Mt. Kulis Hiking Guide (Itinerary + Tips)

Introduction

Mt. Kulis is a beginner-friendly mountain located in Sitio Maysawa, Barangay Cuyambay, Tanay, Rizal. It offers scenic views of the Sierra Madre mountain range and beautiful scenery of the famous attractions. Mt. Kulis’ height is 620 MASL while Sambong Peak height is 629 MASL. Because of its proximity to Manila, the view of Noah’s Ark and the sea of clouds, it’s become one of the most popular hiking destinations and camping sites.

The Filipino hiking group buzzed when a photo of a newly discovered mountain in Tanay, Rizal surfaced on the internet in the year 2019. Mt. Kulis became popular among the hikers and locals because it is where the ABS-CBN’s TV series “Ang Probinsyano” was set as a shooting area before it finally opened to the public. The house that stands at the summit of Mt. Kulis was the house of Cardo Dalisay in the TV series.

Many actors and actresses including Julia Barretto, Gerald Anderson and Kristel Fulgar have visited Mt. Kulis. As a result, Mt. Kulis is becoming a popular hiking destination among celebrities and mountaineers who want to relax, feel the fresh cold air, witness the majestic sunrise and chill. Moreover, it is just a short road trip from Manila. In addition, there are so many instagrammable worthy attractions in Mt. Kulis. For this reason, it is one of the most visited tourist destinations in Tanay, Rizal.

Mt. Kulis is a portion of the Fresno Agro Forestry and Eco Tourist Campsite owned by a family. Without a doubt, it boosts the local tourism in Tanay, Rizal and provides some locals and families in the area to earn a decent living by selling food and offering a tour guide service. It was said that the mountain was named as such due to the only old tree in the summit area. The old tree was named by the owner as Kulis. However, the old tree is gone now.

Mt. Kulis and Fresno Agro Forestry and Eco Tourist Campsite is the perfect destination to spend the weekend or holiday. This place is developed for outdoor and recreational activities. Also, one can experience camping and seeing a sea of clouds without the intense effort. Additionally, this is one of the best places to chill and enjoy nature while doing team building, family outing, camping, hiking, stargazing and tree planting. It is advisable for all ages.

Below are the attractions at Fresno Agro Forestry and Eco Tourist Campsite:

• Mt. Kulis
• Bahay ni Cardo
• Spider Web
• Sambong Peak or Heart Peak
• Rock Formations
• Noah’s Ark
• Hanging Bridge
• Flower Garden
• Lion Falls
• Natural Swimming Pool

Name: Mt. Kulis
Difficulty: 2/9
Elevation: 620 MASL
Jump-Off: Fresno Agro Forestry and Eco Tourist Campsite, Barangay Cuyambay, Tanay, Rizal
Features: Scenic views of the Sierra Madre mountain range, sea of clouds, natural swimming pool, Flower Garden, Noah’s Ark, Heart Peak, Lion Falls and Hanging Bridge

My trip to Mt. Kulis

It’s been a long time since I hiked a mountain in Rizal and I want a quick escape from the busy city life. For this reason, I browsed some events in Facebook hiking groups and one day decided to join an organized tour going to Mt. Kulis. I’m very excited.

I observed the itinerary in the group chat and arrived at the meetup place in Greenfield District around 10 pm. The van picked up more members in different locations at around 10:15 am. After two hours of land travel we reached the jump off and parking site of Mt. Kulis at 12 am.

Since we arrived so early at the jump off place we slept and waited in the van for almost five hours. Inside the van I can’t sleep because it’s freaking cold. Some of the group members even slept in wide nipa hut stores while waiting for the go signal of the tour guide to start hiking.

As I went outside the van at 4:30 am, I looked up at the night sky and I could see the countless stars. I said to myself it’s a great sign we have clear weather ahead of us. Also, I saw many other groups of hikers coming in at the parking area of Mt. Kulis. After a few minutes, we leave in the van some of the things we don’t need in the hike like extra clothes and swimwear.

Then our tour guide named Aeron was introduced to us and he briefly discussed the mountain trail and the leave no trace principle to be applied in hiking Mt. Kulis. Also, since there are already many hikers going to Noah’s Ark early in the morning, our tour guide decided to go to Mt. Kulis summit first. 

