Our recent climb to Mount Manalmon in Sitio Madlum three months ago is probably the most memorable as far as the word adventure is concerned. Sitio Madlum doesn’t only boasts the famous, historical Mount Manalmon; it also brags other adventuresome places such as the very enchanting river (Madlum River) with a backbreaking monkey bridge on and white boulders around it, the adrenaline pumping jagged rocks and a somewhat mystical cave (Madlum Cave) whose narrow passages can turn spelunking into doing yoga exercises. If you mix these with an opportunity to meet a fellow Pinoy Travel Blogger in the person of the young and talented Ivan Cultura memorable could mutate into such a rewarding experience.
Ivan Cultura is the big man behind www.ivanlakwatsero.com. He is a renowned travel blogger in the country and to name a few of his many achievements, he was already featured in one of the documentary programs of the most prestigious TV Network in the country, GMA.
Anyway, what transpired that day will be recounted by the photos below. Expect some commentaries on my favorite photos along the way.
Crossing the Using the Monkey Bridge River
Who would forget my most liked post for the Weekly Photo Challenge–Indulge–where I used the photo above of my hiking master (now buddy), Mr. Paul Basco, with some magic touch on it?
Meet the equally daredevil soul, Ivan a.k.a. Batang Lakwatsero
Savoring the Beauty of the River and the Lush Vegetation Around It
The White Rocks
Rock Climbing
One of the most adrenaline-pumping activities I did is standing on one of Mt. Manalmon’s jagged peaks. Weird as it may sound but doing such a thing reminds me of how precious life is and how alive I can be. Master Paul, thanks for capturing it!
Meeting a Long Lost Friend
On The Summit
Spelunking
After more than an hour of crawling and climbing along the narrow passages of the cave, we all made our way out safely.
It’s been a while since I got into a pretty intense adventure in just one day. The arms and shoulder of the giant named Mt. Manalmon; the backbreaking monkey bridge of Madlum river; rock climbing along the way to the summit; and the narrow passages of Madlum Cave are only a few of the many things you can experience in the place. These are another set of genuine nature wonders of the Philippines found in the very pristine place called Sitio Madlum in the province of Bulacan at the north of Luzon.
Sabit-Sabit Mountaineers and the guests, thank you for making our adventure more fun than expected!
For more information (how to get to the place, other things to do, stories, etc.), visit this post: Mt. Manalmon Fun Climb and More at Sition Madlum by Ivan Cultura of http://www.ivanlakwatsero.com.
PS: Mr. Paul Basco and Agfa Photo Eclipse Explorer
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My heart is racing and my hands are sweating as I look at these photo’s. What a climb!!!!! WOW …. and correct me if I’m wrong but are those sandals I’m seeing on some of the climbers???
I wear sneakers and fall. Oh – I should say I do not do any of this. I am afarid of heights but even if I was not afraid, I am not adventurous. I’ll leave that to you and your fellow adventurers. I’m so glad you posted these as it’s the only way I’ll see anything like it. Glad everyone made it out okay. Congrats … on such a brave adventure.
Isadora ~~~~ : – O ~~~ : – )
Yes, I never wore shoes during climbs. That’s something to be proud of then, ISADORA.
I miss doing this.
Thanks, ISADORA, for tapping my back! I appreciate that.
I always enjoy visiting. You have some very interesting posts. Besides, I’d never do or see these things so I am enjoying you doing them and feel like I’m right there. Have fun – and – always be careful.
Isadora ~~~~ : – )
How scary but it must be exciting and great adventure.
I was on cloud nine during that time, my friend!
Reblogged this on FilipinoFestival.com.
awesome recount of our climb. miss ko na kayo!
The feeling is mutual, bro.
btw. hndi ako renowned travel blogger. lol
Humble ka talaga, Ivan. On the contrary, I like that about you.
wow,i haven’t heard there’s a very beautiful place like that near in our place! Mountain + Cave + River = AWESOMENESS! BTW, is the trail easy to follow? I think I would be including that on our future climb soon. : )
The trail is so easy to follow although a guide is still required. Well, that’s for a reason you should know once you’re at the place.
Wow, I love your adventures
Beautiful photos, Sony! They really do tell a story – makes the reader feel as though they took the trip with you.
Glad to know that it’s wise to use the picture for me this time.
Hardcore activities and beautiful sights to match it, that’s total package adventure. THe climb down the rocks looks difficult and scary. I’d think twice to hundred times before I decide to do that. You obviously have a lot of experience.
The pics of the rope crossing look awesome. That I think I can do. Hehe
The cope crossing is a piece of cake, Rom. I’ve seen you move …
Amazing adventure… I’m not that brave
Sorry, Bash but I have to disagree. You are as far as what I can see on that photo of yours is concerned. I mean, common, body built like that can sure do more than crossing the monkey bridge.
What a great adventure you had there my friend, not sure if I can cross that monkey bridge and yeah, who can forget your “Indulge” entry where crocodiles can have their fill once someone falls down on that bridge… haha… great effects you had there, just clicked the link back and can’t help but laugh… Have a great day. I miss your blog, I had been away from WordPress for quite a while…
I miss you as well, Arvee! THANKS.
Didn’t know ikaw pala kasama ni Ivan
Mt. Manalmon’s a very memorable climb for me too! Ivan and I coincidentally chatted about it just this afternoon.
Nice to meet you, gayE, and glad to know you Mt. Manalmon is equally special to you.
I hope this find its way to Bulacan’s Tourism Office, better yet the Dept of Tourism.
That’s one real adventure, Sony!
Climbing is not for a faint of heart, glad that everyone in your group made it safe
What an adrenaline rush. Amazing thrill-filled images. An adventure to remember. I hope one day, I can see this beautiful places. Bro, have a wonderful weekend.
That is some amazing country you have,
The terrign here is pretty flat. So one doesen’t
meet many mountian climers. Once I found a
large hill – but it turned out to be landfill, I think
see a lot of limestone. I used to collect the
stone from peoples drive ways to build mountins
for my dolls to play on. It must be awsome living
so close to the real thing. The size and scope
of these photographs is not something I
encounter very often – is it accomplished
with a small handheld device – you don’t
look like you would be toting around a tripod
up there!
Simply wow! I’d love to try that!
Btw, the photographs you took at the summit are just amazing. Beautiful!
Where is this place? I wish I can go here also. I like the place. Good job Kuya Sony another amazing place to visit.
Wow, what an adventure, I love all the photo’s you shared….
I can’t wait for our Mt. Manalmon adventure
Thanks for sharing.