Hiking Adventures #14: Mt. Manalmon, San Miguel, Bulacan - Pluto's Birthday Climb

Days before this climb, my hiking buddy, Pluto Diaz asked me for a mountain to celebrate his birthday. The first mountain came through my mind was Mt. Manalmon in San Miguel, Bulacan which is perfect for a chill climb.

Mt. Manalmon

Mt. Manalmon is very easy to climb. It takes more or less an hour before reaching the summit, that's why it's very good for beginners. However, there are 2 river crossings that you need to do and please put extra care while crossing.

Traveling from Manila to San Miguel, Bulucan is far more than I was expecting. It takes about 3 hours before reaching the jump-off which is in Sitio Madlum. I can't totally remember how we got there. We just asked the some residents until we locate it.

(L-R) Abbie, Erika and Anna at the Hanging Bridge

Madlum River

It was beautiful day. Nice weather, cool air with cool companions, and I felt it's gonna be a good day. There's a hanging bridge going to the registration area. There also comfort rooms, stores and benches around the area.

Before we start, we had a short prayer first and a quick warm-up headed by Pluto's highschool friend, Sir David. The initial part of the trek is the Madlum Cave. It is advisable to bring lamps or headlamps to avoid accidents or injuries while passing on the cave. Then we crossed the river with around 2 to 3 ft. deep. The water current was not that strong so we're good to go.

Madlum River

Anna and Abbie

Group Shot

We reached the summit after more than an hour. The view was so stunning and thank God it wasn't raining on that time. So we took a lot of photos before we eat our lunch.

Group Shot at Mt. Manalmon Summit

Ms. Karla at Mt. Manalmon Summit

After we had our lunch, we proceeded on our descend to Manalmon River. It took almost an hour when we reached the river. When we got there, I just wanted to take a dip on the river and I didn't expect that I'm going to do cliff jumping. So I've done it for the first time after 5 attempts and it was really cool!!!

Manalmon River

We went back in Madlum River after an hour. I don't wanna go back to Manila without trying the cable crossing. So that's my next target.

The Blogger crossing on a Monkey Bridge

Anna, Abbie and I tries to cross the monkey bridge. It was a little bit hard for me because I was wearing slippers only, I was like going to slip. So I suggest to wear your shoes. The experience was terrifying but you would be very proud of yourself after.

After all the activities we have done, we took a rest and chill at the river with some bottles of beer.

Chilling at the river

I would like to thank Pluto for inviting me on his Birthday climb. To more mountaintops, Cheers!


Mt. Manalmon (196+)
Difficulty: 2/9
Jump-off: Sitio Madlum, San Miguel, Bulacan
August 1, 2015

Note: 
- Guide is required. Guide fee is P300 per 10 persons (dayhike)
- Registration Fee is P5.00/head

Estimated Budget: P500 - P700


Photos by: Abbie Giron