Probably one of the cheapest places to hike is just off north of the metro is Mt. Balagbag. Straddling between the provinces of Bulacan and Rizal, Mt. Balagbag offers an amazing view of the vast area of the metropolis.
The mountain can be reached by foot but 4x4s are able to reach the summit of the mountain. This makes the mountain ideal for camping for families who would like to venture into a different kind of family bonding.
There are three registration areas going up. The first registration area is as soon as you enter the road leading to the trail. You do not need to pay anything here, but a donation can be made for the cause of the people who are “taking care of the area”. The second registration is at the community hall where they ask for Php 10. About an hour for there the third registration are is found where you would have to pay Php 20.
From the last registration area, the hike up the mountain is just about 30 – minutes.
If you are doing a sunrise or sunset day hike be sure to bring extra cash. The public transport’s end time schedule is quite unpredictable and you might need to rent habal-habal or a jeep if you aren’t able to catch the last trip going back.
How To Get To Mt. Balagbag
From Mc. Arthur Highway
Take a jeep from Tabing Ilog Market Terminal in Marilao going to Muzon. From Muzon take a jeep to Tungko where you will find the terminal going to Licao-Licao
From Quezon City
Take a bus to Tungko then on to a jeep to Licao-Licao. You will get off at the end of the line where you can start your hike.
Expenses
From McArthur Highway
- Marilao to Muzon Php 18
- Muzon to Tungko Php 7
- Tungko to Licao-Licao Php 27
From Quezon City
- Cubao to Tungko Php 53
- Tungko to Licao-Licao Php 27
Registration
- Registration #1 – Donation
- Registration #2 – Php 10
- Registration #3 – Php 20
Note: There’s also a way through Montalban though the author has yet to find more information about it.