I opened my flashlight and we started the hike at 5:18 am. The trail is easy on a gradually ascending road where motorcycles, tricycles and cars can easily pass by. After thirteen minutes of hiking we reached Mt. Kulis summit.

I wasn’t even sweating on reaching the summit of Mt. Kulis because the trail is very short. It’s like walking in the park. As a result, it’s one of the easiest hikes I’ve ever done. The hike going to Mt. Kulis summit is comparable to Mt. Gulugod Baboy where the jump-off point is at the parking near the campsite. 

Since it was still dark at the summit, we had to wait first for the sun to rise and to have a clear view of the surroundings before taking a picture and videos. But some of the members couldn’t wait so they decided to use flashlights and take a picture on Mt. Kulis summit marker. At the summit of Mt. Kulis, the wind is so cold and refreshing. For this reason, my body is fully awake.

Our guide told us that we are so lucky even though it’s the weekend it’s not so overcrowded unlike in the past weeks many hikers went to Mt. Kulis. She said to us that it’s not overcrowded today because of the restriction and curfew in Manila, many hikers opted not to hike.

After thirty minutes of waiting, we witnessed how the sky and surroundings transformed into a crystal clear view. That magical golden moment when early morning daylight humidifies the scenery in a soft glow.

As a result, we started taking many individual and group pictures at the summit of Mt. Kulis. We enjoy the breezing wind, fresh air and the beautiful view at the top of the mountain. It’s been a long period of time since I’ve been in the mountains and this is what I really needed after the busy work schedule in the city. 

At the summit, we saw several campers that stayed overnight inside their tent. In addition, the campsite is meters away from the entrance gate of Treasure mountain. Obviously, I think this is where most of the campers stayed at night. It was cool and fun to be in a wide green campsite. On the other hand, I have seen several hikers taking pictures in the restroom. They concurrently came out from each door of the restroom like having a beauty contest.

At the summit of Mt. Kulis we can clearly see several attractions such as Sambong Peak or Heart Peak, Spider Web and Noah’s Ark. Aeron told us that we can reach Sambong Peak, our next destination within five minutes. Also the guide said to us that the popular Mang Cardo’s house was destroyed because of the past storms. 

We stay at Mt. Kulis for one hour then our group left the summit of Mt. Kulis at 6:45 am heading to the Spider Web. Our group takes pictures at the nipa hut or cottage accomodation near the Spider Web and later goes to the Spider Web after taking several photos. The giant Spider Web is good and well established. In my opinion, it is very similar to the spider web in Masungi Georeserve. It is a picturesque spot. For me, this is more of an eco-park than a hiking trail.

We stayed at the Spider Web for 15 minutes and our group went to Sambong Peak. Then we reached Sambong Peak at 7:20 am. The sunrise is perfect, we have a good source of Vitamin D and the view is 360 degree. At the Sambong Peak we can clearly see the famous Treasure Mountain, Mt. Binutasan, the Sierra Madre mountain range and Mt. Irid which is the highest mountain in Rizal.

Undoubtedly, it’s a perfect spot for instagrammable pictures and a stress free area. Indeed, nature is stunning. We had our group pictures at the Sambong Peak marker and after that we went to the rock formation.

We savor the view at the rock formation and we take pictures at the bird nest. Our group is so lucky that the weather cooperates with us and we have a very good clearing. In moments like these, I just want to stay in one spot and enjoy the beautiful view. Also, I wouldn’t have minded staying there all morning. Mt Kulis and Sambong Peak has a total trail length of 5.6 kilometers or 3.47 miles.

We leave Sambong Peak at 7:55 am and we go to Noah’s Ark. The initial trail going to Noah’s Ark is descending then after a few minutes the trail becomes ascending followed by a flat trail. Afterwards the trail turned to moderate descending on the mountain slope composed of grown cogon grass and small rocks.

While waiting for our turn to Noah’s Ark, we rested at the nipa hut just below the foot of Noah’s Ark at 8:12 am. As we rested, we shared thoughts of some mountains we climbed before. Our group reaches Noah’s Ark at 8:20 am. The boat sits at the top of limestone rocks. The view here is astounding. Other members of the group took a picture in the buwis buhay rock formation while waiting for their turn. 

