Mt. Sembrano: A Beginner Friendly Mountain

Introduction

Mt. Sembrano is located in Pililla, Rizal. It offers a scenic view of Laguna de Bay, Talim Island, awesome view of the plains and surrounding municipalities. Mt. Sembrano has an elevation of 745 MASL or 2444 feet. The mountain is situated between the boundaries of the towns of Jalajala, Pililla, and the town of Pakil in Laguna province. Also, it is the topmost point of the Jalajala peninsula and one of the nearest mountains outside Metro Manila.

Due to its proximity to Manila, it is now one of the popular hiking destinations and camping sites in Rizal province. Easily reachable from Manila via a private car, van, and jeep. Mt. Sembrano offers an exhilarating and cool break from the daily work routine in the city.

According to its past history, Mt. Sembrano was once a dwelling place of NPA (New People’s Army) insurgents. However as time passes by, the soldiers and police already cleared the place and it’s now safe. Today, Mt. Sembrano is one of the most hiked mountains in the Philippines. In general, hiking on bright sunny days rewards mountaineers and hikers with lovely views. On the other hand, hiking in the wet season endangers the views.

Mt. Sembrano is in some way being correlated to Mt. Tagapo because of its green hills. Although with the likeness, Mt. Sembrano has its own recognition and you will only reveal it when you experience hiking the mountain.

Name: Mt. Sembrano
Difficulty: 3/9
Jump-Off: Barangay Malaya, Pililla, Rizal
Hours to summit: 3 to 4 hours
Features: Marvelous view of Laguna Lake and Talim island

My trip to Mt. Sembrano

There’s simply something appealing about hiking the mountains. The agony of walking kilometers, hours and even days is worth every sweat because of the rewards of the astounding views I get to see on top of the mountain. This is just one of the several reasons why mountains occupy 80% of my bucket list. One of them is Mt. Sembrano.

It was in July 2016 rainy season when I decided to join an organized tour going to Mt. Sembrano. On this tour, I invited Bren, the one who introduced me to mountains and hiking. Luckily, he accepted the invite. As a result, I am no longer a solo joiner in this hiking event.

We follow the itinerary in the group chat and we arrived at Cubao past 3 am. While waiting for the other members to come to the meetup place, the two of us ordered meals in Jollibee Farmers Cubao. When everyone is completed, our van departs Cubao and headed to Pililia, Rizal. I didn’t get enough sleep in the van because of the zigzag road going to Rizal.

After two hours and thirty minutes of land travel, we arrived at the jump-off point. On the starting point, we can already see the peak of Mt. Sembrano covered in thick clouds. Our group registered, had breakfast, the organizer secures our guide and we have a short briefing of the mountain. Then after our group prayer, we started the hike around 7:30 am.

The initial trail is on the road then passes by some local houses that lead to a rocky path. The dogs welcomely bark at us and up ahead in the distance we saw some poop of the buffalo.

The two of us (Bren and I) are already ahead of the group by some meters. Later, we saw two directions on the trail, so we waited for our guide and the other members of the group to find out what is the right path. The right way is the right path then we continued walking on a mild ascending forest.

After one hour of wandering around the well-established forested trail, we reached the Manggahan campsite. We rest for several minutes on the bamboo bench and buy some fresh coconut juice from the small store to refresh and satisfy our bodies.

I noticed that the campsite is so wide that it can accommodate several tents. The guide told us this is where most hikers laid their tents when doing overnight at Mt. Sembrano before assaulting the summit the next day. While we rest, we share some thoughts about the previous mountains we climbed and why we keep on hiking.

One thing I like about the campsite is the mango trees because they give us shade and from nearby there is a water source. We feel the magic in the air, the tranquility of the place, and the energy of the plants and trees. Our group is surrounded by nature at its best. Moreover, I feel the cool wind in my hair and the relaxing sounds of nature that are music to my ear.

Then several members of the group went to mini-falls just a few meters away from the campsite. They refill some water bottles. Then we continued hiking in a forested area. The trail now is a bit difficult. It’s a 45 degrees assault with few flat grounds in between. It is composed of bigger rocks, shrubs, and tall trees in a moderately steep trail.

As we go up the mountain, the rain pours on us but not for so long. However, it makes the path even more difficult and there were parts when we were crawling, scrambling, and holding to the rocks for support.

We have to be very careful ascending to the wet and slippery trail to avoid bruises and scratches. Our group also scrambled on the loose rocks, and tall grasses. Even so, we already catching our breath at that time because of the continuous assault. As a result our group pace had become sluggish as we continued our ascending.

Later our group reached the second campsite or the wide grassland part. From here, we can already see the summit of Mt. Sembrano. As we continue hiking we saw a mountain dog, I was surprised because I didn’t expect the lovely dog to reach the grassland part.

From grassland to the north peak is constantly ascending. After twenty minutes we reached the north peak. Our guide told us that it can only accommodate a few tents. For the most part, it is covered by cogon grasses. The view here is amazing. Without a doubt, we can now see Laguna de Bay below and the Sierra Madre mountain range. We take a quick rest while capturing the magnificent view.

Then after thirty minutes of hiking in the grassland trail composed of tall cogon grass, we finally reached the south peak or the summit at 10:45 am. It took us nearly four hours to reach the summit. Also, we noticed there are no markers on the summit.

The fulfillment of reaching the summit is so satisfying. The view is breathtaking and mesmerizing. The weather is perfect and we had a beautiful clearing. In addition to this, the scene is relaxing to the eyes and it feels like you are in a stress-free area. I love nature and its surroundings. I admire the combination of sunlight and greenfields.

For the most part, the hills are lovely lush greenery and the air is fresh. Green valleys are waving to us. It was all very worth it. I appreciate the lovely scenery. It’s more fun in the Philippines. The weather and nature cooperate with us. It’s a perfect view on top of this gorgeous mountain.

