Hiking Talks #07: Balingkilat day hike traverse to Anawangin Cove ~ Mt.Balingkilat

MAJOR CLIMB| Mt. Balingkilat is one of the high peaks in Subic, Zambales mountain Ranges, an open grassy highland. The traverse to Anawagin Cove is pleasant creating a challenging two-day hike with a combination of elements the land and water. The ridges form an excellent top view of the coast, and its unique landscape of volcanic white sands and pine trees and rocky trail. The summit creates a prefect lawn where carabao grass grows; it is like a lawn park above the clouds. The open ridges towards Anawagin Cove to the coast are very scenic and amazing.

HIKING

Ours is a climb to bring good news to the community nearby jump off point which is Sitio Cawag, Settlement. Sharing “Great Hope” books (tagalog version of it). The trek starts at the end of the cemented road. At 0900H we started to step into the trail. We passed by the open fields, visualizing a number of trees around from afar. Since that day the sun was setting high, we already got exhausted at the first part of the trek. We passed along a river and it was quite dried up.

We passed by a dry bush being consumed with fire. Bush fire is said to frequently occur because some dwellers throw consumed cigarettes just everywhere. Movements ought to be made to make regulations on this to restore if not, maintain the forest's beauty. The first part of the hike is ease and relaxing until one reaches the “Kawayanan”. There, we settled for an early lunch (1100H). Water source is available in this area, making it a perfect accommodation for those who wish to rest under bamboo tress and grasses that covers the entire area.

Since we planned on a daylight traverse, we needed some moments of rest to be less exposed from the excruciating heat of the sun. The second part of the trail is slightly challenging yet with some resting points. The heat of the sun is weakening but we didn't let it hinder us as we continued climbing until  the campsite was reached. Sweat conquers all! 1500H, we set foot at the summit. The atmosphere at the  summit is cool, replenishing the energy that got depleted.

It takes hours from the summit down to Anawangin flat land. Thus, we already had our minds set that night trekking might be possible. At the summit, you feel as if the clouds are within reach. The view of the landscape, the beautiful ridge formation, the Capones Island , Mt.Picos Cinco will surely catch your attention.

We started our descent at 1515H, trailblazing to St. Benedict’s Peak and to Emil’s Junction where we pose for a break to experience the settling of the sun. The trail from the summit to Emil’s junction is not so defined, comprising hard rocks, cogon grass and other elements. As approximated, we arrived at the junction at 1730H.

The trail from the junction to Anawangin Cove is about 6KM long, and we went trekking into San Beda Trail as they said,and we started to descent from Emil’s junction at 1745H and the night trek began from thence until the flat land.

However, the trail here is not so friendly, as it has less soil, more rocks. At 2100H, we stopped for a dinner and then kept going. It was not my first wild forest night trekking experience but by then trekking along this trail was a horror too. Carabao’s making unusual sounds approached us along the trail and the darkness made it dangerous to continue our trek. We turned our headlamps off and observed the surroundings, as we could see their eyes “red eyes” from a distance. We looked for ways to let them go away so we can continue with our trek. Surprisingly, we made it and everyone was fine yet all were sleepy and tired.

Since we started the trek from the jump off late at 0900H, we also arrived at the Anawagin Cove late at 2330H, completing the day hike traverse safe and sound.


DETAILS
Entry point| Sitio Cawag Settlement, Subic, Zambales
Exit point| Anawangin Cove (Brgy. Pundaquit, San Antonio, Zambales)
LLA: 14.89 N, 120.11 E,
1100 MASL
Days required -Hours to summit| 2 days - 5 hours
Specs| Major Climb, Difficulty 6/9, Trail class 1-3

TRANSPORTATION
Take a bus bound to Iba, Zambales or  via Olongapo . I suggest Victory liner for convenience.
Stop at Subic public market; catch a tricycle that will bring you to Sitio Cawag, Settlement (100php/head).
From Anawangin Cove, you can have pumpboats to take you to Brgy. Pundaquit, which is the exit point,
or by traversing Mt. Pundaquit down to Brgy.Pundaguit . From there, take tricycle to the highway (20php) then take Bus bound to Pasay or Caloocan.

Pumpboats fare will depend on the number of passengers and upon negotiation. On your way back, it might get a bit expensive but it is still reasonable because you will be going home from an exhausting yet fulfilling day anyway.

PHOTOS

ITINERARY
I don’t post a detailed itinerary because I believe such should be experienced by nobody else but you yourself. General time frame in every stops are shown in the transportation and hiking part of the article.