Unfortunately, we don’t experience seeing the sea of clouds at Noah’s Ark but the place is still beautiful. I think Noah’s Ark is a must see destination in the middle of the mountain because it is delightful and attractive to the eyes. In my opinion it’s better when the sea of clouds surrounds Noah’s Ark. It is simply magical.

As we step on Noah’s Ark, we can see another group of hikers waiting for their turn. According to our tour guide, there was a time when hikers waited for two to three hours just to take pictures of Noah’s Ark. I can’t imagine waiting in that long line. Also the tour guide said to us in order to take individual solo shots at Noah’s Ark the rest of the group needed to bend. We leave Noah’s Ark at 8:45 am after taking pictures at different angles.

Then our group heads back to the jump-off site. After several minutes of hiking, we reached the jump off point of Mt. Kulis at 9:10 am. In the jump-off point of Mt. Kulis there are small stores that sell liempo with rice, chicken with rice, and pakbet. As a result, we ordered liempo with rice for our heavy breakfast. While eating we have some thoughts about the pandemic. We finished our breakfast at 9:45 am.

Then we went back inside the van to rest and get some important things inside our bag. After resting, at 10:25 am our group decided to ride a 4×4 jeep going to the Hanging Bridge. It was such a fun bumpy ride and thrilling experience riding the 4×4 jeep on the steep slopes of the mountain. It is definitely one must to experience. Also, the group that I am with is super cool and very funny.

After several minutes, we reached the Hanging Bridge. As expected we took many pictures at the Hanging Bridge and stayed there for almost thirty minutes. Our tour guide is very friendly and accommodating, he’s good at taking pictures of us even at the most difficult angles. According to our tour guide, the Hanging Bridge has a length of 24 meters or 80 feet and it has a height of 220 meters. Without a doubt, it is one of the longest hanging bridges I’ve ever seen.

Near the Hanging Bridge, there are mini stores, restrooms and several resting places to rest in. Then our tour guide showed us some pictures of the Lion Falls and the group didn’t like the view at the falls and it was not worth it. As a result, we decided not to go to Lion Falls anymore. According to our guide, the Lion Falls can be reached in twenty to thirty minutes of walking.

Then our group headed to the natural swimming pool at 11:12 am. After a few minutes of descending we reached the pool. The place is so clean, serene and tranquil. It is one of the best destinations for me. Also we noticed there were many cottages around the pool and we picked one. Some of the group members swim in the cold water of the natural pool while some members try the long high swing beside the pool.

The depth of the pool is around 3 feet to 7 feet. Moments later I was shivering in the cold water of the pool. For this reason, I only stayed at the natural pool for a few minutes and I washed up at the restroom near the Hanging Bridge. Then we have our drinking session with Alfonso Light in the cottage at 12 pm. In these hours we just relax and enjoy the scenery. We were having fun and we shared some funny thoughts while drinking.

After staying in the cottage for nearly three hours, we rode a 4×4 jeep again heading back to the jump off area at 1:55 pm. We experienced the thrilling ride adventure once again via the 4×4 jeep. Along the way, I was amazed to see the lush green of the mountain.

Our group reached the jump off point at 2:06 pm. Some of the members washed up and bought some food then after that our van left Mt. Kulis around 2:30 pm and headed back to Manila. On the way back to Manila, I had a sunset road trip with a good old song. We reached Manila safe and sound at 4:30 pm.

Another mountain in Rizal province has been conquered. Thanks be to God for keeping us safe and giving us one of the most unforgettable trips. In general memories made in Mt. Kulis stay in our hearts forever.

If you want a nature adventure and an easy hike then this is the mountain to go. In my opinion, Mt. Kulis is definitely a must visit and a perfect place to go with your friends, groups and colleagues. Special thanks to Lyn Burgos for organizing the Mt. Kulis hiking event. Also thanks to Aeron and J Nel for taking wonderful pictures. 

