Mt. Mapalad Hiking Guide (Itinerary + Tips)

Background

Tanay, Rizal is home to many favorite hiking destinations among beginner and experienced hikers. One of them is Mt. Mapalad. Although the mountain is not popular as the other mountains in Tanay such as Mt. Batolusong and Mt. Daraitan, it gives you an interesting hike with several stream-crossing in between the ascents. Moreover, if someone is lucky and has great weather conditions, you’ll get a chance to see a sea of clouds beneath the mountain range and magical sunrise above.

Mt. Mapalad is a beginner-friendly mountain located in Barangay San Andres, Tanay, Rizal. It was opened to the public in the year 2017. It offers magnificent views of the Sierra Madre mountain range, grassland, and pleasant waterfalls. Mt. Mapalad has an elevation of 765 meters above sea level or 2509 feet. It is only a two hours drive from the busy city of Metro Manila. Because of its serene place and closeness to Metro Manila, it become one of the most sought hiking destinations in Tanay, Rizal.

Mapalad came from the Tagalog word “palad” which means “palm of a hand”. It was said that the mountain was named as such due to the plant orchid in the mountain that resembles the palm of a hand. This mountain is known for its famous Palad which is a wooden hand structure located at the summit. Mt. Mapalad is usually hiked on a one-day itinerary. Hikers and mountaineers can finish the hike within a half day. Mt. Mapalad is an ideal place for a quick weekend getaway. So if you’re looking for a nice day hike in Rizal province then Mt. Mapalad is good for you. 

Name: Mt. Mapalad
Difficulty: 3/9
Elevation: 765 MASL
Jump-Off: Barangay San Andres, Tanay, Rizal
Hours to summit: 2 to 3 hours
Features: Scenic views of the Sierra Madre mountain range

My trip to Mt. Mapalad

Hiking mountains give me a feeling of positivity and motivation in life to continue to work hard and pursue my dream. Also, I believe hiking is where I feel most alive so I joined an organized tour going to Mt. Mapalad. The climb proper is November 10, 2018. I considered it as my year-end climb. Prior to the climb, I do long walks and cardio exercises to strengthen my stamina and endurance.

I obey the itinerary in the group chat messages. I leave my house Saturday morning and I arrived at our meetup location in Cubao at 2 am. When all the members in the group chat have already arrived at the meetup place, the van left Cubao and headed to Tanay, Rizal. After two hours and twenty minutes of smooth land travel, our van reached the registration area of Mt. Mapalad.

For this reason, our tour coordinator registers us at the barangay hall and paid the necessary fees. Then he secured our local guide to accompany us throughout the hike. After our group have a short prayer to heaven, we commenced the hike at 4:15 am. Our group walked for several minutes in the cemented road heading to the trailhead. Afterward, we turn right heading to the moderate slope of the mountain composed of rocks and several streams.

The hike was easy for forty minutes. Our group passed by some rice paddies and streams. We climb at a moderate pace with several take 5 rest. Then at 5:05 am our group arrived at a small nipa hut. We take a long rest there because according to our guide the trail after this section is a continuous ascending. As we rest, we share some thoughts about the mountains we climbed before. Then I found out that most of the group I joined with is a solo-joiner too and only climbs several mountains in Rizal province. Also, I noticed that the group I joined is so friendly, one of them just offered me her trail food. I can’t resist it.

After our long rest, we climb on a steep section of the mountain composed of slippery and rocky ground. We are sweating heavily even though the weather is cold. Then midway in the trail, one member has leg cramps. For this reason, our local guide and tour coordinator assists the member and gave him medication for the leg cramps. Luckily after several minutes, he is okay now and he wants to continue the climb.

We keep pushing ourselves to finish the two-kilometer steep ascent. Going up the mountain is no joke. Some of the members are already tired and exhausted as we go up. Also, I noticed that my bags are getting heavier on my shoulder and I feel that my knees are fragile. We took a rest along the way to recharge and regroup. Nevertheless, after that, we push our feet one step at a time to reach our next destination. Along the trail, one member of the group said why am I doing this kind of thing I should have stayed in our house and just relax. We just laugh.

