Riding Fort Bonifacio Mountain Bike Trail at Night, Possible?

When it comes to trail biking in Manila, you either have three options to go for a bike ride. Camp Aguinaldo, Libingan ng mga Bayani (Heroe's Cemetery), and the famous Fort Bonifacio MTB trail. But the big question is... Can you possibly ride them at night? 

The closest bike trail in my place is undoubtedly the one located in the Army Headquarters (Fort Bonifacio), so I decided to try and find out. 

Since the trail is only open from 6AM - 6PM, I decided to stay until sun down. I learned that because the trail is heavily covered by vegetation, the it will already dark enough to turn on my bicycle headlight at 5:30 PM in the afternoon. 

Here's a photo of the bike trail at around 5:30 PM.

Like what I said in my older post, the trail extends 5.8 kilometers in length consisting of technical turns. With the moon above me, night riding can be serious fun if your know what you're doing. The air is significantly cooler, easier to breathe, and the sense of danger wrapped by silence is just part of the package. Awesome?! Of course!

I was able to finish one round until the trail master closed the gate and calling it a day. 

Though I recommend night riding for everyone, here are some tips I can share.

1) Gear Basics - Helmet, Shoes, Proper Clothing (Dry Fit upper and baggy shorts)

2) Check weather. I used Google Now to update me most of the time.

3) Check your lights. Always have the right equipment for the job. If you don't have a good light, better not go into riding at night. The trick here is being visible at the same time your ability to see the road clearly ahead.

4) Know the Trail First. Ah, before I forget. One should ride the trail on daytime first before he gets himself into riding at night. Using this approach, you are more aware of the sudden turns and bumps in the route. It'll be a safer ride.

Again, ride safe. 

Bike Trails: Fort Bonifacio Bike Trail

Mountain Biking in the heart of the city means that you'll go well with what Fort Bonifacio Bike Trail has to offer. It has been a constant love affair with me and my bike every weekend whenever I am in Makati. After all, this man-made bike trail is just 30 minutes away from my place using pedal power.

 So what does this bike trail has to offer as opposed to the one in Camp Aguinaldo?

For a start, it does have two options for difficulty presented in either Blue or Red flags. Blue flags are actually the easy part of the trail. This route is best for beginners who wanted to try dirt cycling or mountain biking for the first time. It is relatively short at around 3.8 kilometers. 

While the red flag offers five-something kilometers and a lot of technical portions such as steep descents, and hill climbs. The red route will surely reward yourself into a bliss of adrenaline inside the city. I highly recommend this one for novice riders who wanted to test their handling and balance skills.

Now for what cost you ask? A whole day unlimited ride will set you back 50 pesos. Not bad considering how the trail has progressed to a more exciting getaway since the first route was established almost five years ago.

Other services you can avail inside the camp is their Bayanihan or Kamayan Hall where good food are being prepared by the enlisted personnel themselves. Don't fret when an officer stops by to ride, they're as harmless as you are... and would be happy to entertain visitors and make new friends.

Philippine Army Band practicing at Bayanihan Hall

What can I probably ask for more in this humble yet impressive little bike trail? Well, I always wanted to try out night riding inside the mini forest. I just wish they would extend the biking hours to 8pm. Just two hours more from the usual 0600-1800H time. Oh well, I just think they'll only be going to consider that when there's someone willing to post on duty for the extra hours. 

For now I'm just enjoying the privilege. 

What should you prepare before entering the trail?

1) Wear your helmet.

2) Wear closed shoes. Sandals and flip flops are not allowed.

3) Bring your patch kits or extra tubes.

4) Bring your air pump.

5) Don't forget to pay and ask for receipts. It helps the trail master on duty, a lot!

Update: As of November 2012, there's a new dressing cottage for a quick shower. No details as to how much it will cost you to use the facility. 

Bike Trails: Camp Aguinaldo Bike Trail

Did you know that there's a bike trail that lies in the heart of the city?

Well, Inside Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City, a relatively a short course bike trail of about 3.2 kilometers features a good set of tight corners and but nothing too technical. 

This short wonder can be your getaway whenever you find yourself looking for taste of adrenaline to pump up that heart beat and some mud in your bike. 

To get here, enter Gate 6 along Boni Serrano up until you reach the trail head. 



View Camp Aguinaldo Bike Trail in a larger map

Find the trail master and log-in by paying 50 PHP. The fee is for the use and the maintenance of the bike. Quick refreshments can be bought in the trail entrance, just ask the trail master. If you wish to grab some breakfast or lunch, go to Soldier's Mall.

Tips:
Check out Pan de Campo. When their bread are still hot, it's really really good! 


© iam3739

WAT Day 2 | Mimbalot Falls

The next waterfall in our trip is Mimbalot Falls situated at Brgy. Buruun, Iligan City, Mindanao, Philippines. This waterfall takes just a few minutes out from the city. 

As you can see, you can visit three waterfalls in Iligan in just one day. From my former post, you can visit Maria Cristina Falls, Tinago Falls, and this Mimbalot Falls without having to stay overnight in the city. 

So what does Mimbalot Falls has to offer? 
Well for a start, Mimbalot offers a great opportunity to see Iligan as the city of waterfalls. It features a 90 ft. water drop and 18 ft. wide facade (as Pinay Travelista says it). It also gives you the benefit of communing with nature without having to travel far from the city. Being developed by an entrepreneur, the place will gradually be known as adventure park offering zipline and cable car services. 