I’m very happy that I experienced the wonderful view of Mt. Kulis and other attractions. I love all the views and attractions at Fresno Agro and Eco Tourist Campsite. In my opinion they are all worth visiting. Furthermore, the place was simply nice, amazing and very relaxing. Also, their staff and tour guide are well trained and accommodating.

The good things about the hiking trip are the view and the people whom I hiked with. We enjoyed the tour very much. Indeed there are a lot of scenic attractions where you can take a lot of excellent photos for your social media account. In addition, one can wake up in the morning and enjoy the beautiful surroundings and the sea of clouds forming over the mountain ranges. Drinking hot coffee and having breakfast while savoring the view of the stunning sunrise, sea of clouds and incredible mountains in the morning is one of a kind experience. Tanay, Rizal is really a great place for hikers and tourists.

On the whole my adventure to Mt. Kulis sums up with this quote “The biggest addiction a person can have is discovering the unknown. Once it takes hold, there is no getting out and the only way to get your fix is by pushing yourself out of your comfort zone and exploring new horizons and places.”

Sample itinerary to Mt. Kulis  (by commute):

3AM – Assembly, meetup at Cubao Aurora
3:30AM – Ride a jeep going to Cogeo Gate 2
4AM – Arrival at Cogeo Gate 2, ride a jeep bound to Sampaloc
5:30AM – ETA Sitio Maysawa, ride a tricycle to Mt. Kulis registration
5:40AM – Registration, register, and secure guide
6AM – Start Hiking
6:15AM – Arrival at the Summit
6:30AM – Spider web
7AM – Heart Peak
8:30AM – Noah’s Ark
9:30AM – Hanging bridge
10AM – Lion Falls
11AM – Natural swimming pool
11:30AM – Lunch
12:30PM – Going back to jumpoff
1:30PM – Jumpoff, wash-up
2PM – Ride a tricycle going to the highway
2:30PM – Ride a jeep going back to Cogeo
3:30PM – ETA Cogeo, ride a jeep going to Cubao
4:30PM – ETA Cubao, Manila

Note: this sample itinerary is only for weekdays and is not absolute or will not be 100% perfect due to many factors. The itinerary on weekdays is different from the itinerary on weekends because many people expect to have queues at the main attractions for taking pictures.

Sample itinerary to Mt. Kulis  (by private vehicle):

1AM – ETD going to Mt. Kulis jump off point
3:30AM – ETA at the registration site of Mt. Kulis, secure guide, orientation, breakfast
4:30AM – Start Hiking
5:15AM – Noah’s Ark, wait for the sunrise and sea of clouds
6:30AM – Proceed to Sambong Peak and Heart Peak
7:10AM – Spider Web
8AM – Mt. Kulis summit, Bahay ni Cardo
9AM – Going back to Jump-off point
9:30 AM – Jump-off point of Fresno, early lunch and rest
11AM – Going to the Hanging Bridge via 4×4 jeep
11:30AM – Hanging Bridge
12:30PM – Lion Falls
1:30PM – Natural swimming pool
3PM – Going back to the jump-off point
4PM – Washup, tidyup
5PM – ETD going back to Manila, dinner along the way
8:30PM – ETA Manila

Note: the sample above itinerary is not absolute or will not be 100% perfect due to many factors.

Things to bring on your visit to Mt. Kulis:

1 to 2 liters of water
Trail food
First Aid Kit
Extra cash, clothes and slipper
Flashlight
Jacket
Plastic bag
Camera
Powerbank
Toiletries
Cap or scarf
Personal medication
Umbrella
Sunblock
Alcohol
Raincoat (optional)

How to Go to Mt. Kulis

By commute

Option 1:

1. From Cubao, ride a jeep or a van going to Cogeo (Gate 2)
2. From Cogeo jeep terminal, ride a jeep going to Sampaloc, Tanay and tell the driver to drop you at Sitio Maysawa
3. Then ride a tricycle going to Fresno Agro Forestry and Eco Tourist Campsite

Option 2:

1. From Starmall Shaw Boulevard Terminal, ride a van going to Antipolo Church
2. Then ride a jeep going to Cogeo and tell the driver to drop you at the city mall
3. From Cogeo jeep terminal, ride a jeep bound to Sampaloc, Tanay and tell the driver to drop you at Maysawa Circuit
4. Then ride a tricycle going to Fresno Agro Forestry and Eco Tourist Campsite

