Mt. Buntis and Bonifacio Trial House: An Independence HoliDayhike

June 12, 2015 - My first solo hike was fun, so I decided to schedule my next hike for the coming long weekend vacation. And yes! I have nailed it. I decided to take the road less traveled by many, so I hiked at Mt. Buntis: On the Trail of Bonifacio. It is called such because of its pregnant belly of a woman. The Maragondon range comprises the form of this woman, with Mt. Palay-Palay at Pico de Loro (which I have climbed recently this month) forming the face. There are other 20 peaks at the Maragondon range, waiting to be explored and discovered. For me, it was an easy climb though it has a muddy trail because I consider it as a rainforest mountain. People living there are lucky because they get to experience rain these days.

How to get there

7:15 am - I left our house at Imus Cavite for SM Bacoor

7:30 am - 8:30 am - Rode a bus going to Maragondon (P55.00)

8:30 am - 9:00 am - Went to the Municipal Hall of Maragondon, but they told me to ride a tricycle going to the Kaingin Bridge

9:00 am  - Arrived at the Barangay Hall, signed my name, located near the Kaingin Bridge and I found a guide, Mr. Marino Torres. (Guide Fee - P400.00)

9:10 am - START OF HIKE

When I started the hike, it was already hot, but I managed to keep up the pace with my guide. The trail was easy at first because we walked at the rice farm and met some hikers along the way, who stayed overnight at Mt. Buntis. 

Kaingin Hanging Bridge

Boat house sailing for rent P1,000

My Kaingin Hanging Bridge experience.

The view from Kaingin Hanging Bridge.

And our muddy trail starts here, trees are everywhere and you will cross rivers on your way to the summit.

Muddy trail starts here.

The first river that you'll encounter.

I have the Mt. Apo experience trail feeling (feeling Mt. Apo lang!) haha because of the rocks that you'll see on the trail. 

Yes! And I think that this is a rainforest mountain! haha

I find it an easy climb and I was thinking that there was no assault trail but I was wrong. My climb that day was muddy and the trail was slippery on our way up the summit. Just be careful to watch your steps before reaching the top of Mt. Buntis

A guide is a must because you might end up at Mt. Palay Palay. (haha)

I encountered a narrow slippery trail by the way. 

Finally! I reached the top of Mt. Buntis in 1 hour and 17 minutes. Compared to the other mountains that I have climbed, I can say that Mt. Buntis is more of experiencing the view of the Maragondon range itself. The twin peak of the said mountain is Mt. Nagpatong, where our National Hero Andres Bonifacio and his brother were killed. I love the idea of the flag raised on top of Mt. Buntis' Summit. I felt the celebration of my Independence day climb.

Mt. Buntis' Summit

I think this was the best view that I've got! 

Thanks for this sir Marino Torres! 

Meet my super guide. Marino Torres 09129185740. His fee is P400.00 and he'll guide you too at the Bonifacio house. He is also very informative, because he mentioned to me Mt. Bolbok, Mt. Nagputok and other mountains that I haven't heard yet. I wish to climb those mountains that's not yet explored. One day. (haha)

I just sat down and enjoyed the mountain range view. Breathtaking!

We decided to leave the summit and I was afraid that we'll get soaked of rain. Luckily, Mr. Sun came out again. (haha)

This is how the muddy trail looks. (haha) 

On our way down, I saw a cave and asked Tay Marino if the report that I've heard was true. They say that this cave here is mysterious, because a hiker was lost in this mountain. But Tay Marino said, it isn't true. The birds live in the cave with snakes too.

The cave.

I've read a blog saying that you need to bring extra water. I must agree, but I found out that Mt. Buntis has a clean living water and hikers can drink from here. 

Bukal na Buhay

The Bonifacio Trial House

The house is located 10 minutes away from the Kaingin Bridge. There is no entrance fee and you'll get to see the place and how the revolution started led by "the Father of the Philippine Revolution" Andres Bonifacio. He was the founder and later the supreme leader of the KKK, "Kataas-taasan Kagalang-galangang Katipunan ng Anak ng Bayan" known as the Katipunan, a movement which sought the independence of the Philippines from Spanish colonial rule. and started the Philippine revolution. 

Very few visit Mt. Buntis and the Bonifacio Trial house. I encourage everyone to visit Mt. Buntis and the Bonifacio trial house to remember that our forefathers did everything for our freedom.

"Nothing so dear is denied one's beloved country by one with a pure heart; blood, wealth, wisdom, suffering and weariness; even if life itself ends." - Andres Bonifacio, May Pag-asa (Love of Native Land)

Enjoy hiking! I got home early by the way, and made my the flash moves going down the mountain in an hour.

My indomitable strength carried me here. Headstrong. Meditate.