Treasure Mountain Complete Guide (Itinerary + Tips)

Introduction

Treasure Mountain is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Tanay, Rizal. It is located in Sitio Maysawa, Barangay Cuyambay, Tanay, Rizal. Treasure Mountain has an elevation of 505 meters above sea level. The place is well known for its magnificent sea of clouds and a superb view of the Sierra Madre mountain ranges. Officially known as Treasure Mountain Educational Campsite, this large private property offers an ideal place for a quick weekend vacation and for a quick escape from the busy city life. Treasure Mountain was opened in the year 2017.

According to locals, the mountain was named as such because it purposely aims to give the visitors or guests the lasting experience and moments that they will treasure endlessly. Nothing beats an adventure spent with people you treasure the most. Moreover, Treasure Mountain aims to create your own beautiful story. Unfolding each day into a moment that can never be truly described. The name may be common yet its true intention exceeds what may seem conventional. A place where wonderful creations seem effortlessly within reach.

Treasure Mountain is best for unwinding because the place is peaceful and calm. It is highly recommended for those who want to witness the sea of clouds, stunning sunrise and to those who want to experience a different nightlife by gazing at the sky full of stars. Moreover, it’s just a couple of hours away from Metro Manila and is very accessible by private vehicles.

Treasure Mountain has an effortless sea of clouds. There’s no need to do a taxing hike that people normally go through to witness breathtaking views. Moreover, even if someone doesn’t get to experience the sea of clouds, the place offers an amazing view of nature and different activities for relaxation. Moreover, it’s an awesome place to connect and bring us closer to nature. This place is perfect for camping and being with your kids, families, friends, groups, and loved ones.

Treasure Mountain activities include Spiders Web high ropes obstacle course, the whole course, and the High Swing. Also, they offer biking activities, waterfall chasing, overnight camping, and car glamping activity.

Name: Treasure Mountain Educational Campsite
Elevation: 505 MASL
Address: Sitio Maysawa, Barangay Cuyambay, Tanay, Rizal
Features: sea of clouds, panoramic views of the Sierra Madre mountain range, and Spider Web obstacle course

My trip to Treasure Mountain

The thought of going to someplace I’ve never been before had pushed me into an utmost excitement. Also, I’ve been wanting to experience the sea of clouds without going too far away from Manila. So I searched on the internet to find where I can witness the sea of clouds and I found one which is Treasure Mountain. As a result, I joined an organized tour going to Treasure Mountain. The tour package was 599 pesos excluding all entrance fees but I didn’t care about the cost because that is also for my health benefit.

I left my house and rode a taxi at 2:35 am. After several minutes I arrived at our meetup place in Greenfield, Mandaluyong. We are eight members in the group. When all the members of the group had been picked up, we headed to our tour destination.

After one hour and ten minutes of land travel, we arrived at the highway near Treasure Mountain around 4:15 am. Then our coordinator said to us that the Treasure Mountain is still closed and will be open at 5 am. As a result, some of the members slept in the van while other members drank coffee at the small store beside the highway.

Then after some thirty minutes of waiting, our van entered the road going to Treasure Mountain jump-off point. After a few minutes, we reached the jump-off point. We paid the registration fee to our guide and we waited for the go signal to start hiking. While waiting, I look up at the night sky filled with countless stars and a bright quarter moon. For this reason, I said to myself truly the heavens declare the glory of God and the firmament sheweth his handywork.

After the go signal of our guide, we started the hike. We opened our flashlights and we started walking. As I walk I feel my foot getting heavier because of the excessive mud on the road. I didn’t expect that the trail would be so muddy. According to our guide, it rained yesterday so the trail is muddy.

After several minutes of walking, we reached the registration site of Treasure Mountain around 5:47 am. Near the registration site, we saw a restaurant that sells breakfast food. As a result, we had our heavy breakfast. The food is great but a little bit pricey. At the restaurant, we see a sea of clouds, beautiful sunrise, and a calming view of the Sierra Madre Mountain ranges.

