Mt. Binacayan Hiking Guide (Itinerary + Tips)

Background

Mt. Binacayan is a beginner-friendly mountain located in the province of Rizal. According to its glorious history, Rizal has long been known to outdoor enthusiasts for its beautiful Wawa Dam and the various activities such as swimming, rock climbing, hiking, and biking. Moreover, the municipality of Rodriguez, Rizal is home to more than seven mountains, one of them is Mt. Binacayan.

Presently Mt. Binacayan is a well-known hiking destination located in Barangay San Rafael, Rodriguez, Rizal. It offers scenic views of the Sierra Madre mountain range and the Wawa River. Mt. Binacayan has a height of 424 meters above sea level which is shorter than its neighbor mountain Mt. Pamitinan by just a few meters only.

Mt. Binacayan is a minor hike with a trail class of 1 to 4 and with a 3/9 difficulty level. It has a minor bouldering section which makes this mountain demanding for some beginners. Also, it has a well-established trail in an agricultural terrain that has bamboo ascent and a sharp rock formation midway. The final leg of the rocky trail is forcing long steps from one rock formation to another limestone formation.

The main jump-off point of Mt. Binacayan is located at Sitio Wawa, Barangay San Rafael, Rodriguez, Rizal. Mt. Binacayan has a total trail length of 2.3 kilometers and it can be done as half-day hikes.

Mt. Binacayan become a frequently visited and well-loved mountain for local tourists and outdoor enthusiasts because in good weather it can provide hikers with a one-of-a-kind sea of clouds. Moreover, because of the mountain geography, hikers don’t have to go far from the busy city of Metro Manila to experience mountain climbing. The mountain has challenging trails but the glorious view at the top of the mountain as well as the morning sea of clouds will surely reward hikers and mountaineers for their effort.

Name: Mt. Binacayan
Difficulty: 3/9
Elevation: 424 MASL
Jump-Off: Sitio Wawa, Barangay San Rafael, Rodriguez, Rizal
Hours to summit: 1.5 hours
Features: scenic views of the Sierra Madre mountain range and the meandering Wawa River.

My trip to Mt. Binacayan

I told myself the past days that it was time for me to connect with mother nature to relieve my stress and to have peace of mind. For this reason, I search day hike events in the hikers’ group and one day I finally found my next day hike event. I immediately message the organizer and he gave me the full details about the upcoming climb. It was Sunday morning when I arrive at our pickup point in Mercury Drug EDSA Central Pavillon. The group was composed of ten people and when everyone already arrived at the pickup point, the van left EDSA (Epifanio de los Santos Avenue) and headed towards Mt. Binacayan.

While we were on the way to Rizal province, it suddenly came to my mind the thought of why I am still awake at this time? I should be sleeping at home right now and why am I climbing the mountain, am I just going to punish myself? Even so, we arrived at the registration site of Mt. Binacayan after one hour and forty minutes of land travel. Then we have breakfast at the small store near the registration site. We commenced the hike going to the summit of Mt. Binacayan after our final preparation and a short prayer sent to heaven.

The initial path of Mt. Binacayan is a continuous uphill ascend on a one-kilometer paved road passing through a residential area and some farmlands. As a result, we are sweating heavily. We need to stop and catch our breath from time to time as we continue to walk on a paved road with the sun is already high at that time. Along the way, one member of the group which is a girl suffered from cramps so our tour organizer and tour guide assist the girl who is suffering cramps.

They told the girl the proper way how to combat the cramps and to drink more water. Also, they told the girl to not tighten the shoelace. After several minutes the girl is feeling good and we continue the hike at a slower pace.

Fifteen minutes later we passed the forest section of Mt. Binacayan. It’s a good sign for us because we don’t have to worry about the extreme heat of the sun because there are already fruit-bearing trees that provide us shade. Also, the landscape is surrounded by different plants, flowers, and vegetables cultivated by the locals with a view of nearby barangays. Moreover, we can hear the lullabies coming from birds which are so enticing.

Then a few moments later we arrived at the small sari-sari store that sells avocado juice. As a result, we take a long rest and drink avocado juice to refresh our sweaty bodies. As we rest, we have a short talk about our current jobs and the upcoming election. A few minutes later, the local guide give a sign to continue the assault going to the summit of Mt. Binacayan.

So we started hiking again and we reached the slope of the mountain composed of soft earth and big rocks where the bouldering section of the mountain is situated. We slowly felt the exhilaration. It took us twenty-five minutes to reach the viewing point with several short breathers in between.

According to our local guide, Mt. Binacayan is a beginner-friendly mountain but its trails are composed mostly of soft earth and limestone formations which are steeper and harder to navigate that will certainly make someone sweat and make you take several breathers along the way. For this reason, we take a rest in the middle of the mountain and eat some of our trail food.

We kept asking our local guide how many hours will be able to reach the top of the mountain. Then the two local guides replied to us that it will not take one hour to reach the summit. Their words encourage us to continue the assault. After ten minutes we resume the hike. Our group took several breathers in between as we went through the ultimate test of persistence. There were parts where our group need to do scrambling along a 75-degree rock formation to vie our way up and then after several minutes of rock bouldering, we take another quick rest.

