Conquered: Mt Binacayan & Pamitinan (twin day hike)

Early this year, twin hikes emerged as one of the common itineraries most especially among with the Rizal mountains. ***This is a super delayed post***

It was in the month of June when I challenged myself to climb 7 mountains, given of 4 weekends in this month. This twin hike was my second climb after Mt. Ayaas. Another target is to completely hike and climb all the mountains open with in Rodriguez, Rizal. 

Commute

For a twin hike, all you need is determination. **(aside from your gears and trail foods) Mt. Pamitinan and Mt. Binacayan are often visited by aspiring beginners of mountaineering. Its proximity from the Metro made its advantage. On top of that, the climb here is budget friendly.  Rodriguez (formerly known as Montalban) in Rizal is a 45-60 mins drive from Cubao Farmers once you board FX going to the place. This is only if there are no traffic jams involve. Once you alight the mini van, you ride a tricycle bound for Wawa. There would be different tricycle associations within the area but please be cautious to ride one since other drivers would charge you double. Look for Wawa tricycle, specifically. 

Ready for the hike

Climb

It is highly recommended to climb Binacayan first, followed by Pamitinan. Even the guides in the area would say the same thing. Difficulty wise, Binacayan is a little bit difficult than Pamitinan and also Pamitinan is commonly climbed which results to traffic in the summit most of the time. 

Mt Binacayan is at 424+MaSL while Mt Pamitinan is at 426+MaSL, a minor climb which can be completed half day for fast pacer and/or can be completed in a day for beginners. Both has a class trail 1-4 and 3/9 difficulty. It is highly recommended to have a gloves since you will be using your hands most part of the climb. Don't ever underestimate the stones & rock formation in RIzal area; it can give you a cut. It is really spiky. 

No galawan pose since one move and you'll fall

The ascend to Mt Binacayan takes 2- 2 1/2 hours on a steady pace with breaks, as it varies with the group's pace. After 30-45 minutes of pure assult, you will reach the area with lots of rock boulders. This is where you should be wearing your gloves moving forward. Here on, the trail demands physical fitness but don't get intimidated. It is a great good feel once you reach the summit or even just the breathtaking view along the way. 

Thanks to our Guide! Lovely shot from the Summit of Binacayan
with the view of Mt. Pamitinan, far left is Mt. Ayaas, far right behind Pamitinan is Mt Haponang Banoy

My Mandatory Selfie in Mt Binacayan

The descend was pretty fast. We were able to reach jump off in an hour and forty five minutes. my friends were like ninjas jumping here and there.

Crossing Wawa River

2nd part of the hike is Mt. Pamitinan. It was kind of a good decision to climbed it after lunch since most of the hikers has descended. From jump off, you need to cross Wawa River via a suspension bridge. With a steady pace, you will reach the Wall in 15-20 mins. Time to do a take five! From the wall, it is mostly assault. In 15 minutes, you will reach the junction. This is the junction that splits Mt. Pamitinan and Mt. Haponang Banoy. Turn right and continue the hike. This is where you should be wearing your gloves again since you'll be crawling and literally climbing through spiky rocks. From junction, it is about 30-45 minutes to reach the summit or the view deck. 

Challenging Haponang Banoy

The famous viewdeck, also known as a second summit of Mt Pamitinan

Mandatory Selfie in Mt Pamitinan

 As the ascend took us 1 1/2 hours, the descend only took us an hour. 

Side trip

Similar to Mt Ayaas post. see here.

Spelunking
If you love history, then you'll definitely don't want to ditch Pamitinan Cave. The place is full of story too tell. Ask your guide if you are interested. Additional fee applies though. Cave exploration is not suggested during inclement weather. 

Suggested Itinerary
0400  ETD Cubao Farmer's, ride an fx going to Rodriguez, Rizal
0500  ETA Eastwood, Rodriguez, Rizal then ride a tricycle to Wawa
0515  ETA Brgy Wawa DENR office for reg and proceed to Tourism office. Secure a guide
0530  Start Trek
0730  ETA Summit of Binacayan, Photo Ops  
0800  Start Descend
1000  ETA at the jump off, Lunch
1130  Start descend for Mt Pamitinan
1215 The Wall
1240  Junction
1315  Viewdeck/ Summit of Pamitinan
1400  Start Descend
1500  ETA Jump off, Side trips in Wawa Damn/River
1630  Wash Up, bound to Cubao
1800  ETA Cuba Farmers (can be earlier, depends on the traffic)


Suggested Expenses

P50 x 2   FX fare, round trip

P10 x 2   Tricycle fare,  round trip

P500       Depends on your negotiation and number of hikers , per mountain 

P   2        Registration

Blogger's Note
-Bring 2-3 liters of water & gloves. I may recommend to bring fan or a makeshift fan. These two mountains are surrounded by taller mountains, you hardly feel the breeze/ winds along the trail.
-Bring trail food. You don't need to worry for lunch since there are carinderias. 
-No Cellular Signal. Just take photos and upload it when you are back in the metro. Though there is a strong signal in the wall, ascend for Mt. Pamitinan.




P.S. All photos used were owned by the blogger unless stated otherwise. Photos are taken with Nikon D5100 and SonyActionCam AS200VR.