Mt. Mapait: A not so bitter hike in Nueva Ecija

I remember when I posted my photo on top of Mt. Mapait. I captioned it “Bundok man ay mapait,  pero di sing bitter mo kay ex.” I know I had to apologize for trying so hard to be a millennial (but technically I still am) by attempting to be funny, cool and making fun of our younger generation’s most pressing problem – heartbreak. LOL!

I don’t know what’s happening with our young people today. Everybody seems to be heartbroken and the best part is they share it on social media which then creates a collective feeling of loneliness celebrated through pity party. Then suddenly, even the one who doesn’t have a love life, instantly becomes heartbroken too, commenting that they can totally relate. Hahaha!

So what happened when we create a society of heartbroken? We also create bitter people, so many of them.

Wait, what am I writing here? Am I suppose to write about my hiking experience? I’m sorry, I got carried away. I think this is because of the fact that our newly opened mountains today somekinda‘ play with our emotions, like Mt. Sawi.

And then there’s this Mt. Sawi’s neighbor mountain in Nueva Ecija. Are you ready for its name? It’s Mt. Mapait or in English, bitter. LOL!

 

Hike to Mt. Mapait

It was about 4:00 AM when we arrived at the Brgy. hall to start our hike to Mt. Mapait. All mountaineers are required to coordinate with the Brgy. officials prior the hike to ensure safety and also to assign a guide.

The full moon guided us with its dim lights as we walked until we arrived in a lake. This is Aulo Lake, the famous lake as described from the travel blogs that we needed to cross towards the trailhead so we can start hiking.

It was small. The boat was so tiny and has no outrigger that you needed to relax for you to find your balance. It was still dark with the moonlight reflected on the lake. It was a quite beautiful day.

We waited for a few minutes until the entire group has crossed the lake, and then the hike began. It was still dark so imagine being in the middle of the jungle hiking? You need to have your flash light on. Good thing I have mine. Again, being overweight, the hike was another challenge for me. To make it worse, I have people at the back following the same trail so imagine the pressure for me to keep going or to keep up with the group.

Half way through the hike, we first experienced the open trail and the view was stunning.  It was also the first time that we witnessed the view of Aulo Lake from the mountain. It was a calming and beautiful morning.

 

The Summit

When we reached the summit, it was just in time for the sunrise. I could still feel the calmness of the entire place, as the rays of the sun slowly emerged from afar, touching the land. It was beautiful.

Honestly, at that time, my mind was preoccupied with work, with worries and stress. I needed that moment, to remind myself that life is not just about work. I wish I could have stayed longer at the summit but I knew it was another fleeting moment that I needed to cherish.

I asked one of our local guides, why the mountain was named “mapait?”

I felt that he was not that sure based on his answer. LOL! All he knew was in the past the mountain and its surrounding areas where filled with plants like ampalaya. ‘Really?” I asked him, and honestly I wasn’t buying his story. I just felt that maybe he was just making it up and trying to share a story that could easily relate to the word, “mapait”

I was so sorry for our guide because I still had a follow up question. LOL!

I asked in Tagalog, ‘Do you think they just call this Mapait, as an answer to the “neighboring’ mountain, Mt. Sawi?” Yown! That’s how you ask questions. LOL! You make it sound as if the topic is so important. Just like how Tito Boy throws questions about “showbiz shit” and sounded like it’s a national concern, like even more important than inflation rate and water crisis. LOL!

He answered, “probably.”

Now I concluded that he wasn’t really sure about that.  I later found out that the Barangay that has the jurisdiction for Mt. Mapait is named as Brgy. Mapait.

You might be asking. Jon, why are you asking these questions? Aren’t you supposed to just enjoy traveling and keep your mouth shut?

Well, what’s the point of traveling and experiencing a new place without knowing its story? And if your senses are unable to give you the answers, you ask questions. Right?

It was only a matter of time when the group bonded together and have a photo op. I am not a fan of popular poses that circulated online, but at that time, who am I to resist to even try this pose just once. Besides, I was with an awesome group of mountaineers.

