Elevation: 573 masl
Difficulty Level: 2/9 (minor hike)
Hike Duration: 6-8hours (w/ river stopover)
Location: Cabangan, Zambales
Lately, Mt. Mariglem has been making waves on social media because of its breathtaking views. Naturally, I wanted to see it for myself. So, on March 16, 2025, I took on the challenge.
Booking the Tour
I joined a hike organized by Barkada Travellers, availing their tour package for ₱1,200—cheaper than what other groups were offering. You can easily reach them through their Facebook page. Booking required a ₱500 downpayment via GCash.
Whenever I book joiner hikes, I always make sure there’s a pick-up point in Dasma or Imus since I’m coming from Indang. Traveling all the way to Manila for pick-up would be too much of a hassle.
The Journey Begins
Our pick-up time was 10 PM on Saturday, March 15, at The District Imus. The van service arrived on time, and we made several stops along the way to pick up other joiners.
By 3 AM, we stopped at a karinderya near the jump-off point for an early breakfast. This was our last meal stop before the hike, so we made sure to eat enough to fuel our climb.
Starting the Hike
Upon arriving at the jump-off point, we registered and paid the ₱20 fee per hiker. Two tour guides accompanied us to ensure a safe and smooth hike.
We started our trek around 4 AM, right on schedule. Since it was still pitch dark, bringing a flashlight or headlamp was a must. I highly recommend using a headlamp so you can walk comfortably without holding a flashlight or relying on your phone’s light.
The first part of the trail was flat but rocky and dusty. It was quite a long stretch, with a few gradual ascents along the way.
Our guide told us that we would pass through five peaks, with the fifth peak marking the official Mt. Mariglem summit.
The Climb: Chasing the Sunrise
Starting early was a great decision, as Zambales is known for its scorching heat. But despite the intense sun, the breathtaking views made every step worth it!
By 6 AM, we reached the first peak. From this point, the trail became steeper, so we took short breaks to catch our breath. There were also several other hiking groups that day, so we had to wait in line for photos.
After taking pictures and appreciating the stunning scenery, we continued toward the next peak. The trail kept ascending, and as we climbed higher, the sun became more intense.
Hiking Essentials: Stay Protected from the Sun!
At this point, applying sunscreen, wearing a cap, and using sunglasses were necessary to protect ourselves from the heat. I skipped wearing a jacket because it felt too warm while hiking.
Reaching the Five Peaks
After 30 minutes, we arrived at the second peak—and it was stunning! The Peak 2 sign was hanging from a tree, creating a perfect backdrop for photos. At this point, the sunrise was starting, casting a beautiful golden glow over the mountains. There are vendors selling water along the way to the summit, but it’s a bit pricey.
Another 30 minutes of trekking brought us to Peak 3. This one had a long queue for pictures since hikers could climb a tree and strike different poses. Of course, I couldn’t resist joining in—even if there were a lot of people watching as I had my photos taken!
From Peak 3, it took just 20 minutes to reach Peak 4. We took a few pictures and then immediately continued to the final and most anticipated peak, which was another 20-minute trek away.
The Summit: Finally at Mt. Mariglem!
Upon reaching Peak 5, where the Mt. Mariglem sign was located, we were greeted by a huge crowd. There were actually two signs—one planted into the ground and another handheld sign. Since the line for the official signpost was long, we opted to take our photos with the handheld sign instead.
By this time, it was already 8 AM, and the sun was blazing. We didn’t want to stay too long under the heat, so after a few quick photo ops, we began our descent.
The Challenging Descent
On our way down, we passed by Maligha River. Our itinerary originally included three river stops, but we skipped the first one since it was no longer clean. Instead, we headed straight to River 2.
We reached the base just before 11 AM, and let me tell you—the descent was no joke! It was a steep and sandy trail, making it slippery and tricky to navigate. We had to move carefully to avoid slipping. Thankfully, our tour guides were always ready to assist, ensuring everyone’s safety.
The trail felt extra long under the scorching sun, and I eventually had to wrap myself in my jacket despite the heat. I’d rather feel uncomfortable than get sunburned!
Cooling Off at Maligha River
Upon reaching Maligha River, we quickly changed into swimwear and took a much-needed dip. The place was already crowded when we arrived, but that didn’t take away from its beauty. The water was crystal clear, and there was a diving area for thrill-seekers. There are snack stalls at Maligha River.
What I loved most was the shallow sections, perfect for just relaxing. There was also a small waterfall-like spot where I tried to sit and enjoy the rushing water. At first, I thought it would feel like a natural massage, but the current was so strong that it felt more like getting smacked by the water!
A Hearty Lunch Before Heading Home
After soaking in the river, we got ready for lunch. Since I’m not a swimmer, I didn’t stay too long in the water and instead headed to the lunch area with my group. We took a habal-habal (motorbike taxi) ride for ₱100 per person, as we were too exhausted to walk any further. The ride took around 20 minutes.
Our tour guide charged ₱150 per head for lunch, and it was absolutely worth it! We had adobong manok, which was deliciously cooked.
The van services were parked near the tour guide’s area, where we also rinsed off before heading home. What I found amusing was that the locals rented out their bathrooms for hikers to use. Young kids even helped fetch water for bathing, and you could tip them for their effort.
By 2 PM, we left Zambales, tired but happy.
Final Thoughts
Hiking Mt. Mariglem is definitely an experience worth remembering. The Zambales heat is no joke, so I highly suggest starting your climb early. But despite the intense sun, the breathtaking landscapes, peaceful nature, and rewarding adventure make it all worthwhile.
Would I do it again? Absolutely! 💯