Then one member replied that hiking is a different thing, it gives you an extraordinary view at the top and all your effort and struggles will be worth it. Also, he said that hiking is very comparable to real-life situations. As we hike in the forested trail, we hear the sound of some insects, whispering leaves, and the cool wind blowing. Then after two hours of hiking, we finally reached the view deck of Mt. Mapalad at 6 am. Thanks to the installed rope and bamboo rails along the trail. All the hardship and struggle are all worthwhile.

The scenery is beautiful. The sun rises on top of the mountains and valleys. The wonderful ray of the morning sun passing through our body reminded me of the love of God toward us. I thank God for the golden sky above us and another day to witness his majestic creation. On the other hand, we didn’t see any sea of clouds because in the past few days it hasn’t been rained. Nevertheless, we take many photos and videos of the lovely surrounding.

The place is so peaceful and serene. As a result, our group stays in this area for thirty-five minutes. Then our local guide gives a hand sign to continue hiking. Our next destination to be reached is the summit which is one kilometer away from us. Then we continue the climb towards the summit. The trail is mostly composed of grassy flats, bamboo forests, and huge rocks. After forty minutes of hiking, we reached the summit of Mt. Mapalad. It took us three hours to get to the summit but the view is awesome and mesmerizing. I can see the great Sierra Madre mountain range from distance.

We saw many hikers at the summit because it’s the weekend. Also, we can see the large wooden palm structure called Palad One and Palad Two where many people pose and lined up. The guide told us that Palad One is more attractive and gives a much better view than Palad Two. Then we saw several hikers flying their drones to capture the greater view of the mountain. For this reason, our group has to wait for several minutes to take pictures of the wooden hand structure.

While waiting we explore the summit area. We saw a great rock formation and a large swing. Also, I noticed that the summit of Mt. Mapalad is so wide. In my point of view, it is comparable to the summit of Mt. Kulis. Later, we finally have a chance to take countless photos and videos in the wooden hand structure. I think this is the main highlight of Mt. Mapalad. We take a solo picture, a selfie, and a group picture at the Mt. Mapalad summit marker. Our guide is good at capturing the moments at the wooden structure. In my opinion, the summit is an Instagram-worthy spot because of the superb view. It’s a perfect place.

Later we eat our tail food at the wooden bamboo bench. We shared funny thoughts and jokes. Then I saw a beautiful glowing butterfly and several centipedes just crawling around. I really appreciate the beauty of nature. I think the earth has music for those who listen.

Also at the summit, one member of the group celebrated his birthday. The organizer gave him a cake and we sing happy birthday to him. As a result, he was so very happy because this is the first time he celebrated his birthday in the mountain. He considered Mt. Mapalad as a birthday climb. We take our time to enjoy the moment at the summit. Indeed, nature is good for the soul.

After done taking pictures, breathing the fresh air, and marveling at the view at Mt. Mapalad summit and grassland, we started our descent at 9 am. The sun was already high at that time. As we descent, we have to be very careful with our footsteps as there are some loose rocks that are slippery. We hold each other hands to have a balance. The local guide told us that our next destination to be reached is the mini-falls located in the middle of the mountain.

After fifty minutes of going down the mountain and passing by some bamboo handrails, we arrived at the mini-falls. Some of the members swim in the falls while others just take a rest under the tree canopy. After our group did swimming and rested for forty-five minutes, we continue to walk. Then we arrived at a small store that sells fresh coconut juice and cold drinks. As a result, we ordered some juice and soft drinks to refresh our bodies from the extreme heat of the sun.

Also, I saw some pretty cats at the store so I take pictures of them. After that, we continue the climb at a normal pace going back to the jump-off point. We reached the jump-off point before lunchtime at 11:35 am. Then we order halo-halo to reward our body after a successful day hike. Overall, it was a smooth climb and definitely worth the money. It was a great hiking experience. Mt. Mapalad has a total of 10-kilometer trail length. Tanay, Rizal never fail to impress me with its numerous hiking destination and tourist attraction.

