Bataan’s Mt. Natib is a Favorite Climb of Mountaineers

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MT. NATIB

Photo from: http://cheapshotph.blogspot.com/2013/03/mt-natib-orani-bataan.html

Mt. Natib in Orani, Bataan is another favorite climb in Bataan, along with Tarak Ridge in Mariveles. It is close enough to Manila, but at the same thing offers a challenging overnight climb. Closed for more than a year due to insurgency-related problems, it is fast becoming rediscovered by mountaineers, and in the 2008 climbing season, several successful climbs have been reported.

Transportation. Bataan Transit and Genesis Lines, with terminals facing each other in Doroteo Jose (near LRT station), ply the route. You will drop off at the National Highway and walk your way to the Orani Public Market; and going back, it’s the other way around; go to the highway and wait for passing buses to take you back to Manila. Fares cost around P150, one-way. Read More: pinoymountaineer.com

Photo from: http://www.pala-lagaw.com/2016/01/bataan-mt-natib-my-first-trek-in-bataan.html

Mt. Natib is the highest summit in the entire Natib Caldera System in the Bataan Natural Park. It is a dormant volcano with an elevation of 1,253 meters above sea level (masl). It lies between the larger Old Caldera and the smaller Pasukulan Caldera and represents the latest of the volcanic edifice to develop in the area. The slope is very steep forested slope. Mossy forest characterized by small-stunted trees occurs approaching the peak. Also found are boulders with inscribed names of American expeditionary forces that climbed the peak way back the 1930s. Read More: http://www.bataantourism.com/sports.php?id=1

Photo from: http://www.traveltropa.com/2013/11/the-challenging-mt-natib.html#.W41fz7gnZaQ

It’s the time the year when I’m busy or try to get into hiking mountains more often. I did this climb six months ago in Bataan National Park; Mt Natib is known as the highest peak in the Natib Caldera System. A potentially active volcano with elevation of 1253 MASL, Mt Natib is higher and is much more challenging than my usual volcano favorites Mt Arayat and Mt Makiling climbs. I had a few misgivings regarding this climb, first is that Mt Natib is one of those mountains known to have Limatik (Mountain Leech) infestations and second is that I’m joining a strange group.

Mountain Facts

• It is the highest peak of the Bataan National Park .

• Listed as potentially active volcano by The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology.

• Semi Major Climb for hikers, with proud elevation of 1,253 MASL.

• One of the few mountains in Luzon with known presence of Limatik (Mountain Leach) which means that part of the location is thickly forested with wet clime all year round.

Photo from: https://www.flickr.com/photos/johnarcews/4286619010