Most of the information on the pages that describe the different routes in Montalban are directly and indiscriminately lifted from Roel Tan-Torres' climbing guide "Rock Climbs in Montalban, Cogeo and Antipolo." Bubut has given me the OK to incorporate his guide book into this web site (right Bubut ? :) ).

Please note that both Roel Tan-Torres' guide and the entire contents of this web site are Copyright © 1998 and reproduction is strictly by permission only.

Logistics

How to get there by Car
There are two ways to get to Montalban - one which goes from Cubao and goes through Marikina - this route tends to have very heavy traffic though. It is recommended to take the route behind Batasang Pambansa (Don Mariano Marcos HWY). Behind the Philippine Congress, take the road that goes though Payatas. This is not a scenic route, as it is where many garbage trucks bring their load. This road meets up with the Marikina road, effectively bypassing the traffic.

The last few km into Wawa is a dirt road that may be very muddy and consist of deep pot-holes. During the rainy season, it is highly recommended that one use a high-clearance vehicle (like a pick-up). Alternatively, park your car at the resort just afer the junction. From here, walk back to the junction to catch the jeep into montalban (P XXX).

How to get there by Public Transport
From Cubao / Ateneo take the jeepney marked "Montalban." Take this jeepney all the way to the end of its route. Allow for at least an hour (depends on traffic). Then transfer jeepneys to the ones that ply the last 15-minutes to Wawa. These jeepneys are easy to recognize - they look like they have just come from a Paris-Dakar rally.

GPS Coordinates
With the advent of these nifty little devices, crag positions will be given also in GPS coordinates (Lat/Lon. in Deg Min.min format). The coordinates for Aling Norma's Store, where all climbing begins is N14deg 43.905min E121deg 11.040min.

Emergency Information

The closest medical center is in front of the Montalban town hall, about 5 km from the climbing areas. There is a doctor/nurse there and two ambulances are there in case the injury cannot be dealt with by this health center.   A technical rescue can be co-ordinated through Power-Up if necessary. However, most week-ends there are enough climbers around to help out.  Check the registration log to see which crags climbers are at to be called for assistance.  Contact phone numbers are listed by Aling Norma's.

A rigid spine board and foam splints of various sizes for leg, arm, and hand fractures are also stored at Aling Norma's. In an emergency, these may be used. Please return after having cleaned and disinfected this equipment.

Equipment

Only the more difficult routes are bolted, and it is necessary to back up fixed pro due to the inconsistent nature of limestone. Bring slings and a standard rack of nuts. Camming units are more convenient for placing your own pro but are optional (on cracks that can only be protected with cams, the standard practice is to place a bolt since most Pinoy climbers' racks consist only of nuts - not so true anymore :) ).

Weather

The latest weather report for Metro Manila, 15km west of Montalban, is found posted at this link : Manila Weather. Note that often the conditions in Montalban and Manila can be very different.

Registration & Food

Once you get to the end of the dirt road, you have reached Wawa, Montalban. Please remember to register your name and intended climbing destination with Aling Norma (a kind woman who runs Aling Norma's Eatery). The registration is free - it simply consists of signing a notebook at her store. Here is also a favorite place of mine to get an espresso before hitting the crag. Softdrinks, snacks and warm food is available here, as well as beer. A favorite meeting place for climbers.

You can also ask to use the rest room at Aling Norma's - remember to fetch the water for flushing if necessary :)

Climbing Areas

This list is an initial compilation of rock climbing routes in the Montalban area. Grades are subjective and await consensus from succeeding ascensionists. Feedback from climbers is necessary and corrections or suggestions can be left in Aling Norma's store (leave a note or write in the logbook) at the Wawa, Montalban parking lot or forwarded to Jong Narciso or Simon Sandoval. Messages can be left at the bulletin board at the Power Up gyms.

Information about routes not listed here will be highly appreciated.

Ratings are YDS / French. FA stands for First Ascent

Star (asterisk) ratings:
* Recommended
** Excellent

RAINY DAYS:
Don't let a typhoon put a damper on your craggin'. Overhanging and roof routes (Veranda, Slayer, Romancing the Stone) as well as slabs protected by overhangs (White Wall) let you crank while it pours.  For the adventurous, ascend the muddy trail to Uling Wall - the descent from Uling may well be the crux of your day's climbing!

Topo of Wawa with climbing areas marked.

(1:10,000) - Sheet No. 3230-III-4

GPS lat/lon of Parking Lot (Aling Norma's): 

N14deg43.905min E121deg 11.040min