Mt. Binacayan - Great place for a easy hike for nice sunrise and sea of clouds.
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As someone who's has never climbed a mountain before, my co-worker invited me to climb 3 mountains in one day. Thinking that the hike might be easy (who can climb 3 difficult mountains in one day, why would people organize something crazy like that) I agreed and asked him if he thinks I can do it. He told me I could. He was right (sort of) but I still hated him for it.
By 3 am we were already on our way to Rodriguez via a jeepney ride to Montalban. Afterwards, a trike to the foot of the mountains where you can also change (there are bathrooms and showers) and buy some climbing gloves and caps (I got a pair for P50, still have it until today).
Paid the fee and my co-worker already has an existing contact for a tour guide (this would be his second time climbing the mountains) and we were all set.
Climbing the first mountain at 4 am for me was a challenge; granted I am not the most fit person in the planet but wow that hike up was exhausting and long. It was also dark and rocky but my coworker has advised me early on to pack a flashlight (w/c I did). It wasn't easy to hold the flashlight and use my other hand as a guide to hold on to rocks/stems/branches. My coworker basically had to give me his headlight while he took my flashlight so I can free my 2 hands and not fall off the giant (to me at least, I'm 5 feet) boulders. Also, I don't wear contact lenses so the headlight was basically hitting my glasses half the time making my vision quite unsteady. Thank god for a cap, so bring a cap! It also stopped the excessive sweat from falling down my eyes like a freaking waterfall.
I honestly would've given up because this was not my idea of fun and I was way out of my comfort zone (which was the point but still) but my companions encouraged me and were very patient with me. Every time I said I need a break they were chill and like yeah we could all use a break. Basically, if you want to go on this trilogy make sure your companions don't mind waiting for you to catch your breath/sanity.
Can you tell I am not outdoorsy?
The sunrise was worth it though.
The second mountain was easier to climb but afterwards, I was just basically breathless and honestly, not physically prepared to climb 3 mountains. My tour guide, knowing this is my first hike, was so proud of me. I am not the kind of person who takes posed photos but he said I should have a record of my 'feat.' To be fair it is an amazing feat for me so yeah I posed on top of a rock.
The dogs of the mountain were faster than me, seriously. I made it halfway thru the third one and just had to stop because I was too tired. I urged my companions to go on without me and I just rested and read a book in one of the dining areas (made of bamboo, the air was refreshing. This was honestly the best part of the climb for me.)
After an hour and 30 minutes, my companions completed the trilogy and we rested together then headed over to the Wawa dam for a shower. That was