Are you ready for one of the most challenging yet rewarding treks in Palawan? Mount Mantalingajan, the highest peak on the island, offers an unforgettable adventure that takes you through lush forests, steep ascents, and breathtaking vistas. Organized by Meeting Spot Travel and Tours, this trek is not just about reaching the summit but also about immersing yourself in the beauty and culture of Palawan.
Day 1: The Journey Begins We started our adventure early at 5 AM, departing from Puerto Princesa to Quezon. The first stop was the MMPL office, where we obtained our climbing pass after a 20-minute briefing video. Here, our bags were inspected to ensure we weren’t carrying any prohibited items like alcohol. The staff was thorough yet friendly, making the process straightforward.
After the briefing, we continued our journey with a 1 hour and 15-minute road trip to the Rizal DOT office. Here, we paid environmental fees and registered at the PNP office—a necessary step in case of emergencies. The people at the office were welcoming, even taking our family photo for their memory book.
By now, it was almost lunchtime, so we grabbed a quick bite before heading to Barangay Ransang. Here, we met our guide and paid a small municipal fee. Our next destination was Balen Balen, where we met another guide who would serve as our porter, helping us carry our rice and heavier items.
The Start of the Trek: We had packed essential supplies, including 5 kilos of rice for our group, canned food, chocolate bars, oatmeal, and noodle soup. Although not the healthiest, these foods are easy to prepare and provide plenty of energy. We each carried 2 to 3 bottles of water, which we could easily refill at the many water sources along the trail.
The trek itself is generally of moderate difficulty, with a few tricky passages and steep slopes, especially on the descent toward Brooks Point. It’s important to prepare physically, as the descent can be particularly challenging on your knees and toes. I learned this the hard way during a previous climb of Mt. Victoria in Narra, where I lost a toenail due to the pressure—but don’t worry, it grew back after a few weeks!
One of the unique aspects of this trek is the opportunity to sleep in local huts, which are often vacant and available for use. Our guides, who are members of the Palawan tribe, assured us that it was perfectly fine to use these huts as long as we cleaned up afterwards. On many occasion, we met local farmers and ended up chatting with us, curious about the latest news from the valley.
Reaching the Summit: on Day 3 as we ascended higher, the air became cooler. The coolest night on our 3 rd day was spent at Paray Paray, the summit camp, where we prepared for the final ascent. It’s advisable to bring a warm sweater and jogging pent, for the night of sleep, as the nights can be chilly. While this period between June and November brings more rain, it enhances the natural beauty of the surroundings and ensures that water sources are plentiful.
The climb to the summit was challenging but manageable, with a mix of steep ascents and more gradual slopes. However, the descent proved to be more demanding, particularly during the final 3 to 4 hours, which felt endless. The views along the way, though, were worth every step—stunning hills, rice fields, and the occasional glimpse of local wildlife.
The Final Descent: On day 4, the last leg of our journey took us through more scenic landscapes, including vegetable plantations and small villages. As we descended, the sounds of civilization—music, children playing—grew louder, signaling the end of our adventure. The final stretch, a flat walk to Malis Barangay, took about an hour and felt like a victory march after conquering the jungle.
Our private van was waiting for us at the end of the trail, ready to take us back to Puerto Princesa—a 3-hour and 30-minute ride. Along the way, we stopped for food and shared stories of our incredible adventure.
Why Choose Meeting Spot Travel and Tours? This trek can be done as a DIY adventure, but it’s highly recommended to let Meeting Spot Travel and Tours handle the logistics. They can arrange everything from booking your trekking slots with the MMPL office in Quezon to organizing guides, transport, and accommodation. For those who prefer a more relaxed start, we suggest spending a night at Echo Lodge in Rizal before beginning the trek. The lodge offers clean, native-style accommodations and delicious meals made from fresh, local produce—a perfect way to unwind before tackling Palawan’s highest peak.
Looking forward to your stories and pictures! And remember, the view from the top of Mount Mantalingajan is simply spectacular—360 degrees of unspoiled natural beauty, with both sides of Palawan visible in clear weather.
For an adventure of a lifetime, book your trek with Meeting Spot Travel and Tours today!