Ultimate Guide for Budget Traveler and Adventure Seeker

Aside from Mt Balabag , Treasure Mountain in Rizal is another easiest mountain destination I climbed near Metro Manila. You can reach the ...

Treasure Mountain : The Easiest Mountain To Climb Near Metro Manila

Aside from Mt Balabag, Treasure Mountain in Rizal is another easiest mountain destination I climbed near Metro Manila. You can reach the jump-off point in less than 2 hours via public or private transportation. This mountain offers an amazing sea of clouds and breathtaking view of nearby mountains.



Treasure Mountain is perfect for those who want to experience a chill hike. Honestly, you only need to take 5 minutes hike to reach the peak of the mountain, which is also the camping site. You can tell to the tricycle driver to bring you to the gate of Treasure Mountain. You can also park your car in front of the gate. I guarantee it's absolutely an easy hike.



After our work, we headed to Cubao and took a jeepney going to Cogeo (Gate 2). We were unfamiliar with the area so we told the driver to drop off us near the jeepney terminal bound for Sampaloc, Tanay. Travel time is 30 minutes. From there, we asked again help to the driver to drop off us at Maysawa waiting shed or at the jump-off point of Treasure Mountain. Travel time is 45 minutes. At the waiting shed, we hired a tricycle to go to the gate of Treasure Mountain. Travel time is 20 minutes. Going up to Treasure Mountain is now easy for those who will bring their car. Some parts of the road is now cemented. You can bring your car up to the main gate of Treasure Mountain.



Every time I hike, I always bring a big bag where I can put my portable stove, portable cook sets, butane, canned goods, junk foods, alcoholic beverages, etc. As much as possible, we want to save money by cooking our own food. No worries for those who don't bring their own food. Near the summit, there's a simple restaurant that serves Pinoy dishes. Their food is a little bit pricey.



A deposit is required upon entering Treasure Mountain which is refundable once you left the place. The day tour is P150/pax which starts from 4AM to 3PM while for an overnight tour is P200/pax which starts from 4PM to 1PM. For those people who want to stay overnight, you can rent kubo / nipa hut for a minimum of 2 pax, P500 per pax. You can also rent a tent which is P500 for 2 pax or P800 good for 4 pax. If you want to avail yourself, of a mattress with a pillow and blanket, that's an additional P200.


At night, we ate pancit canton and century tuna paired with bread. It's a different feeling every time you are outside Manila. Far from noise, traffic jams and pollution. I feel true serenity and tranquility. We saw a lot of stars in the clear sky. Luckily, I saw a shooting star. Yey! After our dinner, we decided to drink tequila, which is perfect for a cold night. We talked about a lot of things, especially about our exes and breakups. lol.



Around 5AM, we woke up to check if there was sea of clouds. Unluckily, there's no sea of clouds. I'm a little bit sad but I'm still happy to see the beautiful sunrise. I love mountains! Whether there's a sea of clouds or none, I always embrace the beauty of Mother Nature. The view from the camping site was spectacular.


One of the best side trips after Treasure Mountain is to visit El Patio Razon to experience the Kawa Bath. If you know Kawa Bath in Tibiao, Antique, they also have Kawa where you can dip your body into warm water with flower petals and leaves.

Rates:
  • Day Tour (4:00 AM – 3:00 PM) = Php150 (kids below 6 yrs old are free)
  • Overnight (4:00 PM – 1:00 PM) = Php200
  • Kubo/Nipa Hut = Php500/pax
  • Tent pitching fee = Php300
  • Tent rental = Php500 (2 pax), Php800 (4 pax)
  • Hammock pitching fee = Php150
  • Sleeping mat/ pillow/blanket = Php200
  • Bonfire pit = Php50 per wood bundle
  • Parking  Fee is P30
  • Breakfast = Php120 per meal
  • Lunch = Php250 per 
  • Dinner = Php250 per meal
How to get to Treasure Mountain

VIA Public Transportation

Cogeo Route
  • Ride a van or jeepney going to Cogeo Gate 2 or Padilla
  • Get off at Gate 2 and ride a jeepney bound to Sampaloc, Tanay
  • You will pass the following: Boso-boso Resort, Foremost Farms, Palo Alto, and Garden Cottages
  • Get-off at Sitio Maysawa, the waiting shed or the jump-off to the Maysawa Circuit
  • Walk or take a tricycle


Tanay Route
  • Take a jeepney going to Tanay town proper
  • From Tanay Public Market, ride a jeepney going to Cuyambay
  • OR take a jeepney going to Sampoloc and get off at the junction
  • Take a jeepney bound for Cogeo
  •  You’ll get off at Sitio Maysawa or Maysawa Circuit

NOTE: The last trip of jeepneys bound to Sampaloc, Tanay is at around 5 or 6 pm.

FARES:

Tricycle or Habal-habal fare is P50 per person
Cubao to Cogeo Gate 2 fare is P24
Cogeo Gate 2 to Sitio Maysawa fare is P45


Via Private Transportation:

1. FIRST ROUTE IS VIA MARCOS HIGHWAY, you’ll pass over Masinag, Cogeo, Boso-boso Resort, Foremost Farms, Palo Alto, and Garden Cottages. The way to Treasure Mountain will be on the left side of the road, you’ll see a waiting shed. It’s the same jump-off as the Maysawa Circuit (Mt. Sapari and Mt. Binutasan) From the waiting shed, you’re just 1.5 kilometers away from Treasure Mountain, go straight and you will turn right as you see their signage.

2. ANOTHER ROUTE IS VIA SAMPALOC IN TANAY. You’ll take Sampaloc road and will pass by the street to Daranak Falls. Go straight until you arrive at a junction and then, turn left. Following the scenic road, it will be a 45-minute to 1-hour drive. You’ll pass by Sierra Madre Resort on your right, Ten Cents to Heaven on your left, then Pico de Pino on your right. As you pass over Pico de Pino, you’re already near so drive a little further. Treasure Mountain will be on your right side. Turn right as you see a waiting shed or the jump-off of Maysawa Circuit (Mt. Sapari and Mt. Binutasan) Similarly, go straight and you’ll turn right as you see their signage.

Notes:
  • Bring your jacket. Expect cold winds especially if you’re planning to stay overnight.
  • Bring headlamps or flashlights.
  • Bring your own garbage bag if you’re staying overnight.
  • Near destinations to visit include Kawa Bath in El Patio Razon and Bosay Falls. You can hire a guide at Php 500 for a maximum of 5 persons if you want to go to Bosay Falls..
  • The corkage fee is Php 50 per bottle.
  • For day tours, arrive before sunrise. Sunrise is the best time to take photos.
  • Smoking is only allowed in designated smoking areas.
  • Expect many guests, especially during weekends.
  • Practice Leave No Trace Policy.

For an overnight stay, it’s best to make reservations. Please send them a private message on their Facebook Page.

Treasure Mountain
Tanay, Rizal, Philippines

If you a have review, blog or opinion about Treasure Mountain, please put a comment below. Happy Travels!

3 comments:

  1. Do you have contact number of treasure mountain ?

    ReplyDelete
  2. how to get there from parañaque

    ReplyDelete