Hiking Talks #14: The craggy landscape of Tarak Ridge ~ Mt.Tarak

MAJOR CLIMB| Mount Tarak’s sharp rocks, steep slopes and craggy landscape location are the features that made it be called as “Tarak” or “Tarik”. (Tagalog word used to describe some place steep or craggy making it look quite dangerous). To some mountaineers, Tarak Ridge has gained much attention because of its unique natural landscape. At the western part, the Mt. Mariveles is a perfect piece and can be seen from the peak. The ridge is the place where you can set a camp. It is open to elements. Sometimes a short, strong and sudden rush of wind coming from the South China Sea would cross over the ridge, thus requiring extra pegs for tents at night.

The trail is very much friendly and well-defined (No need for a Guide) and it has two parts. The Wide trail is the first part where tree plantation lies and all throughout the dense grassland. The second part involves trekking into the woodland. Some parts are steep. For support, cautiously hold on well-rooted plants and branches. 

The mountain features lots of natural wonders. You can see butterflies that vary in colors, wild mushrooms, unfamiliar insects, snakes, birds, and a fresh natural river where you can take a plunge.

HIKING It’s the bloggers 25th birthday when we pursued this mountain. Coordinating with the Officer on duty in the Brgy.Hall of Alas-asin, we logged in and registered. The trek starts just as soon as you cross the highway from the Brgy.Hall, then the road directing to Mariveles and facing  Tarak, then just after passing by the water refilling station, take a cemented road going upward. From there, just walk straight.

 

From there to trail head, it would take you 45 minutes at a moderate pace. The trail head is  marked by the house/kubo of Manang Cording where souvenir tarpaulins are being displayed like a billboard.

From this point to Papaya River, as they say, trekking takes 2.5 hours in a moderate pace. You can take break for a lunch, pitch water or dip into the river for a while then sleep for an hour. Stay if u may since this site has a perfect accommodation to offer. Recommended area is the campsite near the river--the trail going to the falls.

After the full rest, we packed up and started to assault by 1400H, reached the ridge by 1630H. We then explored the ridge and set up our "camp".

 

Early morning the following day was our assault. We decided to take pictures, feel the breeze and the comforting touch of the fog makes the morning complete. Back at the ridge, we cooked and ate breakfast and then decided to break camp. We started to descend at 0830H  and  arrived at the highway by 1130H.

 

Hiking up this mountain with me is our local dog guide, “tiger” and my free-spirited Hiking buddy ,“RIU”.

NOTE: Tarak ridge is dangerous during wet seasons. Some accident happened where group of outdoor men/women got lost due to the thick fog that covers the entire forest. Tarak ridge experience could also be done as day hike for experienced mountaineers and it could be a good place for advanced trail running.

DETAILS
Mariveles, Bataan
Jump off poin| Brgy. Alas-asin, Mariveles
LLA| 14°30.357′N, 120°30′E,
1,006 MASL (ridge);
1,130 MASL (peak)
Days required- Hours to summit| 2 days- 5-6 hours
Specs| Major climb- Difficulty 4/9- Trail class 3

TRANSPORTATION
Board bus bound to Mariveles, Bataan (Genesis Bus or Bataan Transit). Stop at Alas-asin Brgy. Hall, tell the conductor that you will be climbing Mt. Tarak, so they will stop you at the exact place. Traveling time 3.5 hours or more. No other means of transportation when you arrive Alas-asin, you may start a partial trek from the highway.