Mt. Mariveles (Tarak Ridge)

To start this, last year this group was formed, consisting of individuals that loves and having the same common goals to reach for the heights, to see the beautiful sights, and experience the wonders of the nature.


Our 1st Stop!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Mt. Mariveles (Tarak Ridge)

Mariveles, Bataan

March 21-22, 2009

SPI Mountaineering Club

by Lakwatsero

Jump off point: Brgy. Alas-asin, Mariveles

LLA: 14°30.357′N, 120°30′E, 1,006 MASL (ridge); 1,130 MASL (peak)

Days required / Hours to summit: 2 days, 5-6 hours

Specs: Major climb, Difficulty 4/9, Trail class 3

Tarak Ridge, on Mt. Mariveles’ west face, that has gained much attention. Its craggy landscape, sharp rocks, and steep location may have given rise to its name, Tarak, which is somewhat of a cross between ‘Tabak’ (hunting knife) and ‘Tarik’ (steep). There is a scenic, 270-degree view of Bataan which includes the islands of Corregidor and neighboring islands, as well as Manila Bay all the way to Cavite.

The trail is divided into two: a first part involves wide trails, at times dense grasslands – which are during summer months burned in kaingin. The typhoons in 2006 damaged sections of the trail, including one which now needs the assistance of a rope to be crossed. This first part takes three hours and ends in Papaya river – a rest station and water source. Then the next part involves woodlands, steep trails in which you can hold on to branches and roots for support. After 90 minutes, you’ll find yourself in Tarak Ridge. Set up camp here, then go for the optional assault on Mt. Tarak (El Saco and Tarak peaks). By the time you return, it’s approaching dusk. The sunset is colorful and dramatic.

Gusts of wind, coming from the South China Sea, pound hard on the Ridge, requiring extra pegs for tents at night. Inside your tent, you will feel aboard a sailboat, with the sails flapping noisily with the wind. This extra thrill makes Tarak Ridge a truly breathtaking and exciting destination.

Suggested Itinerary:

Day1

0300 Board Genesis or Bataan Express Bus Lines to Brgy. Alas-sin, Bataan

0630 ETA Brgy. Alas-Asin

0700 Start Trek

1100 ETA Papaya river, lunch

1430 Resume trek to woodlands

1600 ETA Tarak Ridge, set up camp

1630 Explore the Summit (there is a mossy forest there)

1830 Back at the Ridge; sunset viewing

1900 Prepare for dinner

2000 Socials

2200 Lights out

Day2

0600 Breakfast; break camp

0700 Start Descent

0730 ETA papaya river

1000 Back at the jump-off point

1100 Optional sidetrip (Corregidor Trip / near Resorts)

1200 ETD for Manila

This is the start of the trek off picture taking...in picture(starting from left...jaja, rye, johari, brian, lord and regie............)

Registration area.....again photooppssss.....to the max together with pia...(spimc pres.) & tatay & nanay, the caretakers.

At the papaya river.....here are the papaya boyz.............

if we could swim to this clouds.....we will do....it is really nice to see this kinds of views...the breeze of the wind..and the excitement of taking pictures....of course.........hehehehe....

At last we were on our way home...see the faces.....are all smiling.................. pagod lang!!!!!!!!