Day Hike: Mt. Sembrano in Pililla, Rizal

A day hike guide to Mt Sembrano in Pililia, Rizal.

Impromptu trips almost always come to fruition. Perhaps it’s the combination of gusto, excitement, and the yearning for a quick nature escape. Our little band of easy-go-getters assembled in Rosario, Pasig, in the morning for a day climb at Mt. Sembrano in Pililla, Rizal. The mountain is accessible from Pasig in terms of distance and commute. We opted to start early to avoid hiking in the mid-day heat.

Mt. Sembrano

Mt. Sembrano is located in Pililla, Rizal, rising at 745 meters above sea level. It is considered a minor climb that can be completed in a day. The climb ranges from easy to moderate in intensity but can become difficult during the rainy season when the trail gets muddy and slippery.

Trail Characteristics

Much of Mt. Sembrano’s trail is already established. For some time, this has been one of the breakout climbs for newbies in mountaineering. It takes 2–3 hours to reach the summit since the starting point is at sea level, requiring one to climb the entire elevation. Expect the trail to be ascending most of the time, transitioning from covered forest trails to open grassy trails at the summit.

Climbing Guide to Mt. Sembrano

Getting to Mt. Sembrano is quite easy, whether you are taking public transport or driving a private vehicle. You just need to arrive at the Malaya Barangay Hall in Pililla, Rizal. It’s also best to message the Barangay Malaya Tourism Facebook Page upon arrival to have guides ready.

Commuting to Malaya

From your point of origin, make your way to Tanay Public Market and Transport Terminal in Rizal. There are regular jeeps, UV Express, and minibuses from the Crossing Shaw terminal plying this route. Depending on where you board, fares range from P60 to P100 one way, with a travel time of 1 to 1.5 hours. From Tanay Terminal, board a jeep to Malaya and tell the driver to drop you at the Malaya Barangay Hall along the highway. The fare is P30 one way, and travel time is 20–30 minutes. Tricycles to Malaya are also available but more expensive at P100 per person. Jeeps leave every 15–30 minutes even if not full. The last jeep from Malaya to Tanay leaves at 7 PM.

Driving to Malaya

On Waze or Google Maps, pin the location of Malaya Barangay Hall. Visitors can park at the Barangay Hall.

Registration and Fees

It is mandatory to register and secure guides before climbing Mt. Sembrano:

• Registration and Environmental Fee: P60 per person
• Guide Fees (1 guide for 5 pax): P600 for a day hike; P1200 for an overnight hike

Our Climb Experience

Our hike started at 7:00 AM from the Barangay Hall, beginning with gradual slopes and steep paved roads in town, then transitioning to a muddy and rocky trail. The trail became mushy due to the 30 hikers who came before us, but the forest cover at the onset of the trail made the hike pleasant.

By 8:30 AM, we reached the Manggahan Campsite, which is halfway through the trail. This established campsite has wide grounds for pitching tents and a nearby water source.

After the campsite comes the steepest part of the trail, navigating large rocks and a steep incline with grades rising up to 42% (according to my Strava). After an hour, we finally reached a clearing leading to the grasslands.

Summit Views

The overcast weather with diffused sunlight was ideal for our climb where the trail is open. As we climbed higher, the view of Laguna Lake, Talim Island, and nearby provinces unfolded.

We reached Mt. Sembrano Peak 1 and rested between a couple of trees, enjoying the view and the breeze. Peak 2 wasn’t too far, so we decided to climb there, where there’s a wider ground probably for making camp. Peak 3 was in sight but would take an additional hour or more to reach and return. We decided to stop at Peak 2 but felt quite content. Perhaps next time, if staying overnight, we can come back for Peak 3.

Kabayo Falls

We made our way down the same trail and stopped at Manggahan Campsite again, relishing a snack of fresh buko. Each of us consumed at least three bukos; the juice was refreshing, and the coconut meat was soft.

Afterward, we took a short hike to the nearby Kabayo Falls, a charming little waterfall with a pool. Our guide said water always flows there. We took a dip and showered under its cascades. The water was icy cool and invigorating. If you dip your feet long enough in the shallow part of the pool, tiny shrimps will nibble on the dead skin, giving you an instant natural foot spa!

Conclusion

We were back at the Barangay Hall by 3 PM. It was a fun climb at a relaxed pace, with stops to enjoy the mountain and the views. It would be interesting to return to Mt. Sembrano for a camp next time and see the sunset, stars, and sunrise from the campsite.

Tips and Warnings

We only did a day hike but learned a lot from this trip. Here are some helpful tips:

• Bring water and food: For a day hike, bring at least a liter of water and some packed snacks. For overnight stays, bring enough water for cooking.
• Safety: In the past, Mt. Sembrano climbs were discouraged due to reports of robberies and thefts. Guides now assure climbers that these issues have been addressed. It’s imperative to choose guides who are members of their guide association. Additionally, there are now military guards at the start of the trail to enhance security.
• Facilities: Only the Manggahan campsite has a restroom and water source. For washing after the climb, the barangay hall has at least 4 showers and restrooms available.
• Best Season to Climb: Climbing can be more difficult during the rainy season. It is easier to climb from November to April.