Hike to Tarak Ridge: A Lesson on Taking Breaks and Breaths

Nanay Cording

"When you feel like you can no longer go on, stop, turn around, look back on the trail behind you, and take a deep breath." These were the wise words of Nanay Cording, orienting the first-time hikers to Tarak ridge. If I think about it, these are words I should be living by.

The trek to Tarak Ridge was not easy (see travel notes below), especially for the unprepared. What helped me were the preparation I had had a week before when I went on a hike to both Pico de Loro and Mt. Talamitam on the same day and Nanay Cording's words of wisdom. A couple of times, I did feel like my head was going to burst, but I would compose myself, pause, look back and take a deep breath.

The trek

We left for Tarak on a rainy Saturday dawn and got to Alasasin, Mariveles barangay hall 3 hours later. We made a courtesy call there, as is expected of all hikers, paid registration fee and started hiking after a quick breakfast at a nearby eatery.

Papaya River

The hike can be broken down to four parts: the hike to Nanay Cording's (45 mins), to Papaya river (2.5 to 3 hours from Nanay Cording's), to the campsite (the famous Tarak ridge; 1.5 to 2 hrs from the river) and finally, to the summit (1 hour from the campsite), which we decided to do the next morning. If you pace your hike well, just right for everyone in your group, I see no reason why you should not be able to see Tarak's wonder for yourself. This does not mean, however, that you can just go there without preparing yourself physically, especially, if you are not the type who engages in physical activities regularly.

The trek to the next registration area is a good warm up, being that the trail is not steep. Once there, Nanay Cording (not sure about the name), gave us an orientation. It should be basic how one should be mindful about littering anywhere (not just in the mountain), but  sad that this was part of her talk (I could see why when we were hiking, since I saw litter along the trail). She also told us how important it is to take breaks when necessary, as it is difficult to get help should we faint.

Getting to Papaya river was a fine hike if not a little challenging. There, we took a break, had lunch and refilled our water bottles (the campsite does not have any water source). Though the river was nothing spectacular, it was a relief, with the sound of flowing water, the birds, the greens and the taste of natural water.

After resting, we resumed the trek to the campsite. Everyone knew this was the most grueling part, but we, first-timers, had no idea what that meant until we almost swore off the mountain. It was, then, I realized why this was to be categorized a major climb. From the river, you would hike for some five minutes on a trail that seems to gradually ascend. After that, all you could think about is the unending steepness and the weight you are carrying. I have always been a light-packer, so I could not imagine how terrible it must have been for those carrying a 65-liter bag full of mountaineering stuff. I have no plans of finding out.

Two hours later, we reached the campsite. The wind welcomed us like she had not seen people for a long time. Amihan (trade winds; northeast wind) was in a frenzy, but the freshness was invigorating! The cool, wild breeze was something you could never have in the city. We decided to camp in the mossy forest for safety and comfort, since the wind does not only get stronger at night but biting cold, too.

So, we rested a bit, enjoying the interesting sound the wind created, took some pics at the ridge, and had dinner. Before turning in for the night, we got together, had some drinks and got to know each other.

The next day, we went for the summit. It's an hour hike from the campsite, and a very steep ascent. However, since we left our bags behind, this was manageable. Besides, we were no longer in a hurry, so in spite of the unforgiving steepness, we enjoyed the climb. Through the tall cogon grasses, boulders, more narrow ridges, and a mossy forest, the climb to the peak, El Saco, was like being in a fantasy land.

After taking pictures and enjoying the view, we went back to the campsite to get ready for home. The trek down took us 4.5 hours. We had to hike fast to get to the jump off point in time for the last bus going to Manila (6:30 pm),

I am glad I went on this hike to Tarak. The place was maverlous! Bonus to that, I got to know some people who have the same passion, and bonded once again with office colleagues that I miss.

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With the very simple words, gleaned from years of hiking, Nanay Cording imparted something very valuable. It is a very simple thing of just taking a pause from it all and taking a deep breath. Take steps forward, however small, and you will get there. The hike could be arduous and steep, but the peak will always be just a few kilometers away. If lucky, a comfortable campsite would be waiting, and a view that will blow you away.

Travel Notes:

Bus Terminal: Genesis bus lines (Cubao)
Bus Fare: Php 275~
Travel Time: 3 hours
- Get off at the barangay hall of Alasasin, Mariveles, Bataan and register.
Registration Fee: Php 40
- You may have breakfast at the eateries nearby.
- There are also stores where you can get supplies for the trek.
Trek to Nanay Cording's: 45 minutes
- Register and give donation (this is to help the family, who is maintaining the area)
Trek to Papaya river: 2.5 hours
- Papaya river is th last water source.
Trek to the campsite (ridge): 2 hours
Trek to the summit: 1 hour
- Last trip of Genesis bus to Manila is 6:30/7pm
- There is a wash area for hikers there. It is on the way to the climb along the paved road intersecting the highway. You may ask around for details (Php 20).
*This trek was made more convenient with the help of Sir Peter Zacarias, who organized the whole thing.

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