Rough Groove

Mt. Marami - Cavite, 1

Last 27 - 28 August, my batch, the Batch 2 of Smart Mountaineering Club, had our induction climb at Mt. Marami (840m) in Maragondon, Cavite (but access point was at Magallanes). It was suppose to be Mt. Mabanban but due to the number of climbers, around 40, and the rains which swells the river - not so good when doing the river crossing, it was decided to climb, traverse would be the exact word, the former.

Its really an easy climb, compared with Mt. Tapulao with slopes being gradual and not that difficult. Paths are well marked and one can take it in 6 hours. The mountain’s summit is sheer delight to look at and kind of unusual: a series of vertical rocks clumped together, thus the name which means “many,” and jutting up that forms the so called silyang bato or rock chair. I suspect that this area have been part of an extensive volcanic system that has become extinct and as the series of millenia passed, the softer earth around these rocks just eroded thus exposing the pillars.

However, not so good for me:

- lots of mosquitos
- very few water source and may not be reliable
- I just don’t like the vegetation. Its a very disturbed place with bamboo “forest” near the summit proof of this, some areas are denuded (therefore hot) and just woodland, not forest
- trail became muddy when the rains started to pour at the point before reaching our campsite

but it does offer magnificent views of the surrounding areas and mountains like Pico de Loro, Mts. Maquiling and Banahaw and, as they say, if the weather conditions are right, Mt. Mariveles in the Bataan peninsula can be viewed.

Here’s a link to the itinerary.

The rocky summit of Mt. Marami

Three climbers atop one pillar with a view of Pico de Loro in the distance

A wonderful morning scene just before the mist competely disappears

Related posts:

Mt. Marami - Cavite, 2
Mt. Marami - Cavite, 3
Series 15: Mt. Marami