Because we finish the hike so early, other members of the group wanted to drink some beer. For this reason, we shared money to start buying some cold beverages in the small store. We wash up and take a shower at the jump-off point. Then after we finish taking our lunch, we have a drinking session at the small nipa hut just beside the shower area. We talked about love life and realities in life. Our day hike was filled with fun and laughter. For this reason, I love Mt. Mapalad.

After our drama and drinking session for one hour and thirty minutes, we go inside our van. The van left Tanay, Rizal at 2 pm. Then I have a good sleep inside the van. We arrived at Cubao, Quezon city at 4:20 pm. We bid goodbye to each other and some members eat at Mang Inasal food restaurant to satisfy their appetite. Later we got back home safely. I am grateful for the strength God gives us to conquer another mountain in Rizal. Also, I wanna take everyone who takes my pictures and for sharing the last piece of his favorite trail food.

Things to bring on your visit to Mt. Mapalad:

Extra clothes
Extra cash and slipper
Trail food like chocolate, candy, nuts, fruits, bread, and boiled eggs
Packed lunch (optional)
2 liters of water
Toiletries like wet wipes and tissue paper
Towel
Camera
Alcohol
Valid ID
Alcohol
Sun protection things like sunblock, sunscreen, cap, and umbrella
Headlamp or flashlight
Personal medications
Trash bag or plastic bag
Trekking pole (optional)

Sample 1 Day itinerary to Mt. Mapalad

1:30AM – Meetup at a designated location
2AM – Departure going to Barangay San Andres, Tanay, Rizal
4AM – Arrive at the jump-off point of Mt. Mapalad, registration and orientation
4:30AM – Start hiking
6AM – Mt. Mapalad view deck
7AM – Summit, rest, breakfast, and picture taking
8:30AM – Start to descend
9:45AM – Arrive at the mini falls, swimming
12PM – End of hiking, arrive at the jump-off point, tidy-up
1PM – Lunch
1:30PM – Open time, going to another side trip in Tanay, Rizal (optional)
5PM – ETD going back to Metro Manila
7:30PM – ETA Metro Manila

Note: this sample itinerary is just a basis and not absolute or will not be 100% perfect due to many factors such as group pacing, waiting time, delay, and weather conditions.

How to Go to Mt. Mapalad

By commute

Option 1:

1. From Manila, ride a jeep going to Cubao, Quezon City,
2. Then from Cubao, ride a jeep or a van going to Cogeo Gate 2.
3. From Cogeo Gate  2, ride a jeep going to Sampaloc and tell the driver to drop you at Barangay San Andres. 
4. Then ride a tricycle going to the registration site of Mt. Mapalad.

Option 2:

1. From EDSA corner Shaw Boulevard, ride a  jeep going to Tanay Public Market.
2. From Tanay Public Market, ride a jeep going to Cogeo and alight at Barangay San Andres. 
3. Then hire a tricycle or walk towards the jump-off point of Mt. Mapalad.
   

By private vehicle

1. Take the Marcos Highway passing through Cogeo, Antipolo, Rizal. 
2. Then proceed to Barangay San Andres, Tanay, and park your vehicle at the jump-off point.
   
   
   
   

Reminders and Tips:

• Mt. Mapalad is good for beginners in the hiking scene because it’s only a minor climb with a well-established trail and with moderate assault. 

• Please remember that the mountains in the Philippines are either classified as a major climb or a minor climb. If it’s a major climb, it is not recommended for beginners because it can take nine hours or more to successfully complete the climb. On the other hand, if it’s only a minor climb, it is recommended for beginners because it can take only 8 hours or less and sometimes can be finished within half-day to successfully complete the climb. 

