tengshegoes again—and this time, it’s to Tarak Peak via the Paniquian Circuit Trail. The trail promised to be gruesome and hard, and let me tell you—it did not disappoint.
The Dayhike That Almost Felt Like a Diehike
We began at sunrise, and by the time the last hiker stepped off the mountain at 20:05, the day had truly earned its title: a hike to remember—and for some, a nail-biting ordeal (quite literally). Toenails were sacrificed, but our spirits? They remained unshaken. Let me take you through the details.
The day started with a prayer led by Tita Sonia—known for her excellent cooking and her cheerful energy. After a few warm-up drills and a climb orientation facilitated by the local guides and our officers at the Barangay Tourism Office, we were ready.
The sight of the morning sun gently kissing the Sitio Alas-Asin jump-off made everything feel promising. I saw my friends gliding and smiling while breathing in the morning air. The mark of enthusiasm can’t be denied. We are filled with excitement, like a kid running through the halls of Toy Kingdom and being promised to have her dream laser gun.
I whispered my mountain prayer and took my first step.
06:02: Where It All Began
Our much-anticipated Tarak Peak day hike via the Paniquian Circuit Trail officially started. This was my second climb but with a new route and a new company. They say familiarity breeds contempt (cue Mother Taylor here), but with mountains, familiarity only deepens the love.
This trail had a reputation for being tough, and let me tell you—it wasn’t just hearsay. My camera, hydration bladder, and trekking pole were witnesses to the brutality.
The Warm-Up: Lies the Trail Tells You
The first kilometer was pure deception. Gentle paths and soft breezes made us believe this was going to be a laid-back day. The cemented road from the jump-off felt like the prologue of a book where all the action hides in the later chapters.
By 06:27, we hit the forest, and the trail began its gentle assault. The Paniquian Trail may not feature the famous Papaya River going up to the summit, but it has its own charm: the soothing Paniquian River and the majestic Paniquian Falls.
River Crossings, Photo Ops, and Rashes
Optimism was still running high, but as we climbed higher, the rocks joined the party—and they weren’t exactly friendly.
At 08:39, we arrived at Paniquian River—our first major waypoint. The river shimmered with an invitation to relax, and we didn’t hesitate. Cameras were whipped out, snacks were passed around, and spirits soared. Sir Carl even brewed a cup of hot chocolate.
By 10:42, after a challenging scramble over slippery boulders, we reached Paniquian Falls. The falls were a sight to behold—majestic and refreshing. The falls cascaded down with a force that seemed to echo the effort we had put in to get there. Some of us took a refreshing dip, while others enjoyed an early lunch by the water.
But not all moments in the mountains are Instagram-worthy. By 11:30, I felt the telltale itch of an allergic reaction creeping up my face and legs as we left the falls. It made me realize that the water and my skin weren’t friends. A quick antihistamine from our team’s first-aid kit saved the day, but let’s just say the falls left me with more than memories.
Climbing to the Sky
The trail after the falls didn’t pull any punches. Loose rocks, steep inclines, and narrow paths made every step feel earned. By 13:00, we were at 730 MASL, and every meter gained felt like a mini victory. The summit was still over 250 meters up and we need to keep going. Loose rocks made the climb precarious, and every step required extra focus.
We continued to climb up and as we gained higher elevation, the forest thins, and so as the air that we breathe. We reached the open trail and the ridges welcomed us with breathtaking views. Marco was right that the view gets better as you reach for the top.
All the pain was conveniently rewarded by stunning views of Manila Bay, Corregidor, and the West Philippine Sea. It was as if the mountain itself was whispering, “Keep going; it’s worth it.”
Summit Tales: Windy, Rainy, Wonderful
We summited at 14:47. The wind howled, light rain drizzled, and the view was shrouded in mist. But standing there at 1,130 MASL, I couldn’t help but feel an overwhelming sense of accomplishment.
Stepping onto the summit brought a flood of memories from my first Tarak climb. I asked myself, “What’s changed since then, Teng?” The mountain hadn’t—still majestic and humbling. But me? Maybe a little stronger, a little more reflective, and still hopelessly in love with the trail. To reminisce, it felt different.
We spent quality minutes for a quick body recharge and group photo. We also need to recondition our minds that the hike doesn’t end at the peak, we need to go back to the trailhead.
15:31 off we go.
The Descent: Slips, Slides, and Nightfall
The descent started, and gravity decided to make things interesting. Slippery roots and loose rocks turned the trail into an extreme sport. The tree roots both helped and hindered us, it tested our patience and endurance. Some of us slid, others clung to roots, and everyone prayed their knees would hold up.
The ridges were a highlight—both breathtaking and terrifying. The wind was so strong it forced us into a “crouch-and-pray” formation. Claney thanked me for being her anchor, but in truth, we all leaned on each other—physically and emotionally.
By 17:55, we regrouped at the fork and decided to skip Papaya River. Darkness was setting in, and safety became our priority.
A Glimpse of Civilization
At 19:50, the city lights appeared. “Guys, natatanaw na ang kabihasnan!” I exclaimed, half-joking and half-celebrating. When we spotted banana trees, it was like the trail itself was giving us a high-five—we were almost there. These were enough to spark some tired laughter and renewed energy.
We hit the cemented road and were greeted by our waiting van at 20:05. The thought of pancit canton with egg or an ice-cold soda kept us motivated during those last steps.
Stats for the Day
- Distance Covered: 15.3 km
- Elevation Gain: 1,140 m
- Calories Burned: 5,200
- Fastest Moving Pace: 12:45 min/km
- Total Moving Time: ~8 hours
- Highest Point: 1,130 MASL
Lessons from the Trail
- Plan Ahead and Prepare (LNT Principle 1):
Preparation isn’t just about packing gear—it’s about understanding the trail, conditioning your body, and anticipating challenges. A well-prepared hiker enjoys the journey more than they endure it. - Travel on Durable Surfaces (LNT Principle 2):
Stick to established trails. This protects fragile ecosystems and minimizes human impact on the mountain. The Paniquian Trail, in particular, is prone to erosion—respect it by staying on course. - Be Considerate of Others (LNT Principle 7):
Hiking is a shared experience. Respect your team’s pace, offer encouragement, and remember that every hiker’s journey is different.
Tarak Reflections
Would I do this trail again? Absolutely. Tarak has a way of challenging you, humbling you. Tarak may test your limits, but it also rewards you with stories, lessons, and views that stay with you long after the bruises heal.
To the mountains I’ve climbed and the ones I have yet to conquer: I’ll keep coming back. My toenails may not, but that’s okay—scars and stories are better souvenirs anyway.
Until next time, Tarak. Let’s do this again—but maybe without the rashes. 😊
