[HIKING] RIZAL : Mt. Sembrano (745+ MASL), the 4th climb is hot!

Rizal province is quite close to Manila and has been a haven for hikers and adventure seekers. Their notable slopes and ridges has been a place for resorts and private cottages which can be rented daily or overnight for functions and occasions.

Rizal is also the home of my 5th mountain: Mt. Sembrano. It's gonna be a day hike with Apple, Dane, Pao, and Roy. As the transportation back to Manila is a bit limited, Apple brought his trusty jeep for this trip.
We arrived in Brgy. Malaya, Pililia, Rizal to get registered and list down the important emergency numbers just in case anything happens. The trail is easy, getting a guide is not compulsory (even though we got confused at some point, hahaha).

registration area

THE TRAIL

We refused to hire a tricycle going the the jump off point. To my surprise, the beginning was a ascending cemented road with an almost 30-degree inclination, which ate all my energy prior to the succeeding rocky terrain. I almost quit because I kept on catching my breath after few steps. I was way behind my hiking buddies. After, 15 minutes finally I was able to catch up. Apple got my GoPro for our first Take 5 (meaning "take 5 minutes break).

After few minutes the trail changed a bit and is comparable to Mt. Daguldol. Climbing huge rocks and passing through shrubs. It was a sunny day and it was scorching hot. The leaves along the trail and the dirt were dry; its been a while since it rained in that area. We passed by few fruit-bearing trees which were the source of livelihood of the people living in the area as well. Half-way the summit is Manggahan. A resting area for hikers wherein another trail from that point leads to the waterfalls.

something fluffy along the trail

after passing by Manggahan half-way to the summit

THE MANGGAHAN

It is the halfway point of this trek. Some hikers ended up camping out here because there is a small house nearby and the waterfalls is just few minutes away. The family caretaker of this place sell coconuts for P10.00 per piece. You must try their coconut!

THE SUMMIT

At around 12noon we reached the summit. It was a grassland. No much shade available to rest. Upon reaching the summit, we passed by a tree and decided to take a short break before hiking up. The first peak is about 600+ MASL and the second was 745+ MASL. I did not just the hike to the second summit because the intense heat of the sun.

going up!

view from the first peak

THE SUNSET

At 5PM we arrived in the Barangay hall and asked permission to take a bath in their comfort room. Before leaving Brgy. Malaya, a stunning view of the sunset waved to us and we just need to take a shot of it.

left-right: Pao, Dane, me, Roy, and Apple

credits to Roy/Dane: stunning sunset by the bay

Having seen the trail and summit of Mt. Sembrano, it think it is better for a night hike and catch the sunrise then descent at early morning. Another attraction nearby is the Daranak falls. You may visit this spot as a side trip after hiking Mt. Sembrano.