In Pictures: Mt. Pimmayong - San Marcelino, Zambales

Overlooking Mt. Bagang, Sto. Tomas River, and Lake Mapanuepe

I found myself with a group of hikers at a convenience store buying one liter of water in San Marcelino, Zambales. At four-thirty in the morning, the town was still asleep. We were actually thirty minutes late on our planned schedule to Mt. Pimmayong day hike.

The lahar laden Sto. Tomas River

The Scenic Mt. Pimmayong

Mt. Pimmayong has an elevation of 657 meters above sea level located in Barangay Sta. Fe in San Marcelino, Zambales. This mountain in Zambales offers the view of Mt. Bagang, Mt. Balitog, and Mt. Bitnug to the East. To the southwest has the magnificent view of the Mt. Pundaquit; the Ramos Island and Camara Island as well as the famous Capones Island. The silhouetted Grande Island in Subic Bay is also visible in the south.

Down below is Barangay Sta. Fe in San Marcelino, Zambales

We rented a kuliglig that brought us to Barangay Sta Fe crossing the lahar laden Sto. Tomas River during sunrise. As the day broke, we witnessed the spectacular view of the red blood eastern sky just above the mountains bordering Zambales, Bataan, and Pampanga.

Having a short rest after our first thirty minutes of climb

The Trail to Mt. Pimmayong's Peak

Our guide opted for the shortcut to the mountains' peak. We didn't take the rough road cleared by a bulldozer because, according to our guide, it will be a zigzag course on a rocky trail. The road was constructed for the mining operation in the area decades ago.

We followed the trail used by cow herders.

We were glad we took the shortcut because it has a better view of the surrounding. The trail was steep most of the time but short breaks gave us the opportunity to take photographs. This trekking adventure I joined was the most photography-filled trip ever!

A beautiful view of a river in Brgy. Sta. Fe

I am not a mountaineer but I observed the trail is easy and appropriate for beginners.

The three islands of San Antonio, Zambales (Ramos, Camara, and Capones)

The lonely Mt. Bagang in the midst of lahar

Paddy Field in Sto. Tomas River

Sto. Tomas River's delta in Sitio Liwliwa, San Felipe, Zambales

You'll love the contour lines of this mountain.

Now let's showcase the pictures of Mt. Pimmayong Hikers.

Shiela the Korean noodles lover

Tada!

Ric and his Nike shot

Ric and his wife - the sweetest hikers ever!

Karl, the event organizer

Karl and our local guides

Manong overlooking the scenic view of Barangay Sta. Fe

How To Get to Mt. Pimmayong

Enough of spoiling your future fun by showing narcissistic pictures of our hiking. Now, here's how to get to Mount Pimmayong.

From Metro Manila, take a Victory Liner bus bound for Iba or Sta. Cruz, Zambales. Alight in San Marcelino town. Before taking the bus make sure you've already contacted the San Marcelino Tourism Office. Upon alighting at San Marcelino town, a kuliglig will take you to the jump-off in Barangay Sta. Fe.

In our case, we contacted Ron, a villager whose number is 09303662603. I was impressed by his expertise in the area.

Mt. Pimmayong's Map