Also, I can see the famous Mt. Kulis, Heart Peak of Mt. Kulis, Mt. Gulod, and the Laiban trilogy. In my opinion, this is one of the best places to have breakfast with the incredible view from the top of the mountain. Our group experienced beautiful scenery. We take our time to relax, unwind, eat our food and take pictures at several instagrammable and picturesque spots. Moreover, the restroom in Treasure Mountain is clean and well maintained.

The tourist I spoke to said that he had been here many times but he was still impressed with the place. To be honest, I’m in love at first sight in this place. It’s far from noise and pollution. I have nothing to say but Good morning. The photo speaks for itself. It is a wonderful place with a nice view of nature. Also, I can see some kids with their families, I think it’s a very good place for family outings and bonding.

After savoring the view at the restaurant, our group walked towards the Spider Web obstacle course. Then after a short walk, we reached the Treasure Mountain view deck. We take pictures and later we go to the Spider Web registration site at 7 am. We pay the fee to begin our Spider Web high ropes obstacle course. Some of the members choose the whole course while some of the members choose only the Spider’s Web.

We enjoy the obstacle course and climbing up with the necessary equipment. Our guide took pictures and videos for us. The Spider Web high ropes obstacle course is an electrifying and a thrilling experience for us, especially the high swing.

Some members said that the high swing is intoxicating. On the other hand, some members said it was truly satisfying to experience. Also, according to the guide handling the Spider Web obstacle course, a maximum of 10 people at a time should be at the top of the Spider Web to ensure safety. I think the Spider Web is the main highlight of Treasure Mountain. The weather is great and the view at the top of the Spider Web is really amazing. This is one of the most pleasing morning views I had experienced.

After finishing the Treasure Mountain Spider Web high ropes obstacle course around 8:10 am, we relax and take a rest for twenty-five minutes. Then we go to a rock formation just beside the Spider Web. We explore the place, enjoy the fresh air and take selfies, pictures, and videos. The view is spectacular and I feel the serenity and tranquility. I feel like I’m in another country. From the rock formation, I can see Mt. Daraitan. We finished taking pictures at rock formation around 9:13 am.

After that, we went to the large nipa hut. We can see several tents just outside the nipa hut. According to our guide, the rented tent is waterproof, has beddings and is safe. After a few minutes of sharing thoughts and relaxing in the nipa hut, we take group pictures outside the nipa hut and then walk towards the entrance of Treasure Mountain. We take several pictures at the marker then we continue walking toward our next destination which is El Patio Razon. It is 1.5 kilometers away from Treasure Mountain.

After twenty-five minutes of trekking, we reached El Patio Razon. We took a quick rest and ate our lunch at El Patio Razon at 10:25 am. I was surprised that the five members of the group, all teachers from Cavite, brought overnight camping food. I should have ordered my lunch but because of the number of dishes and rice they brought, I didn’t order. Therefore, I thank them for the satisfying lunch.

Then after our lunch, we take a long rest. Some members of the group take a nap while our tour guide is playing outstanding guitar. After resting we explored the El Patio Razon. We took pictures at Hobbit House, Bali inspired Bird’s Nest, Heart Bali, Bee Hive Nest, and Stairway to Heaven.

After relaxing and unwinding at El Patio Razon, our group decided to go to Lambingan Hills. The other option for a side trip is Sierra Madre Mountain Resort and Hotel but the majority of the group members didn’t like the view so our van heads to Lambingan Hills at 1:14 am.

We reached the parking area at 1:40 pm. It’s good that our van entered the Lambingan Hills parking area because the tour guide told us to walk for thirty minutes in order to reach this place. On the other hand, we think it will take us one hour trekking before we reach Lambingan Hills because most of it is ascending.

We explored the place, and we ordered soft drinks. Our group had snacks at Lambingan Hills. The hills are full of beautiful plants and the place is so calm and peaceful. Also, there’s a lot of tree swings we can ride on. After that, we continued to take pictures at the top of the hills. We can see Laguna Lake from a distance and some mountains of Rizal from the top. In my own opinion Lambingan Hills is more a relaxing place than El Patio Razon because Lambingan Hills is more spacious and has an astounding view of the surrounding.

We left Lambingan Hills around 5 pm heading back to Manila. I slept in the van and after two hours of land travel, we reached Greenfield at 7:15 pm. I’m so happy and thankful to be part of this trip. The trip is all worth it. Thanks be to God for another unforgettable trip to Rizal province.

