Idiot's Guide To Climbing Mt. Taraw El Nido #BawalAngPabebeSaTaraw

And I said climbing because I mean rock climbing and not mere hiking. And not just ordinary rocks, pointed rocks. So this is no easy feat. This is more than just wishful thinking to have that lovely profile picture or Instagram-worthy shot with you in the frame. You have to make sure you are physically fit, in good condition on the day of the climb --- enough sleep, not drunk and not suicidal.

And those IG posts of good looking creatures on top of Taraw seemingly victorious of the view got me. At dahil inggetero ako, I told myself I should not miss Taraw again this time.

The Perfect Time to Climb

The best time of the day to climb is either early in the morning or in the afternoon and our travel agency in El Nido told us sunrise in Taraw is best. That means starting the climb early in the morning. We were in El Nido for 5 days 4 nights and we attempted to hike on the 2nd , 3rd and 4th day but it was just impossible. No guide would accompany us since it was rainy on afternoons during
our stay. The rocks are slippery so it is not advisable" quipped one of our guides from Northern Hope Tours.

How Long Does it Take To Climb Up and Down
1 hour -going up

2 hours -going down

It was our last day in El Nido and we have van to pick us up from our accommodation at Spin Hostel 9:30am for a 5pm flight in PPS back to MNL and we decided to start 7am so heaven help us. This is something I don't advise to anyone. We constantly reminded ourselves we have a flight to catch and so we have to make haste and at the same time be extra careful. I am just so thankful nothing bad happened to us despite the rush. And we were able to complete the climb and descend in 2 hours! Quite an achievement for me -- a 34 year old with sedate lifestyle --- my most difficult climb so far .

I have climbed only 1 mountain in my life and that's a beginners hike.
Read: http://www.pusangkalye.net/2012/01/mount-maculot-is-wehere-i-celebrated-my.html ) so it was really very difficult for me. I swear, sumakit yung tuhod ko sa kanang legs and I was feeling it on the way back to PPS. But it was heard that was more painful realizing I am old and worn out and such climb might not be possible again five years later. Kailangan nang mag Pulag soon!lols

Proper Footwear Highly Advised

While this is common sense, many of us break the rules.

Don't worry about the sun, most of the climb will be under the shade of trees along the way. The only exposure you get is when you get to the summit and I guess you will not be staying there for an hour or so as there is nothing to do except take photos and appreciate the view. Be mindful of your footwear. Proper hiking shoes is highly recommended. Sandals or flip flops will not do the job. My friend was wearing sandals and he accidentally hit one of his fingers on the rocks and got wounded. I was not ready for this so I was wearing my Crocs rubber shoes and it did pretty well in hugging the rocks and protecting my feet but it was badly damaged. 

Do You Need a Guide? 

Yes. Definitely Yes! Not only that finding the base of Mt. Taraw through the maze of houses is difficult, I doubt that you will find your way through the mountain as there is no visible foot path. All there is are dark rocks of same color punctuated by vegetation. Not only that having a guide will save you a lot of time, he will is also be your safety net.

Our Guide was from Northern Hope Tours.
I am really very thankful to Northern Hope
for taking care of us during our entire stay in El Nido.

Northern Hope Tours
Calle Real, Barangay Buena Suerte, El Nido, Palawan
E-mail: northernhopetours@gmail.com
Mobile Numbers
(+63) 939-902-2216 (Smart)
(+63) 927-735-3221 (Globe)
(+63) 942-375-2441 (Sun)
Facebook: facebook.com/NorthernHopeTours

http://www.northernhopetours.com

90 degrees Climb
#BawalAngPabebe

There are three difficult sections requiring climbing 90 degrees. No joke. Unang 90 degrees climb palang hirap nako. And I was sweating a lot coz I had to catch up with the pace of my companions. And I thought, "this is not good" , I might get injured not working in my own pace. I asked the guide if there are more obstacles like the first 90 degree climb and he said the two are more difficult. That's when I realized that I have to put up my "beast mode" , #BawalAngPabebeSaTaraw.

Pero maraming mga pabebe na nakaakyat na sa Taraw ha. At bilib ako sa kanila. Kasi di biro ang umakyat ng Taraw. At sabi ng guide, itong mga pabebe girls ay inaabot ng syam syam bago makaakyat sa tuktuk ng bundok at lalo pa sa pagbaba dahil sa daming kaartehan. ahahaha. Pero at least, pabebe or not, nakarating. Achievement. lols

Be Rewarded by the View
Once at the top, the grand view will be your reward. To see El Nido in a new angle, a different perspective. It might not be the sunniest of sunny mornings during our climb but El Nido from Mt. Taraw is as glorious as ever. From here, the small town turns even miniature. But still a lovely sight

YOU MIGHT ALSO WANNA READ:
- SPIN DESIGNER HOSTEL EL NIDO: So Good, It's So Easy to Recommend to Friends @SpinHostelPH
- El Nido COMBINATION TOUR A and C via #NorthernHopeTours
- HOW TO GET TO EL NIDO via Puerto Princesa @NorthernHopeTours
- EL NIDO vs CORON: Which is Better?
- Nobody's Tour? EL NIDO Tour-B Will Surprise You: Entalula Beach, Pinagbuyutan Island, Snake     Island and more via #NorthernHopeTours

_______________________