• The best time to climb Mt. Mapalad is during the weekdays to avoid the crowd and the long waiting time for taking pictures at the two wooden hand structures. During weekends and holidays, expect a long queue of people waiting for their turn to take pictures at the palm structure at the summit. So bring a lot of patience with you.

• Restrooms, mini-store, and wide parking areas are available at the jump-off point. The jump-off point of Mt. Mapalad is very accessible by public and private vehicles.

• Pack light as much as possible because it’s only a day hike. Bring only the necessary things on your climb.

• Please follow the Leave No Trace principle at all times to keep the mountain clean. This is very essential. Keep all trash with you and don’t throw your trash anywhere. Bring extra plastic for your own trash and dispose of them properly. Plan ahead and prepare. Don’t vandalize any trees and rock formations you found. Last but not least, take nothing but pictures, leave nothing but footprints, kill nothing but time and keep nothing but memories.

• Respect the fellow hikers and the locals. Be considerate to others because you are only there to climb the mountain and to visit the place. 

• Start the hike as early as 4:30 am in the morning for you to be able to witness the sea of clouds and stunning sunrise. Also if you finish the hike early by lunchtime you have the option to have a good side trip to other parts of Rizal.

• There is a toilet along the trail in case of call of nature. Just pay 10 pesos. Also, there is a mini-store that sells cold drinks and fresh coconut juice for 50 pesos.

• Wear appropriate hiking clothes such as a dry-fit shirt and lightweight shirt.

• The climb to the summit of Mt. Mapalad takes about two to three hours at an average pace and with several rests. The total hours to and from the summit could take up to six hours. 

• There’s a water source near the viewing deck in case you need to refill your bottled water.

• Drones are allowed in Mt. Mapalad. Palad 2 can only accommodate four people.

• As of now, an overnight hike in Mt. Mapalad is acceptable. Just bring your own tent or you can rent at the registration site for 300 pesos. 

• A local guide is required in order to hike Mt. Mapalad. The guide fee for a day hike is 500 pesos good for 5 people. On the other hand, the guide fee for an overnight hike is 1250 pesos for a group of 5 people.

• The registration fee is 100 pesos per person and the parking fee for a private vehicle is 50 pesos.

• I highly advocate getting an organized trip when you plan to visit Mt. Mapalad for ease and convenience. Included in the Mt. Mapalad dayhike package tour is round trip van transfer from Manila to Rizal and vice versa, tour guide fee, tour coordinator fee, drivers fee, parking fee, registration fee, and environmental fee. On the contrary, excluded from the package tour is the personal food and shower fee. The shower fee is 20 pesos.

• Bring sufficient trail food and water to lessen your expense. Bring a trekking pole, it’s quite useful, especially during the descent.

• Remember to follow the safety protocols at all times to help ensure a safer and happier hiking experience for everyone.

• At the registration site, there are locals selling halo-halo drinks, soft drinks, snacks, coffee, candy, and biscuits at an affordable price.

• There are two trails going to Mt. Mapalad summit. The long trail is simple and easiest but it has some steep slopes leading to the summit which is very akin to Mt. Ayaas. On the other hand, the short trail is more challenging because of its constant steep slopes and rock climbing segments. Don’t worry because locals provided ropes and bamboos you can grab to help you ascend or descend. They’ll even give you bamboo sticks too if you need one. Please be reminded that if most of your groups are first-timers, you can choose the long trail since its assaults are beginner-friendly. If you are an experienced hiker, you can take the short trail.

• Last but not least, each group is given only ten minutes to get pictures at Palad 1 and Palad 2 wooden hand man-made structures at the summit.
  
  
  

There you have it. We all deserve a little wanderlust to discover all the amazing destinations and fun adventures in the Philippines. In general, I hope this Mt. Mapalad day hike guide has been beneficial to you and motivated you to do hiking. Also, don’t forget to share this with your families, friends, groups, and loved ones if ever you plan on doing the Mt. Mapalad day hike too. Sharing is caring. God bless you in all your hiking trips. Have a pleasant day to you. Stay happy and thank you for taking the time to read my blog. Until next time.