Overall my trip to Treasure Mountain sums up by this quote: “Travel opens your heart, broadens your mind, and fills your life with stories to tell.” 

Sample 1 Day itinerary to Treasure Mountain (Day Tour)

3AM – Assembly, meetup, Estimated time of departure
5AM – Arrival at Treasure Mountain, registration, short walk going to Treasure Mountain view deck, viewing the sea of clouds, sunrise and Sierra Madre mountain range, Spider Web obstacle course and rock formation, explore the place
10AM – Going to El Patio Razon
11AM – Arrival at El Patio Razon, registration and lunch, photo-ops at Bali-inspired resort, Hobbit house, Lover’s Nest, Bee Hive and the Big Nest, Stairway to Heaven and Kawa Hot Bath
2PM – Open time, option for another side trip
5PM – ETD going back to Metro Manila
7PM – ETA Metro Manila

Sample 2 Day itinerary to Treasure Mountain (Overnight)

Day 1
12PM – Meet up at the designated location
3PM – ETA at Treasure Mountain, Check-in
6PM – Dinner
8PM – Bonfire session at the pavillion
9PM – Glamping

Day 2
6AM – Breakfast
7AM – Spider Web obstacle course, rock formation and explore the place
11AM – Lunch
1PM – Check Out

Note: the sample above itinerary is not absolute or will not be 100% perfect due to many factors such as traffic, group pacing, weather condition, delay, emergency, etc.

Things to bring on your visit to Treasure Mountain:

Bottled water
Personal meals and snacks
Power bank
First Aid Kit
Extra clothes and money
Plastic bag
Camera
Toiletries
Personal medication
Umbrella
Alcohol
Jacket
Flashlight

How to Go to Treasure Mountain

By commute 

Option 1:

1. From Cubao, ride a jeep or a van going to Cogeo Gate 2, Antipolo. 
2. Then from Cogeo Gate 2 jeep terminal, ride a jeep going to Sampaloc, Tanay, Rizal. Tell the jeepney driver to drop you off at Sitio Maysawa waiting shed. 
3. From Sitio Maysawa, walk or ride a tricycle going up to Treasure Mountain.

Option 2: 

1. From Shaw Boulevard terminal, ride a jeep or a van going to Tanay, Rizal then alight at Tanay Public Market.
2. From Tanay Public Market, ride a jeep going to Barangay Cuyambay and drop off at Sitio Maysawa.
3. Then walk or ride a tricycle going to the top of Treasure Mountain.

Note: If there’s no jeep that travels directly to Barangay Cuyambay, you may take a jeep to Sampaloc and get off at the junction. Then ride another jeep going to Cogeo and drop off at Sitio Maysawa. On the other hand, you can ride a tricycle in Sampaloc, Tanay going to Treasure Mountain. The tricycle fare is 500 pesos for 4 persons.

By Private Car

Option 1: 

1. Drive to Marcos Highway and pass by Masinag, Cogeo, Boso-Boso Highlands Resort, Palo Alto, and Garden Cottages. The road to Treasure Mountain is on the left side of the road where you’ll see a waiting shed. 
2. From the waiting shed, drive straight and turn right once you see the signage. 

Option 2: 

1. Take the Tanay – Sampaloc Road and pass by the street going to Daranak Falls. Drive straight until you arrive at a junction and turn left. After that, it will be a one-hour drive that passes by Sierra Madre Mountain Resort, Ten Cents to Heaven Leisure Camp on the left side and Pico de Pino Cafe and Restaurant on the right side. 
2. From Pico de Pino Cafe and Restaurant, you’re already close so drive a little further and turn right once you see a waiting shed. Then drive straight and turn right as you see the signage.

Option 3: 

Use the Waze app and pin the Treasure Mountain. It will direct you from the Antipolo route or Binangonan route.

Note: During the rainy season there are certain parts of the road where you’ll need to pass through sludge and rocks. If your car can’t make it to the parking area, you can just park your car on the barangay road or near the waiting shed. Then walk for 15 to 20 minutes going to Treasure Mountain.
Note: The easiest way to get to the campsite is by your own car,  just use google maps or ways to get directions. Also even if you don’t have a car, you can rent a car or van.

