Tatlong Krus of Mt. Balimpuyo - Olongapo City, Zambales

The Three Crosses of Mt. Balimpuyo

A pilgrimage site in Olongapo City during the holy week turned into a famous hiking destination. It is located in Sitio Tabacuhan Barangay Sta. Rita Olongapo City on top of Balimpuyo Ridge. The three crosses were constructed on a rocky part of the ridge facing the valley of Brgy. Sta. Rita.

What to Expect When Hiking the Tatlong Krus (Three Crosses) in Olongapo City

A friend invited me to hike the Three Crosses to complete her weekly exercise. Since her favorite running track, the Remy Field in Subic Bay Freeport Zone is being renovated, she keeps on looking for other places to burn her calories.

We started our hiking at 4:30PM so we won't miss the sunset on top of the mountain. The trail was nice because it was cemented but there were animal feces scattered on the steps. There were stray dogs along the way so we had to be extra careful when passing them. Fortunately, the dogs didn't care.

Before sunset at Mt. Balimpuyo

The trail was in between residential houses in the first ten minutes of our hike. We were told by a bystander that the rest of the trail was free of overgrowth because hikers were frequenting the place most of the time.

A view of Olongapo City

At 5:05PM we reached the Tatlong Krus and there, we took pictures while waiting for the sunset. After experiencing the sunset, we stayed for another twenty minutes because my friend Kathya wanted to take a time-lapse video overlooking Olongapo City.

 

Tips Before You Hike the Tatlong Krus

• Bring enough water and if you plan to have a picnic, bring your food because there is no store in the area except during Holy Week.
• The summit can be reached in thirty minutes at a normal pace including picture taking.
• There's no lighting in the area so bring a flashlight when you plan to stay for the sunset.
• The cemented steps can be slippery.
• For safety purposes, avoid taking pictures on the edge of the cliff.
• Do not litter.

Here's a video of our Mt. Balimpuyo Hiking

 

How To Get to Tatlong Krus' Jump Off-Point

When you're in Olongapo City, take a yellow jeep bound for Balic-Balic Sta. Rita. Tell the driver you're alighting at Balic-Balic. Make sure you tell the driver that you're going to Tatlong Krus.

From Balic Balic, walk for about three minutes on Tabacuhan Road and look for the jump-off point, Mt. Balimpuyo (Tatlong Krus) Sign.