Mount 387 and Aloha Falls Travel Guide
Mount 387 and Aloha Falls: Nueva Ecija’s Best Kept Secret
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As mountain-climbing has become a fad nowadays, it has come to our senses that seeing views from atop is more rewarding after climbing that mountain. With this, Mount 387‘s 761 meters above sea level height is one of the easier-to-climb mountains in Central Luzon, overlooking the provinces of Nueva Ecija, Pangasinan, and Mount Arayat of Pampanga (from a distance). Located in the municipality of Carranglan, Nueva Ecija, Mount 387’s panoramic views is what made me fall in love with the mountain in an instant.
Why “Mount 387” you may ask? It is because it covers 387.1 hectares of land and is part of the Caraballo Mountain Range. This mountain is beginner-friendly and can be hiked in 2-3 hours going to the summit (where Batong Amat is located, too). The difficulty of ascent is rated by the hike guides at 2/9 but the descent is a little bit more challenging at 4/9. We were briefed about the specifics of the climb through a relief map and the hike guides also leveled our expectations during the traverse.
The terrain at the beginning of the hike has thick vegetation and as you go near towards the summit, it becomes grassy. This minor climb also has a treat at the end of the traverse. Aloha Falls is the end part of the whole climb to Mount 387. Along the trail, there are numerous view decks that offer 180-degree views of the town below.
The hike consists of flat and sometimes steep trails and if you are lucky enough, there is a sea of clouds in the nearby mountains. You can opt to have an overnight stay at the summit to enjoy more of the view!
Sights to see in Mount 387
Aside from the famed Batong Amat in the summit of Mount 387, you can also see the “Chocolate Hills of the North” in the background of Mount 387’s Summit. The land formation resembles that of the famous Chocolate Hills in Bohol and offers a panoramic view of the Nueva Ecija mountain ranges.
After basking in the summit, you can also find the Lover’s Tree just a few meters away. Legend has it that if you kiss this tree, you will find “the one” sooner or later. (Well, there is no harm in trying!)
During the descent going to Aloha Falls, you will also be greeted by the nearby mountains of Nueva Ecija while rappelling your way down the mountain. The traverse is quite challenging as the trail is quite slippery and steep in some areas.
At the penultimate part of the hike, we basked at Aloha Falls and had a breather after the climb. There are also refreshments and food available at the end of the trail but I advise that you bring your own food and drinks as the price of the items for sale are quite pricey.
To finish off the hike, we were transported by a monster truck which traversed through rivers and rocky terrain to transport us back to the jump-off station.
Schedule of fees when climbing Mount 387:
| Registration Fee (day hike / overnight camping) | ₱ 70.00 / ₱ 90.00 |
| Guide Fee (day hike / overnight camping (plus guide’s meals)) – 1:7 ratio | ₱ 400.00 / ₱ 600.00 (minimum of two guides) |
| Food (can be arranged in the registration area) – optional | ₱ 120.00 (single order) / ₱ 200.00 (boodle fight) |
| Truck Fee (to or from Aloha Falls) – optional | ₱ 40.00 per head |
| Parking Fee | ₱ 50.00 |
Other information
| Hike Time (day hike / overnight camping) | 0500 H / 1300 H |
| Jump-off Address | Km. 175, Sitio Curva, Barangay Puncan, Carranglan, Nueva Ecija |
| Contact Person | Roy P. Manuzon / +63 917 571 2152 |
| What to bring | Photocopy of vaccine card or Medical Clearance / Facemasks / Disinfectants / Valid IDs / Hiking Gloves (for rappelling) |
*The administrators of Mount 387 requests all hikers to refrain from using single-use plastics (plastic bottles, sachets, plastic bags). Strictly NO WALK-INS when visiting the mountain grounds. Coordinate with the administrators beforehand. Also, alcohol drinking is strictly prohibited at the jump-off area. LEAVE NO TRACE!*
How to get to Mount 387 and Aloha Falls
As of the moment, the most advisable mode of transportation going to the jump-off area of Mount 387 is via private vehicle. For this trip, I have joined through The Northern Nomads Travel Group (you can check their Facebook Page for other exciting trips!)
*From Manila (via bus / public transportation):
- In Kamias Bus Terminal, ride any bus bound for Tuguegarao (₱ 290.00). Tell the driver / dispatcher to drop you off at Km. 175 / Iglesia ni Cristo Chapel in Carranglan
- You can also ride a Baliwag Bus going to San Jose City (₱ 260.00). Once in San Jose City, ride a tricycle going to Mount 387 jump-off point (₱ 100.00)
*From Manila (via private car):
- You can use your preferred navigation app and search for Mount 387 Hiking Station
- Follow the route / directions passing through NLEx, SCTEx, and CLLEx
- Drive through the Sto. Domingo – Licab Road and pass through the municipalities of Talavera, Muñoz, and San Jose City
- Pass through Maharlika Highway until reaching the municipality of Carranglan
- The landmark to the jump-off point is the Iglesia ni Cristo Chapel and see the signboards going to the registration area
- Estimated travel time (from Manila) is around 4 hours
We’re born to travel!
About Aldrick 'chiki' Agpaoa
