Madlum River runs through the feet of Mt. Manalmon. Its clean waters are inviting. The river is also surrounded by boulders and rock formations where one can try diving from the cliffs. To get to the jump off point of Mt. Manalmon hike, either you cross the river via a bamboo raft or via a monkey bridge. While Madlum River and Mt. Manalmon offer a handful of extreme activities, it is also interesting to note that along with the caves of Madlum, the area is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

How To Get There:
Take the North Luzon Tollway (via Baliwag Transit or ES Transport buses) and exit at Sta. Rita. Head north along the National Highway towards Plaridel until you reach San Ildefonso then San Miguel. You will be dropped off at Brgy. Camias. You can hire a tricycle from there to take you to Brgy. Madlum.

How Did I Get There:
Fellow couchsurfer and travel blogger, Ace Guevarra, organized Mt. Manalmon dayhike with a minimal fee of PhP 800. The cost is still cheaper compared to other travel groups offering the same package. I couchsurfed on his place in Apalit near the meeting point of other participants. I slept almost the entire travel from Pampanga all the way to northern part of Bulacan. Sleepyhead I am that other participants had even tallied my sleeping positions inside the hired jeepney. It’s freakin’ four.

I knew that Mt. Manalmon is a hike for beginners but I was sold with the idea of crossing the monkey bridge over the Madlum River. And the experience is fulfilling! We also got a chance to swim in the Madlum waters. The river was shallow that time so I was able to cross waters by walking on the rocks between riverbeds. I didn’t try cliff diving though. And yeah, I took a nap there too.