Move over Mt. Kiltepan, a mountain in Nueva Ecija also offers a view with a sea of clouds similar to what was depicted in the rom-com film “That Thing Called Tadhana.”
Mt. Kemalugong (Paasa Peak) rises at Brgy. Siclong, Laur, Nueva Ecija. It is considered as the highest peak in Nueva Ecija.
If you plan on going to see this place, here’s an itinerary shared to us by the Nueva Ecija Backpackers and Mountaineers Community – Exploration Team (NEBMC).
ITINERARY – INFORMATION – BUDGET – CONTACT PERSONS
Mt. Kemalugong (Paasa Peak)
Elevation 1750+MASL
Major Climb
Difficulty 5/9
Days required: 2 days
Limatik: None
Rattan: +++
Lipa (Poison Ivy): +++++
>Itinerary:
Day 01
2230 At Cubao, Take a bus ride bound to Cabanatuan City
0130 ETA Cabanatuan City Terminal,
0200 ETD going to Brgy. Siclong (Private Vehicle)
0330 ETA Jumpoff Point Brgy. Siclong, Registration @Brgy. Hall
Entry Point side of Brgy. Cemetery
0400 Start trek (Farmland)
0415 River Crossing
0510 ETA Gordon River(water source)
0530 ETA Kubo sa Kawayanan
0600 Start Trek up to Gordon Hill/Cogon Area
0645 Arrival at Forested Area
0715 ETA Giant Baliti Tree
0720 Start trek up (series of uphill and downhill)
0930 ETA @Creepy Kubo
1130 Possible Lunch stop at the trail
1230 Start Trek Up
1330 ETA Tobal’s Trail/ Hunter’s Trail
1600 Arrival @Campsite Set up tent (optional)
Day 02
0500 Wake up Call/Breakfast
0600 Start trek to Paasa Peak via Paasa Ridge
0725 ETA @ Paasa Peak Campsite
0735 ETA @ Mt. Kemalugong Summit (Paasa Peak)
0830 Start Descent
0945 Campsite (Break Camp)
1100 Start Descent via Tobal’s Trail
1445 ETA at Giant Baliti Tree
1500 Arrival Gordon Hill/Cogon Area
1630 ETA Gordon River
1745 River Crossing
1800 Farmlands
1830 Arrival at Brgy. Hall (Tidy Up)
1850 Head Back to Cabanatuan City
(via rented service)
>Budget
Bus to Cabanatuan Terminal – 185
Jeep from terminal to Bato Perry, Laur – 40 per head
Tricycle from Bato Perry to Siclong Brgy Hall – 20 per head
Guide (1:10) 500/- 50 per head
Tricyle Brgy Siclong to Cabanatuan terminal 600/5 – 120 per head
Bus to Manila – 185
Total: 600 per head exclusive of food
>Contact person
Brgy. Capt. Zosimo Tabing Jr – 09196908901
Councilor Jerry Sapon – 09075115765
Brgy. Sec. Edward del Rosario – 0949452491
Jerome Austria, one of the team members, shared his experience going up Paasa Peak.
On the 17th of January 2016, the Nueva Ecija Backpackers and Mountaineers Community (NEBMC) – Exploration Team successfully explored and unveiled the majestic beauty of Mt. Kemalugong (Paasa Peak – 1750 MASL) located in Brgy. Siclong, Laur, Nueva Ecija. The Exploration team was inspired by the fact that Nueva Ecija is surrounded by majestic yet unexplored mountains, and exploring would open possibilities of promoting the beauty of these mountains through ecotourism while protecting the same from any form of acts that threatens their natural wonders.
The 2-day exploration hike was filled with adventure and excitement. With every step of uncertainty towards the summit, the team finds enthusiasm in making trails amidst the heights of several kinds of trees. The exploration team considered the exploration hike in the same manner of finding a diamond in the middle of the unknown. The difficulty range of the mountains is unknown, the flora and fauna existing in its forest or even the possibility of encountering Cannibal community amidst the jungle is likewise uncertain. There were instances where the exploration team lost excitement in finding trails, but we are thankful to our vigorous guide (“Kuya Christobal”) in making ways to proceed with the exploration. The feeling of disappointment for not reaching the summit sometimes lowered the morale of the exploration team. But at the end of more than 12-hour long and exhaustive trek, the summit (eventually named as “Paasa Peak”) was reached.
The camaraderie within the group is likewise highlighted throughout the duration of the exploration considering the diversity of the profession and experience of the team members.
After necessary arrangement and coordination with the local government unit, Mt. Kemalugong is now open for mountaineers and nature lovers for them to experience a place where a sea of clouds can be viewed free.
The NEBMC – Exploration Team members are Marty Cellona, Jon-jon Bacquel Garcia, Joy Ann Marie Arieta, Alvin Yuzon, Christian Jayson Narciso, and Jerome Austria. They endeavor to live in their dream of reaching peaks and summits that no one has ever reached yet, with the intention of promoting and protecting these majestic gifts of nature.
Photo credit to the NEBMC – Exploration Team.
How about a trip to Paasa Peak to let go of all the “paasa” in your life?
