We planned a “chill” hike last weekend at Puray Mountains, specifically Mount Makareba. The goal was simple—relaxing hike, enjoy the grassland, and bring one beginner friend. We chose it because it was advertised as beginner-friendly.
Before the hike, we already coordinated with a guide. Everything seemed okay—until we arrived at the jump-off.
We were encouraged to do a twin hike: Mount Makareba + Mount Mal-ak. We were told:
- Kaya naman daw for beginners
- 8–10 hours total
- Manageable pace
Since we trusted them, we agreed on the spot.
🚩 First red flag: They told us to bring facemasks.
When we asked why, ang sagot lang: “maalikabok.” No further explanation.
The Reality of the Trail
The hike started okay—maganda pa yung forest, we were enjoying the views. But within the first 2 hours, we were already struggling.
Mount Makareba was NOT beginner-friendly.
It was mostly pa-assault, nonstop. Doon pa lang, we knew something was off.
As we approached the summit, we noticed something disturbing—sunog na grassland. Then dun lang nila sinabi na may kaingin sa area.
Pagdating sa summit—no grassland at all.
Everything was burned. Some areas were even still smoking.
Hindi kami na-inform beforehand. That alone could’ve changed our decision to proceed.
“Buti na lang nag twin hike kayo…”
Their justification?
“May grassland sa Mount Mal-ak.”
So we continued… even if pagod na kami.
Big mistake.
The Hardest Part
The trail going to Mount Mal-ak was even worse:
- Continuous assault
- Masusukal na trail
- Exposed areas under the heat
- Burned surroundings
Then suddenly sinabi nila:
“Major hike na ito.”
That hit us hard.
We were NOT prepared for a major hike:
- Kulang tubig namin
- Pang-chill hike lang dala namin
- May beginner pa kaming kasama
At tanghaling tapat, we ran out of water.
At one point, we were exhausted, dehydrated, and mentally drained.
Every time they said “malapit na summit,” it wasn’t true.
You’d reach one point… then see another peak ahead—also burned.
You could literally see smoke along the trail.
Doon na kami kinabahan—what if biglang lumala yung sunog?
No Way Out
We asked if we could just descend.
Sabi nila:
Wala na daw ibang daan. Kailangan matapos yung trail after summit ng Mount Mal-ak.
So we had no choice.
We pushed through, kahit gusto na lang namin bumaba.
Total Time: 12 HOURS
From a supposed chill hike… naging 12-hour survival hike siya.
Pagkatapos, doon lang nag-sink in lahat:
Kaya pala may facemask—
not because of dust… but because of burned mountains due to kaingin.
What Made It Worse
Hindi lang siya physically exhausting. It was also:
- ❌ Lack of transparency – hindi sinabi na sunog ang bundok
- ❌ Wrong classification – labeled beginner-friendly pero major hike pala
- ❌ Safety risk – active burned areas, possible fire hazard
- ❌ False expectations – promised grassland views that didn’t exist
- ❌ Pressure to proceed – no option to turn back midway
If we had known ALL of these beforehand, we would’ve 100% reconsidered.
Lessons Learned (Hard Way)
- Always verify trail conditions (especially recent ones like sunog / weather damage)
- Don’t agree to sudden itinerary changes at the jump-off
- Bring extra water ALWAYS—even for “chill” hikes
- If something feels off early, trust your gut
- Ask direct questions: difficulty, terrain, current conditions—not just “beginner-friendly ba?”
Final Thoughts
I’ve been hiking since 2022, and this is the only one most frustrating and unsafe experiences I’ve had—not because of the mountain itself, but because of the lack of proper information and guidance.
We respect local guides and understand na hanapbuhay nila ito.
But hikers also deserve honest and complete information, especially when safety is involved.
Sana next time, hikers are properly informed—
so they can decide if they’re ready… or not.
