Mt. Tarak Adventure!

Mount Tarak (Tarak Ridge) is perfect for those who love adventures and extra challenge.And Last April 27-28, I’ve finally embarked on my first major climb to this popular hiking destination.Thanks to Ms. Yan for the invite. :) 

Mountain specifications:
TARAK RIDGE
Mariveles, Bataan
Jump off point: Brgy. Alas-asin, Mariveles
LLA: 14°30.357'N, 120°30'E, 1,006 MASL (ridge); 1,130 MASL (peak)
Days required / Hours to summit: 2 days, 5-6 hours
Specs: Major climb, Difficulty 4/9, Trail class 3 

Day 1
Our group hired two vans and started our way from KFC Gateway-Cubao to Brgy. Alas-asin, Mariveles, Bataan which is the jump off point. Travel time is about 3 to 4 hours.

We arrived in Brgy. Alas-asin at around 12 noon. We bought some food and other stuffs that we could bring up into the mountain at nearby talipapa stalls and continued our way to Aling Cording's place. We ate our packed lunch, rested for a few minutes, said our prayers and started the trek to our first major stop- the Papaya River.

We were divided into three groups. I'm with my officemates (the last group to ascend.. ambabagal kasi namin.. hihi). And since it's a major climb, Ms. Yan stayed with us and served as our guide.

As we ascend, the trail becomes rocky and steep with a lot of tree roots. It was so tiring. It seemed like an endless walk! I  began to feel the pain on my shoulders because of the heavy load I'm carrying. But the tall trees, the bushes and the verdant views along the way somehow alleviate the burden. Thanks to the beauty of nature.

After three hours, we reached  the Papaya River. Yeheey, sa wakas! Makapagpahinga rin ng matagal! I wondered where did the river (actually it's more of a stream) got its name. I did not see a single papaya tree! haha..The sound of the flowing water is so inviting! We immediately pitched our tents and freshen up with the cool waters of the river. Our group spent the rest of the day taking pictures, eating, resting and bonding!

Day 2: The best part of the climb!

When the dawn breaks, we make ourselves ready to hike for the ridge! It was about 4:30 am; wearing our headlamps,  we started walking before the sunrise.

The trail was getting steeper and steeper as we went through the forest. I almost gave up as it seems to be never-ending assaults plus I'm running out of water!  I just kept on telling myself, "ginusto ko to, at kakayanin ko. hindi ako uuwi hangga't hindi ako nkakatapak sa summit!"

After two hours, we reached  the part of the trail which is more difficult! Me and Jayne (my officemate) then remembered the times during our Pico de Loro climb, and all we can say is.. "Okay, let's do the Pico style!" (What we mean by Pico style? Crawl up and prepare your strongest grip on the grasses! lol)

A few meters more.. Alas!! We made it up to the famous Tarak Ridge! Oh, sad to say that we were not able to witness the sunrise as it has already risen by the time we arrived. (Ang bagal kasi talaga namin! haha)

view from the ridge

 The adventure does not end here. We pushed through in conquering the summit! The other side of the mountain and another mountain peak can be seen from the summit. It was very fulfilling to reach it! We had a lot of picture takings especially with this famous old tree.

 We relished the verdant  view and breathed the freshest of air. We stayed until 9:00am and then made our way back to Papaya River. As soon as we arrived back from the summit, we ate our breakfast, took some rest, refreshed ourselves, and started to pack up. This is the most challenging climb I had so far. The experience is really unforgettable.