Mt. Tarak: Braving the Roof of Bataan

I had the opportunity to climb MT. Tarak last April with a good friend, Abi. Together, we braved Mt. Tarak and both of us had a fair share of sweat, pain, and an ecstatic sense of accomplishment.

MT. TARAK

The Tarak mountain peak towers at 1,130 meters above sea level (MASL) while Tarak Ridge is at 1,006 MASL. That's not even half the height of Mt. Pulag nor the massive Mt. Apo. Pro-climbers categorize this mountain as a "major climb," albeit its average elevation, due to its difficult trail.

Mt. Tarak belongs to a range of mountains in Bataan. This mountain is well-known to professional and seasoned mountaineers and is an all-time climb destination favorite.


THE TRAIL

We boarded a Genesis bus (Cubao terminal) bound to Mariveles at 4AM. Drop off point is in Barangay Alas-asin, Mariveles, Bataan.

We pre-arranged a guide before the climb and registered at the Alas-asin's barangay hall. Brgy. Alas-asin is the jump-off point and can be reached by boarding a Mariveles-bound bus. The trip takes around 3-4 hours from Cubao.

You can contact our guide (Sir Buboy) at 09326464292 if you are planning to trek this mountain and if you are in need of a guide.

The trail commences from a paved road and is then followed by a dirt road. This is an easy part of the trail. A right turn leads into steeper and narrower paths adorned by trees and forests, which conclude upon reaching Papaya River.

Mt. Tarak trail.

The Papaya River was dry during the climb.

Halfway through. Photo taken at the Papaya Riverbank.

ON OUR WAY UP: THE ASSAULT

Reaching the Papaya River is just the first part of the story. The really challenging part starts from the trail past the Papaya River until the ridge. Unfortunately, Abi sprained her right ankle halfway through the climb. But that did not quench our spirits. 

Mt. Tarak's assault is a punisher. From the Papaya River, the trail inclines to leg-crushing degrees and there are sections where where we used both of our hands for support. 

Almost there.

Who's sprained now?

It was all pain and gasping for breath until we reached Tarak Ridge. The view was spectacular.

The view from the summit of Tarak Ridge.

Good job on your first climb, Abi!

We didn't stay long at the summit. After having lunch at the ridge spending a few moments, we decided to go back.

The descent was as bloody as the ascent to the ridge. There were open areas in the trail and the sun burned our faces. The first part of the trail downhill was dry and loose, which made the downhill trek more treacherous.

Our pace was a bit slow due to Abi's injured foot, but we still made it back to Brgy. Alas-asin on time.

Kaya pa!

Kuya Buboy was one of the best guides I've trekked with. He shared a lot of stories with us during the climb.

I initially thought Mt. Tarak was going to be an easy climb but Mt. Tarak proved me wrong. I got a couple of scrapes, bruises, and a good helping of leg cramps. Abi even rolled her ankle. There were numerous times we ran out of breath and almost gave up. But we never did. The call of the summit was stronger.

If there is one thing that Mt. Tarak taught me, it's perseverance. Like when you are on the verge of giving up, just keep going. :)

Here's the full itinerary for our day trip to Tarak Ridge:

MT. TARAK DAY TRIP

4:00 AM - ETD Cubao (Genesis Bus - Mariveles bound)

6:00 AM - ETD Brgy. Alas-asin (Bataan)

6:30 AM - Breakfast

7:00 AM - Register at the barangay hall/ Meet up with the guide

8:00 AM - Start of trek

10:00 AM - ETD Papaya River

10:30 AM - Assault to the Ridge

12:00 PM - ETD Ridge/ Lunch

1:00 PM - Start of descent

4:00 PM - ETD Brgy. Alas-asin

5:00 PM - Freshen up/ 

6:00 PM - Bus to Cubao

9:00 PM - ETD Cubao