Mt Pico de Loro and the Parrot's Beak - Ternate, Cavite Route

Mt Pico de Loro is not new to me as this is already my second time to conquer this mountain. But like what every mountaineers say, every hike is different. The difference of this hike were 1) unlike my first climb, I only went there for a day hike. Now I'll be staying for an overnight. 2) We did a night trek going up and 3) lastly, I climbed the monolith slash the famous Parrot's Beak.

Just to give you a short background, Mt Pico de Loro (also called as Mt Palay Palay) is situated in the boundaries of Cavite and Batangas. While having said that, trekkers who wanted to climb Mt. Pico de Loro have a choice whether they'll start on the jump off point in Nasugbo, Batangas or the one which is located in Ternate, Cavite. Cool huh? Also, in Cavite it is considered to be as the highest point with a topography of 664 MASL (according to Pinoy Mountaineers).

How to get there?
Well since most of us in this trip were Cavitenos, we started our adventure on the jump off point located in Ternate, Cavite. Going there is just plain and simple. From Baclaran or Coastal Mall Terminal, ride a bus with a signboard going to Ternate. Tip: Make sure that it will passed through Cavitex as that is a much faster way to reach Ternate. You'll be dropping off at the last point which is the Ternate Terminal so getting lost on the way is impossible. Lols! Bus fare is 84 pesos and it will take 2-3 hours. Alight at Ternate Bus Terminal, you can rent a tricycle for 75 pesos per head or a jeepney (didn't know the price) going to the jump off point/registration area of Mt. Pico de Loro. Renting a tricycle is ideal for small groups while jeepneys, well of course, are for large groups who wish to visit the said mountain.

Team Love and Team Baby ko

Upon reaching the feet of Mt. Pico de Loro, we first proceed on the registration area near the jump off point. Registration fee is 25 pesos per head. There is also a comfort room in the  area and it is free of use where you can changed up your clothes. After that, we then head to the jump off point and started our trek. We started at around 4:30pm and expected to reach the campsite no over 8:30pm. 4 hours is the average time to hike this mountain. And Oh, there is another registration area on the Camp 1. Fee is 20 pesos and I don't know why there are two registration area with fee in this mountain.

2nd Registration area in Mt Pico de Loro

What I like about Mt Pico de Loro is its lush green surroundings. Its trails are fenced with tall trees which make shades for trekkers. Less rays coming from the sun during hike means more energy for trekkers. There are also some parts of the trail wherein fresh air breezes on you which is very refreshing for someone like me who lives in the city. Mt. Pico de Loro is a known hiking destination in Luzon and I would like to commend DENR because what you have implemented to protect this mountain is really working and efficient. Yes, this mountain is protected by the DENR.

Trail of Mt. Pico de Loro is a combination of easy trekking to average. The first part is quite easy as it will only requires you to walk into a slightly slanted trail going up. But as you reach the middle 'till up to the summit, trails are getting steeper. I also noticed that we are not constantly going up. There are parts wherein after we trekked up, the trail will lead into a down trail then up again which is very exhausting and draining. Good thing we started our trek late in the afternoon to almost dark. Mr. Sun almost settling down and the environment is getting humid.

Sir Jay, Sir Orlan and Ewin

After almost forever of trekking, walking in the dark... finally, we heard voices. It only means that we're near the campsite. So our spirits were lifted high and rushed hastily to the top. Approximately 3 hours, we were able to reach Mt. Pico de Loro's campsite. The scene at the campsite were like night market of the metro. Haha. There were lots of mountaineers that night. I've never seen a campsite wherein tents were pitch side by side. Take note, campsite of Mt Pico de Loro is quite big yet mountaineers able to fill that land area. Amazing! Luckily we're able to find a spot where we can pitch our tents. After that, we prepared our dinner, eat and had some socials. Then we decided to sleep as we will head to the summit the next morning.

Great morning!

Moment...

This has been my home for 1 night :)

[I guess] They woke up the next morning at 5am (me at around 6am). Lols. We had our packed hamburgers from Jolibee as breakfast then prepped up to descend at the summit of Mt. Pico de Loro. From the campsite, it took us 20 mins to reach the summit. I suggest extra caution should be taken when going to the summit as the wind blows hard on this part of the mountain. We can't barely stand straight due to the wind. I felt like it will blow my small body into the mid-air. That's how strong it was.

The summit

Jing and Julius

Sir Jay in his signature pose

We're up for this challenge!

Hold tight repa!

