Pico de Loro or Parrot's Peak offers a spectacular 360 view from the summit. It is considered as the highest point within the boundary of Cavite and Batangas. It got its name from its contour that looks like a giant parrot perched on the mountain.
After recently traversing Mt. Makiling, I wasn’t really keen on doing another major climb so soon. But I wanted to climb as many mountains as I could before summer, so I decided to start with easy ones that are near Manila and that are manageable for a day hike. I asked around my friends from the mountaineering community for beautiful mountains with waterfalls or mountains that offer magnificent views from the summit. Their top recommendations were Pico de Loro at Maragondon, Cavite; Mt. Maculot at Cuenca, Batangas; Buntot Palos (also known as Hidden Falls) in Laguna and Balagbag Falls in Real, Quezon.
A glimpse of the peak after half an hour of walk from the base camp.
Pico de Loro was the runaway winner so I decided to climb it the next day and Mt. Maculot the day after. With a spur-of-the-moment trip like this I didn’t expect that any of my friends would be able to join us. Fortunately, Ian was free (and responded right away after seeing my late post from Facebook), and so was Cristy. We left Manila around 6 a.m. on Saturday morning and took the South Luzon Express Way (SLEX) exiting at Carmona. We stopped at Dasmarinas Robinsons Mall to pick up Ian, Jeff and Cristy and proceeded to the jump-off point along Puerto Azul Road.
The trail becomes steeper as you approach the summit from the camp site.
I wasn’t aware that Pico de Loro is part of a protected forest reserve of Mt. Palay-Palay/Mataas na Gulod National Park, so I was pleasantly surprised to see the lush forest cover on our way to the jump-off point along Ternate Highway. It’s something I usually get to experience only when I pass by Quezon National Park (also known as Bitukang Manok) and driving around Laguna area. Just cruising along this area is rewarding already especially if you’re used to the hectic and noisy life of the city. It was almost 10 a.m. when we passed-by the jump-off point on our way to DENR outpost. The registration fee is now 20 pesos per head while the parking fee is still 50 pesos.
Pico de Loro is a very popular getaway it is always packed with hikers especially on weekend. In this picture another batch of climbers are on their way to the summit.
After registration, we walked back along the road for a few minutes to the trail head before starting an immediate 30 minute assault up to the first base camp (and I thought it was going to be an easy two-hour hike – I had even left my trekking pole back at the outpost!) The trail however, was under the verdant canopy of trees, accompanied by the mélange of different bird calls and the familiar loud sound of cicadas, and this made it bearable. We registered at the first base camp (another 20 pesos) and signed the log book. Hikers can use the toilet as well as replenish their water here.
Jeff, Lakwatsera, Charles, Cristy and Ian at the summit.
Refreshed and energized, we were back on the trail relying on Ian’s knowledge of the mountain from two years ago. We followed him all the way to the summit of a subsidiary peak (Peak 3). As it turned out, it wasn’t the peak we were looking for! We did not pass by any campsite on the way to the summit and we were the only people there – naligaw po in short. At least we got to summit an additional peak! Finally, after tracing our way back down from Peak 3, we found our way to the camp site below the main summit (Peak 1).
Hamilo Coast is composed of 13 natural coves with distinct characters, shapes and sizes; limestone cliffs that reach the sky; virgin forests and rock formations; as well as its own natural park set against a pristine backdrop of sloping mountains. It is now being developed into world-class tourism spot. The initial development centers on Pico de Loro Cove.
The bald spots around the mountain are starting to become evident.
After lunch at the campsite, we had another 30 minute assault before reaching the summit of Peak 1. The path near the summit was really steep and although it was dry, the trail was still slippery. I had to hang onto the cogon grass to make my way up to the summit! At last, we reached the main summit of Pico de Loro! The view from the top was indeed spectacular. It’s an awesome 360 degree panorama of indented coves and beaches, mountain ranges, and thick forest covering. I wonder how long before those beautiful coves and beaches become exclusive villages and resorts again (or perhaps they are already?). The bald spots in some area of the mountain were a bit of a disappointment considering it is a protected forest park, but the view was well worth it.
The road ahead leads to Papaya Cove just beside Pico de Loro Cove. At the summit one can see the Caraballo Mountains in the north, Nasugbu, Batangas in the south, Maragondon on the east and the South China Sea on the west.
