Trail Action: Tarak Ridge

It was only two days before the start of the long weekend that I realized how long its gonna be.  I was busy lately that i forgot about it and did not plan any out of town trip nor an outdoor activities.  November 1 which falls on a Tuesday, is All Saints Day and a legal holiday. October 31 was declared a special non-working holiday, making it a four-day off from work. Saturday and Sunday included.

Thursday, I tried checking airfare but as expected it was sky high!  A trip to Visayas or Mindanao is off the plan. A random post on Facebook of a tour group caught my interest. A Subic beach-Ticao island-Biri island plus side trips tour package worth five thousand pesos.  I liked the idea but I had second thoughts due to the weather disturbances off the pacific.  I was also thinking to just stay at home, do some home chores and rest. 

Papaya River

It was only Friday night when I finally decided on how i'm going to spend the long weekend.  A  trail running event I signed up, scheduled last week of November helped me decide.  I'm going outdoors!  A training up Tarak Ridge in Bataan on Saturday, Mt. Tapulao in Zambales on Sunday and concluding by another day on a beach. That was the plan.  I packed the things I need and set my alarm clock, 3 am the next day.

It was drizzling when I woke up. It had me thinking on proceeding or not.  Still, I took a bath and prepared.  It continued to drizzle. I decided not to push through and prayed for a better weather the next day.  I went back to sleep.  The drizzling stopped and I woke up to a fine weather. It was actually a sunny Saturday!  Weather nowadays is really unpredictable.  No regrets however, I still have 3 more days.

the forest covered trail

Rain or shine I'm heading outdoors tomorrow!  That was in my head before I went to sleep, Saturday night. Fortunately, when I woke up dawn of Sunday, no more drizzling. The sky was clear and I even saw stars.  After taking a bath, I put on my training gears and headed to the bus station.

I arrived at Brgy. Alas-asin, Mariveles, Bataan past 8 am.  I dropped by the road side eatery to have my breakfast. Right after, I went to the Brgy. hall to register and to leave my backpack.  Exactly 9 am, I started the journey up Tarak Ridge on a sunny day.  I walked until my body got its rhythm.  Afterwards, i jogged and ran.  From jump off to Papaya river the trail had gradual uphills but mostly flats.  There was also a forest cover on majority of the trail except for the ridge, so even it was a hot day it was not much of a problem.

the many obstacle laden trail

It was my first time to run on Tarak Ridge though, I have climbed the mountain three times already.  My target was to reach papaya river 12 noon or after 3 hours but arrived an hour earlier.  I rested for a while and refilled my water bottle in preparation for the assault from papaya river to the ridge.  

I was about to start the assault when I spotted some friends.  Actually I was aware (thru FB) they climbed Tarak the day before.  They joked and asked me to join them in going down instead of proceeding to the ridge and that there was a free lunch waiting.  I told them that my mind was already conditioned to reach the ridge.  We parted ways eventually but not before a group picture.  

the inviting water of papaya river

I had been to Tarak a couple of times.  Trail-wise, I was already familiar most specially the assault to the summit from Papaya river.  It did not came as a surprise to me anymore but still, it was challenging.  Sweat glands were in work!  As expected, a lot took advantage of the long holiday.  Many went up the mountain the day before and during the day.  I encountered groups descending and passed by groups ascending.  After an hour, I reached the ridge.  I did not linger long, after taking some photos and re-hydrating, I made my way down.  

me at the ridge and the other outdoor lovers

I was hoping to still caught up with my friends.  Descending, I was in a hurry until I caught up with a big group on their way down.  Advancing was not possible and so I waited patiently.  When it was clear to advance, I took advantage and did not turn my head back. I had a motivation, that is to caught up with friends I met earlier. 

I had a swift descent and made it all the way down by less than two hours.  I had some slips but not serious.  My friends are no where to be seen on the trail anymore but I was surprised to see them at the jump off.  They had just arrived as well.  I joined them and true enough, there was a free lunch courtesy of Ma'am Joyce.  

Interested in climbing Tarak Ridge?  Here is how.

>  Ride a Mariveles, Bataan bound bus.  Get off at Brgy. Alas-asin.

>  Fare from Cubao to Alas-asin is 272 pesos.  

>  Register at the Brgy. Alas - asin Brgy. hall.  Registration fee is 40 pesos.

>  Guide is not mandatory but you may opt to hire one at the Brgy.  You can negotiate the fee but it would be around 300 to 500 pesos a day.

>  Trail-wise, the first segment from jump-off to Papaya river is beginners friendly.  Second segment from the river to the Ridge is steep.  Third segment, from the ridge to the summit is also steep.  You may venture to a peak named El Saco peak which is also steep and with presence of leeches (limatik) 

>  camping sites are at Papaya river (with water source) and at the ridge (no water source).

>  Contact number of the Brgy. 09082020785