Summit of Mt. Hapunang Banoi (Amazing foggy views)

As I continue to discover the mountains in Rizal, this could be the highest peak we might get that is just a few minutes away from the Metro. As far as I remember to what our guide (the last time) told us is that behind its name is because it is where they saw some eagle's nests before. And just purely with that information, I am always excited to go back and hike the place hoping to see one in the wild. How cool would that be!? Well, I am in most cases would normally be game for such an outdoor activity as I take most of the opportunities I get to do some exercise - especially when it's enjoyable. Let us be honest here that we do have some preferences on how to stay fit. So moving on.. Join us as we trek this mountain and enjoy the breathtaking views we experienced. Man, God's creations are just so stunning and to know that we are just seeing a fraction of it is mind-blowing.

Mt. Hapunang Banoi groupie (Michael and friends)
Group shot at one of the beautiful spots in Mt. Hapunang Banoi

So the group met at a convenience store around 2:30 AM. Our target was to arrive at the jump-off area and start the hike at the earliest possible time (4:30 AM). The crew consisted of 6 boys and a girl so feel free to guess who was the last one to arrive (lol).

Mt. Hapunang Banoi Crew
Michael, Chester, Benjie, Jhay and Philip - left to right (Lester taking the photo)

The good thing here is that we arrived at the foot of the mountain and started to climb just in time. We all have hiked before, except for Lester, who claims that this is his first climb ever (exciting). Oh! And by the way, it rained hours before our trip so we (Philip and I) expected to see great views on top - thick fog/sea of clouds to be exact.  

Not that long that we were welcomed by the first stunning view of the morning..

One foggy morning
A foggy morning indeed

This kind of view makes any hike worth it. The better part of it is that you are even more driven to go further as, of course, you expect even better views as you go higher. We were all uttering (repeatedly) how beautiful the view is every time we pause and wait for the group to be intact again, and those moments are priceless - seeing people awed by what they see.

There are several beautiful spots to rest at and take that awesome selfie, one of those is this "Lion King" like rock cliff. And this is where my friend, we start the photography session for each member haha! (Watch the video below for more photos and videos, I'll just feature selected ones here in the blog post)

Philip at the "Lion King" rock cliff
Philip at the "Lion King" rock cliff

Everyone is doing a great job as we are rocking our phase. Jusairah who is our lone rose in the group is doing a good job climbing in comparison with the other gals I have hiked with - while Lester is go with the flow of the group and he seems like he doesn't need any rest at all (except for the leg cramping part hehe).

We pushed through to the next instagrammable areas which are the tall rock and the wall cliff part. A few (Chester and Jhay) dared to climb the tall rock since its quite hard to go up if you are not confident enough. So instead, the group took time on the wall cliff (my favorite) area since it is the last part where there is decent shade and besides, it is a great place to compose ourselves before going to the highest part of the mountain. 

Jusairah at the edge of the wall cliff
Jusairah at the edge of the wall cliff

We were all taking and feeling it in here. We were appreciating the view, breathing-in the unpolluted air, getting the breeze of the wind.. I tried to make a quiet moment as a group, but I failed (lol). It seems every time I plan to have a peaceful moment up there it always, always not happen and I wonder why. I always have it my head when I am in the city, but when we are in the actual moment, either I get succumb of tiredness or the urge to finish the hike and go down to eat overtakes me. Anyway, back to the trail.. After some minutes of picture taking, we headed forward to see the summit.

Benjie topping the Mt. Hapunang Banoi Summit
Benjie topping the Mt. Hapunang Banoi Summit

What a nice view, eh? Well, we reached the summit with the sun on top already so the fog cleared. By the way, I think we were only 3 different groups who hiked this peak that day and even with that number, we managed to get here kind of late because we took our time getting great pictures for everyone haha! Well, it's worth the trade.

While they are having their photoshoot on top, I managed to sneak and select a different spot to take mine. They call it "The Boots" since the stone behind me looks like one. I was nervous getting my way there since I decided to have it on a formal theme (lol). I was worried that my pants will limit my leg movements and if my leather shoes can take the terrain. Please do note that there is no other way to get to the spot other than all the parts you can see in the photo. So thank you Lord that I am still writing this blog post alive lol.

Michael on "the boots" cliff of Mt. Hapunang Banoi
The suits, oops. "The Boots" rather hehe

Make sure you watch the video below to see more of our photos especially the group pictures. Wrapping things up, everyone enjoyed the experience as we got a great clearing on top. It's not every day we get to see that kind of view and even though it's tiring, it refreshed me at the least breaking my daily routine - I can't say the same for the others haha! 

So as we go down and reach what they call the "Junction" (a main/similar trail to other peaks), we decided not to continue our planned dip in the river as the water is murky and the temperature is quite high already. Maybe next time, though it still not failed to give us stunning views even from below including this wooden hanging bridge that serves as its gateway to and from the mountains.

