Maranat Dayhike Experience

I was praying to the Lord to have another close encounter with nature before my birthday on March 19 and I am just blessed enough that He granted my wish. March 15, 2015 Our scheduled team building with my fellow brothers and sister in Singles For Christ will be a day hike in Mt. Maranat, Part of Sierra Madre trail. I've been hearing many good reviews about it especially the good vibes that waterfalls could bring after a tiring trek and too much exposure with the sun. So it's another story to tell.

Jump-off point

5:00 in the morning we were already at Tungko to get the first trip of Licao-Licao with a fare of P28. For about 30-45 min. we're already at Licao-Licao; from there, hikers may ride a tricycle or just walk to the Jump-off point where everyone must register and pay at the barangay. Guides are not required but for first timers I suggest to be guided. It has been a smooth walking path at the start of the trail but after 30 min. of walking, ascending is much difficult now. We have to deal with the stones, slippery soils, mud, tall Grass and running waters. After 2 hrs of trek there comes the first stop over. A Kubo with sari-sari store, it serves as a convenient store for hikers. You can buy some drinks or maybe food like kakanin. After 15-20 min. of water break we continue to walk and it gets even difficult because the sun is at its peak and the trail now is not stable; you really have to go up almost crawling and go down almost sitting position to be able not to fall down. It was really challenging until we come to next resting station a big Nipa Hut that can take care of 30 people with a very rewarding view of the mountain. We stayed there for almost an hour because we were warned by other hikers to stay in our place for a moment as the bees were disturbed and we might be attacked with lots of bees. After a long rest we continue to trek and the stones are getting bigger and bigger as we get closer to the river. few kilometer from the river was a tremendous trail; It was steep, muddy and lot of Boulders.

Pineapple from the trail

Start of the trail

Resting place

good spot for walking

Almost there! That's what we thought when we saw the twin falls and the river. Crossing in the river system is a fun activity but must be careful since stones were really slippery. After that refreshing walk another high trek dawned us, it was really steep and too hot because sun  is at its peak and no shed of trees. For about 20-30 min of walking we we're already at the campsite. We met Kuya Nestor, the owner of the house where hikers can take a good rest/ use toilet / eat. For our group we choose to have lunch at the waterfalls area so we have to climb again few meters but unfortunately we lost our way to the falls so it's another walking and searching for our destination. It wasn't easy for us since we we're all hungry and eventually trying to find our way back, When we finally found the falls. It was really rewarding feeling when you got to see how beautiful and clean it is. After all the hardships of trekking you can't help but swim in that ice cold water. That was really relaxing and it can take all your weariness away.

Refreshing destination

River crossing

Camp site in the middle area

way to the falls

twin falls

After almost 2 hours of staying and playing around the falls it is now time to go back. The challenge now is to continue walking down with those steep grassland, doing the boulders and dealing with amorsekos when your body is really tired. We had to rush our way down since transportation in licao-licao has time limit. We almost reach the jump off point by 7pm. Luckily the last trip of jeepney still waiting for passengers so we can go home now peacefully.

A very rewarding day

It was a difficult day hike but  also a rewarding one. Nature has its own way of protecting it's precious gem by hiding it at a very risky area so everyone who sees it will truly appreciate and help protect its hidden treasure.