Nueva Ecija Exploration: Mt. Dilalam and Mt. Nanduran sidetrip to Calaanan Falls

On Sept 16-17, 2017, we were able to reach the summit of two newly opened mountains in the province of Nueva Ecija- Mt. Dilalam and Mt. Nanduran.

Scenic view offered at the top of the mountain. (view of nearby mountains, surrounding cities of Palayan, Laur and San Fernando)

Since we left Manila around eight in the morning, and travel time is almost 5 hours to jump off, we started our trek around three in the afternoon. It was sunny day and the half of the climb has an open trail which gave an additional difficulty for us.Water source is only available on the first 30 minutes of the climb and no other water source available near the campsite (so make sure to bring at least 3L of water each if you will plan to do an overnight climb)

An Evidence of newly created trail (an hour to Mt. Nanduran)

At first, it was a gradual trail which you can compare to the trail of Mt. Batolusong in Rizal, but when you are approaching the summit of Mt. Nanduran, the trail changes its difficulty level which you can compare to the trail of Mt. Mariveles (an hour before Papaya River). Since the trail is just newly created, expect a non-established trail, tall grass/ bush which might hurt you along the way. These two mountains offer a kind of trail that you won't like during the rainy season - it's muddy and slippery. However, if you are into tropical climbing and you enjoy added adventure during the climb, then this one is for you!

Glimpse of the sunset just before you reach the summit

If you are looking for a campsite which offers scenic view of nearby mountains, surrounding cities, sunset viewing. great view of the sky at night, city lights (yes city lights! just like how you love the city lights of Balagbag) and sea of clouds (if good weather is given) then you night want to spend an overnight climb at Mt. Nanduran's summit/campsite and experience all at once.

Bongabon Eco Trail team : Abey, Raine, Noreen, Allan, Crystal and John

What made our ocular climb more special is not just the mountain itself but the hospitality we received when we were at Bongabon. The rescue team of Bongabon's Municipal Hall took care of us until our departure, the people are all approachable, tour guides are very helpful, tourism head kept on updating us and assured that we will all be assisted once we arrive.

Special thanks to the following:

Nueva Ecija Backpackers and Mountaineers Community for their guided details which made us possible to climb the said mountains.
Sir Andoy Canaya for giving us important details and reminders prior our climb.
Ms. Shaina - tourism head which updated and assisted us prior and after the climb.
Tatay Noel and his 2 sons which guided us all through out our climb.
Tatay Tony and Tatay Dy - staff at Bongabon Municipal Hall who accompanied and pick us up at the jump off and even allowed us to wash up at their place.
To my DIY friends, Noreen, Allanm Crystal, John and Abey which made this event really funa nd memorable. :

Truly, it is important to do an ocular climb first before creating any organized event in any mountains-be it known or newly opened. Depending your climb in any available itinerary isn't enough, it's always better to have a knowledge regarding the mountains you are bringing your participants to have a preparation and set proper expectations.

Let us continue to support our local tourism in expanding the mountaineering community and helping us promote a responsible hiking.

Keep climbing, Ka-Ulayaw!