When it was time to go back, we just followed the same path, but unfortunately, two girls in the group lost their way. It turned out that instead of going back to the same trail, they went on the left side of the mountain. Upon realizing that they were lost, they went back to the summit. Good thing, the leaders of our group decided to go back.

It was a delay but it was a good time for us to relish the beauty of the lake once we were back at the foot of the mountain. It was  at that time that I realized that the lake is actually man-made and near a dam in the area. Of course, I wasn’t able to notice that initially because it was still dark when we started the hike.

For those who are planning to hike Mt. Mapait, the barangay hall has enough rest rooms for wash up. But our group took it to the next level, we went to a nearby resort. So most of us were able to swim at the pool while waiting for their turn to bathe.

Overall, it was a good experience, Mt. Mapait was my last mountain in 2018 before I went on hiatus in hiking because I was busy with work. LOL!

So if you’re planning to hike Mt. Mapait, you’re definitely not going to have a bitter experience but a truly memorable one.  (Mai-konek lang ang ending sa opening ng article. LOL!) 

 

How to go to Mt. Mapait

Of course, it would be better to join group hikes because of the comfort of having your own van and the you’d travel directly to the barangay hall for registration. Check out  Baratilyong Gala – BAGA. I joined their group. Also check out some Travel Groups on Facebook!

If you want to go their via DIY, here’s your guide.

1. Take a bus going to Cabanatuan from Cubao. Fare is about P200. Travel time is about 4 hours.
2. From Cabanatuan, ride a jeepney going to Palayan City. Fare is about P50 for 45 minutes travel time.
3. Ride a tricycle going to Brgy, Mapait. Fare is P 20.
4. Register and hire a guide.
5. Boat to cross the Aulo lake is about P 30.

 

Via Private Car

From Manila, take the NLEX and then SCTEX. You’ll exit at La Paz then go straight to the east of Cabanatuan. Follow the road going to Dingalan, then pass through Lahur until reaching Palayan City. Ask for directions then take the road going to Mapait Barangay Hall.

 

Expenses and Budget

Again, if you’re joining a group hike, you might just pay a one time fee for the organizers. But if you decided to go for DIY, these expenses will serve as your guide.

Bus from Cubao to Cabanatuan       Php 200
Jeepney to Palayan City                       Php 50
Tricycle to Brgy Hall                            Php 30
Registration Fee                                     Php 20 per person
Guide fee                                                   Php 300 for up to 10 hikers

 

Mt Mapait Tips

1. Before going to the Brgy. Hall for the hike, please contact Brgy. Captain Toletino Baltazar at 09208125946
2. Bring enough drinking water.
3. Campsites can be the place near Aulo lake or near the summit.
4. I noticed that Cell phone signal is present in some parts of the trail (Globe). My fellow hikers who are Smart subscribers said that they also have signal.
5. There is enough parking at the jump off in Bragy. Hall.
6. Rest rooms and small sari sari store is available at the jump off.
   

   Oi Taba LOL

 

Mt Mapait Itineray

Here is a sample itinerary for you. Remember, this is our own experience since we wanted to experience the sunrise at the summit. You can change the schedule that fits your time preference.

11:00PM               ETD SM North Edsa
4:00AM                Arrival at Brgy. Hall of Mapait
4:15AM              Start of Trek
4:30AM              Boat ride at Aulo Lake
4:45AM              Start hiking
6:00Am              Summit
9:00AM             Back to Trailhead
9:15AM             Boat Ride back
10:00 AM         Back to the Brgy Hall
10:30 AM         Resort
11:00 AM         Early lunch
12:00 Noon     Siesta
2:00PM             Travel back to Manila
5:30PM            Arrival in Manila

 

Mt. Mapait Quick Info

MT. MAPAIT  (details from Pinoy Mountaineer)
Palayan City, Nueva Ecija, Central Luzon

Specs: Minor climb, Difficulty 2/9, Trail class 1-3
Major jumpoff: Dam, Brgy. Mapait, Palayan City
LLA: 15°30′34.4′′N, 121°7′34.8′′ E, 367 MASL (+268)
Days required / Hours to summit: 1 day / 1-1.5 hours
Features: Scenic views of Nueva Ecija

 

Mt. Mapait Map

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