Upon reaching the summit is a 360-degree scenic view. Some place I had identified during my stay on top were the Manila Bay, Mt. Marami of Maragondon Cavite, Mt Talamitam and Mt. Batulao of Batangas and the Corregidor.

Awkward selfie pose hahahaha

We cant see straight... and stand straight hahaha

Congrats ladies! You've made it to the summit!

The campsite from the summit...

Aside from the view, you'll also see the pride of Mt. Pico de Loro on its other side - the monolith (also known as Parrot's Beak). Parrot's Beak of Mt. Pico de Loro is a vertical stone structure which stands at around 60 meters. Being able to reach its base is considered to be the most challenging part of this mountain. I attest to that. The trail going on top of it was (a bit) terrifying. I couldn't remember how many times I cursed and said bad words upon my climb up to the monolith. There are part of the trail that you'll be crossing an inclined stone. Some trails were even like my both feet is just right to the trail and a few more inch/step is already a ravine. Apart from having shoes/sandals with good grip, upper body strength is also required as there is a rope installed where you need to hang-on in order to continue the climb. Julius and I were both hesitant to rely all our weight on that rope because it doesn't seemed that strong. Hahaha. So again, be very careful. Accident to this point is really imminent so climbers should take another extra caution when conquering the monolith. After all those things we've been through, a feeling of accomplishment has been a great reward as we reach the base of Parrot's Beak. It is really recommendable to people who loves adventures and to those who are thrill seekers.

Time to descend! 

Terrifying part going to the base of the monolith

(right photo) zoom in mode

My 2nd visit to Mt. Pico de Loro has been a different experience. Plus I have accomplished what I promised to myself back in 2011 - to climb and reach the base of Parrot's Beak. We're blessed that day because the weather favored with us. It was such an amazing trek!

Side story: We climb Pico de Loro at night and we didn't got lost... however, when we descend back to the jump off the next day, and at daytime, we got lost. Hahaha. We didn't know why or how. But just remember that when you see a big trunk and a DENR sign on the trail, take the way up and not the straight way. Lols!

Breakdown of Expenses:
Bus (Coastal Terminal - Ternate Terminal) - 84 Pesos
Tricycle (Ternate Terminal - Jump-off point) - 75 Pesos/pax
Registration Area 1 - 25 Pesos
Registration Area 2 - 20 Pesos
Food - **.**

Island Hopping and Snorkeling in Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro

If you're at White Beach, Puerto Galera and you find the beach shore to be too crowded to relax and enjoy the water then you have another choice. All you have to do is go out there and wait 'till a man approach you and offer you an island hopping tour plus a snorkeling experience. Do not worry because they were boat agents of the islands and that is just a normal scene in the beach front of White Beach.

How to get there (to Puerto Galera)?
From Cubao, ride an ALPS bus going to Batangas (Batangas Port). Their bus terminal is located near the Ali Mall and fare is 175 pesos per pax. It took us 2 1/2 hours to reach Batangas Port. Alight at Batangas Port, you'll be mobbed by people who worked on different ferry companies that will persuade you to get their service and to take you to Puerto Galera. My tip is ti entertain them. Compare their prices and bargain with them. In the end, we get the Father and Son line to get us to Puerto Galera. Why? Because they give us a 7 + 1 promo. Since we're 8 in the group. 7 of us will pay 500 pesos and the other one is free. That 500 pesos is a two-way ride (Batangas Port - White Beach, Puerto Galera and vise-versa). Regular ferry ride is 270 pesos per pax (one way).

You'll know they're boat agents because they have these laminated boards on their hands that is printed with photos of islands near White Beach and activities like snorkeling and caving. I've talked to some of these agents and they have standard price for each and every activities on their list. Well, of course there are also some sneaky boat agents which offer a bit higher price than the others so be very careful. As for island hopping, it only cost 1,500 pesos and good up to 8 pax (approximately 188 pesos/head). I tried to haggle the price and somewhat make it to 1,300 pesos but no one bite my bait. They're really strict to their standards. Oh well, atleast we tried.

Early morning ride!

The package includes: trip to Sandbar Island, Bayanan Beach, Haligi Beach and to the an island where small boats await that can bring visitors to the snorkeling area (separate payment). Unfortunately, like what I said on my previous post of this trip, we only stayed here over the weekend and had a limited time. Having said that, we didn't had the chance to visit all of the spots included on the package. Nevertheless, we never regret getting this tour.

