SOMBRERO PEAK: "The Peek and Tale of the hat-shaped Peak of Sawang"

SOMBRERO PEAK: "The Peek and Tale of the hat-shaped Peak of Sawang" 

By: Ramon Q. Gayas Jr. (Ser Montaineer)

Acknowledgement: I Ramon Q. Gayas Jr. would like to extend my gratitude to all the people who helped us in making our climb possible especially to the following persons: Professor Anacleto M. Caringal of Batangas State University, Glenda Alda, and to our guide Serafin De Chavez, I would also like to thank my team who did the said climb: Lhaine Bonganay, Monna Policarpio, Jep Erenio, and Ayra Robellon, as it would have been close to impossible to have succeeded without their support.

THE HAT-SHAPED WONDER OF SOMBRERO PEAK IN PANORAMIC PHOTO

OVERVIEW

Rises at the mountainous corridor, possess enough elevation that affords great views, and astride in a place near to waterfalls and sea, is the little-known landscape named "Sombrero Peak", a rare-explored and scenic sub-mountain in Lobo-San Juan Mountain Range. Sombrero, means "hat" - an excerpted epithet from the rich imagination of the local folks who witnessed this "hat-shaped" mountain of Lobo - is a hiking-potential grassy hill which is commonly seen when ascending "Nagpatong Peak" and "Kogonan Ridge", and is recognized as the "next attraction" of mountain eco-tourism scene in Lobo Batangas, a pleasant addition to the hiking destinations of the said town.

THE VIEW PRIOR TO GRASSY SLOPE

The hike up to Sombrero Peak is doable within 2 to 2.5 hours, which originates from the coastal road in Brgy. Sawang, particularly at the trail head of Sitio Ulpong (jump-off). The venture is officially commences on its cemented pathway, which is heading to the rough road, this can be pass through trailing or via four-wheel vehicle, or local tricycle ride. Hence, hikers have the chance to shorten the trek of adventure. However, the initial trail is worth to trek, very suitable for warm-up, as the way is holds within the pleasant community and impressive coconut farmland. The rides is approximately 10 to 15 minutes, while the trek may take 45 minutes from the jump-off towards to the midway point, that is in between Sawang's watershed station (left lane), and house of well-known local guide Serafin De Chavez (right lane), which marks the start of ascent to Sombrero Peak. At this point, the trail becomes slanted and the hike requires trekking through woodland, follows with sugar apple plantation and "Alibangbang" (bauhinia malabarica) forest, then further up to the grassy slopes which culminate in a 360 degree view summit.

THE BLOGGER AT THE SUMMIT VIEWPOINT

Just like the viewpoint of other hiking destinations in Lobo, the top of sombrero peak offers opportunity to the trekker to behold the breathtaking view of verde island corridor and to glimpse some of mindoro's islets and prominent mountains (Mt. Halcon and Mt. Malasimbo) which are specially appears on view during the cloudless time. Sombrero peak also gives way to hikers to contemplate the other spectacles in the area such as; blue seascape of sawang, magnificent formation of ilijan-lobo coast, lobo river's delta and lowland greeneries. Additionally, the contiguous peaks of Lobo Mountain Range are also seen there, specifically the "Paetehan", "Bintana", "Bangkalan", "Nagpatong" and "Pintuang Bato", while the "Kogonan Ridge" is looks tiny patch of grass on its forested continuum. Moreover, one can appreciate the beautiful array of Mt. Pulot-Itaas, Mt. Tibig and Mt. Banoi range looming in the great horizon.

THE BELL-SHAPED FEATURE OF ULPONG FALLS

On the trek back, there is a path that leads to remarkable "Ulpong Falls", which will be encounter at the midway point. Visiting the waterfalls is easy, as the en route passes through moderate and mostly straightforward river bank. Perhaps, Ulpong is apparently looks the same, or a reminiscent of "talon mini-falls" in Jaybanga-Mt. Naguiling. Interestingly, hikers may capture the "bell-shaped" feature of ulpong, depends on the angle of photography. With its distinct characteristic, Ulpong falls is a nice spot to visit after hiking Sombrero Peak. Alternatively, - same as Ulpong falls - the beach resorts lies near the jump-off area might be an enjoyable side trip of Sombrero Peak escapade.

ENVIRONMENTAL NOTES

Climbers are advised to be responsible in hiking Sombrero Peak; avoid mass climbing to prevent trail degradation, noise and wildlife disturbance. Do not leave garbage, human foods, or any foreign objects which can harm the mountain's flora and fauna. Be careful when using igniting materials to ensure the area is free from destructive fire. To minimize the impact of arrivals to the grassy vegetation, camping at the summit is strongly discouraged. However, there is a potential campsite prior to it, which may use by small group for overnight staying. 

