Day hike at Mt. Tagapo

 

If you’re looking for a quick day hike, simply wanting to disconnect from the city noise and indulge in nature, come and explore the beauty of Mt. Tagapo.

📍LOCATION

Mt. Tagapo is located in the province of Laguna. It is a 2 hour land travel from Manila and a short 1 hour boat ride from the fish port of Brgy. Janosa, Binangonan, Rizal. 

🚘HOW TO GET THERE

• From Sta. Ana, Manila
• Take a jeepney from JRU bound to Binangonan, Rizal
• Travel time: Approx. 2 hours
• From EDSA, Shaw Blvd
• Take a UV express (van) or jeepney bound to Binangonan, Rizal
• Jeepney terminals are available in the following areas:
• Starmall
• SM Megamall
• Greenfield district
• Robinsons Galleria
• Travel time: Approx 1.5- 2 hours
• From Marcos Highway, Cubao, or Marikina
• Take a jeepney bound to Binangonan, Rizal
• Jeepney terminals are available in the following areas:
• Sta. Lucia East Grandmall
• Robinson’s Metroeast
• Travel time: Approx. 1 hour
  

📝TIPS & RECOMMENDATIONS

📌Boat rides at the fish port starts as early as 5 am
I remember that we went on this hike around March of 2018, and it was a saturday morning. I was a freshman student back then. And usually I doze off so badly on friday nights because of the exhausting demands of med school. And one of the recurring thoughts I  had that morning was “what am I doing in a fish port at 5am” hahaha that was just a side story.  Anyways, when you get to the fish port, you would be  traveling with other people who are not necessarily hikers. You would be traveling with some of the locals, merchants who are transporting goods, other travelers, etc. Remember to always be vigilant and be mindful of your personal belongings.

📌Pack light (especially your “hiking” essentials)
Extra clothes, rubber shoes/ hiking sandals, cap, umbrella, personal tumbler and water (stay hydrated!), toiletries, medications (if you’re asthmatic, or biyahilo, or any maintenance medications), sunscreen, plastic bag (where you can store you trash! Let’s not leave our trash in  places we travel to. Also this could be used for storage of dirty clothes), alcohol, towel, etc.

📌Bring your own snacks 
📌Trail could get muddy. Be prepared to get dirty
📌Hiking fees:
Trail guide: Php 500 per group (required)
Environmental/ registration fee: Php 30