The summit of peak 1 was just a small area able to fit just a few people, and it was at its hottest when we reached it around 1 p.m. After spending some time there together with some other climbers, we descended a steep path towards the famous rock tower (Peak 2) and got ready to settle Ian’s unfinished business at Pico de Loro – to climb that rocky outcrop!
It takes around 5 minutes to scale this rock. It's fairly easy already once you passed the short climb to the steep cliff using a rope.
The precipitous rock formation looked very intimidating to climb, and I thought you would have to use ropes and a harness to climb it. Fortunately it’s not that difficult, and Charlie is an experienced rock climber and helped all of us to get to the summit. There is a permanently fixed rope up one short, steep section which makes the climb fairly easy. Take care, however, as a fall from here would likely see you falling a long way down the side of the tower, and very serious injuries (or worse) would be likely. Also, it is a good idea to send an experienced climber first to inspect the top of the rope for wear and tear to make sure it’s still in good enough condition for other climbers to put their whole weight on.
It was a liberating experience to be able to scale this rock. It wasn’t just the amazing view but the success of conquering my fear of heights again. I would have stayed here longer if we weren’t on day hike trip. While staying here, we spotted a hornbill and many other birds soaring above the vast forest. There were also monkeys on the rocky outcrop, but luckily for me I didn’t spot any snakes!
All smiles now after surpassing the initial nerve wracking ascent to the rock.
Lakwatsera at the summit of the rocky outcrop.
We began the trek back, making a detour to a waterfall and swimming hole on the way, and it was almost 5 p.m. when we finally reached the main road again. Pico de Loro is certainly a really beautiful place. It is something you want to share with everyone to create awareness that we have something so precious that is worth preserving. I usually don’t go back to the same mountain more than once, but I think I’m going to change my mind with this one! (Now if only I can bring my mother to see it- hmp na rayuma na yan!)
The detour to the waterfalls was still refreshing despite the small volume of water coming down from the falls.
How to get to Pico de Loro
This way 
Pico de Loro has two jump-off points. One is along Ternate Highway on the way to Caylabne Resort and the other one is via Nasugbu, Batangas. It is accessible from Nasugbu town proper by pump boat or a long jeepney ride along a rough road to Nasugbu. For the second jump-off site, you may take a bus ride from Manila to Nasugbu (BLTB) and from there arrange transportation for Barangay Papaya.
By Bus – Take the bus bound (Saulog) for Maragondon or Ternate Cavite at the Lawton or Liwasang Bonifacio area. You may hire a jeepney at Maragondon Cavite to take you to the jump-off point.
By Private Car – Take the South Luzon Express way and exit at Carmona. Go towards the road of Puerto Azul. Drive toward the Magnetic Hill sign where the jump-off point is located. This is between the entry point of Puerto Azul and the military barracks.
Bits and Info:
We spotted some monkeys from this rock while resting at the base of the towering rocky outcrop.
- A trip to the Marine Base Beach can be added as a side-trip for this climb. It’s less than 30 minute drive from DENR outpost. The entrance fee is 30 pesos for day trippers and 60 pesos for an overnight stay. (Foreigners are not allowed in the base).
- There are two waterfalls in the mountain. One is near the campsite after the nipa hut at the first base camp – a short 3 minute-walk off the main trail and the other is near Maragondon Trail They are best visited during the rainy season.
- Traversing Pico de Loro from Ternate, Cavite to Nasugbu, Batangas is also becoming popular. A visit to the beaches of Nasugbu is a good side trip.
- The forest reserve is a good place to spot several species birds like hornbill, different species of insects, snakes and monkeys if you’re lucky during your visit.
- The 13 coves of Hamilo Coast are, Papaya Cove, Pico de Loro Cove, Santelmo Cove, Subli Cove, Baybay Cove, Etayo Cove, Balibago Cove, Arkaya Cove, Dorado Cove, Bucanita Cove, Limbones Cove, Neela Cove, and Patungan Cove.
nice climb mam! makes me wanna go back to pico de loro… i missed my fave mountain..
Let’s go back this summer sir. This time overnight already with a side trip to Papaya Island. I’ll be inviting friends and friends of friends to join or whoever wants to join
, as long as we can all fit in 2 jeepneys.
OMG! are you not afraid bb? this time you have nene pa with you? this was why nene wrote in her FB that she wants to have a body massage. how i wish me and your mom could still have the stamina to be with you guys when you go back to this spectacular place.
Medyo lang po, nakakatakot din during the initial ascent. Hay, pang-cruise na lang yata kayong mga lola na
lalo si madir na may rayuma na, the original lakwatsera 
Dear Clare
Great phots. I will be arrving in Manilla in November and thought I would do the Pico hike on one day and then go to a nearby cove. Can you recommend a guide who can drive us and arrange the trip – we will be 2 or 3.
Many thanks
Hugh
The tourism office near the jump-off point at Pico Loro has guides but I will have to ask around for someone to drive you up there or at least accompany you. I’ll email you the details as soon as i find one .
..taga jan aq ate
can we join? i will invite my officemates . . .
Ganda naman dyan. Sama ako next time. Hopefully makapag swap ako ng shift sa weekend work ko, basta planned.
Sama ka sa Pulag pagbalik mo 3rd weekend yun, hopefully kaya mo pa after sing, pauwi na rin si Laryh, hope makasama din sya para reunion uli
ate san na ung ibang pics send mo sa akin
I’ll just send you back your usb with all your pics.
wow…impressive…you really are wealthy in experience. Good for you that you are a teacher, you always have a chance to share your experiences to your students, something to be nurtured…
Amazed and proud naman aquo sau to climb that gigantic rock! How I wish na aquo din makapunta jan and to climb that rock summit…:p
Thanks Nolan, I’m sure you can do it too if you’re there, I only started traveling within the last 2 years. You might even see more places than me once you get a taste of it. Balik ka uli for more posts
Dios Mabalos!
nice shot’s mam..ganda ng mga kuha…nagkaroon aq ng idea sa mga shot’s m..ok ung mga anggulo…kita kit’s po tau sa ibng climb…tc olweiz mam…
Hi Ian, hope kita-kita ulit tayo in another climb. Sa uulitin
parang ang daming magagandang bundok sa laguna.nakaakyat ka din ba sa ibabaw nung bato?nice!!!
wow mali!sa dami ng nabasa kong mga blogs mo naligaw na ako.sa batangas pala itong Pico de Loro!hahaha!! =D
Hindi naman, boundary kasi sya ng Batangas at Cavite kaya dalawa entry
yep , medyo nakakatakot sa una lang, pero kaya mo rin yanpag sinubukan mo.
whaaaa I miss my pico de loro experience…. buti pah kayo nakapag falls… one thing I don’t like lang nung pag puntah namin eh medyo madami nah garbage…. huhuhuhu
Halos wala ding water sa falls nung pumunta kami. But it was still nice to go there to cool down after our trek.:-)
maam…gud day po…wala p po b ung ibang pic ntin sa pico???hahanap kc me n pwede q ipa develop…ipapa 8R q…heheheh…salamat po…godbless
Ok, sige nakaraw pa yung iba
, sige email ko na lang sayo after ko maconvert.
Claire, I gotta climb that rock! Hehehe, sabihan mo kami pag balik ka sa Pico de Loro. See ya, shutter-bug!! I like all your shots! You got it!
Sure, I gotta go back too, I wasn’t able to enjoy this place before when we went there on a day hike.
astig, may ganyan pala sa cavite.. nakaakyat n rin ako ng makulot at zambales.. frustrated mountaineer at photog pala ako.. nc shot u got there ah..
Hi, We would like to request if you have picture, terrain going to pico de loro, we are mototrail rider. Actually every sunday we are always at ternate for mototrail, we want to go that place with our dirtbikes. im from tanza cavite.
Hello Danilo, sorry I didn’t really take pictures of the trail on the way to the mountain. But the road around the park is pretty good with a nice view of thick forest cover.
open na ba ulit ang san cristobal? try ko sana yung trail sa may pagitan ng banahaw at san cristobal north side coming from nagcarlan
I’m not sure now, pero marami akong mga kakilala na umaakyat pa rin sa Cristobal.
Hi! This is VERY interesting. Kaso, I’m not an actual trekker; I’ve only experienced climbing once. If we go to the place, let’s say with a group of equally inexperienced friends (laughs), may mga people ba na we can hire to climb with us dun? I’m from Cavite my self but I didn’t know Ternate was THIS beautiful.
(JIC, communicating with me through sms is great. I’m VERY interested – 09166603335)
Thanks!
You may hire a guide from the DENR office near the jump-off point or you join open-climbs of various mountaineering clubs. As long as you are reasonably fit, Pico de Loro would make a good climb for beginners
Mam, pahiram ng pic mo ha! apir!
i stumbled upon your blog site and it’s so cool!
gusto ko na rin tuloy maghike and trek. wala nga lang akong masamahan..*sigh*
Ganun din ako before, tapos andami pala pwede samahan, check mo lang mga mountaineering groups. They usually have open climbs. Ang saya
kmi po new surveyor in pico de loro 2013
ate possible po ba na maakyat namin ang pico de loro kahit walang guide? isang beses pa lang po kc ako umakyat eh dun sa batulao, tapos mga kasama ko 1st timer lang kaya po ba kahit walang guide? tnx
Hmmm, wala kami guide dati nung umakyat kami pero yung isang kasama namin naka-akyat na a few years back kaya parang sya na yun guide namin at nawala kami
pero enjoy pa rin… Mas ok pag my guide lalo na marami beginners pa lang.
hello po..
pede po ba malaman ung contact nio na jeep..
plan po kasi namin pumunta ng pico this jan22-23
sa nasugbu po ung baba namin thanks po
rhenr05@yahoo.com
Hi Rhen, nag-dala kasi kami ng sasakyan diretso na sa DENR office kung saan kami nag-park kaya wala akong contact ngayon ng jeep. Depende kasi kung saan kayo mangagaling, pwede din dun na lang kayo mangontrata ng jeep na papayag maghatid at sundo sainyo sa jump off point.
Isa lang po ba ang trail ng Pico?..
I think meron pang iba na trail depende kung saan ka manggagaling pero isa lang ang alam ko, yung galing Cavite.
Thanks claire,
Anyone,
mganda ba mag overnayt sa Pico?…
we’re planning to go there on Feb 26-27…
Sino po gusto sumama?..
can you email me the details? we’re interested. thanks
May i know what details po?
hi anyone.,
Pag over nayt ba, OK ba ang camp site?..di ba mahirap?.
patag lang ba ung base camp?
magubat ba?, mahangin?.. do we need to bring extra tali?..
overnayt stay kc kmi dun..
The base camp is ok for camping. May mga flat areas that are good for setting up your tents. Extra rope will come in handy but not necessary. Enjoy your hike
@ahl, ill be climbing pico de loro with my bf this feb 26 also, my last climb here was 6 yrs ago pa, i hope we can join u guys.
Hello Bamboo, it would be nice to go back to Pico de Loro, unfortunately, I’m out of the country right now, I think various mountaineering groups conduct regular open-climbs there, Anyway, it’s a minor climb. Kaya nyo din yan kahit kayo lang. just don’t forget to get a guide. Ingat sa climb
Any chance on visiting those beautiful coast of Hamilo?
I would love to someday but I think it is privately owned now
pano ako makkasali in ur club?
I don’t have any club Jeff, nakikisabit lang lagi ako sa mga open climbs ng different mountaineering groups.
WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!
hi. pwede b akong sumali sa hiking? can i tag along to any mountaineering group..=)
Hi Jaaren, I think you can, I usually just tag along with different mountaineering groups.
ask ko lang po, saan po ang mas malapit na jump-off pag galing dito sa makati, yung along ternate highway or nasugbu? yung DENR outpost, sa cavite yun or sa batangas? Gusto kong akyatin yan this next month (May).
Yung along Ternate lang ang natry namin, malapit sa DENR. Not sure about the Nasugbu area.
thanks,. so to get there (ternate jump-off), manila to maragondon, then maragondon to ternate,?, along high-way ba yan? or kaylangan talagang mag.rent ng jeep papuntang ternate?, kaylangan ko lang kasi ng complete details papunta dyan, hindi ko kasi kabisado yung cavite or batangas.
ms claire san ang next destination nyo sama ako waaaaaaa
Hey Lakwatsa!
Awesome blog you’ve got here. Thoroughly enjoyed reading through your adventures and have inspired me to get out more. I’m an amateur mountaineer and have been wanting to climb Pico for a while now. Where exactly is the jump-off to Pico if you are coming from Nasugbu?
Thanks and never stop exploring!
James
Hi James. sorry I’m not sure where the jump-off point coming from Nasugbu,. We used the Cavite route.
Alright! Thanks for the reply! More power to you and your adventures!
sure po ba na may water falls sa pico?
Meron peron hindi ganun kalakas yung tubig, sa Pico yung picture ng falls sa blog na to.
I love the shots! And i so love to be there too!!!!! thank you for sharing!
Paano makapunta sa Trail dun sa maragundon waterfalls? if ever na nagsimula kami sa DENR jump off sa ternate.. How long will it takes to get there?? Thanks for the Reply…
You mean yung falls na dinaanan namin, around 10 minutes or less walk from the trail.
good day po.. i am a student from LPU-Cavite and we are conducting a survey po about Mts. Palay Palay/ Mataas na Gulod Protected Landscape it’s activities, facilities and services. ito po ung link sa survey
http://fs9.formsite.com/gelyndagohoy/form1/index.html?1329410028803
sana matulungan ninyo po kami na sagutan ang aming survey questionnaire. maraming salamat po. God Bless.
is it possible to trek alone in pico?
Yes as long as you’re an experienced mountaineer. The trail is pretty worn out but it would be better to have a guide.
Hi Ms. Claire,
Ask ko lang possible ba na maka hire kame ng Guide doon sa Mt. Pico De Loro? Or pwede din ba na wala kame guide goin up and down?( hindi po ba delikado) Where planning to go there by April 7, 2012. Nag inquire na ako sa trail adventours medyo expensive po for 7 pax only.. Hope you reply thanks..
Kung may kasama kayong experienced mountaineer, pwede din naman na di na kayo maghire ng guide. Madali naman sundan yung trail, mahirap lang yung unang parte ng pag akyat kasi medyo matarik yung daan.
kila manong rey po sa tindahan ng t-shirt
gusto.ko.din.ng.ganitong.adventure…:(
We’ll be climbing Mt. Pico De Loro this April 6-7 2012. This would be my 2nd time but I’ll be tagging along my younger siblings.
For those people who will also climb it on April 6 to 7 see you there! ^__^
Be responsible and Leave No Trace.
sharing our “L-O-S-T” experience…
http://www.limbonis.info/2012/01/mt-pico-de-loro.html
ma’am tanungin ko lang po kung my marerecommend kau na pde naming samahan na group. kasi interesado kaming mgkakaibigan na mgtrekking kaya lang natatakot kami mgsolo.. tga cavite lang din kami… pgnagpunta po ba kami d2 sa pico de loro my mg guguide na sa amin? o kylangan talaga naming mghire?
Mas ok may guide kayo kung di kayo familiar sa trail.
wal po kasi kaming kilala na pde mg guide sa amin eh… my mrerecommend po ba kau/
http://www.darwinfdalisay.com: madam, question, how did you climb that looks like a giant parrot perched on the mountain?
There’s an easier pathway somewhere around it. It takes only 5-10 minutes to get to the top from where the rope is attached.
mam clair, do you know of any beaches on the nasugbu side that allows camping without paying expensive fees at the resort? and are there jeeps or trikes at the ternate-nasugbu highway? we plan on doing a traverse from ternate to nasugbu.. thanks! safe adventures everyone..
I have been to Nasugbo side once during our company outing and I’m not sure now if there’s a camping ground available for free.
thanks for the reply mam clair.. hirap maghanap ng contact number for a jeep or trike rental hehe
ang ganda talaga jan inggit akosa mga nakapunta na jan:)
hello! anyone knows kung paano pagride ng public transportation from Los Baños to Ternate, Cavite?
kaya po ba akyatin ng isang araw lang?
) Thanks!
Yep we did it in one day.
pico de loro is really breathtaking.
we rented a unit there together with the endorsement (since the property is by membership only).
we also paid guest fees since we are not accompanied by the owner but still worth the stay.
Hi! Plano nmin umakyat ng pico this weekend 27-28,meron po b kyong alam na mgandang sidetrip? pls kindly txt me salamat po.
09266670512 mark
Merong beach malapit dito kaso di kami nakapasok dati kasi for locals/Pinoy lang.
gusto ko bumalik dito . . . 1st climb kasi namen dito maulan kya hindi namen nakita ang ” toreng bato ” . . .
hi ! ask ko lang po! magkano po byad sa Jeep that would take us to the Jump off point?
Very nice post and blog!!
Aakyat pala kami sa pico this Sat. And I made reference of your blog for infos lang sa facebook event..