What can you do in ten hours? Climb Tarak Ridge, maybe?
Like any other employee, I have spent eight hours sitting on a swivel chair typing hours on end, and the other two commuting on the way to work and back. Before I know it, those ten hours have ended and just another weekday has passed. Rinse. Repeat.
But ten hours on the mountain is a different currency.
Labor Day, Literally!
On Labor Day, I chose to scale Mt. Mariveles (1,130 MASL) to see the scenic Tarak Ridge in Mariveles, Bataan. A dormant volcano, the Tarak Ridge affords us the view of the whole of Bataan, the Manila Bay, Corregidor Island and, faintly, Cavite.
If you are confused as to why Mt. Mariveles is used interchangeably with Tarak Ridge it’s because Mt. Mariveles has three famous peaks: Tarak Ridge, Pantingan Peak, and Mariveles Ridge. Other caldera (volcanic crater) peaks are yet to be explored. Mt. Mariveles’ last known eruption is about four millenniums ago but its active thermal features makes it potentially active.
Those Animated Five Hours to Tarak Ridge
A total of five hours is what it takes to get to Tarak Ridge, and another five hours back. Those ten hours of walking could not be more animated. Alarm-like calls of birds perched atop the canopy of trees filled the air. The sound of a clear, rushing water echoes through the forest. A variation of root, sand and rock filled our sandals.
The difficulty lies in endurance. Trail-wise, the hiker-friendly incline of Tarak Ridge continues until Papaya River where fresh, clean drinking water can be sourced. But after the river is the hour-long assault that sent my heart, lungs and legs into a frenzy.
https://www.instagram.com/p/2fTozDs_AE/?taken-by=followyouroad
The Incline Continues
The final assault to the campsite of Tarak Ridge already reveals the ghost of bluish mountain ranges that made us rush on our way up. According to PinoyMountaineer, Tarak Ridge is called so as the combination of the word “tabak” (hunting knife), being a long narrow mountain ridge and “tarik” (steep) characteristic of the assault.
Once at campsite, do not get comfortable and hike to the peak. Just a little push, and you get to this famous “tree” and the other peaks of the volcanic crater — sharp inclines reminiscent of rocks that collided to each other once upon a time. Its beauty made me want to study geology all over again!
https://www.instagram.com/p/2lUDIos_Ea/?taken-by=followyouroad
Ten hours, back and forth. We made it back to jumpoff point at 5:30PM and showered at a local resident’s place. On a weekday, ten hours might seem an average time to spend at the office. But weekend spent well, such as this, ten hours is precious.
All work. All play. Happy Labor Day from Tarak Ridge!
- Inspired? Get more Mountain Climbing travel ideas
- Find and book accommodations in Bataan
- You can also discover more attractions in Bataan
23 Comments
jaiguzon
August 4, 2015 at 10:38 PMThis climb is already on my bucket list. Your post only made me want to do it all the more. Amazing view from just the pictures. I know they’ll be better in front of my eyes. Thanks for this post. And the “wow ha” picture made me laugh! š
Samantha C.
August 10, 2015 at 10:27 AMHi Jai! Thank you so much! š I’m glad the blog encouraged you to climb Tarak Ridge. I really liked this climb because it’s my first major climb. It def made me more confident to climb more! š
Hazel Ann Lo
June 4, 2015 at 2:49 PMWow! I totally envy you and people like you who can endure trekking! hahaha! I’m not much of a outdoors person but I have not closed the doors to a lifestyle like that… And the fact that you were able to get out from the hustle of city life and just be one with nature is just an amazing feeling (I think!)
Jason Panuelos
June 3, 2015 at 8:09 PMI bet this was an amazing change of scenery! I think everyone deserves a break every so often š
louisechelle
June 2, 2015 at 11:12 PMA weekend well spent indeed! I am willing to walk 5 hours to and 5 hours back for that kind of scenery too! Though I have to condition myself first; I don’t think my legs would last for 10 hours. Hehe.
Janine
June 2, 2015 at 11:01 PMI haven’t tried trekking yet and I’ve been longing to! Wish I can really try it before the year ends!
3xhcch
June 2, 2015 at 10:10 PMFive hours up and five hours down. Reminds me of our Mt. Pinatubo trekking we did before. Your description of that final assault climb after the river is so descriptively challenging, hehe. – Fred
Nizza Gueco
June 2, 2015 at 9:46 PMWow that is a great view. I miss climbing mountains, my last was Mt. Maculot in Batangas which is a fairly easy climb. I’d love to try this next.
Franc Ramon
June 2, 2015 at 8:01 PMI always pass through this stretch when visiting our manufacturing plant in Bataan. I should try it real soon.
Alissa
June 2, 2015 at 5:56 PM10 hours? what? Omg I don’t think I can do that but I bet the view makes up for all the sweat and effort and energy. Kudos to you!
kikaysikat
June 2, 2015 at 3:21 PMMt. Mariveles sounds so familiar! I’m wondering if I’ve been there before. What an experience it might have been for you your photos look awesome!
Jhanz
May 20, 2015 at 3:06 PMOnly had short hikes, but the 10 hour trek sounds crazy! As much as I wanted to push myself and try this as well, I think I might actually need more courage first (and practice too). Hehe:)
Congrats on reaching the top!
eslamyosef
May 20, 2015 at 7:59 AMHey, looks like great Samantha š
Well, I wish I were there so I can view the world from up there.
About giving the ten hours, let’s say .. perhaps an interesting adventure with a friend! However, you know I always love to have time with friends. It doesn’t matter where as we are together š
work@homeMillie
May 20, 2015 at 7:10 AMFor regular 10 hours, yes, purely work and chores. However, if I am given 10 hours on a weekend without worrying my Mt. Everest pile of laundry, I’d definitely do the same thing- go to a place where the view is amazing! Perhaps, explore Tagaytay. Hahaha. š
Franc Ramon
May 19, 2015 at 10:39 PMI heard this is a really tough trail even for regular mountaineers. It’s really scenic up there though.
rollcoastermom
May 19, 2015 at 7:18 PMAmazing view! Don’t know if I would ever be that willing to spend ten hours of my life climbing a mountain though. Haha!
Ayesha Heart
May 19, 2015 at 4:07 PMI’m not sure if my last comment went through but anyway, I love to try mountain climbing, looks so fun š I have a friend who joined her co workers to do this and it was amazing!
This place is paradise. Lucky you!
Thanks for sharing.
tweenselmom
May 19, 2015 at 3:53 PMyou must have an adventurous life, being able to go such places š
Manu Kalia
May 19, 2015 at 2:48 PMThis makes me want to have a vacation doing mountain climbing, the place is very beautiful and breathtaking
Badet Siazon (@badudets)
May 19, 2015 at 2:14 PMMy husband was able to climb Tarak Ridge. Hoping to go there too.
Peachy @ The Peach Kitchen
May 19, 2015 at 1:03 PMThe view up there must’ve been amazing, Sam! I hope I can do mountain trekking or climbing one of these days
seftiburcio
May 19, 2015 at 12:43 PMI have low endurance and tolerance trekking. I guess, 5 hours going up was worth it. Saw the pictures and the sceneries were awesome!!! Envied you!
Jojo Vito
May 18, 2015 at 11:22 PMwow, i really envy people who do mountain climbing…this thing is not just for me though…:)