THE BLOGGER'S TEAM (L-R)
Ser Montaineer, Jep Erenio, Ghislaine Bonganay, Monna Policarpio and Ayra Robellon

VERDE ISLAND CORRIDOR  AND COAST OF ILIJAN LOBO

AS VIEWED FROM SOMBRERO PEAK

AS VIEWED FROM SOMBRERO PEAK

AS VIEWED FROM SOMBRERO PEAK

ULPONG FALLS AS VIEWED FROM OTHER VANTAGE POINT

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Mountain’s Profile	Major jump-off: Sitio Ulpong, Brgy, Sawang Lobo, Batangas Elevation: 400+MASL unverified Hours of Climbing: 2 to 2.5 hours Days of Climbing: 1 Day Alternate trail: En route to Ulpong Falls Specs: Minor Climb Difficulty: 2/9 Trail classes: Pathway to rough road, woodland, sugar apple plantation, array of alibangbang trees, grassy trail Features: Coconut farmland, scenic views, coastal view, exploratory, mini-falls
Transportation (As of November 29, 2015)	For commuters: P127 - BUS - Manila to Batangas City Grand Terminal  P20 - JEEP - Batangas City to Lobo Jeep Terminal (2 rides) P56 - JEEP – Lobo Terminal to Lobo Poblacion P100-150 -TRICYCLE - Poblacion to Sitio Ulpong, Brgy, Sawang Last trips: Lobo Poblacion to Batangas City -1700 / Batangas City Grand Terminal to Manila - 2030 PM 24 hours Bus Terminal:  Batangas Pier and Lipa                   For private transportation: Head out your trip to Batangas City Diversion Road via SLEX Star toll-way, then take the road to Lobo, Batangas (left corner of diversion). From Poblacion, proceed to Brgy. Sawang coastal road and alight at the waiting shed of Sitio Ulpong (Kanto ng Sawang). Ask the locals about parking area. Approximately 3 to 3.5 hours travel time from Buendia, Taft Avenue.
Registration / Coordination	Register at PNP Lobo, pay tourism fee for P20 (as of November  29, 2015) Coordinate you hiking/camping plan to the local guide, Serafin De Chavez
Contact Persons / Numbers	Local Guide - Serafin De Chavez  09072029953 For Guide and Jeepney arrangement- You may contact Ms. Glenda Alda at 09053874468 she might be willing to assist hikers For eco-tour in Lobo – Prof. Anacleto Caringal of BSU 09369365887 For emergency - Lobo Hotline 09983144867
Guide fee / Guideship notes	Guide is highly recommended (new hiking destination) The blogger paid the guide worth  P750, for day tour in Sombrero Peak and Ulpong Falls
Water source	Available at the Jump-off and lowland community, no water source along the trail and campsite
Hiking notes and Precautions	Note – New hiking destination Prerequisite – 2 to 3 hours day hike experience is an advantage, appropriate for beginner Day hike – Highly recommended Night trekking – Coordinate night trek plan to local guide before proceeding Cell phone signal – Present at the jump-off, sporadic at the entire trail Amount of water to bring – 2 to 3L for day hike, 4-5L for overnight Sun exposure – Many portion of the trails are exposed to sunlight, mostly at the summit. River Crossing – Nothing major, but weather-dependent Terrain condition – Well-established, gradual to slanted and slippery when wet. Thorny Plants – Minimal Bladed Grass - Minimal Rope segment – None Limatik – None
Campsite / Camping notes	Camping at the ridge prior to summit is possible (6 to 7 tents), coordinate your camping plan for camp reservation and bring enough water (4-5L). However, camping at the summit area is not recommended, to minimize the impact of arrivals to the grassy vegetation.
Side Trip and Facilities	Ulpong Falls – see the Itinerary below Sawang Beach – Ask the locals about resorts’ fees (entrance, cottage and camping) if you have plan to stay overnight, consider time adjustment Shower area – At the trailhead of community Sari-sari store  – At the trailhead of community
Estimated Budget	P900 - See sample budget computation below

SAMPLE ESTIMATED BUDGET COMPUTATION (for manila-base hikers)

Number of participants	5 persons
Duration	1 Day / Day Hike
Transportation	P254 per person: BUS - Manila to Batangas City Grand Terminal (back and forth P40 per person: JEEP (2x) - Batangas City to Don Ramos, to Lobo Jeep Terminal (back and forth) P112 per person: JEEP – Lobo Terminal to Lobo Poblacion (back and forth) P40 per person: TRICYCLE - Poblacion to Sitio Ulpong (back and forth)
Guide fee	P150 per person
Contingency fund	P304 per person
TOTAL	P900

SUGGESTED ITINERARY

Day hike: Sombrero Peak + Ulpong Falls

0330- Assembly at KFC Buendia near Gil Puyat LRT Station

0400- ETD to Batangas Grand terminal

0600- ETA Grand Terminal / take jeepney to don ramos, then take jeepney to lobo Jeep terminal (2rides)

0630- ETA Lobo Jeep Terminal/ take jeep to lobo poblacion

0730- ETA Lobo Poblacion / register at PNP station / take tricycle to Brgy. Sawang

0800- ETA Brgy. Sawang / get guide/ start trek

0845- ETA De Chavez residence / rest stop

0900 Resume trek / stop over at sombrero ridge/ take photo / resume ascent

1030- ETA Summit / explore the area / take photo / back trail to ridge / rest and lunch

1300- Head back to De Chavez residence

1330- ETA De Chavez residence / rest and detour to Ulpong Falls (optional)

1400- ETA Ulpong Falls / rest and explore the area

1430- Head back to jump-off

1530- ETA Sawang’s coastal road / visit sawang beach (optional) / rest, shower and headback to poblacion

1630- ETA Poblacion jeep terminal / head back to grand terminal

1800- ETA Grand terminal / head back to manila

2100- ETA Manila