Mt. Manalmon | Ultimate Triple Adventure Experience

  Date : August 1, 2015 | Author : Jeric Par Esplana | Travel Blog

   New Blog Post : Philippine National Museum for FREE!
   New Blog Post : Manila Tour  (Intramuros + Fort Santiago + Nat'l Museum)

   New Blog Post : When in Bignay | Valenzuela's Hidden Paradise

Madlum River

Mt. Manalmon is one of the most visited mountain in Northern Luzon. It's very accessible and easy to locate. This mountain will just need a 1-2 hours of trekking that made it good for beginners. It features additional nature trip such as caving, splashing in the river and the famous rope walking activity on top of the Madlum River. It lies on another mountain called Mt. Gola which is also a good vantage point so you can do a twin hike in a single day. It is also part of the historical Biak-na-Bato National Park in San Miguel, Bulacan. The relic of St. Michael is placed inside the Madlum Cave, it has a historical significance in 18th century event.

How to get there: [Option 1] Ride a bus specifically in Cubao (Baliwag Terminal) bound to San Miguel, Bulacan. Tell the driver that you're going to Manalmon, fare is Php 117.00 and travel time is approximately 2 - 3 hours depending on the delays. Drop off at Brgy. Kamias then ride a tricycle going to Sitio Madlum, fare is Php 240.00/4pax (fixed rate) and additional 1 hour travel time. [Option 2] In case you're from Valenzuela and Malabon or Marilao Area itself, use this route: Ride a Jeepney going to Malolos in Marilao Stoplight near Aliw Complex, fare is Php 35.00 and travel time is almost 2 hours. Drop off in Malolos Capitol then ride another Jeepney (Php 18.00) bound to Pulilan and additional 30 mins. travel time. Once you're there, ride another Jeepney going to San Miguel for Php 45.00 (1 hour). Drop off at Brgy. Kamias then ride a tricycle going to Sitio Madlum, fare is Php 240.00/4pax (fixed rate) and additional 1 hour travel time.

In our case, we chose the option two (2) Marilao Route since we're from Valenzuela. It took almost 4 hours before we reached the jump-off area. We encountered many delays (many stop over, making the vehicle fully loaded, etc.) but obviously, it's cheaper than Bus fare.

Must Read Details

Before going to Mt. Manalmon, you are required to email or call from the said details below for safety and security purposes. Your email will be used for them to request your GROUP PERMIT in the municipality of San Miguel, Bulacan. When you arrived in Sitio Madlum, the permit will be signed by all members as an agreement that you'll follow the rules of the tour guide and other local people.

·         Name of members (Confirmed)

·         Total number of members

·         Your location

·         Date of trip

·         An overnight stay or just day hike

A lot of signage regarding fees and reminders were placed within the area. Just be considerate and responsible enough to prevent problems. It's good that the local people in Sitio Madlum knows how to protect the area not only for livelihood as a tour guide but also by giving respect to their ancestors.

Newly Built Bridge

Last year, the place was ruined by the traumatic incident happened due to typhoon. The local people built this bridge to prevent that happening again. It's a good thing that the locals are doing great actions that will be very beneficiary to everyone.

St. Michael

The ancestors of the locals here found this gold relic of St. Michael inside the cave in 18th century. The said gold relic is now in Rome, Italy.

Rocky Portion of Madlum River

This trip will give you an extraordinary experience throughout the trail. You will have a chance to experience different kind of trail adventure such as river crossing in a rocky portion, caving, cliff diving and sight-seeing in the vantage point of the mountain. Extra careful because the water current is a bit heavy and some stones are slippery. The trail is easy and not that breathtaking so definitely good for a beginner. 

Mt. Manalmon's Summit

Madlum River

This is the peak of Mt. Manalmon where you can see the Mt. Gola. From the peak, you will see the scenic view of the forests, the emerald color of the madlum river as well as the Mt. Arayat from far. If you want to do a twin hike, you need to take the same route and from bifurcation, left direction will lead you to Mt. Gola.