Our first stop is the island wherein small bangka (boats) await. These small bangka will take you to the under water cave (additional 200 pesos/pax), giant clam shell snorkeling area (additional 200 pesos/pax) and to the corals snorkeling area (additional 200 pesos/pax). We were hesitant at first because it was too pricey. Imagine, additional 600 pesos for 3 more activities? But who cares... we're there and who knows when can we ever go back again here. So again again, i tried to haggle the price and thank God because we got the 3 activities for 500 pesos/pax.

Food trip + Selfie inside our bangka

I'm just enjoying the view

Underwater Cave

Located on one of the small island in Oriental Mindoro lies an underwater cave which became very known to tourists who visit the province. The cave is too small that it can be explored by a few minutes. Though the entrance and exit of this cave are small, underneath it is a bit bigger that can be fit up to no more than 20 persons. Get ready to get wet as you tried this activity. The water inside the cave can get shoulder deep/high.

The island is jam packed with other tourists

What to expect inside...

Me at the exit point

Giant Clam Shells and the Corals - Snorkeling Area

Our next stops are the 2 snorkeling areas of this trip. We first visited the area where giant clam shells are being cultivated and protected. It was so nice to see that these things are being protected in the area. I didn't know that Mindoro Oriental's water is a treasure as its water is so rich.

Off to the snorkeling sites

Just when I thought I already saw how beautiful the water of Oriental Mindoro by diving into the giant clam shells area, well, I was wrong. As we reach the 2nd snorkeling area and started diving into it... I was stunned on what I saw. Different kinds of fishes (which are colorful), corals, sea urchins, water plants... all! I also saw sword fishes, Nemo (clown fishes), and humongous-sized fishes! I was speechless of the life I saw underneath it. If only I have go pro, I could have documented it... Arrrrrggghhh! Tip: Before going here, bring/buy a slice of bread. Then as you dive, bring that bread with you. Lots of fish will surely go to your side.

Donna, Claire and Dingdong Dantes their boatman

If there is one activity that I couldn't forget on this trip is the time wherein we were in the 2nd snorkeling area and the boatman told us to hold on the rope placed on the side of the boat. The boat will run slowly and all we have to do is to hold tight on the rope and place our heads on the water and watch what's underneath it as the boat roams around the area. Weeeee! The experience was really priceless!

By the way, life vests and snorkeling masks are included in the package.

That's me exploring the 2nd site :)

Snorkeling while I am being dragged by our boat

The water is so clear that you can clearly see the fishes underneath it

This Other Beach...

Lol me. Yup, I didn't get the name of this island/beach. The water is also pristine and clear but I was disappointed when I saw a ketchup bottle floating on the water. Aw. I hope people become more responsible on their waste. Let's trained ourselves to protect the earth. Aw. 

Anyway, please feel free to leave a comment if it happens you knew the name of this beach. TIA!

I wish this area will preserve its beauty

Self timer mode again!

We missed to visit other beaches and islands because of lack of time but we surely had fun with this tour. The place and activities are very recommendable. I must say it is a must try but please... please be responsible enough of your waste. Lets have fun and protect our surroundings at the same time. Thank you.

Breakdown of Expenses:

Island Hopping tour - 1,500 Pesos / 8 pax = 187.5 Pesos per pax

Tricycle ride (White Beach to Boat pier, one way) - 50 Pesos / 4 pax = 12.5 Pesos per pax

Mini Bangka Tour (Caving, Giant Clam Shell, Coral) = 500 Pesos per Pax

Vietnam 7-Day Itinerary: Day Six and Seven

7 Day Itinerary in Vietnam

Read Day 1 here - Ho Chi Minh City
Read Day 2 here - HCMC
Read Day 3 here - Mekong Delta
Read Day 4 here - Hanoi
Read Day 5 here - Hanoi to Halong
Read Day 6 and 7 here - Halong Bay/Departure

Day 6

We left the hotel early in the morning at 7:30am and ate pho for breakfast at a nearby place. Then we went to the Halong Bay pier to buy our tickets for the boat ride.

Boat ride ticket VND 120,000

Brittney's cousin is familiar with Halong Bay so he paid about USD85 for us to have a boat all to ourselves. It was pretty awesome to not have to compete for photo taking spots with other tourists.

Type of boat we traveled on

The weather was overcast and misty with light drizzling rain. So of course Halong Bay didn't look anything like the blue skied version found on Google Images but it was still eerily beautiful.

Halong Bay

There are people who live on the water and sell seafood. We stopped by one of the floating seafood places. You can buy fresh seafood and have the chef cook it for you on the boat for lunch.

Seafood sold here!

Next we went to Dau Go Cave (admission required, about VND 30,000-50,000). The photos don't do it justice because you can't tell the depth. Some people think the rainbow lights are tacky but I find it's a unique way to enhance the cave.

