are subject to change without prior notice
Option 1

VEHICLE	FROM	TO	FARE	TIMEFRAME
LRT Line 2	Cubao	Legarda	Php 20.00 30.00	20 min
Bus (Raymond Bus)	Legarda	Famy	Php 130.00	2 hours

Option 2

VEHICLE	FROM	TO	FARE	TIMEFRAME
UV Express	Shaw(Starmall)	Tanay	Php 70.00	1 ½ hours
Jeepney	Tanay	Siniloan,Laguna	Php 47.00	1 hour
Jeepney	Siniloan	Famy	Php 15.00	30 min

Tour Guide	Php 600.00/group
Registration Fee	Php 50.00
Cottage Fee	Php 400.00/group
ESTIMATED EXPENSES (group of 6)	Php 500.00/head