At the summit of Mt. Sembrano, we can clearly see Mt. Tagapo, Laguna de Bay, and the peaks in between. Also, we can see the Windmill Farm in Pililla Rizal and the barangay where we came from. Moreover, I also saw some southern Tagalog mountains like Mt. Cristobal and Mt. Banahaw. It is very hot at the top of the mountain because there is not much shade. Luckily, I bring my umbrella and it provides some relief.

We have our lunch at the summit and later we have our group pictures. We stayed at the summit for almost one hour to savor the moment. Although the sun was already high at that time. It contributed to one of the best scenery I have ever seen in the Philippines.

After our group has done resting, we started the backtrail descent going back to the jump-off point. We trail run and pass by some tall grass again that is five to eight feet high. Sometimes the tall grass obstructs the view as we go down.

After that, there were some members who slipped on the muddy trail on the way down because of the slippery trail cause by the rain earlier. Nevertheless, we made sure to take it one step at a time and have fun as we descent through the muddy trail. In my opinion, going down was more challenging especially when it is raining because you need to balance through the slippery trail.

We reached the Manggahan campsite at around 2 pm and we take a quick rest. Then after several minutes, we continue the descent. Our group reached the jump-off point at 3 pm.

We wash up in the barangay hall, have our snacks and cold drinks, log out, and later our van left Pililia, Rizal, and heads towards Manila. On the way back to Manila, we see the amazing sunset in Laguna de Bay. It’s a nice view to behold. Later, we come back home safe and sound. Thanks be to God.

My overall experience in Mt. Sembrano is I had a great time hiking with some really great people wouldn’t have been the same without them. In the first part the trail from jump-off to Manggahan campsite it’s not that difficult. However, from the Manggahan campsite going to the summit is a little bit of a struggle.

On the whole, my trip to Mt. Sembrano sums up this quote: “Every mountain top is within reach if you just keep climbing.”

Sample itinerary to Mt. Sembrano

4:30AM – Assembly, meetup
5AM – ETD going to Tanay, Rizal, ride a jeep or a van
7AM – ETA Tanay Rizal, ride a jeep going to Pililla
8AM – Arrival at the jump-off, breakfast, register, and secure guide
8:30AM – Start hiking
9:30AM – Arrival at Manggahan campsite, rest
10AM – Resume hiking
12PM – summit, lunch, rest
1PM – Start descending
4PM – Jump-off, washup
5PM – ETD going back to Manila
8PM – ETA Manila

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

Things to bring on your visit to Mt. Sembrano:

2 liters of Water
Plastic bag
Personal medication
Extra clothes, money, and slippers
Camera
Trail food
Pack lunch
Arm sleeve
Umbrella
Toiletries
Cap, scarf
Rain Coat (optional)
Whistle (optional)

Reminders and Tips:

• Mt. Sembrano is a minor climb only with a difficulty of 3/9 and it’s good for first-timers or beginners. I definitely recommend this mountain but be physically fit cause the trails are a bit challenging especially during the rainy season. Do some cardio and leg exercise prior to the hiking event. 

• Parking spaces, restrooms, and sari-sari stores are available at the jump-off point. Using the toilet or having a shower at the barangay hall is free. 

• The hike to the summit takes about 3 to 4 hours but it depends on the pacing of the group. Going down takes about 2 to 3 hours. Pack light as much as possible.

• If you are looking for a mountain that is not overcrowded, Mt. Sembrano is for you. Although the mountain was popular among the mountaineering group, there were fewer hikers and campers visiting this place. 

• Please observe silence when you’re hiking. Avoid loud music. Respect the locals and the place.

• No water source at the north and south peaks. The water source can be found near Manggahan Falls. On the way down, you may refresh at the falls. 

• Always observe the Leave No Trace principle. No picking of plants and flowers along the trail and do not litter. Bring your own trash when you go down. We should all be responsible hikers and campers. 

• There is fresh coconut juice for sale at Manggahan campsite but sometimes there’s none. 

• Registration and a tour guide are required. For a group of 5 persons, 500 pesos for a guide fee (day hike) and 1,000 pesos (overnight). The registration fee is 50 pesos per head.

• Mt. Sembrano summit has no trees or shade and is fully exposed to the scorching heat of the sun. Wear something to protect you from the direct heat of the sun especially during the summer season. On the other hand, during the wet season, bring raincoats and a jacket. Waterproof everything (gadgets, bags, clothes, etc.)

• If you’re group plans to do overnight, I highly suggest you camp on Manggahan campsite because there’s a water source and the place is wide enough. Also, bring your own tent and camping gear. Manggahan campsite is located in the middle of the mountain trail. 

• Fully charge your cellphones and cameras before the trip. 

• Mt. Sembrano mountain run (trail run) event ranges from 8, 10, and 30 kilometers. So choose your preferred distance.

• If your group has more time left you can have a side trip to Windmill Farm Pililla Rizal.
  
  
  

How to Go to Mt. Sembrano

1. Go to Starmall Shaw van terminal, then ride a van or a jeep going to Tanay market, Rizal

2. From Tanay, Rizal, ride a jeep or a tricycle going to Barangay Malaya, Pililla, and tell the driver to drop you off at the Barangay Hall. 

Note: Check first the schedule of public transport vehicles going in and out of Pililla, Rizal.

There you have it. I hope this hiking guide and reference has been helpful to you. You’ll never want to miss Mt. Sembrano if you’re a hiker and adventurer. Also, don’t forget to share this with your friends or groups if ever you plan on doing the Mt. Sembrano day hike too. Hope to see you on the trail. God bless you in all your hiking adventures. Thanks for reading.