Mt. Ayaas Dayhike

MT. AYAAS
Rodriguez, Rizal
Major jumpoff: Brgy. Wawa, Rodriguez, Rizal
Minor jumpoff: Brgy. Mascap, Rodriguez, Rizal
LLA: 14°45′3.38′′ N, 121°12′27.5′ 627 MASL (+570)
Days required / Hours to summit: 1 day / 3-4 hours
Specs: Minor, Difficulty 3/9, Trail class 1-3 with river trekking
Features: River trekking, scenic views, waterfalls

How to get there:

1. Ride a van – Cubao to Montalban (Eastwood), located at Jolibee Farmers. Fare: P50.00
2. Ride a trike – Montalban (Eastwood) to Brgy. Hall of Mascap. Fare: P30.00 Special: P150.00

Based on the research the we did, most of the jump-off was from Wawa Dam. But as of the day that we trekked, this 2016, Mt. Ayaas has been separated from Brgy. Wawa Registration and the jump-off will be on Brgy. Mascap.

It was an amazing adventure as we followed the old itineraries that we found online. From Eastwood to Brgy. Wawa back to Eastwood again, then to Brgy. Mascap. That’s how we started this Mt. Ayaas Dayhike journey.

A friend of mine, Jhon-Jhon joined me on this day hike trip that day. We were both excited as we were so-called mountaineers, but never to travel on our own. So after so my trips that we had, finally the trek begins.

After the registration, they provided us a guide, Kuya Lak. There was a mandatory fee of P500.00 for every guide. Kuya Lak has no Facebook account, and only became a tour guide so he can have something to do in his everyday life. He was kind, fascinating and we managed to make him talk a little more.

One of the reasons why I decided to climb Mt. Ayaas are the reviews that I read from other blogs. It was said to be like Mt. Cinco Picos, well quite a bit due to some portions that have been a target for “kaingin”. Some said that there will be a river trekking, on our experience, there was none. Too many things that I thought I already knew about the mountain until I realised that it has a lot to offer for me.

Mt. Ayaas is my second favorite mountain as of now. I loved the simplicity of the trail. I loved how the grassland scenery caught my eyes. I loved how I enjoyed every moment I walked until I reached the summit. I loved how it felt when I was at the top. We stayed there for an hour – it was the most peaceful day in my 2016 life.

So, if you’re looking for an amazing, chill, day hike near Manila, I recommend Mt. Ayaas.

I can’t say enough. But it is always for you to find out what’s our mountains have to offer.

Here’s a video of our climb: