Twin-Hike Mount Manalmon and Mount Gola in Sitio Madlum, Barangay Sibul, San Miguel Bulacan, Philippines

To visit the mountains at Sitio Madlum, Barangay Sibul, and San Miguel Bulacan, pay an entry charge of 20 pesos per person at Sitio Pamunuan.

We traveled on January 14, 2024, from Metro Manila, around 7-8 a.m. in Sitio Madlum, where we incur a parking fee of 50 pesos ($0.89). We afterwards go to the registration area, where we pay 30 pesos ($0.54) per person and 700 pesos ($12.50) for a tour guide for a group of 4, including our driver. The given amount is sufficient for the two mountains, Mount Gola and Mount Manalmon. Before we head to the opposite side of the river, we wander around Madlum's rocky river to take our first picture. We were assisted by an M.C.G.G.O., Inc. tour guide. The charges and services offered in the store are as follows:

Rate and Fees:

Registration/Environmental fee: 30 pesos/head ($0.54)

Guide Fee for Hiking:

Single Hike

Mount Manalmon: 400 pesos ($7.14)

Mount Matinik - 500 pesos ($8.93)

Mount Gola - 400 pesos ($7.14)

Twin-hike

Mount Manalmon and Mount Gola - 700 pesos ($12.50)

Mount Manalmon and Mount Matinik - 800 pesos ($14.28)

Mount Matinik and Mount Gola - 800 pesos ($14.28)

Mount Manalmon, Mount Matinik, and Mount Gola Trilogy - 1,100 pesos ($19.64)

Overnight

Mount Manalmon or Mount Gola - 700 pesos ($12.50)

Mount Matinik - 800 pesos ($14.28)

Mount Manalmon/Mount Gola - 1,100 pesos ($19.64)

Mount Manalmon/ Mount Matinik - 1,200 pesos ($21.42)

Mount Manalmon, Mount Matinik, and Mount Gola Trilogy - 1,600 pesos ($28.56)

For Caving

Madlum Cave - 150 pesos ($2.68)

Bayukbok Cave - 200 pesos ($3.57)

They also provide other services, like:

Viewing Decks

Titanic View Deck, Aguilus Peak and Mulawin View Deck - 200 pesos ($3.57)

Monkey Bridge - 25 pesos per head ($0.45)

* Rates may be subject to change. The rates are applicable as of 2024.

After everything is set, we cross the river to go to the opposite side. The water level is not that high, below the knees. To be honest, as we reach the other side of the river, I feel odd; it's like a ghost town, with a few abandoned structures such as cottages. It added to the weird feeling I get when I see so many crosses in the surrounding area. The tour guide began to inform us of the thrills and what to expect on the hike.

These are the few guidelines you must follow when visiting Biak Na Bato National Park.

Then I realized that the cross I saw was a Station of the Cross. There are other crosses in the area, as well as a small church near the cave's entrance.

You will notice this signage as we continue.

Madlum Cave

Sitio Madlum, Barangay Sibul, San Miguel Bulacan, Philippines

This cave is known as an entrance leading to the other side of Sitio Madlum. To see the mountainside of Sitio Madlum, you must traverse and enter this cave. I believe the thrill inside the cave lasts about 3 to 5 minutes. You'll be amazed when you see the opposite side of the cave. The rock formations along the Madlum River are amazing. We spotted many trekkers stopping by to relax and swim.

Madlum River

Sitio Madlum, Barangay Sibul, San Miguel Bulacan, Philippines

Prior to visiting the two mountains, Mount Manalamon and Mount Gola, you must pass the Madlum River.

The river is incredibly wonderful, especially with its massive, gorgeous, and diverse rock formations and cool water.

When we crossed from Mount Manalmon to Mount Gola, we noticed a few hikers halting by the Madlum River to pitch up their tents. We noticed a handful of them cooking and swimming in the cool water.

Mount Manalmon (1st Mountain)

Sitio Madlum, Barangay Sibul, San Miguel Bulacan, Philippines

The journey to Mount Manalmon is not particularly difficult. As a farmer in our province, I used to walk and ascend the highest mountains; therefore, I believe this road is suitable for beginners. The mountain stands 160 meters above sea level.

Reaching the summit of the mountain is immensely rewarding. The 360-degree view is impressive. From the pinnacle of the mountain, you can view practically all of Sitio Madlum and the neighboring barangays on the mountainside. The air is overpowering, but pleasant.

Mount Gola

Sitio Madlum, Barangay Sibul, San Miguel Bulacan, Philippines

Compared to the road to Mount Manalmon, the journey to this peak is longer, and there are incline spots where you must use a rope or be particularly cautious.

What thrills us the most is the videoke machine, which can be found virtually everywhere in Sitio Madlum. Of course, we sing and enjoy ourselves before attempting the Monkey Bridge, and the most thrilling part is swimming in the Madlum River.

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