Reminders and Tips:

• Treasure Mountain entrance fee is 180 pesos for a day tour while the overnight rate is 200 pesos which starts from 4 pm until 1 pm the following day. 20 percent discount for Senior Citizens and PWD (Persons with disabilities). Treasure Mountain’s opening hours are from 5 am until 3 pm only. The day tour is from 5 am until 3 pm only. Walk-in is allowed.

• Overnight check-in time is from 4 pm until 8 pm only. They will not accept Overnight guests beyond 8 pm. This is due to safety reasons and to give respect to other Overnight guests that have already checked-in. Check-out is at 1 pm the following day. Also, an overnight stay is strictly for reservation only. If guests will come early or will stay beyond the designated time of visit whether day tour or overnight, they will be subjected to both entrance fees. The bonfire starts at 8 pm. 

• Kids are allowed in Treasure Mountain. However, children aged 10 years old and below are not allowed to overnight camping. Bring your own garbage bag for your trash if you’re staying overnight.

• Guests are responsible for their own trash. Observe the Leave No Trace principle. No picking of flowers and plants. Picking flowers and plants is strictly prohibited. No vandalism. It is strictly prohibited to create vandalism in the rock formations, trees, tents, benches, and other structures in the area. Vandalism is punishable by law. Also, smoking is only allowed on the designated smoking areas.

• Guests are prohibited from making any kind of disturbing noise. With this, bringing Bluetooth or portable speakers is not allowed inside. Noise Regulation will be strictly implemented at 10 pm. Loud conversations, music from a cellphone, or any boisterous noise that can cause disturbance to other overnight guests will be prohibited. This is to maintain the serenity and ambiance of the place. Also, to give respect to other guests. 

• The parking fee is 20 pesos for motorcycles and 30 pesos for SUV vehicles. Please present your receipt with a stamp from the counter area upon exit. No stamp is no exit.

• Start the Spider Web high ropes obstacle course before 7:30 am to avoid the direct heat of the sun while doing the whole course. 

• Bringing alcoholic liquors is not allowed. Strictly no drinking in the campsite. Guests are allowed to bring outside food and non-alcoholic beverages. The corkage fee for outside food is 200 pesos.

• Pitching your own tent is not allowed. Guests are no longer allowed to bring and pitch their own tents. They offer tent rental packages to provide quality service and importantly to ensure safety. 

• Treasure Mountain officials will not allow bringing a propane gas tank, stove, and eating. They will not allow bringing of propane gas tanks, stoves, and other large and heavy equipment. Also, they will not allow electric appliances such as rice cookers, water heaters, toasters, etc. since electricity is only limited. Cooking inside or beside the tent is strictly prohibited to prevent fire incidents.

• Treasure Mountain offers an ATV (all-terrain vehicle) activity experience with a ride to the incredible sea of clouds where fun and adventure begins. For starters, they offer the light trail which will provide riders access through the mini forest, rock formations, exclusive campsite, sea of clouds, and light river crossing. The starter rider will finish the course in approximately one to two hours. On the contrary, they offer the experience trail for adrenaline junkies. It will allow them to enjoy the mini forest, off-road, private farm, twenty minutes of Bosay Falls, light river crossing, exclusive campsite, rock formations, and sea of clouds. The adrenaline junkies will finish the trail in two to three hours. The management will provide the use of an ATV and all safety gear together with one tour guide.

• You don’t need to worry if you don’t bring your own food because there is a store that sells a variety of food and drinks at the summit of Treasure Mountain. 

• Guests are expected to be mindful of their own personal belongings. Leaving things unattended even inside the tent is highly discouraged especially if these are valuable items. The management of Treasure Mountain will not be liable for any loss or damage of visitors’ personal belongings.

• Going up to Treasure Mountain is now easy especially if you have your own car because some parts of the road are already cemented and you can bring your car up to the main entrance gate. 

• Guests are strictly prohibited to enter or walk through areas that are not guided by designated pathways or trails. Doing poses or stunts that may cause an accident is strictly prohibited.

• Pets are only allowed during day tour visits. Pets are not allowed inside the Alfresco dining area and during an overnight stay. 

