MARIVELES, Bataan — A rock mountain and a pebbled and rocky beach here are perfect getaways for summer as shown by big number of visitors frequenting the area especially during weekends.
San Miguel Peak, noted for its rock formation from its foot to its peak in barangay Sisiman, is a favorite for climbing and rappelling by mountain climbers from Metro Manila and other areas in Luzon.
Beginners start rappelling at a height of 130 meters, but old hands rappel from the peak which is about 700 feet or more than 200 meters high.
No charge is collected but mountain climbers can make use of local guides and instructors for a minimal fee.
The view below the rock mountain is breath-taking. Many enjoy the cool waters of the Mariveles Bay where from a distance can be seen a lighthouse, Corregidor Islands in Cavite and the Mariveles mountain range.
The beach is full of pebbles and some rocks where there are many huts available for rent from PHP150 without videoke, to PHP500 to PHP1,000 with free use of videoke.
There is no entrance fee.
A group of young people from Metro Manila belonging to the Arcitrek Project was among those who climbed the mountain and rappelled Sunday.
Xavier Raymundo said it was his first time to come to the place but many of his companions have frequented the rock mountain.
“We are on ocular visit to see if there is uncollected garbage in the mountain and to check the possibility of sharing books, toys and livelihood for the locals,” he said.
Raymundo added they have already climbed many mountains in the Philippines like in Cordillera and Bicol Region.
“Happy, I feel contented. You will forget the noise and problem in Manila,” Raymundo said when asked what he felt while on the topmost of San Miguel Peak. (Ernie Esconde/PNA)