Dau Go Cave

The cave was the last destination of the boat ride. On the way back to the pier we enjoyed a seafood lunch freshly prepared by the chef on board. There was shrimp, fish, vegetables, etc.

Lunch on water

Leaving the pier, the drive from Halong back to Hanoi only took about four hours this time and we reached Hanoi by 3:30pm. We checked into Golden Time Hostel 2 and said good bye to Brittney's cousin and his wife. This hotel was nice and clean which we were relieved about as compared to last night's experience.

The night was still young so we explored Old Quarter.

Hanoi destinations Day 4, 5 and 6

We were chatting with the receptionist at our hotel and she gave us vouchers to try free coffee at Hwang Mai coffee shop. It took 10-15 minutes to walk there.

The coffee shop lady spoke good English and asked us for our coffee preference when we presented her the voucher. We got to try weasel coffee and it tasted delicious with condensed milk. She didn't pressure us into buying anything which we appreciated.

Hwang Mai coffee shop

From the coffee shop, we walked to Joma Bakery and enjoyed baked goods. My cheesecake tasted really good with a hint of lemon.

Joma Bakery cheesecake (VND 65,000)

It was a relaxing way to explore Hanoi on our last evening there :)

Day 7

The last day in Vietnam we ate the complementary breakfast at our hotel and took a taxi that the hotel booked for us to the airport. From Old Quarter to the airport was about an hour drive and cost USD15. The Noi Bai airport is a bit confusing so you may want to go slightly earlier to find the check-in counter for your airline (especially if it's a budget airline). We had a safe flight home to conclude our trip in Vietnam!

Breakfast

End of trip!

Read Day 1 here - Ho Chi Minh City
Read Day 2 here - HCMC
Read Day 3 here - Mekong Delta
Read Day 4 here - Hanoi
Read Day 5 here - Hanoi to Halong
Read Day 6 and 7 here - Halong Bay/Departure

Vietnam 7-Day Itinerary: Day Three

7 Day Itinerary in Vietnam

Read Day 1 here - Ho Chi Minh City
Read Day 2 here - HCMC
Read Day 3 here - Mekong Delta
Read Day 4 here - Hanoi
Read Day 5 here - Hanoi to Halong
Read Day 6 and 7 here - Halong Bay/Departure

Day 3

On the first day that we arrived at our hotel, we booked a day tour through them with an agency called Delta Adventure Tours to Mekong Delta (VND 220,000). We were picked up at 8am from our hotel and took a short walk to the next street where all the tour buses were. There were many tours leaving at the same time so it was slightly chaotic but we got on the correct bus quickly.

Our tour was to the Ben Tre part which is the north of the Mekong Delta. The bus ride took about 2 hours to get there with a 15 minute stop in between.

Mekong Delta

It was a very sunny day but most of the tour was shaded in the boats and at the various locations so that was fine. We took a few modes of transportation including a bigger motor boat, small motor boats, and row boats to get to various locations. We visited islands with names like Unicorn and Turtle.

Large motorboat

Each stop was at a different point on the banks of the river and we went to:

Honey Farm for tea and snack tasting.

Coconut candy place to see the production of coconut candy where we got to taste one piece.

We walked a short trail inland where we boarded row boats that took us down the stream to the main river. The row boats were obviously there for tourist purposes only and they were packed bumper to bumper. The boat ride is covered in our tour fee but the rowers pressure you to give them a tip which made us feel uncomfortable.

L to R: Sandrine, Me, Brittney

We ate lunch at yet another part of the river that the larger motorbike took us to. The tour fee includes lunch which is a very simple bowl of rice, a little bit of vegetables and a small piece of pork chop. Beverages are not included and you can opt to upgrade your lunch by paying.

Lunch area

After lunch we took the boat again to a garden-farm where we sat to eat local fruits and listened to traditional music. It would've been nice if it wasn't so hot out.

That was the last activity of the day before we headed back to the pier, boarded the bus and rode the bus back to HCMC. We arrived around 6:30pm.

The tour is inexpensive and although some places tried to make you buy things (honey and coconut candy), they are not too aggressive. It was nice to see something outside of the cityscape in HCMC.

End of Day 3!

Read Day 1 here - Ho Chi Minh City
Read Day 2 here - HCMC
Read Day 3 here - Mekong Delta
Read Day 4 here - Hanoi
Read Day 5 here - Hanoi to Halong
Read Day 6 and 7 here - Halong Bay/Departure