Entry Point

A brief orientation regarding do's and don’ts inside the cave will first be discussed by your tour guide. Some of it were about how extreme this activity is in a technical aspect and the 5 faces of the cave. This is the Entry Point of the Madlum Cave, hold this rope and put all your strength to your both hands. You also need to lighten up your weight to ensure the tightness on holding the rope.

Music Room

This area is called Music Room. It produced different type of sounds by knocking on the walls. It sounds great but I suggest not to knock on a place where stalactites are still alive. Extra careful because this stair is slippery that made it a bit dangerous.

Body Language

This area is called Body Language and considered to be the hardest part of this cave activity. As you can see in this photo, you need to be flexible in order to surpass this stage.

Stalactites

Stalactites & Stalagmites

Stalagmites

These are some attraction that you can see inside the cave. The majestic limestone formations are one of a kind. The fourth face of this cave is called Penis Area. The local people called it just like this because of many limestone formations that really looks like a reproductive organ of a male which is the penis. What's funny here is that those formations have diff. sizes, stroke of erection and color. 

Tarzan Area

It is the last face of this cave activity. They called it Tarzan Area where you need to hold this huge twig because it's a bit high and then step down. Feel like you're the real Tarzan.

Walking on a Rope

It is really the highlight of adventure here in Sitio Madlum. And if you still remember, it was the location of Bear Brand Commercial. It's thrilling and really a must try adventure. Before you trying this, make sure that you're in a good status and 100% sure. There's no harness that will secure your safety so better think before doing it.

Swimming Time

This is the last activity for this Madlum trip. You don't need to worry because the water is clean and there is a shallow part of the river where you can swim. It is allowed to swim in Madlum River if the weather is in good situation and during rainy season, it's definitely restricted.

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--

-Ajeck E. : Ajeckecalne@ymail.com       / 0915 585 4684

-Carling  :m.a.d.l.u.m.inc.@gmail.com / 0919 574 6470

--Itinerary--

0430 - Meet Up (Aurora, Cubao)

0500 - ETD via Public Vehicle

0700 - ETA San Miguel, Bulacan

0800 - ETA Sitio Madlum

0810 - Registration Area

0820 - Breakfast

0900 - Start Trek

0945 - Summit

1030 - Descend via Same Route

1100 -  Caving Orientation

1110 -  Start Caving

1220 - End Caving

1300 - ETA Registration Area

1310 -  Late Lunch

1400 -  Walk on a rope activity

1430 -  Swimming (Madlum River)

1630 -  Preparation to leave

1645 -  ETD Sitio Madlum

1745 -  ETA San Miguel, Bulacan

1945 -  ETA Manila

--Budget--

Note: Rates are subject to change without prior notice

Option 1

VEHICLE	FROM	TO	FARE	TIMEFRAME
Bus	Cubao (Baliwag)	San Miguel, Bulacan	Php 117.00	2 hours
Tricycle	Kamias, San Miguel, Bulacan	Sitio Madlum	Php 240.00/4pax	1 hour

Option 2

VEHICLE	FROM	TO	FARE	TIMEFRAME
Jeepney	Marilao	Malolos Capitol	Php 35.00	1 ½ hours
Jeepney	Capitol	Pulilan	Php 18.00	30 min
Jeepney	Pulilan	Kamias, San Miguel	Php 45.00	1 hour
Tricycle	San Miguel	Sitio Madlum	Php 240.00	1 hour

Tour Guide	Day Hike/10pax	Overnight/10pax	Additional Member
1 guide/group of 10	Php 300.00	Php 600.00	+Php 40.00/pax

Caving	Php 200.00
Mt. Gola (side trip)	Php 300.00 (additional)
Entrance Fee	Php 15.00
Registration Fee	Php 20.00
Comfort Room Fee	Php 5-20.00
ESTIMATED EXPENSES (group of 4)	Php 700.00/head