As we rest, our local guide told us that one of his primary sources of income is by providing tour guides to hikers who want to conquer Mt. Binacayan. He said that his income is for his three sons and two daughters who are still studying in elementary and high school. Then we resume the climb along with the jagged limestone formation and we saw a pair of broken Nike shoes. We came by a group with one of them having experienced the sole of his Nike shoes separated from her feet.

Going up to the top of the mountain was quite difficult as it was a climb through rough limestone rocks at an 80-degree angle which is five feet high. Nevertheless, we reached the summit of Mt. Binacayan after forty-five minutes of continuous rock bouldering. The unobstructed view was all worth it. No sea of clouds, no problem. The sun was already high at that time and we have a 360-degree magnificent view of the mountainous part of Rizal and the Sierra Madre mountain range.

It’s really amazing at the top of the mountain. I can’t describe the feeling. There are several areas wherein we have great pictures. Aso, the view is awesome as if the sky opened its gate to us. At the summit of Mt. Binacayan, we can see Mt. Lagyo, Mt. Susong Dalaga, and the Wawa River snaking through the luscious greens below. Also, I noticed that there are lots of good spots to take some breathtaking shots from the boulders and limestones. The rock formation is awesome too and the scenery is amazing.

Then my soared muscles relaxed because of the cool wind blowing. As we rest at the summit we talk about politics, and the Chinese Power companies destroying the mountains in Rizal. Our tour guide told our group that Mt. Lagyo and Mt. Susong Dalaga will be destroyed because there’s ongoing highway construction and a dam owned by Chinese Power companies. For this reason, we are so sad about the events. Also, the local guide told us that there will be no more Pentalogy climb and Montalban Trilogy version two in the near future because of the Kaliwa Dam project.

The locals living there said the Chinese contractors are using bombs to clear out hard rock mountains. They said the smoke smells like a burnt rubber tire. Many locals said that the construction of this China-funded mega-dam will threaten one of the most diverse areas in the Philippines the Sierra Madre mountain range which is also the largest remaining tract of rainforest in the Philippines. In addition, the effects of this project are not only irreversible and permanent to ecology and biodiversity, but it is also a blatant disregard for the indigenous people’s rights to self-determination and their own ancestral land.

Then we have a group picture and solo picture taken at the summit of Mt. Binacayan. The guide reminds our group that we need to be very careful the whole time doing the risky shot photos. Some members have one of their moments on edge of the cliff. Then we noticed that our local guide is good at photography so we take our time to have pictures taking and enjoy the amazing view.

After snapping photos and sightseeing, we start our descent at a moderate pace along with steep and jagged limestone formations. The gravity really pulls me down. We use both of our hands and feet while going down the mountain. We do again the rock scrambling on the boulders and limestone cliffs with sharp edges. Our group does backtrail and because some of the members have no more water inside their bags, they hurry to go down the mountain.

We reached the sari-sari store midway but the store is closed and no more sellers were found. Nevertheless, we take a much-needed rest. Then as we continue descending, we saw two monkeys roaming around the trees that caught our attention. On the other hand, fatigue was starting to take a toll on our drained bodies. We were wishing for a cold bath and a massage as soon as we finish the climb. The descent was a pure scrambling along with vertical rock formations and sharp limestone rocks.

In my perspective, it was reaching whatever my feet could land on while my hands were tightly held to a rock formation to prevent any fall or injuries. Good thing we are guided well by our local guide. In times like these, it’s great to be in a group composed of like-minded individuals. I think this was a really good group I joined with. Most of us are experienced climbers.

The demanding descent took fifty-three minutes and it becomes a comfort when my feet landed on soft earth and I no longer saw a rock formation on our descent. A few moments later we reach a small cottage where locals give us some water to drink. For this reason, we are grateful to them because we don’t have any more water in our bags.

After recharging our bodies with much-needed water, we continue our descent into the forest at a faster pace. Then one member of the group just realized that the group of hikers she joined with are all good-looking and all adults already. She said also that it’s not the age but the face will be the basis.

As we continue descending, we keep close to nature’s heart. Also at this point, I think climbing a mountain is really a good exercise to boost my stamina. Later we reached the cemented pathway and I opened my umbrella because of the intense heat of the sun. Then I noticed that we were the only group who climb this mountain that day. We take pictures of the three contiguous mountains and we have our last group picture.

Then several minutes later we reached the jump-off point of Mt. Binacayan and then we order Menudo with rice with coke soft drink for satisfying our exhausted bodies. While eating, I noticed that Montalban is so crowded, especially on weekends. It’s like Metro Manila because many local tourists, bikers, and families go to the famous Wawa River for tranquility refreshment, and family bonding. Also, I think it’s the summer season that’s why there are so many people there.

