Elevation: 633 masl
Difficulty Level: 3/9 (minor climb)
Hike Duration: 6-8hrs
Location: Magallanes/Maragondon Cavite
The famous Mt. Marami is known for its ‘Silyang Bato’ peak with really a picturesque view at the top. This mountain is near the Mt. Pico de Loro.
I climbed Mt. Marami on March 10 & 22, 2024.
My friend referred me to a tour guide so I can easily prepare for the requirements of my hike.
Tour Guide: Joel Custodio
Contact number: 09565588069
Mt. Marami is a budget friendly hike. You only need Php 180.00 (if you are 5 or more) to climb the mountain. Additional Php 50.00 if you have a car/motor for the parking fee. See details below for the computation:
Tour Guide Fee: Php 500.00 (Good for 5 persons so 100 only per pax) If more than 5, additional Php 100.00 each, If solo – pay Php 500.00
Registration Fee: Php 80.00 – Breakdown: Php 30.00 (Magallanes jumpoff) + Php 50.00 (Maragondon area), 9 years old and below free registration
Parking Fee: Php 50.00
Mt. Marami is about a 3-hour drive from Manila. I am from Indang, Cavite, so it takes me only about 45 minutes to reach the jump-off area. The jump-off location is at Ramirez Brgy. Hall in Magallanes, Cavite. The tour guide recommended arriving early, around 3-4 am, to catch the sunrise and avoid the harsh heat of the sun along the way.
I arrived around 4:10 am. The tour guide will welcome you and lead you to the parking area. After parking, you need to register at the Brgy. Hall and pay Php 30.00. Along the way to the peak, you will pay the remaining Php 50.00 once you reach the Maragondon area.
We started hiking around 4:30 am. Kuya Joel, my tour guide, shared his experiences with other travelers and explained why Mt. Marami is called ‘Marami’ (a Filipino term, where ‘marami’ means ‘many’ in English). According to him, it’s because when you hike this mountain, you’ll encounter a lot of rocks, cow manure, and will need to walk extensively. At first, I thought this mountain would be easy since its elevation is lower than that of the mountains I’ve previously conquered. But BEWARE, do not underestimate this mountain’s ability to exhaust you. The long trail is no joke.
Motorcycles can travel up to halfway along the trail, where there are stores and restroom. It took us almost 2 hours to reach this midpoint. Depending on your pace, 1.5 hours is considered fast. From the middle of the trail, you can already see the mountain; it looks close yet still very far away. Make sure to stay hydrated. Along the way, there are some rivers that are said to flood during the rainy season, so there is a bamboo bridge for crossing.
It took us another 1.5 to 2 hours to reach the peak. Although we didn’t make it to the top early enough to see the sunrise, we stopped along the way to capture the beauty of the surroundings. The long trail is quite tiring. Upon reaching the summit, you’ll feel the strong wind that can almost carry you, so be cautious at the top. The view is amazing as expected. The long hike to the top feels insignificant when you see the beautiful scenery at the summit. I enjoyed the view and had the guide take many pictures of me in different spots, especially at Silyang Bato. We stayed at the top for at least 30-40 minutes to rest and soak in the peace
We started descending and took another rest at the middle of the trail. There are stores where you can buy snacks, buko juice, and even halo-halo (a Filipino shaved-ice dessert). There is also a restroom with a Php 10.00 fee. It took us another 3 or more hours to get from the summit to the jump-off point. We arrived at the jump-off around 12 noon. I suggest bringing a packed lunch since the canteen near the jump-off is pricey.
The Mt. Marami hike is really exhausting due to its very long trail. There are no shortcuts. While there are some trees, they don’t provide significant shade from the sun. The harsh heat of the sun will definitely tire you out even more. Therefore, I highly suggest starting the hike as early as possible; 3 AM is a good time. If you’re looking for some added thrill, our tour guide suggests doing the hike on rainy days.
Another thing I highly suggest before hiking this mountain is to do a warm-up, ideally at least a week before your climb. Try to walk or run every day. I’m warning you—it’s a really long hike, and you don’t want your legs to feel paralyzed afterward.
Hiking Tips:
- Be prepared physically.
- Pack light and bring only the essentials.
- Wear comfortable footwear.
- Stay hydrated.
- Dress appropriately.
- Start early to avoid the heat of the sun.
- Carry trekking poles.
- Know your limits—if you can’t continue, speak up.
- Enjoy the experience.
Must wear & bring:
- Flashlight
- Water (just enough for you to carry)
- Sunblock
- Umbrella (I need this in my life)
- Cap
- Arm Sleeves
- Hiking Jacket
- Hiking sandals/shoes
- Trekking Pole
- Pocket money
- Light snacks (biscuits/chocolate/nuts)
The hike at Mt. Marami was an invigorating experience that blended natural beauty, physical challenge, and personal achievement. Although the trek was demanding, it was filled with moments of serenity and wonder. The ascent tested my endurance, but each step brought me closer to the stunning summit, where the panoramic views were nothing short of spectacular. The satisfaction of reaching the top, combined with the breathtaking vistas, made every bit of effort worthwhile.
Overall, Mt. Marami proved to be a destination that not only challenged my physical limits but also offered a profound sense of accomplishment and connection with nature. It serves as a reminder of the beauty and rewards that await those willing to explore the great outdoors. For anyone seeking an adventure that combines natural splendor with personal growth, Mt. Marami is a hike well worth undertaking.
