Calauan: Rappeling at Balumbong River (PNR Bridge)

by Lakwatsero

June 5-6, 2010

Calauan, Laguna

It was the 1st weekend of June(06/05-06/06, 2010), It is the 3rd time by Yabag to organize an Adventure to Balumbong River (PNR Bridge) Rappelling, Camping and River Exploration. Of course, yours truly was part of this activity together with my trekking body, Jobari....

The sun is already up when we arrived at (Jollibee) San Pablo, Laguna, where the chartered jeepney is waiting for us. To take us to the jumpoff start (Calauan, Laguna area) for the trekking to reach the Balumbong PNR Railway Bridge.

photo opps @ Jollibee San Pablo (together with new buddy Mazzy)

My breakfast & also my pack lunch....

It was almost 8 am when we arrived at the start of the trek. We have to wait for the 2nd batch to arrive, because we've been divided into 2 batch because (hindi na kasya sa Jeep...andami namin in short!!!!!)..Of course what to do if you will just wait for others....syempre, photo opps time....

upon arriving .....

the 1st batch to arrive....

of course....nde mawawala ang JUMPSHOT!!!!!!!!

First, we had to trek to reach the Balumbong PNR Railway Bridge. That bridge was chosen to be the spot of our rappelling jump. It took us almost an hour to reach this bridge, at first most of us were still brave, doing some jokes, and of course, photo opps will not be miss along the trek. But in an hour, most of us had the same feeling....This is it!!!!!! Here are some of the photos while where on our trek going to Balumbong PNR Railway Bridge.

where just starting!!!!!

a very rocky trek...hehehe

Actually, Im familiar with this kind of trollies, because my places is really near in a PNR station in Sta. Mesa. But this trolly is different from the trollies of Metro Manila, it looks like a acute triagle shape, that can be take two to three passengers (depende sa laki...hehehehe), actually i really want to try that, that day but im afraid because of its shape, (mukhang hindi ako kaya!!!).

some of local riders on this place...

we have to go side ways..baka sagasaan kami!!!!

a very very very long railway.....

At last, we finally arrive to the site. Of course, pahinga galore ang marami, kasi mas crowded kame ng girls, kesa boys. The bridge was about 50 meters (160 feet) high, and most of the girls was scared to see that!!! The bridge was made up of old sturdy woods and rusty railways. The i think one of the biggest problem is crossing it because some of the wood braces are already can used as "uling"...as shown below...hehehehe...and the gaps were too wide!!! So Migs, has to put a support rope along this way for guide and safety. But in fairness sa view.....Astig....

mawawala ba naman ito!!!! pero ako wala nga...huhuhuhu!!!!

the rusty old PNR railway bridge

the views are really breathtaking!!!!!

Like what i have said earlier, do want to have an Uling...hehehehe...most of us including was a bit afraid upon seeng this wood, maybe because.....what do you think?....

uling for sale?

a very long way down...

Upon arriving to the bridge, our jumpman (aka Derek Ramsay), and Migs, are getting ready to setup the gears, ropes, harness, and etc for safety.

"derek ramsey" & Migs

thank you for the patience....

It took us "the xplorerboys" more than hour for our turn to actually rappel down..actually i think it was almost lunch time. Of course hindi mawawala nag mga photo opps....

hi, it's me brian aka "lakwatserong tatay"

hi, im jobari, one of the x-plorerboyz....

Here are some of the pictures while we were waiting for our turns....

it was really hot that day...

One of the locals has this bird, Jobari took this photo..We really don't know where will be the local bring this crow, sayang baka binibenta nya...hehehehe....

hello there....birdie!!!!!

At last, it was my turn, thanks also mr. derek ramsey, for securing the ropes, my harness, before letting me to jump.....thanks to johari my co-xplorer.....for the fantastic shots......yahooo.....

pilit na ngiti....hehehehe!!!!

this is it.....wala na atrasan....hehehehe!!!! e2 obvious pilit na ngiti!!!!

Here are some of my shots while im doing my rappeling down to this bridge.....Hope you will like it.

Hay!!!!.....At last......This is my 2nd rappelling activity together with trekking buddy jobari.......
Rappelling from the Balumbong PNR Railway Bridge was already done and part of my accomplish rappeling checklist....

go for the next entry....and time to head to camp...where Balumbong Minifalls is waiting...

Here is the propose itinerary by Yabag:

DAY 1: JUNE 5

04:00am - Assembly (to be announce on pre climb)
04:30am - ETD Alabang to San pablo city
06:30am – ETA San Pablo, Trike or hire jeep to Jump off
07:00am – Jump off have courtesy call to brgy captain start trek to Balumbong bridge,river
07:45am – ETA Bridge, pack breakfast
08:00am – Rappeling, swim
12:00pm – Lunch
15:00pm – Descent to River, swim, Socials, set camp, enjoy
17:00pm - Dinner, socials

DAY 2: JUNE 6

07:00am - Wake up call(prepare Breakfast)Have Break fast
09:00pm - Break camp(explore area, river, falls, swim)
12:00pm - Lunch at Balumbong falls(swim, socials)
15:00pm - Tidy up

16:00pm - Start trek to jump off or exit at calauan.
16:30pm - Jump off or Calauan

17:00pm - ETD to Manila
19:00pm - ETA MANILA

What to Bring, What to Expect/Explore:

• Flashlight, preferably headlamp

• Change clothes

• FOODS:Packed lunch, Dinner, day 2 breakfast, Day 2 Lunch

• Trail water/water container

• Pair of Gloves for rappeling

• Clothes for swimming

• Snacks

• Camping gears(stove, cookset, lantern, Tent for those who want to stay overnight

• High Angle Rappeling

• Swimming

• Mini falls

• River Exploration

• Camping experience

For contact informations:

Miguel Mapalad

aka "Migs" (09052688275)

Email: miguel.mapalad@yabag.org