This mountain is one of the most hiked mountains because it became famous due to its accessibility from Manila. It's been a long time since we planned to visit Wawa Dam and hike the twin mountains, for some reasons, it resulted to "drawing." Hiking Mt. Pamitinan is a bit challenging but will definitely give you an amazing and wide view of the greens surrounding Wawa Dam and part of Sierra Madre.
Specifications:
- Location: Rodriguez, Rizal
- Major jump-off: Brgy. Wawa, Rodriguez, Rizal
- LLA: 14°43′51.7′′N 121°11′29.2′′ E
- Height and Elevation: 426+ MASL
- Hiking Difficulty: 3/9, Minor, Trail class 1-4
The history of Mt. Pamitinan:
- The photo above was take at the terrace by the cave.
- According to the history of events of the Philippine Independence, Andres Bonifacio, along with Emilio Jacinto, Restituto Javier, Guillermo Masangcay, Aurelio Tolentino, Faustino Manalak, Pedro Zabala, and other new members of the Katipuneros, went here to initiate the new members of the Katipunan.
- Also, Bonifacio wrote Viva la Independencia Filipina! on the walls of the cave to express the goal of their secret society.
- According to folklore, Bernardo Carpio used his superpower to separate this mountain from Mt. Binacayan. As a result, there's a space in between them where Wawa Dam is situated.
The Trails of Mt. Pamitinan:
- The trails of Mt. Pamitinan are difficult, and the terrain is a bit challenging due to different factors.
- It has a combination of uphill, downhill, rock scrambling, and hopping on and off the boulders, the same as with Mt. Binacayan and Mt. Hapunang Banoi.
- The entire journey on the trail was remarkable because the weather was good, plus the people I've been with were incredible.
The Summit of Mt. Pamitinan:
- Best Spot to Visit: Though the ascent was tiring, we were rewarded with a perfect on the summit.
- On top, there's a 360-degree view of Wawa and the nearby municipalities.
- The boulders with different shapes and sizes are the perfect backdrop.
- The majority of the area is still covered with greens, but mining activity from afar is very noticeable.
It was challenging because some of the trails were steep and vertical. Gravity will pull you down, and the sharp edges of the boulders can even cut your palm if you’re not using gloves. After the boulder part, the trail is still downhill. Terrains are still covered with trees and other plants, with the birds singing. Trail marks are visible.
Side Trip to Wawa Dam:
- After the tiring Pamitinan hike, you can take a break by dipping in the cool water of Wawa Dam.
- During summer, the water is crystal clear and cool, perfect for soared muscles. The pressure of the water falling from the dike is soothing and relaxing.
How to Get to Mt. Pamitinan:
- Beside Jollibee Farmers, Cubao, ride in a UV Express van and alight in Eastwood, not the Eastwood in Libis, huh.
- In Eastwood, ride in a tricycle to Wawa Dam. Or, you can wait for jeepneys with "Wawa" signboard and alight in in DENR.
- Reminder: Entrance fees, environmental fees, as well as guide fees are to be collected at the DENR. The guide is a must before hiking Mt. Pamitinan.