Montalban wooden hanging bridge - Mountains gateway
Montalban wooden hanging bridge

We actually enjoyed some unusual perks too on getting back to the jump-off area as the people there harvested a surplus of avocados. So they sold most of them to hikers like us at below-market price. Most of us bought kilos of it - I bought 3 for the people at home.

And there you have it guys, our Mt. Hapunang Banoi experience. Hopefully, I can cover the other peaks soon. I have climbed most of them already but I am waiting for the next opportunities to have them taped as it is so much better for you guys to see them too. So I hope you guys enjoy this simple video I created. Until our next adventure!



If you cannot see the video above, click HERE for it



Related climbs: (All can be done on the same jump-off point)

version 1:
3. Mt. Hapunan Banoi THIS

version 2:
4. Mt. Lagyo



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Summit of Mt. Hapunang Banoi (Amazing foggy views) Summit of Mt. Hapunang Banoi (Amazing foggy views) Reviewed by Michael on July 13, 2019 Rating: 5

135 comments:

  1. That looks like you had an amazing time! I love going on adventures!

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  2. What a beautiful hike! You were very determined to see the morning fog that you started hiking so early! I do love hiking as well and I often go to destinations where I can practice this hobby.

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    Replies
    1. Sunrise is a view everyday we not always appreciate

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  3. The summit of Mt. Hapunang Banoi looks a charming place to hike to. The photos and the landscapes are giving me real travel goals to plan a trip soon to this hidden paradise.

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  4. Wow, what an amazing adventure! Love the photos <3

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  5. The lion King like rock cliff is so beautiful. What an adventure you guys had.

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    Replies
    1. We were like "woah!" too when we saw it haha!

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  6. Hi there. Thanks for dropping by!

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  7. Wow, I can just imagine how breathtaking those views must be. As a Californian I crave to be in that fresh air and go on amazing hikes like that one

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    Replies
    1. Any area you recommend if we go there in the future?

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  8. The view of mountains in Rizal looks awesome, you must have enjoyed climbing the mountains and it must not be easy, right?

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    1. Hmmm.. For first-timers I think it is just okay. so-so. I personally do it to exercise and for the views hehe. Glad to share it with some friends too.

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  9. Wow! What an amazing trek this seems like! I have always wanted to do the same. Those views are incredible

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    Replies
    1. The views are just.. man, seeing it in person is really different from the photos.

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  10. looks like so much fun and not easy too. I wish I were that aventures and had enough mountains near by

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  11. We have an eagle that nests near one of our fishing holes. It's always a treat to watch it soar gracefully above us.

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  12. It looks like you had a great time and the views and scenery look amazing x

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  13. I'm not an adventurous type of person but I really adore all the people who hike and reaching moutains lie Mt. Hapunang Banoi.

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  14. Wow! Amazing views! You all are so brave to have climbed those mountains. Looks like an unforgettable experience.

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  15. Wow, I'm sure the views were amazing. I'm not much of a hiker - I'm always scared I'll get hurt. But the views.... I could have my mind changed!

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  16. What a stunning view. I desperately losing weight and trying to get fit so that I can start trekking. and all for these kinds of views. Beautiful

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  17. wow, this is place looks so beautiful. Love the photos x

    Laura
    https://pinkfrenzymissl.blogspot.com/

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  18. Omg, the views. Worth all the efforts. It's awesome. Hiking is such a great fun filled, thrilling sport. Good going, keep enjoying.

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  19. This looks like such an awesome hike and amazing group to hike with! Such great pictures. The boot was a good one!!

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  20. THis looks like such a lovely spot to visit. I Love going to the top of a mountain and checking out the views. These are such wonderufl photos.

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  21. I sure wish that I could have gone hiking when I was younger. The views are really stunning. Now, I can only enjoy the pics as I am not that fit anymore to go on adventures like this.

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    Replies
    1. Not too late to be fit. Some 102 years old just hiked recently

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  22. That first stunning view in the morning is exactly that - STUNNING. I wish I was more into hiking so I could take in such amazing views!

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  23. These are some spectacular sites! What a view. What a great air to inhale! I wish I could visit there.

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    Replies
    1. Man, wish I could share it to everybody below!

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  24. Trekking the mountains in Rizal seems so fun and exciting. Reaching the summit is no easy feat! Lavern Moore

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  25. The views from Mt. Hapunang Banoi are simply incredible. It must have been a tough climb but I am sure reaching the top must have felt amazing. Would love to read your other adventures :)

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  26. OMG, the view was really stunning.

    Loved it.

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  27. Super adventourus of you but the views are so worth it. Thanks for sharing your journey

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  28. “The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.”

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  29. That’s very cool , adventure is life and you guys are having very great time...

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  30. It looks like it was such an incredible hike. I think I might be a bit freaked out by the vistas but I love seeing all the crazy beauty from up there.

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    Replies
    1. Haha! They look very different in person, I promise - in a good way.

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    2. I'm sure they do look very different in person. And I know I would enjoy them. I just know how I feel on the edge of the Grand Canyon out here. Incredible view but my hands still begin to sweat.

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    3. Been there and man I can feel you! But it was still an awesome view! At least I know you kind of tried.

