Tarak Ridge (Mount Mariveles)

1,398 m (4587 ft)

It takes about 5 hours to reach the Tarak Peak, and another 5 hours to descend. Many people try to do the entire hike in one very long day, though the experience can be better savoured if you include a night to camp along the way.

This climb is moderately difficult and not recommended for complete beginners. It is suitable for those who are fit and have some experience climbing mountains.

The trail is generally well-worn, especially in the beginning part of the hike. You’ll start off on a dirt track, which turns into a forest with flat rock paths in some sections, and then into a steep ascent that requires some scrambling and climbing using roots and whatever else is available to grab onto. The hike is filled with the sounds of birds, and animals and the echoes of the river through the forest. 

The trek has 3 sections: The beginning (before Papaya River), the middle (between Papaya River and Tarak Ridge), and the summit stretch.

The beginning:

This section is from the starting point at Alas-asin, Brgy. Here there are trees on either side of the dirt track which forms the trail. It is easy to follow and has a gradual incline. Towards the end of this section though, there are places where there is not much shade.

The middle:

After about 2 hours of trekking, you’ll come to Papaya River, which is also the first campsite. Here you can fill up your water bottle, and enjoy the view of the water plunging through the rocks into a small pool and the surrounding vegetation.

From this point onwards the trail gets steeper and more difficult. There are places where the trail is rocky and also where the trail becomes quite steep, requiring you to grab hold of whatever is around you to help you get up. Eventually, you’ll reach Tarak Ridge, which is the second camping spot.

The view here is spectacular. So much so, that many hikers don’t even bother doing the final summit stretch. Make sure to take a photograph with the famous lone tree that resides on the ridge.

The summit stretch:

The summit stretch takes about 30 minutes and the view is indeed worth it after all. Here you’ll see a carpet of green below you and a 360° view of the surrounding mountains, towns, the caldera, and the ocean. You can also see Manila Bay, Corregidor Island and Cabbalo Island in the distance.

Mariveles has a tropical marine climate which is hot, humid and very rainy throughout most of the year.

A good time to attempt this climb is in January since it is cooler, clearer and has a lower chance of rain. 

The rainiest time of year is between May and October, with August having the most days of rain (average of 21.5 days).  The driest period of the year is between November and April. with January and February coming in tie for the fewest days of rain (averages of 1.7 days of rain).

The temperature is consistently hot throughout the year, generally varying between average daily lows of 25°C – 27°C (76°F – 81°F) and average daily highs between 30°C and 32°C (85°F – 91°F).

You’ll need your camping gear, good hiking boots, and lots of sunscreen. Gloves may be helpful for the latter sections of the hike since there will be steep places where you’ll need to grab onto things to pull yourself up.

There are two areas for camping along the trail and you can find clean, drinking water at Papaya River, about 2 hours into the trek. There is no food along the trail though, or at the summit, and there are no special man-made facilities.

A guide is not necessary for the trek as the trail is easy to follow with signs to mark the way. However, you will need to register at the Barangay hall. You can also request a guide from Barangay as well if you would prefer. 

Also make sure to check with the local authorities if the trail is open before making your way there, as the trail has been closed due to destruction caused by typhoons in the past.

Mount Mariveles is located in the neighbourhood of Alas-Asin, Mariveles, Philippines. The mountain is just a 3-4 hour drive from Metro Manila. 

To get to the starting point at Alas-Asin one can take a bus from Metro Manila or a bus bound for Mariveles from Cubao, which is also in Manila.

The trail should be easy to navigate, though it is always best to hike with companions especially if you’re going for a longer trek. 

Beware of falling at the top. There has been a report of a guide falling off a cliff at the top, incurring injuries that later led to his passing away.