LAKBAY PAMPANGA : A HIKING GUIDE TO MT. ARAYAT

Mt. Arayat is one of the famous legendary mountains in the Philippines. It is located in the Central Luzon region and It’s an extinct stratovolcano, which has no recorded historical eruption. It is now becoming a popular hiking destination, attracting more hikers not only because of its interesting legends but because of its undeniably beauty and challenges going up to its peaks.

The TrailMakers group, which led by sir Whe Asuncion, invited me to join their Mt. Arayat hike in Pampanga. I have always associated Mt.Arayat with the famous legend of Mariang Sinukuan, so I was determined to conquer and discover this mountain.

We arrived in the jump-off point at exactly 08:00 in the morning and we registered our names in the logbook. We had 30 minutes of preparation and we started the trek at 8:30am.

The trail from the jump-off point to the north peak was fairly easy. Just don’t forget to bring and wear a warmer or long sleeve shirt as you may encounter ratan/talahib grass in some part of the trail. I was surprised and challenged when I learned that most of the participants were first timer or newbie. I was also worried for them because I have read from other blogs that the trail from the north peak to south peak is no joke. I don’t underestimate their capacity but even Pinoy Mountaineer gave this mountain an specification of 5 out of 9 and is a major climb.

After 3 hours of assaulting on a forested trail and steep slope with few rock boulders we reached the north peak. Standing to an elevation of 1,030 MASL we were greeted by the panoramic view of Central provinces of Pampanga, Nueva Ecija, Zambales, and Bataan.

We stayed in the north peak for an hour, we had a picture taking in the viewdeck and we decided to eat our lunch there. Some of the participants took a nap to gain more strength and energy for the challenging assault to south peak. I decided to just explore more the peak and get along with other mountaineering groups. I was really surprised to see my friends Rowie and Norvin but we just had one picture together as they already preparing for assaulting to south peak.

We decided to continue our journey to south peak at exactly 1:00 in the afternoon. The beginning of the trail from north to south peak was forested making it have a cool and refreshing temperature. And I was right, descending to the South peak was more challenging compare to the trail up to the north peak. Vertical clay and Rock walls with rope segment abound making this technically major climb and not easy after all. The major geographic feature of the mountain – the ‘White Rock’ which is visible from Magalang and other towns in Pampanga was along the way.

We have reached the South peak viewing deck at 4 in the afternoon and we spent more than 30 minutes taking selfie and groupie photos. Our descent from the viewing deck was pretty easy, It was forested and continues rocky trail until we reached the open plains and paved road in San Juan Bano side and at 6:30 in the evening we finally conquered Mt.Arayat safe and sound.

Important Facts

– They accept donations only instead of charging a registration fee. – The guide is available on the jumpoff point. – Camping is possible at the North Peak and South Peak campsites. – Cellphone signal is very sporadic throughout the trail. – There’s a lot of mosquitoes in the trail (and campsites) so consider bringing insect repellant!

How to get there?

1. From Cubao ride a bus going to San Fernando (Php110; 1.5-2 hours) 2. From San Fernando ride a jeepney to Magalang (Php35/ person or Php800 for the whole jeep; 30-45 minutes) 3. From Magalang hire a tricycle going to Brgy. Ayala (Php60/trike; 15 mins)

RETURN

1. From Arayat National Park hire a tricycle going to Arayat town (P60-80/trike; 15 mins) 2. From Arayat town ride a jeepney to Angeles City (Php28, 30 minutes) 3. From Angeles City ride a bus or van going to Manila via San Fernando or directly (Php120; 2 hours)

Alternatively, charter a jeepney to pick you up from the Arayat National Park jumpoff back to San Fernando.

Suggested Itinerary

Entry point: Brgy. Ayala, Magalang, Pampanga Exit point: Brgy. Juan Bano, Arayat, Pampanga

Dayhike of Estimated 8 Hrs, 10 kms.

0400 – Call time Jolibee Farmers cubao 0430 – ETD Jollibee Farmers cubao 0630 – ETA Jollibee Magalang (Breakfast) 0730 – ETA Ayala JOP Magalang (register) 0800 – Start trek 0830 – Statue 0930 – Water source 1100 – White Rock take photo 1200 – North Peak (Lunch) 0100 – Resume trek to Mid peak 0230 – Mid Peak take photo 0400 – South Peak take photo 0530 – View Deck take photo 0630 – Rest, prepared head lamp 0800 – JOP brgy San juan Baño (fresh up) 0930 – ETD to Lelut bacolod (dinner) 1030 – ETD to manila farmers Cubao 1130 – ETA Farmers Cubao

NOTE: We hired a jeep on our arrival in SM Pampanga to take us to Brgy Ayala for the first registration, and the jump off.

Estimated Expenses Bus: Cubao to San Fernando, Pampanga – Php 102 Jeep: San Fernando to Magalang – Php 35 (800 if you are going to hire) Tricycle: Magalang to Bgy. Ayala registration desk (jump off) – Php 60/trike Tricycle: Bgy. Juan Bano to bayan – Php 50/trike Jeep: to SM Pampanga – Php 25 Bus: San Fernando to Manila – Php 102 Guide: Optional, Php 400-500 range.