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  31. Reaching the summit is indeed an achievement. Doing it with friends is doubly fun and encouraging.

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  32. What an awesome experience. I never really though of try to hike but it looks really exciting. I may add this to my list.

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  33. This is so nice! The view there is incredible!

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  34. Wow! The view up there looks great even with light cloud cover! Congrats for making it up there. Nice choice on the suit, it's a great pic.

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  35. Kristine Nicole AlessandraJuly 16, 2019 at 6:06 PM

    I love your photos. The one with the fog/low clouds reminds me of Sagada. I wish I could still do that activity, but I guess I am too old for that now. I will let my sons know about this. I know they'd be thrilled. And it is so close to the metro, so no long trips to get there.

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    Replies
    1. Great idea! But again let me give you an example that a man 103 yrs old just hiked recently ;)

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  36. Wow you seem to have enjoyed a lot. I am jealous haha.

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  37. Lovely pics of your great adventure! I love nature hikes... I'm adding this to my bucket list!!

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  38. These photos of Mt. Hapunang Banoi are absolutely stunning! Congrats to you and your group for going on this great adventure. I think I should start being more adventurous!

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  39. These photos of Mt. Hapunang Banoi are absolutely stunning! Congrats to you and your group for going on this great adventure. I think I should start being more adventurous!

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  40. These photos of Mt. Hapunang Banoi are absolutely stunning! Congrats to you and your group for going on this great adventure. I think I should start being more adventurous!

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    Replies
    1. Thank you 3000x? HAHA! or maybe 3 only.. lol

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  41. This looks like a difficult hike, but it sounds like the views were worth it

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  42. Dude, that's amazing! What an incredible experience.

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  43. Wow what an amazing adventure! Those views are wonderful! Great pics!

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  44. Goodness gracious! How beautiful that view is! As much as I don't appreciate hiking, it'd definitely be worth it if I had to get to see such breathtaking views!!! You're changing my mind about hiking now!

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  45. Wow.... what an amazing excursion you had there and some amazing pics to remember it perfectly! Seriously amazing and I am so overdue for a vaca and that would be an amazing trip for sure!

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  46. I am definitely adding some of these gorgeous spots to my bucket list for traveling... one day I may get there :) Beautiful post!

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  47. Absolutely amazing views from the peak. I love hiking & can guess the kind of effort it would have taken to reach there...but if the views are so great along the way, you never feel it.
    - Nandita

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  48. Such an amazing view! I would love to see the view but am deathly afraid of heights so not sure I could make its

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    Replies
    1. You can hike without going to the edges. (y)

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  49. Mama Maggie's KitchenJuly 17, 2019 at 4:52 AM

    Wow! This is really exciting! The view from up there is so stunning! Hope I can do this too!

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  50. I love hiking.It looks like an awesome group and you had fun

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  51. Breathing-in the unpolluted air sounds amazing! Thanks for sharing your experience, these views and journey and look breathtaking.

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    Replies
    1. Hope you experience this too anytime soon hehe

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  52. wow! Incredible photos! That bridge looks so intense!

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    Replies
    1. Recently fixed. It was destroyed from the last hurricane that passed through

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  53. Your escapades are sometimes times daring. There's no way I'm getting up that height. Just no way. My heart's probably going to stop residing in my chest and move to my stomach while at such height.Lol.Can't stomach it.

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  54. It's definitely a great view from that height but there's no way I'm doing that. No way. Can't stomach it.

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  55. Im always afraid to do these really awesome hikes but the view is CRAZY! Wow, I really want to do this now!

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  56. Your pictures are beautiful and the view is spectacular. Thanks for sharing and taking me on your adventure.

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  57. wow this hike looks amazing! Just look at those vistas! Bookmarking to visit one day!

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  58. I haven't been here but I am including this on my bucket list. I will definitely enjoy my time with nature.

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  59. Sincerely JacklineJuly 17, 2019 at 5:22 PM

    It was such a great view up there..! It would be a very fun and exciting experience..!

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  60. Awesome article.

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  61. Wow what a view! I have never climbed a mountain before. I can imagine the excitement. Nice.

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  62. Those views are gorgeous! Hopefully you'll get to enjoy a quiet moment next time :)

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  63. Looks like a beautiful adventure! The views are amazing.

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  64. Wonderful article! Those views are incredible!

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  65. Love this article! Such amazing detail.

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  66. Such a magnificent beauty! I admire your dedication for reaching the summit, Geez if wish I can :D

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    Replies
    1. Believe me you can too! Not as hard as it looks.

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  67. I love tracking! Start follow you guys looking forward for the next article ! :)

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  68. What a beautiful and interesting hike - and how nice to be rewarded with gorgeous views at the end!

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  69. What a heavenly view and amazing photos. It looks so lush green and serene. I love mountains, they tend to transform me to a heavenly world. Loved the article, hope to see more

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  70. As I website owner I belieνe the articles һere is very wonderful, thаnks for your efforts.

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    the format for your weblog. Is this a paid topic or
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    ReplyDelete

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