mt.pico de Loro

PICO DE LORO

Ternate, Cavite Major jump-off: Magnetic Hill, TernateLLA: 14° 12.855 N; 120° 38.785 E; 664 MASLDays required / Hours to summit: 1-2 days / 4-5 hoursSpecs: Minor climb, Difficulty 3/9, Trail class 1-3

BACKGROUND

Centuries ago, the Spaniards aboard their galleons to Manila Bay noticed the form of a giant parrot, perched in the forested mountains in Cavite. They named it "Pico de Loro" - "Parrot's Peak" Today, mountaineers who visit Pico de Loro discover that it is as enchanting as its name. High on Cavite's highest point, they could behold the rocky tower that the Spanish sailors once saw as the parrot's beak, and they could gaze towards South China Sea where the galleons once sailed, all the way to the historic island fort of Corregidor. Gusts of sea breeze reach the peak, refreshing hikers after a four-hour climb. The peak's rocky outcropping is dramatic, and sharply contrasts with the plains of Cavite and the waters of South China Sea.Such an experience is only the highlight of a trip to Pico de Loro. Nestled near the beaches of Cavite such as Puerto Azul and Caylabne, it is actually part of a small mountain range known as Mt. Palay-Palay. Readily accessible by bus from Manila, Pico de Loro has gained fame as a perfect weekend getaway. Even in summers, its forests protect hikers from the sun. Sometimes you can even chance upon exotic birds and monkeys along the trail. Although the trail is long for a daytrip, taking four hours, it is not that stressful. On rainy days, instead of the aforementioned views, you will experience a serene windscape: of clouds surging past you, and tiny rain particles brushing across your face like a massage.At least two waterfalls are located near the trails leading to Pico de Loro. One is past the "kubo" whereas the other is before it, near the Maragondon trail. They are best visited during the rainy season.The option to go down via Nasugbu, Batangas, is increasingly used. From there, you may relax at the beaches of Nasugbu after the climb.

ITINERARIES

TERNATE-TERNATE

0400 Board Saulog bus at Lawton to Ternate (~P110)0700 ETA Ternate town proper; buy supplies, rent jeepney to Magnetic Hill0745 ETA DENR / jump-off point. Pay P10.00 registration0800 Start trek. Note that jump-off point is 10 minutes' walk away from DENR.0845 ETA rest station, Basecamp 1 (they would also ask for P10.00 registration)1130 ETA summit. lunch.1230 start descent to Magnetic Hill1530 ETA jump-off point.1600 Back at DENR; take jeepney to Ternate then take bus back to Manila.1900 ETA Manila.TERNATE-NASUGBU0400 Board Saulog bus at Lawton to Ternate or Maragondon (~P110)0700 ETA Ternate town proper; buy supplies, rent jeepney to Magnetic Hill0745 ETA DENR / jump-off point. Pay P10.00 registration0800 Start trek. Note that jump-off point is 10 minutes' walk away from DENR.0845 ETA rest station, Basecamp 1 (they would also ask for P10.00 registration)1130 ETA summit. lunch.1230 start descent to Brgy. Papaya, Nasugbu1530 ETA Sitio. Hamilio Brgy. Papaya, Nasugbu. Arrange for return transportation or unwind at nearby resort. Pumpboats were originally employed but jeepneys may be arranged (P800-1000/jeep).1730 dinner (you can ask the resort to prepare meals); return trip to Manila2100 ETA Manila.

SPECIAL CONCERNS

You have to rent a jeepney to the DENR station from Ternate because public transportation is not constant. Either Ternate or Maragondon would be a good staging point to reach the jump-off.Pico de Loro is a DENR Protected Area. Although supervision is minimal, it is still advisable to register at the DENR station. The couple who lives at the "Kubo" or Basecamp 1 also requests a P10.00 registration for each climber; they are known to mountaineers and are truly involved in the management of the trails.Forest cover is good throughout the trail. Winds are strong at the peak. There are reports of flashfloods in the river system that includes the waterfalls. Proper caution must be observed.The tower at Pico de Loro, known as the "Parrot's Beak", may be scaled but do so only if you have enough skill and experience. There have been reports of deaths and injuries due to falls from the Parrot's beak.Going back on the Ternate trail from the summit, there is one very confusing fork after you've passed Basecamp 1. After 10 minutes, the main path leads to Maragondon. The proper way to the Magnetic Hill is an elevated trail to the left; it is marked with a trail sign but it is concealed so watch out for it on your way back.

TRIVIASM Investments Corporation is developing "Pico de Loro Cove", a residential and luxury resort complex in Nasugbu, Batangas at the foothills of Mt. Palay-Palay.Emilio Aguinaldo, in May 1897 originally recommended that Andres Bonifacio be banished to Pico de Loro. He was overruled by his generals, who instead recommended Bonifacio to be executed in Mt. Tala. This goes to prove that the name Pico de Loro was around before Spanish times, and places a historical significance to the mountain.