We didn't have the chance to swim its nature-made pool basins' because we arrived too late. We probably enjoyed Tinago Falls and stayed too long for lunch at Maria Cristina Falls. 

To get here requires a jeepney, about 15 php per head to Brgy. Buru-un and stop at the Iligan City National School of Fisheries. An off-road trail will lead you to Mimbalot Falls around 10-15 minutes.

WAT Day 2: Hello Again, Tinago Falls!

After being able to satisfy ourselves with our Maria Cristina falls tour, the group proceeded to the second waterfall in our itinerary, this enabled me to say another hello to the enchanting Tinago falls. Probably the second most famous waterfall Iligan is known for.

I can still recall all those details when I was a kid where Tinago Falls was the first waterfall I was able to swim along its waters. It was so cold that I couldn't manage staying afloat even for a minute. I would stay on a nearby pool situated beside the gushing stream.

Pool Beside the Stream

Wait, pool? Yup! I said that right. Actually, in the past, my Tinago falls experience was accompanied by a beautiful zoo-resort situated in the entrance of the said waterfall, of which is located 450 steps higher in elevation. While at present, the resort is nothing but ruins.

The Ruins of Tinago Resort

It may seem like I had some pity upon hearing the fate of the rundown resort, but not the waterfall. Tinago falls remained a beautiful family runabout about 13 kilometers off the city. With a height drop of 240 feet while covered with trees, Tinago, in English means, hidden.

To get here requires a habal-habal, about 30 php. Or a jeepney thru Brgy. Buru-un line, about 14php. Taxi's in Iligan normally goes for an agreed flat-rate price. So I don't usually recommend them.

Waterfalling Adventure Tour participants!

Ten Minute Hike Starts Here

Upon arriving at the old resort entrance. It takes another 10 minutes to trek down. Children are advised to stay with their parents mainly because some steps are too steep for their stride.

Bamboo Raft

There are no known food stalls in the area so make sure you're packing enough for the planned day. Life vests can be rented out at a minimal fee. While cottages are also present, I didn't bother asking since we didn't need one. There's also a bamboo raft ride which costs' 20php per head allowin you to get near the waterfall.

Tips:
- Prior to leaving the hotel, apply mosquito lotion since there are some mosquitoes flying over at the old resort ruins.
- Bring a lot big towels for changing clothes, there's no dressing room there.
- Empty your bowel beforehand. No toilets or portalets are available.

SHORT TRIPS | Biking Lake Pinamaloy, Don Carlos Bukidnon

It was supposed to be a good day for a bike ride to Lake Pinamaloy, Don Carlos, Bukidnon.

Before leaving Maramag, the wind was calm, skies cloudy, no signs of rain... It was beginning to be a good day. Until we covered about eight kilometers or so, the sky in Don Carlos felt heavy and teary.

Still, we're here. Rain or shine, our bikes were ready for an all-weather goodness.

Lake Pinamaloy should be a serene place offering 60 hectares of activity space. For active people, it is a good venue for runners and mountain bikers alike. For lovers, it's wide enough to show public display of affection. Meanwhile, for the laid-back people wanting to relax, the lake is heavily surrounded by trees providing a cool breeze of air for anyone wanting to read a book or have a picnic.

Mountain Biking at Lake Pinamaloy

A rough estimate of three kilometers is needed to loop the existing narrow road around the lake. With walls that enclose the area from any trespassers, it is however worth noting that the lake is always open for visitors free of charge.

Lake Pinamaloy is probably the most famous landmark Don Carlos, Bukidnon has to offer. It also brings fresh-drinking water for the people in the area.

The cool breeze makes it an ideal place to spend leisure time with family any day. If in case you intend to host a picnic in the area, bring as much food for the planned day since there are no food stalls in the area.

I would also like to inform everyone that swimming is never allowed in the lake premises.

Narrow roads are an addition to those wanting for a trail run or a bike ride.

How to get here?
Take a bus bound to Kibawe, Kalilangan, Dumulog, or Tacurong then de-board at Don Carlos Bus Terminal. Then take a tricycle, about 8 pesos per passenger.

Tips before going to the lake;
- Bring food for the day.
- Try bringing a hammock if anyone wants to read under the tree branches.
- Bring a bike for some leisure ride.
- Bring Frisbee.

SNAPSHOTS | A ride to Lake Manlamonay, Don Carlos, Bukidnon

Lake Manlamonoy

Lake Manlamonay is an infamous lake located at about seven kilometers away from the Sayre Highway, Don Carlos, Bukidnon. While being surrounded by coconut trees and a sugarcane field, it is actually a lake that provides agri-fishing for the people living nearby.

The moment I had the chance to see this lake upclose and personal. It was soul-inviting as the sun was setting down. It threw away my exhaustion, delivering me towards serenity even for just a moment.

My bike resting beside the lake.

Getting here can be done in the form of habal-habal. But since this is me, I opted to travel short distances on my mountain bike leaving Maramag at around 4 o'clock in the afternoon. I was able to reach home by six - contented with the picture I got.

If anyone wishes to visit the small lake, please bear in mind that, like its Lake Pinamaloy brother, this one isn't suitable for swimming. Picnic is also not advisable since farm animals' are common within the premises.

Acknowledgement:
Thanks to blogger Earl Bolivar of Bukidnon Photo Journal. His Lake Manlamonay article actually informed me of its existence. Read his article here.