Mt. Hapunang Banoy offers close-to-extreme rock-climbing, trekking adventure

Mt. Hapunang Banoy in Rizal (PNA)

MANILA — Extreme and breathtaking.

That’s how I describe my recent climb in Mt. Hapunang Banoy, a 462-meter above sea level (MASL) mountain in Brgy. Wawa, Rodriguez, Rizal.

Mt. Hapunang Banoy or Mt. Banoy or more popularly called as Hapunang Banoy is one of the three mountains that can be accessed through Brgy. Wawa. However, it is the less explored mountain, yet has the highest elevation compared to its neighboring mountains of Mt. Binacayan at 424 MASL and Mt. Pamitinan, 426 MASL.

Although the mountain is unrated by hikers, it has a trail class of 5 since you need to use your free hand as climbing method.

If you’re looking for close-to-extreme rock-climbing and trekking near Metro Manila, Hapunang Banoy can offer you this adventure.

For less than two hours of travel from Cubao, Hapunang Banoy is sure to give you that feeling of ‘getting high’ as you will literally climb on rocks to reach the summit.

You can actually do ascend and descend in Hapunang Banoy in three to five hours.

From Brgy. Wawa DENR site, which will be the registration and jump-off point, it will be like there’s nothing special with the trail of this mountain. Before going up, you will pass a hanging bridge. This hanging bridge is a picture-perfect one, so make sure to take photos here. Expect some 30 to 45 minutes of regular trekking and hiking.

Then after close-to-an-hour regular trek, be ready to get high on rocks as this will be the rock climbing part all the way to the top. This rock climbing will take 1 hour and 30 minutes to 2 hours and 30 minutes to reach the summit.

What’s extra challenging in climbing Hapunang Banoy, aside from its ‘rocky climb’, is you need to be extra careful as the mountain’s rocks are very sharp and there are also ‘unstable’ rocks that can induce injuries not only to you but to other hikers as well.

Since it’s a rocky mountain, expect that there are no huge trees to cover and protect you from the extreme heat of the sun.

With these cautions, be sure to wear long sleeves, thicker leggings, and durable shoes. Don’t try the mountain when you’re wearing shorts or slippers. It will not only be very difficult but very dangerous.

Also, travel light but have at least 1.5-liter water as there are no sari-sari stores going up the mountain.

How to get there? From Cubao UV Express Terminal, ride UV Express going to Rodriguez (formerly Montalban) then tell the driver to drop you off in Eastwood. From Eastwood, ride tricycle going to Brgy. Wawa DENR site.

Two-way fare will cost Php120 while guide fee will be Php400 for a group of five members.

Mountain climbing is an interesting physical activity since it will also allow us to explore one of the country’s treasures — the beautiful mountain ranges.