• Sea of clouds usually occurs from 6 am to 8 am depending on the weather condition. However, the sea of clouds is not guaranteed to be present every day.

• Bring an umbrella, raincoat, jacket, and blanket to keep you warm and dry if you’re doing overnight during the rainy season. Be ready for mud and bring rain boots or wear slippers.

• Due to inclement weather, they advise their guests to not proceed with their visit. If the weather will not be fine until tomorrow afternoon, it would be advisable to postpone your visit and just reschedule. 

• If you want to visit Treasure Mountain, I highly suggest you come on weekdays to avoid the crowds and spend more time waiting just to take a picture of all attractions. According to our tour guide, because the mountain is very near and accessible, the visitors on weekends and holidays are innumerable. 

• I highly suggest getting a packaged tour when you plan to visit Treasure Mountain for comfort and amenity. Included in the Treasure Mountain package tour is a round trip van transfer from Manila to Rizal and vice versa, a tour guide fee, an entrance fee, driver’s fee, parking fee, and environmental fee. On the other hand, excluded from the package tour is personal meals and restroom fee.

• Trekking inside Bosay Falls is from 7 am to 12 pm only. First come first serve. On the other hand, trekking to Laiban Falls is from 8 am until 4 pm only.

• As of September 2022, the Giant Seesaw is the newest activity and it’s a must-try for all ages to experience fun and excitement. It’s a twenty-five feet high perch with a scenic view of the Sierra Madre mountain range and the sea of clouds. The fee is 300 pesos for two people and it’s good for five to ten minutes in the air.

• If commuting, I highly recommend taking a tricycle going up to Treasure Mountain for elderly people and for those who don’t want to walk. The tricycle fee is 20 to 30 pesos per head.

• Last but not least, if you’re looking for a tour guide in Treasure Mountain, kindly contact this person. Name – James Love, Mobile number – 09292466142
  
  

Other Notable fees in Treasure Mountain:

• Entrance fee for the day tour is 180 pesos without breakfast and 350 pesos with breakfast. Overnight entrance fee with the choice of breakfast is 350 pesos per head.

• Spiders Web activity is 150 pesos for half course and 250 pesos for full course. High Swing is 50 pesos.

• Overnight stay at nipa hut prices range from 1,800 to 2,500 pesos depending on the number of persons. 

• The overnight package good for 2 people is 1,300 pesos. Included in the package is overnight entrance fee, breakfast for 2 people and tent good for 2 people with sleeping-mat (1 pillow and 1 blanket included).

• The overnight package good for 4 people is 2, 300 pesos. Included is overnight entrance fee, breakfast for 4 people, and tent good for 4 people with sleeping-mat (1 pillow and 1 blanket included in each sleeping-mat).

• Note: Overnight stay is strictly for reservation only. Reservation process is through their official Facebook page. Please visit the official website and Facebook page of Treasure Mountain for more details – www.facebook.com/TreasureMountainTanay/

• Overnight lodging is 500 pesos per head
• Tent pitching fee is 300 pesos
• Hammock pitching fee is 150 pesos
• Sleeping mat is 200 pesos
• Bonfire pit is 50 pesos per wood bundle
• Tour going to Bosay Falls is 500 pesos for 5 person
• Car glamping with camping set-up is 900 pesos per vehicle. Overnight entrance fee is not included.
• Tent rental good for 2 people is 500 pesos
• Tent rental good for 4 people is 800 pesos
• Sleeping-mat rental with 1 pillow and 1 blanket is 200 pesos per mat.

• Swimming pool:
• Adult – 150 pesos per head
• Children aged 10 and below- 100 pesos per head 
• Big cottage is 550 pesos
• Small cottage is 350 pesos
  
  Note: All prices, rates, and fees are subject to change without notice.
  
  

Normalize taking breaks in between hustles. On the whole, I hope this Treasure Mountain travel guide and reference has been helpful to you and inspired you to try visiting the mountain. Don’t hesitate to visit this place. It’s definitely worth it. Also, don’t forget to share this with your friends, groups, and colleagues if ever you plan on visiting Treasure Mountain. God bless you in all your future travels. Thanks for reading.