Maysawa Circuit: Mt Sapari and Mt Binutasan, Tanay, Rizal

*Details from http://www.pinoymountaineer.com/2016/08/maysawa-circuit-mt-sapari-592m-and-mt-binutasan-577m.html

How to get there

Our group wanted to catch the sea of clouds so we went there via private vehicle. We took Marcos Highway until we reached Sitio Maysawa which is the jump off point. However, the registration is in the barangay hall of Brgy Cuyambayan so one of us needed to go there in order to register and get a guide.

The trail

Living up to its reputation as one of the most popular hiking destinations in the country, Rizal opened new trails this year. One of which is the Maysawa Circuit featuring Mt Sapari and Mt Binutusan, plus a sidetrip on a small creek along the trail.

The trail starts with a wide cemented road. If you want to save 30-45 minutes of your walk, you can hire a habal-habal or tricycle to take you to the end of the road. From there, the trail will take you to the forested area.

As you ascend Mt Sapari and continue to the peaks of Mt Binutasan, tall cogon grass will dominate your route. The viewdecks along the trail of Maysawa circuit offers a 360-degree view of Tanay and its neigbouring mountains like Mt Daraitin, Mt Batolusong, Mt Maynuba and Mt Cayabu. Unfortunately, we were not able to see the main attraction of the circuit which is the sea of clouds It was very windy and rainy during our hike.

The trek, with its minor assaults, is relatively easy. However, because of the rain, the route became very slippery and muddy which made it challenging.

Overall, despite the rain and the absence of sea of clouds, it was still a beautiful day. From one of the peaks of Mt Binutasan, we saw this beautiful rainbow formation. Indeed, there is a rainbow always after the rain!

P.S. Before going back to the jump off point, you may want to take a dip at the batis along the trail. :)