This was my third in Cinco Picos. During the second time, I was in the impression that we reached all three peaks... it was a lie, until today. Just a few weeks ago, one team took a brave step to establish a trail connecting Peak 4 to Peak 5 and later found out that there are 2 more peaks hidden after Peak 5. Big Salute to this team, these said peaks are now accessible to all hikers who wishes to add more thrill to the usual 2-3 peaks hike. We all know how long and tiring the hike would be from Jump-off to Campsite, then add how open the space is causing direct sun exposure a pain in someone else's butt. From Campsite, you can outline the trail on the first 3 peaks. And yes, the trail goes up and down and up (repeat til satisfied). Trail going to Peak 1 is pretty easy, typical hike assault while enjoying the view around. Peak 1 has this big boulder atop, perfect for summit shot. Going to Peak 2 is not a pretty one. A direct assault I would say with cogon grasses slapping your face. While going to peak 3 from 2 requires going inside a forest of Bonsai trees in full decent, the trail here is not friendly, because you have to hold onto roots and trees while balancing on loose soil (lahar) then another full accent to reach the summit. Peak 4 is the highest among the 5 peaks, towering at 927masl. Yes, another full assault from Peak 4 is needed. Reaching Peak 5 was the most challenging of all. Reaching the ridge connecting to Peak 5, we descend few more meters because there were no direct trail the other side. The team who buswacked the trail needs to established connecting trail to both peaks by going further down then assault to an open space for Peak 5. Upon reaching the open space, we need to hike around to be able to access the trail going up. It was a "gapang" mode to reach the peak. At the top of Peak 5, 2 more peaks can be seen. The team who established the trail called those peaks as Peak 6 and 7. Peak 6 and 7 are pretty easy trail by the way. There are several options for hikers after reaching the peaks; 1. Traverse to Sampaloc Cove. - Sampaloc cove is not that familiar to many but this is the last cove within the area after Silanguin Cove 2. Traverse to Silanguin Cove. 3. Hike back to jumpoff via the hills and plains just below the mountain going up to the Campsite then back trail. However in our case, since we opted for dayhike and the Hills/Plains below is barren and was completely exposed to the Sun. We ended up doing the backtrail. We hiked all the way back from Peak 6 to Peak 1, all Summits were reached again just to reach the campsite. A fourth option I could suggest but please keep in mind this is I believe the worst option of all since you will have to endure the trail going up and down and up all over again. I would not recommend this hike to any beginners because reaching those peaks will require additional few more hours to finish the entire trek plus you do not want to continue hiking at night. Thank you to "Adventure Team Spirit". I am not sure if this is the Org's team but this is the name we saw on every summits trail marks. Kudos to your team and thank you for establishing the trail for hikers who wished to enjoy Mt. Cinco Picos' beauty. Though not yet verified, as per our Guide, we were the second team to finish the 7 peaks hike (after the trail was created) and the first team to finish the 7 peaks in a day. For your Information
2 Comments
Joan
9/22/2016 06:14:15 am
Wow. This is very informative. We're planning to go hiking here next month. Good luck to us. =)
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localguide/tom
2/8/2017 07:23:30 pm
sa mga aakyat po ng cawag mountains, eto po sana ang kontakin nyo sa oh hanapin nyo Chieftain Jimmy Ablong 0921-9543215.
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