Hiking matters #147: Twin Dayhikes in Zambales II: Mt. Cinco Picos-Silanguin Traverse
One day after dayhiking Mt. Balingkilat and spending the night at Chieftain Jimmy’s house in Sitio Cawag Settlment, we packed all our things and commenced a Cinco Picos Traverse to Silanguin Cove as another dayhike. It was very early when we left: 0335H to be exact. The intention was to adhere as much as possible to the dictum: “The best time of the year to climb the Zambales mountains is at night.”
The first part of the trek was a long walk with a very gradual altitude gain. We crossed some streams, and what we lacked in views during those two-odd hours of darkness we compensated by a most animated discussion of the various trekking possibilities these trails could offer. Tommy, our 15-year old guide, spoke enthusiastically about a possible Mt. Dayungan Traverse to Nagsasa Cove, which would parallel the Balingkilat-Anawangin and Cinco-Picos-Silanguin.
When finally dawn arrived, the long wait was most rewarding. The sun was a painter and Mt. Balingkilat was its canvas, and as it rose to its majesty, several portraits of the mountain unfolded before our eyes, each with a different shade of earth and light, each beautiful, and these succession of images was made more meaningful by the fact that we had climbed that very mountain just the day before.
Meanwhile, we continued our ascent: soon the peaks of Cinco Picos were visible. Illuminated by the rising sun, we could also see the Hanjin shipyard north of Subic Bay – bustling with maritime activity. By 0630H we were in the initial peaks of the mountain, and by 0710H we arrived at the campsite. Some people refer to it as the ‘summit’ but clearly, when you are there, the tall peaks of Cinco Picos dwarf you, as it to tell you to reevaluate your semantics.
Indeed the peaks are a nice draw, hopefully a trail leading to the highest peak would be established. But the great attraction of the campsite is the view of Silanguin Cove, and if you are performing a traverse, you will actually walk your way to sea level! Which we did: the sun was behind us and the sea was ahead of us. Pushed by the heat and pulled by the waters, we were at the Cove by 1030H – waiting for the boat.
We had lunch at Silanguin Cove, which was a much more secluded place compared to the now-very-popular Anawangin Cove and the emerging Nagsasa Cove. As for beauty, it is hard to compare the coves. Silanguin actually forms a semi-circle and extends to the other arc of the semi-circle before trailing off with some beautiful islands. As we left the Cove, we saw the towering presence of Cinco Picos behind it – with its peaks. How many can you count?
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3 Comments on "Hiking matters #147: Twin Dayhikes in Zambales II: Mt. Cinco Picos-Silanguin Traverse"
May maganda po na beach/camp area sa Tambobong, Pangasinan. Hindi pa siya commercialized kaya sobra ganda ng beach at mababait ang mga tao. There is a new resort there, just starting. Its called PANTALAN BEACH RESORT in Tambobong. Bawal ang maingay na karaoke, cemented parking for 10 cars(50/night), kubo rental at only 1.5k per night and maintenance fees at only 50/head for use of cr and bath kung gusto niyo mag tent lang sa beach!!! Pero very very basic facilities lang. They even offer set meals for groups. Or if you want them to cook merong minimal fees lang. The kubos are built right on the pantalan (port) so GREAT view of the ocean talaga. Maganda yung kubo and can fit 8 to 10 yata. Meron din built in tables made of bamboo lang. Rustic. Its owned by the Bobises so just call nanay Precy bobis or Deo Bobis at SUN#09227154685 or SUN#09236685401 or SMART#09075183062 for reservations and arrangements. I understand they can even arrange transpo to/from manila na rin now. Pls call or text for rates nalang. Thanks.
TAMBOBONG FACEBOOK PAGE
TAMBOBONG THINGS TO DO/SEE
TAMBOBONG/OSMENA BEACHES/CAMPING: COLIBRA ISLAND
TAMBOBONG/OSMENA BEACHES: KABAKUNGAN CAVE,BALINMANOK WRECK, BALAKI ISLAND HOPPING
TAMBOBONG/OSMENA BEACHES: FRESH WATER CAVE
"The sun was a painter and Mt. Balingkilat was its canvas"
I like the way you described it sir Gid. Very poetic. Encouraging words for the future visitors of these two beauties from Zambales.
mantra
Many thanks Gid for posting these articles related to Cinco Picos (Tatlong Tirad), Balingkilat and Silangin. This will be a big help to other mountaineer and will make Subic, Zambales their next hiking destination.