Tarak Ridge – Review

Tarak Ridge – Mariveles Bataan – 1,006 MASL (ridge) – 1,130 MASL (peak)

The event was held on August 29, 2016 and it was my 4th mountain. I did not know what to expect but it turned out to be my grandest so far.

Going to the registration area will take a 15 to 20 minute walk.
After registration we were told to be careful of fallen trees and branches because when you walk, you tend to look at your feet and the chances that your head will be hit by these branches is very likely.
It was very dark and not much to see because we started around 4 am but it looked wonderful when you see it in daylight. The path is embraced by tall trees giving shade like a dome.
The first part of the trek which ends in Papaya river is very long. It took about 4 to 5 hours to get there.
You’re near Papaya river when you start to see big rocks and series of smaller waterfalls. Don’t get too excited posing too much for pics on the first one that you will catch since there will be many.
There are water formations everywhere you look at Papaya river. That area was my favorite since it was the most relaxing and beautiful. When it rains the trees will give you a nice covering even.
The second part going to the ridge is what they called the wood lands because the trail is surrounded by trees. The assault was steep so it was more difficult but the vines and roots provides a nice support and texture on the ground.
When you reach the ridge, trees were lesser and the place is surrounded by tall weeds and rocks.
It was foggy when we got there so I can’t tell you about the view except that the ridge is vast and open.
The path going up is the same as going down but it was like a new experience since we did not see much of the mountain when we started
Be careful of thorny plants along the pathway.
The first group finished the hike at 5pm while the rest of the group at 9pm.
You can buy Lugaw and Turon when you get back to the registration area.
There is a group shower area near the parking place and it cost 20 php. Separate dressing areas which provides some privacy can be found.

In general I like this mountain very much although I would prefer to break the hike to two days because it takes too long to finish and there is so much to see. It is unfortunate that I was not able to catch the view from the ridge but I was gratified with my experience with the Papaya river. The hike gave me a sense of accomplishment and great memories.

I would like to say thank you to Vincent #TheAdVinceTurescapade, DiwataRR and HSMC for making this fun and memorable event possible.