Mt. Balingkilat – a blazing open mountain trail that will surely challenge one’s susceptibility to heat! It’s beautiful landscape and open view lets you see the whole scenery of Zambales; from the majestic mountains that surround it, the cozy coves in which you may want to camp, to the nearby islands that you could explore as well. The summit will surely bring you in awe and fill your eyes with surreal beauty!

So for you guys who plan to hike Balingkilat, the highest mountain peak at Zambales (about 1100MASL), we had this side trip planned out for you! The great thing about climbing this mountain is that you have so many choices on your way down. You could plan to ascend many more nearby mountains like Cinco Picos, Mt. Nagsasa, and/or Mt. Biri-biri, or do a Penta-hike. Then you could camp at bay in several coves and enjoy the sandy beaches in Nagsasa Cove, Anawangin Cove, Silanguin Cove, and many more! You could even enjoy an island hopping the next day from these coves and visit famous islands like Camotes Island, Camara Island, and Silanguin Island! So read on and rediscover Zambales’ Mt. Balingkilat!

***This post was updated this 20th of July 2017 with Basekamp MarketMarket as our coordinator. We did a penta day-hike on the surrounding mountains and were really grateful for a successful revenge climb blast!

How to Get Here

Via Public Transportation

1. Travel to Olongapo – If you’re from Manila, you could ride Victory Liner Pasay/Cubao going to Olongapo directly.
2. Olongapo to Subic – Upon reaching Olongapo, there are a lot of jeepney’s going to Subic Police Station. (Beside Municipal Hall)
3. Subic Police Station to Barangay Cawag – Submit your letter of Intent to the Police officials on your plans to climb Balingkilat. From here, there will be many tricycles just outside that you could rent going to the jump off point.

Note: It’s best if you already have a contact in the jump off point so they could assist you better. Here’s one contact of a native Italiano (Ita +Ilocano) who became our guide as well. Tom -> 09074737117

Recommended Tour

• Well if you’re with a medium sized group or you would like to try being a joiner, it’s best to have a tour which would ease your headache on how to get here. Contact Gregg Galicia below of BaseKamp Market Market to help you on your tours. If all else fails, then contact the blogger. 🙂
  Facebook: @greg_galicia
  Facebook: @basekampmarketmarket
  Mobile: 09171095454

Where to Stay

Well this really depends on your preference. You could camp on Balingkilat’s summit, get back down to Nagsasa Cove (or any coves you desire) and camp near the beach. The summit of Balingkilat is a very nice place to camp as well but be sure to secure your tent as the open field will have strong chilling winds at night and blazing heat at day.You could even do a day hike and get back to Subic then just find a resort to stay in! It’s your adventure so get out there and enjoy!

Budget

Values below does not include any food or miscellaneous expenses. These expenses are only based on our itinerary.

1. Transportation

• Pasay Victory Terminal to Olongapo Victory Terminal: 218php ea
• Jeepney from Olongapo to Subic Police Station: 20php ea
• Tricycle from Subic Police Station to Cawag Jump Off: 300php per tricycle (you could give them extra if you really have heavy luggage.. it’s quite far and we assure you guys this is an honest rate).
• Guide Fee: 900php

Note: If you will take same route going back, rates will be the same. But if you opt to stay on coves and do the island hopping, then that’s another thing.

THE HIKE (revenge climb)

I’ve included new photos during our 2nd climb at Balingkilat but I guess the first ones (although crappier) have a nostalgic effect and detail the hike more than I do now, so I want them to stay as well. Hahaha!

No words. Just Gratitude.

Lighting up the horizon.

Everyone just bathing in the warmth of the sun.

Truly a majestic view. Exaggerations don’t even quantify.

Another beautiful day ahead.

On towards the wilderness we go!

THE HIKE (first time)

Here’s the itinerary (in pictures) during our first hike. It’s a memorable climb since it was the first time we met our long-time hike buddies. Forgive me for the lousy pictures back then but they deserve much more credit that how they look! Hahaha!

First stop, Subic Police Station (and get your group mug shots!).

Proceeding to Cawag Barangay Hall to register.

A short stop over in Cawag Resettlement Center to pay fees.

Finally, the hiking starts!

A short walk leads to a small river where we see native Itas (Aetas).

Just passing thru….

Then the skies darken…

And it actually started to drizzle 🙂

And we had a chance to dip on this icy cold river!

After around an hour, we see this wonderful view of these mountains!

Plus I’m pretty much soaking in water now! 🙂

Still we pushed thru!

And managed to take a groupie! 🙂

Before needing to head back because of strong winds and continuous rainfall

And making new friends along the way! Till the next hike!