Mt. Nagsasa and Nagsasa Cove
Last March 11, 10pm, I got up and headed on Zambales to hike Mt. Nagsasa with some friends. It was my first time again after a decade, to climb a mountain. My first time was a school requirement, kind of an immersion to the people of Mt. Banahaw, stayed there for a week.
Anyway, was on the foot of the mountain at around 3am, put on our head lamps and started trekking. At first, the trail was easy, but around 6am, the elevation started to peak and my thighs were getting stingy! Was so glad our guide offered to bring my bag (for a price, of course) so that my climb would be easier. After the elevation hike, the trail became a somewhat “takeshi’s castle”, where one wrong step and you’ll slide down a rocky n grassy cliff. Thanks to the strong winds, it became more challenging! After several 5 minute breaks, we reached the top.. I was so excited knowing that the hard climb was done and the trail was only going down from there. But……. i saw the cove where we were supposed to go and it was still kilometers away!!! $&#*%$&#
The hike going down was rocky but easier (especially without my bag!). We passed through grassy parts and portions that are burnt. Passed by boulders and an area where we were supposed to cross a river (but it was dried up). The last string was somewhat desert like- ashes from Mt. Piunatubo, and the sun was so high and hot! The walk was kind of hard because we were wearing hiking shoes and it was difficult walking on sand, the sun was so hot, plus there were no trees to cover our walk.
We reached the beach, and the view was breathe taking, everything was worth it! Thought pine trees grow only in cool places, but there were pine trees on the beach! Pitched our tent and slept. For dinner, I thought a simple egg or instant food would be appropriate, but I was so wrong! Prepped and had sweet and sour fish plus ampalaya con carne with rice for dinner. Had a few drinks (my first time in more than a year now), then slept. For breakfast, had arroz a la cubana!
Swam the beach, the water was so clear and serene! Didn’t hike in going home, rode a banca instead, PHEW!
Loved the experience and can’t wait to have another one like it again!
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October 24th, 2011 at 12:39 pm
Hi, pashare naman ng itinerary. How did you get there? I heard you need special permit from the DENR or something before you can actually hike nagsasa?
Appreciate your help on this.
Thanks.
March 29th, 2012 at 10:14 am
Hey! Nice account of what the trail is like going to the cove. Is the trail really steep or it’s just manageable? Wasn’t able to get any training because of time and health constraints but I hope I can make it even without the physical prep!