Option 3:

1. From Starmall Shaw Terminal, ride a van going to Tanay, Rizal
2. From Tanay, Rizal, ride a tricycle or jeep going to Sitio Maysawa 
3. Then ride a tricycle going to Mt. Kulis jump-off point or you have the option to walk for forty-five minutes going to Mt. Kulis jump-off point

Option 4:

1. From SM City Fairview ride a jeep going to Cubao 
2. Then from Cubao ride a jeep or van going to Cogeo
3. From Cogeo terminal ride a jeep going to Sampaloc, Tanay
4. Then ride a tricycle going to Mt.Kulis registration site
   

By private car

Option 1: 

Drive on Tanay – Sampaloc Road and pass the street to Daranak Falls. Drive straight until you reach the junction then turn left. You should pass Sierra Madre Mountain Resort, Ten Cents to Heaven Leisure Camp and Pico de Pino Cafe and Restaurant. Continue driving until you reach Maysawa Road. Drive straight then turn right then proceed to Fresno Agro Forestry and Eco Tourist Campsite registration area.

Option 2:

Drive on Marcos Highway passing Masinag, Antipolo, Cogeo, Boso-Boso Highlands Resort And Hotel, Palo Alto, and Garden Cottages, Tanay, Rizal until you reach Maysawa Road. Then turn right and proceed to Fresno Agro-Forestry and Eco Tourist Campsite registration site.

Option 3:

Open the Waze app and pin the Fresno Agro Forestry and Eco Tourist Campsite (Tanay, Rizal)

Note: for those who have their own car, it is better to arrive at the registration site of Mt. Kulis early in the morning to be able to catch the sunrise and sea of ​​clouds. The sea of clouds is visible until 8 am only.

Reminders and Tips:

• Mt. Kulis is a minor climb and it’s good for beginners. It has a difficulty of 2/9. It is an easy hike with amazing views at the top of the mountain. From the registration site, it is only a ten to fifteen minutes walk going to the summit of Mt. Kulis.

• The trail is beginner friendly but it becomes difficult, challenging and slippery when it rains. Also the road going to Mt. Kulis are impassable and very muddy during the wet season. You must visit this mountain during the dry season. 

• The road going to Mt. Kulis is accessible by car, tricycle and motorcycle. Therefore you can bring your kids and the elderly for a very pleasant mountain view.

• You don’t have to worry about food and drinks because there’s several sari-sari stores, eateries or mini restaurants at the jump-off point of Mt. Kulis. Parking spaces are also available at the jump off.

• You have the option to ride a 4×4 jeep going to Hanging Bridge or you can do trekking for approximately thirty minutes going to the Hanging Bridge. Mt. Kulis 4×4 jeep ride is 50 pesos per ride. 100 pesos for the two way ride back and forth. However just be cautious and mindful of the 4×4 jeeps that go down and up the mountain slope. The jeeps are old.

• If you go to Mt. Kulis, I highly recommend you visit on weekdays not on weekends or holidays to avoid the crowds and spending more time waiting just to take a picture in all attractions. According to our tour guide, because the mountain is very accessible, the crowd on weekends is numerous. Queuing and waiting time can take one to three hours for the picturesque photo spots. During weekends there’s a lot of hikers and visitors so have patience to wait for longer hours. 

• A tour guide is required at Mt. Kulis for your own safety. 

• Please bring a plastic bag for your own trash and keep all trash with you. This is very important. Additionally, always follow the Leave No Trace principle. No picking of flowers or plants and do not litter. Take nothing but pictures, leave nothing but footprints, kill nothing but time. In the same way it’s good to keep the mountain clean. 

• Respect the locals and the place. Also avoid loud music and shouting. Keep quiet. 

• Wear appropriate and comfortable hiking shoes and sandals. Avoid wearing white shoes during rainy days because it’s very muddy. 

• To hike Mt. Kulis, you have to book your visit through Fresno Agro Forestry and Eco Tourist Campsite on Facebook or book another tour that organizes Mt. Kulis hike. 