Then I asked someone in the group what’s the most beautiful thing on earth and someone in the group replied that to be understood and be loved is the most beautiful thing. He explained that understanding came before love and because sometimes we only need someone who would listen and get what we say. Anyway, after done taking our lunch, we bid goodbye to our local guide. We wash up at the restroom just beside the sari-sari store and we pay twenty-five pesos for the shower fee.

Forty-seven minutes later we left Rodriguez, Rizal, and we arrive at Mandaluyong City after one hour and fifty-three minutes of road travel with good old song music coming from the Air Supply band. Then I take MRT (Metro Rail Transit) southbound station and moments later I ride a jeep going back to my house. I thank God for another fulfilling experience and a fruitful day hike in the beautiful province of Rizal. God is good all the time. What a weekend it was. Also, I want to thank our local guide for assisting us, for their warm welcome, for their hospitality, and for the wonderful pictures.

Mt. Binacayan is a small mountain but it’s a tiring hike because of its rocky terrain. Even so, another mountain was conquered. One happy foot with a happy soul. On to the next mountain. Overall my hiking journey to Mt. Binacayan sums up this fantastic quote “Nothing could be better than taking a break from the daily grind and escaping to this peaceful place and close to nature getaway.”

Sample 1 Day itinerary to Mt. Binacayan

2:30AM – Meetup
3AM – Ride a van from Cubao, Quezon City going to Rodriguez, Rizal
4:30AM – Arrive at Rodriguez, Rizal and ride a tricycle going to the registration site
5AM – Registration at the barangay hall or tourism office, final preparation
5:30AM – Start hiking
7AM – Summit of Mt. Binacayan, rest, sunrise viewing and photo-ops
8:30AM – Start descent
10AM – Back at the jump-off point, rest and wash-up
11:30AM – Lunch
12:30PM – Side trip to other places nearby (optional)
3PM – Going back to Manila
5PM – Arrive in Manila, home sweet home

Things to bring on your visit to Mt. Binacayan:

Gloves
Extra clothes
Face towel
Extra money
Hiking sandals and extra slipper
Trail snacks
Flashlight
1 liter of bottled water
Toiletries
Towel
Cellphone, camera
Alcohol
Valid ID
Plastic bag
First Aid Kit with personal medicine
Canned goods (optional)
Sun protection things like sunblock, cap, and umbrella (optional)

How to Get to Mt. Binacayan

1. From Jolibee Farmers Cubao in Quezon City, ride a UV Express bound to Rodriguez, Rizal.
2. Then drop off at Eastwood subdivision in front of the Ministop branch.
3. Then ride a tricycle or jeep bound to Sitio Wawa and alight at the DENR registration site.
   
   
   
   

Reminders and Tips:

• For your own safety please be prepared and having the right hiking gear such as gloves, hiking pants, and first aid kit allows you to have a safe and enjoyable hike. Gloves are highly recommended to protect your hands from the sharp edges of rock formation.

• Mt. Binacayan is only a minor hike and it’s good for the first timer in the hiking scene. The hike to the summit of Mt. Binacayan will last 1.5 hours at an average pace and with ample rest. Some can finish it in one hour. The total hours to and from the summit could take up to 4 hours.
   
• Don’t open loud music while hiking because it will disturb local animals and dishonor other hikers who prefer to listen to the sounds of mother nature. Please use your earphones or headphone if you prefer listening to music while hiking. 

• Don’t forget this amazing quote for our beloved mother nature. Leave nothing but footprints, take nothing but pictures, kill nothing but time, and keep nothing but memories. Please observe the Leave No Trace principle and have peace with all hikers you encounter. 

• The registration fee for Mt. Binacayan is 50 pesos per head. On the other hand, the guide fee is 500 pesos good for 5 people. 

• If you want to lessen your expense in traveling and hiking the mountain, don’t forget to bring a lot of food and water in your backpack.

• There’s a sari-sari store at the jump-off point and in the middle of the mountain. 

• Plenty of toilets and restrooms are available near the parking area and registration site.

• Give way to the hikers going up and going down the mountain. 

• The best time to start hiking is before sunrise around 5 am.

• The DENR (Department of Environment and Natural Resources) office in Sitio Wawa opens at 4:30 am. 

• There are gloves sold at an affordable price in front of the registration site.

• Based on my experience, as much as possible pack light and do not carry too much weight in your backpack so that it is not difficult to climb. 

• The estimated budget for a day hike is 1000 pesos but it will depend on whether you will climb alone or as a group. I highly suggest you join a group to lessen your expense.

• If you or your group has more time, you visit the Wawa Dam. 

• I highly suggest you climb Mt. Binacayan during the summer season only because the difficulty of the mountain becomes higher during the rainy season.

• Above all, at the summit of Mt. Binacayan, there are spots that are really dangerous so extra caution is required.
  
  
  
  

There you have it. It’s more fun in the Philippines. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced hiker, there’s a mountain perfect for you. On the whole, I greatly hope this Mt. Binacayan day hike guide and reference have been useful to you and inspired you to climb this mountain. Moreover, don’t forget to share this with your friends, groups, and companions if you ever plan to hike Mt. Binacayan. God bless you in all your hiking and travel adventures. Thanks for reading.