Mt. Mataripis Trip | DIY Trip Retreat

Mt. Mataripis Details 

• Location: Days required / Hours to summit: Tanay Rizal, Philippines
• Features: Mt. Mataripis is an 8.4-kilometer out-and-back path with a waterfall in Tanay, Rizal, Philippines. It is categorized as moderate. Hiking, walking, and wildlife tours are the most popular activities on the path.
• Difficulty Level: Moderate
• Length: 8.4 km
• Elevation Gain: 462 m 
• Route Type: Out & back

Introduction 

My CFF friend and his churchmates invited me to join their hiking and camping to Mt. Mataripis last July 17. If you’re familiar with Mt. Mapalad, one of the most sought out hiking locations in Rizal, then you’ve probably heard about Mt. Mataripis (although it was just recently opened to the public).

If you have no clue about Mt. Mapalad or Mt. Mataripis, then you’ve come to the right place! You can read through my DIY Mt. Mapalad hike here

Here’s a DIY Hike blog to guide you in planning for your hiking trip to Mt. Mataripis, Brgy. San Andres, Tanay, Rizal.

About Mt. Mataripis

Mt. Mataripis is one of the Sierra Madre ranges with many summits. It’s a very straightforward trek that’s also enjoyable, with swimming possibilities at one or all of the trail’s several waterfalls. The 4-hour round-trip hike is a little over 9 kilometers long and begins and ends at the same location.

This mountain is ideal for people who prefer taking a leisurely stroll through a beautiful jungle-like setting. It can become a little stuffy at times, especially when you approach the canopy portion, but a brief dip in the waterfalls will quickly alleviate that.

Mt. Mataripis: Preparing for the trip

If you are allergic to bugs, I recommend bringing organic insect repellent. Because certain parts of the path are steep, having a trekking stick may be beneficial. We recommend that you wear footwear that has a strong grip and drains water quickly because you will be crossing some creeks

Things to remember before the trip to Mt. Mataripis

What do you need to know before the trip? Here are a few of the things that you will need to remember:

• Communication: There is no phone network at the jump-off. Signal works at the summit so yes, you can share your experience on social media.
• Indigent people: Remontado Dumagat, like in most mountains in the Rizal-Quezon area
• Paid restrooms and basic shower facilities are available.
• Banks/ATM: there are none at the jump-off
• Limited parking

Overnight camping is allowed at the summit but reservations must be made in advance to observe the carrying capacity of the place as well as follow the health protocols set by the IATF.

Things to bring for the trip to Mt. Mataripis

• First Aid Kit. It’s good to have a set of first aid kits in your bag in case something happens during the hike. Your kit mainly needs alcohol, gauze, and a set of bandaids and itching cream (in case). If you think you’ll be needing medicines for you and your friends, do bring some. It’s always good practice to be prepared. 

• Headlamp.If you plan early in the morning to catch the sunset, then bringing a headlamp is the best decision you’ll have!

• 1 – 2 Liters of drinking water
• Trail Foods
• Extra Set of Clothes
• Toiletries
• Sunblock
• Powerbank

How to get to Mt. Mataripis 

We actually hitched a hike with one of my friend’s churchmate going to Mt. Mataripis.

Via a Private Car

If you’re traveling using a private car then I suggest you have Waze or Google Maps on your phone! I’ve attached a link to Mt. Mataripis location below. Be sure to save the route! Here:

Important Contact in Mt. Mataripis

For Contact Information:

George – 0910 371 4145; Jay Ar – 0949 303 3191/0947 488 8497  You can also message them on their Facebook Account. Make sure you arrange a reservation at least a week before. Again they do not have phone signals in the area, but they check their phones every two days.

Mt. Mataripis Trip 

We started to trek at around 4 PM and reached the peak at 6 PM. The hike is approximately 2 HOURS long, but it totally depends on your groups’ pacing.

Like any retreat, our trip provides a physical, emotional, and psychological sanctuary from the stresses and strains of regular life: a safe haven in which to begin to recover from trauma and heal on all levels, as well as a chance to escape the poisonous effects of noise.

Throughout this whole trip, we were able to have a short Bible Sharing, a solemn group insight sharing, and worship after we ate dinner. Our sleeping arrangement was that girls slept in a Kubo and boys slept in a tent. Unfortunately, because of the rain, we all had to sleep together.

When we woke up, we really enjoyed the view of the Sea of Clouds. Which was spectacular!

The View

Mt. Mataripis is one of the Sierra Madre ranges with many summits. It’s a very moderate trek that’s also enjoyable, with swimming potential at one or all of the trail’s several waterfalls. The 4-hour round-trip hike is a little over 9 kilometers long and begins and ends at the same site.

This mountain is ideal for people who prefer taking a leisurely stroll through a beautiful forest setting. It can become a little stuffy at times, especially when you approach the canopy area, but a brief dip in the waterfalls will quickly relieve that.

Shrimp Farm

“Mataripis” refers to the richness of “taripis”, a native shrimp, in one of the region’s rivers. When you reach the peak at 720 feet in elevation, this becomes clear. There’s an odd-looking orange sign that looks like a shrimp there, inviting everyone to stop awhile and enjoy the cool wind and stunning view of the region.

Trip Expenses

Overall our trip expense did not go over Php 500.00 (USD 10), because we hitched a ride with one of our friends. For our food, we brought our own snacks and you’ll find a store near the area, that’s selling local food.

Important Things to Remember

• Hikers must register, pay a fee, and sign a release of liability in the event of an adverse incident.
• You can hire a guide to take you up to the mountain after registering in the logbook.
• There is a 5 hiker to 1 guide ratio which is strictly implemented.
• Except for the overnight stay at the peak, where male guides are required, female and male guides are available for the walk.
• Parking is available along the limited roadside or at a neighboring parking lot with more space, although there is a charge.
•  A local store here sells bottled water as well as a few food and snack products.

I hope you found my Mt. Mataripis blog trip helpful! For those of you who are planning to hike to Mt. Mataripis or other mountains like Mt.Balabag or Mt. Nagpatong feel free to comment here or reach me through my social media for questions and clarifications! I’d be more than happy to help!

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