We've seen photos of mountaineers online and I can't help but get envious with those selfies and group pictures foregrounding a picturesque landscape or a breathtaking sea of clouds. Since I'm not really into hiking, I have already accepted the fact that I won't be getting a shot like one of those in this lifetime.
It's been months since my friend Aubs has been asking us to go to this mountain where we can experience a sea of clouds that's just near our place in Antipolo. At first, I am really hesitant of going since I totally have no experience in hiking. My concerns if this trip is gonna push through: I don't have a tent, hiking/trekking is not my thing, how are we gonna eat/take a bath/sleep there. She's really eager in going and offered to arrange everything so I trusted her anyway and just go. Well, if not for her pangungulit, then I wouldn't have these for my Instagram! 😜
EXPERIENCE SEA OF CLOUDS WITH MINIMAL TO NO HIKING REQUIRED
Treasure Mountain is located in Tanay, Rizal, which is just about 2-3 hours away from Manila. Limited lodging is available but there's so much space within the camp site to pitch your tents.
Reservation is required and registration at the site is open until 8pm. We left Antipolo at around 6:30pm and arrived at the place a few past 8 (luckily, registration is still open). The place is searchable on Google Maps so you won't get lost going there. The roads are too dark though so if you're not used to travelling at night, better if you leave early. Registration opens at 4pm anyway. There are also some areas with no signal so better if you can save the map offline. They also have a parking area just right at the entrance. Like what I said, minimal to no hiking skills required here! 😉
From Antipolo to Treasure Mountain
There's a mini-restaurant and sari-sari store within the camp area, but they're also closing at night so if you're planning to stay up late, make sure you bring food for your midnight snack.
As soon as we arrived, we immediately looked for a spot to pitch our tent. Had our dinner afterwards and a few drinks. Also tried night photography, but we can't seem to figure out the right settings. Comment down below if you have tips on getting a perfect shot in a pitch black environment!
We originally planned to stay up until the morning because we're afraid of missing the sea of clouds, but the cold breeze and the cozy tent are just so inviting so we decided to call it a night.
The following day, we woke up at around 4:30am and headed to the higher grounds where people flock to witness the beauty nature has to offer. This is another first for me so I'm definitely excited!
The following day, we woke up at around 4:30am and headed to the higher grounds where people flock to witness the beauty nature has to offer. This is another first for me so I'm definitely excited!
Where there's a sea of clouds, expect a sea of crowd. This photo somehow reminds me of Mines View Park in Baguio.
It took us quite a while to find our perfect spot. Be cautious though because there are some areas within the camp site that are private properties.
There are also some real nice rock formations but be very careful when climbing because it's almost at the end of the cliff. We don't want our IG-worthy shots result to an accident, don't we?
Of course, I also brought my OPPO F5 Youth with me for some flawless shots and selfies!
Went back to our tents at around 8AM and the sea of clouds cleared up just a few minutes later. So if you're doing a daytour, make sure you arrive early enough to not miss the view.
Overall, the experience is really great! Never thought I'd ever encounter a breathtaking sea of clouds since I'm not really into hiking. Treasure Mountain made it possible!
If you're planning to visit this tourist attraction in Tanay, Rizal, here are some tips and reminders:
- Take EXTRA care when climbing up the rock formations. Some are just at the edge of a cliff.
- Be RESPONSIBLE campers. Tone down the noise a bit and do not leave your trash in the camp site.
- Telco signals are quite a challenge (especially Globe) so it's a better opportunity to put your 'real' social skills into practice 😉
- If you're bringing a car, there's a pay parking area just before the entrance gate.
- Off road track may be a challenge for sedan/lowered cars, but there's also parking area near the highway. You may leave your car there and take a tricycle to Treasure Mountain.
- For smokers, they do have a designated smoking area.
RATES
If you're spending the night at the site, you will have to pay Php 200/head and that's from 4pm until 1pm the following day. Since they're fully booked during the time we went there, we just brought our own tent and paid Php 300 for the tent-pitching fee.Here's a complete list of their rates as of July 2017 (went there Feb2018 and same rates still apply):
- Day Tour (walk-ins allowed) - Php150/head (4AM to 3PM)
- Overnight (registration required)- Php200/head (4PM to 1PM)
- Tent-pitching Fee - Php300/tent
- Tent Rental - Php500 (good for 2) / Php800 (good for 4)
- Sleeping Mat - Php200
- Overnight Lodging - Php500/head (min. 2 guests / max 5 guests)
- Overnight Kubo Rental - Php3,500 (good for 6)
- Meals - Php150 (breakfast); Php250 (lunch/dinner)
- Corkage Fee for alcoholic beverages - Php50/bottle
- If you're commuting, here are the tricycle rates going to Treasure Mountain:
- From Sitio Maysawa waiting shed - Php50/head
- From Barangay road - Php30/head
- From Paenaan - Php100/head (minimum of 5 pax)
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