• If you plan to stay overnight in your own tent at Mt. Kulis campsite, you have to take note that there are only sufficient flat spaces that will allow a small tent to be assembled and put up. Also, bring jackets when you’re staying overnight as the weather during the night can get super cold and make sure to wake up early in the morning to witness the sea of clouds and sunrise. 

• Overnight guest accommodation is from 4 pm to 8 pm only to ensure safety and give respect to the locals surrounding the campsite.

• Mt. Kulis is the best place to spend quality time with your family and friends. Overall it is an ideal place for camping and stargazing. Campers can pitch their own tents on the summit. 

• The camp resort is strictly implementing a “Clean As You Go” policy. Please be cautious of your garbage, especially the cigarette butts, water bottles and plastic. 

• There’s a mini restaurant where hikers can drink coffee, eat noodles, have breakfast and take a nap while waiting for the start of the hike.

• There are two camps in Fresno Agro Forestry and Eco Tourist Campsite. Camp A is composed of the summit of Mt. Kulis, Bahay ni Cardo Dalisay, Sambong Peak or Heart Peak, Spider Web, rock formation and Noah’s Ark. On the other hand Camp B is composed of the Hanging Bridge, Lion Falls, Twin Rock formation, Malinaw falls, cave  and Natural swimming pool. 

• Currently, the Malinaw falls and cave are currently unreachable to hikers because the bridge going to these spots were destroyed by the past typhoon. 

• There are restrooms you can use in the jump-off and on the summit. 

• Bonfires and cooking with charcoal are strictly banned at the summit. 

• There is a corkage fee of 50 pesos per alcoholic beverage bottle.

• Mt. Kulis and Treasure Mountain share the same perspective, but sea of clouds emerge first in Mt. Kulis before expanding to Treasure Mountain. Also, the sea of clouds in Mt. Kulis is more compact and at close range giving you an awesome experience.

• I highly recommend getting a packaged tour when you plan to visit Mt. Kulis for ease and convenience. Included in the Mt. Kulis package tour is round trip private van transfer Manila-Rizal vice versa, tour guide fee, coordinator fee, drivers fee, parking fee, registration fee, environmental fee and all entrance fee. On the other hand excluded in the package tour is 4×4 jeep ride, personal meal and restroom fee. 
  
  

Notable fees:

• Mt. Kulis entrance fee or registration fee for the day tour is 300 pesos while the entrance fee or registration fee for overnight visit is 500 pesos. Note: If your tour guide is staying with your group overnight, the rate is 1,250 pesos good for 5 persons. If your tour guide is not staying with your group overnight and picks you up in the morning the rate is 500 pesos. When your group stays overnight, the check-in time is at 4 pm and until noon the next day.

• Tour guide is 500 pesos good for 5 persons. Note: rate may change without prior notice.

• Tent pitching is 200 pesos if you have your own tent. Sleeping Mat is 100 pesos. 

• You can also rent a tent, the price is depending on the size of the tent you will rent, price range is 500 pesos to 1000 pesos.

• The price of using the restroom ranges from 5 pesos to 20 pesos only. 

• The 4×4 jeep ride is 50 pesos per head and per ride.

• Milo is 20 pesos. 

• You can rent a nipa hut and stay overnight near the Spider Web for 1000 pesos. It is good for 2 to 4 people. Also take note prices may differ depending on the size of the nipa hut you will rent, 2500 pesos for a group of 6 to 8 persons (family size) and 3500 pesos for a group of 8 to 12 persons (Mt. Kulis Kubo Cardo). Pillows, beddings and blankets are included in the nipa hut rent. 

• There’s an additional 200 pesos guide fee if you want to visit the Malinaw falls, and the cave on Camp B.

120 pesos for liempo with rice, chicken with rice, pakbet
10 pesos for extra rice

Life is a journey, travel as much as you can and once a year go to someplace you’ve never been before. On the whole, I hope this Mt. Kulis hiking guide and reference has been helpful to you and inspired you to try visiting the mountain. Also, don’t forget to share this with your friends groups and colleagues if ever you plan on doing Mt. Kulis day hike too. God bless you in all your future travels and hiking adventures. Thanks for reading.