Tarak Ridge (1,130+) | Mariveles, Bataan

December 11, 2021September 13, 2022 Rex Lim Lim bataan, ITINERARY, mountains, TRAVEL GUIDES

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Tarak Ridge in Mariveles, Bataan is a favorite climb by mountaineers in Luzon. Moreover, Tarak is a portmanteau of “Tabak” (hunting knife) due to the sheer length of the ridge, and “Tarik” due to the steepness of the trail.

TARAK RIDGE
Mariveles, Bataan
Jump-off point: Brgy. Alas-asin, Mariveles
LLA: 14°30.357′N, 120°30′E, 1,006 MASL (ridge); 1,130 MASL (peak)
Days required / Hours to summit: 2 days, 5-6 hours
Specs: Major climb, Difficulty 4/9, Trail class 3
(www.pinoymountaineer.com)

After more than a month of waiting, we did a major climb as soon as our schedules permitted us to do so. This was new, an overnight affair with nature, to reflect, to commune, and to rethink while in her embrace.

Maria Velez

Table of Contents

With backpacks full, the team headed out to the other side of Mt. Mariveles which is Brgy. Alas-Asin, Mariveles, Bataan. The trip took 3 hours.

Mt. Mariveles is a stratovolcano in Bataan and got its name from stories that tell of a young Nun, named Maria Velez, who left the convent to elope with a Franciscan friar. But as all tragic love stories reach their end, she met her untimely death on the shores of Camaya with the priest.

Mt. Mariveles (Photo from bataan.gov.ph)

This is where the volcano had its name while the adjacent Corregidor islands in front of Camaya Coast were once named Isla El Fraile.

“El Fraile” Island, was heavily fortified during the war and was turned into an unsinkable battleship by the Americans. Contrary to the legend of Mariveles, the island is much more closer to Cavite than Bataan.

Nanay Cording

Arriving at Alas-asin in Mariveles, we headed into the Barangay Hall to register. After some final preparations, we started the hike.

Tarak Ridge draws attention from the mountaineering community not just because of the rewarding views but also due to its challenging trail. It is part of a larger caldera system of Mt. Mariveles; others are Pantingan Peak and Vintana.

After a few minutes of warm-up walk, we arrived at the jump-off point which is Nanay Cording’s hut. She greeted us with a warm welcome and told us to take care during the whole trek.

The first part of the trail is made of gravel roads with the trail wide enough. And after an hour we reached the “Unang Dungawan” or the part of the trail that will give you a good glimpse of the ridge, and also our first rest area.

To The Papaya River

After a quick stop, we headed to Papaya River, which can be reached after trekking into open muddy grasslands without tree canopies. Further down into an ascending then descending slope that is rocky and is reminiscent of Mt. Makiling’s flora, is the Papaya River.

To add, this river rest area also serves as the campsite since this is the last water source before the ridge.

The water was surprisingly cold and safe to drink. We spent an hour swimming in its bubbling stream. Moreover, we are planning to camp out in the ridge which is a 2-hour assault carrying heavy bags and water. After a rewarding dip, we cleaned up immediately and prepared for the grueling assault.

Assault is the Key

The hike to the Papaya River chilled us down that we don’t want to leave. But to witness the sunset and sunrise in the ridge is a thing that we cannot compromise.

The trail to the summit is more punishing as it gets, the trail gets more inclined and you’ll be on all fours clinging into roots for support while you lift yourself with your heavy backpack.

For first-timers on the ridge assault like me, it is tiring that you just want to come down. But upon entering the grasslands of the ridge, a heavy sigh of relief and awe will be felt before anything else.

It is not your imagination playing with you, but reality flirting with your own eyes.

The Length to Endure

At 1006+ MASL, we set up our tents and left our bags to reach the very top of Tarak Ridge which is at 1130+MASL. It took us half an hour to set up our camp before we proceeded with the summit assault.

The length to endure was so little but to see things you see from photos is a catalyst that will push you to see it for yourself.

Another half an hour until we were able to explore the summit of Tarak Ridge and to have our photos taken at the “Sassy Girl” tree as one of our friends call it.

Right after, we explored the trail of the extended Tarak trail to Pantingan Peak to witness another scenic view of the caldera.

The Cold Never Bothered?

It was dark when we got back to our campsite, and the wind was chilly that jackets are a must. But we were looking forward to the sumptuous dinner of sinigang while having rounds of birthday tequila.

But by 9 pm the rain poured hard and the winds battered our tents and vestibules incessantly until 3 am the following day.

We planned to break camp by 4 am but the rains continued that we waited for an hour for it to subside and yes, the sunrise came, with all its majestic rays up to and shining.

And This Is My Headstart

We broke camp by 6:30 am and descended to Papaya River after an hour where we had our breakfast. The meal was so good, something you wouldn’t expect from a camping trip but made possible by our friend’s portable kitchen; a good headstart. Moreover, by 10 am we were back at Nanay Cording’s hut.

By 1130am we were already at Nanay Cording’s hut. Took a shower at a nearby mountaineer resting area before we took a bus bound to Manila by 12nn.

How to Get There

Tarak Ridge is part of the larger Mt. Mariveles. The main jump-off point is in Brgy. Alas-asin in Mariveles, Bataan

From Cubao, take a bus bound for Mariveles, Bataan (Genesis and Five Star). Drop off at Barangay Alas-asin near the barangay hall. (Fare: P272/person, Travel time: 156kms, 3-4 Hours)

Ride a tricycle from barangay hall going to jump-off point or walk.

Itinerary and Expenses

Mt. Mariveles – Tarak Ridge Overnight

Day 01

0700 – ETD Cubao, take bus bound to Mariveles, Bataan

1000 – ETA Brgy. Alas-Asin, Register at the Brgy. Hall, final preparations

1120 – ETA Nanay Cording’s Hut

1300 – Papaya River, Rest

1430 – Resume trek, proceed with ridge assault

1700 – ETA Tarak Ridge

1800 – Explore the summit

1830 – Back at the campsite

1900 – Dinner

2000 – Socials

2100 – Lights off

Day 02

6000 – Break camp

6300 – Descent to Papaya River

7300 – ETA Papaya River, Breakfast

1000 – ETD Papaya River

1130 – ETA Nanay Cording’s hut, clean up at nearby mountaineer shower areas

1200 – ETD Brgy Alas-Asin highway, catch bus to Manila

1700 – ETA Manila

Estimated Budget

Transportation – Bus 534php/pax (Manila-Mariveles-Manila)
Fees – 40php/pax
Tour Guide – Optional
Food – 250php
Total Damage: 824php/pax – 1000php/pax (safe budget)