Maragondon’s Natural Wonders: 10 Reasons To Choose the Town That Has It All (Prequel)

1.Mt. Pico de Loro

Named after its monolith that resembles that of a parrot’s beak,  Mt. Pico de Loro is Cavite’s highest mountain at 2,041 ft.  Any adventure junkie coming from Metro Manila or nearby towns can easily challenge themselves and take a day hike to the very top of the summit. This includes the vertical assault to the top of the Pico’s Monolith. Yikes.

2. Silyang Bato (Mt. Marami)

In case you’re not happy with one monolith, then try several more! That’s right! Silyang Bato is known for having several peaks.  Its no wonder why it’s called Mt. Marami.  The trail starts in the upland Barangay of Talipusngo and follows a gradual ascent towards the summit. If you like extra challenge, it is also possible to do a Silyang Bato to Pico de Loro Traverse. Along the way, you will be greeted by picturesque Malicbilic Falls of Bailen, gorgeous terrains and exotic, yet edible wild fruits.

3. Mt. Buntis and the other 21 Peaks

Na “Hulog”, “Nagpatong” and na”Buntis”

Nope, I am not talking about anything straight from an adult magazine. These were the names given by Katipuneros for the several other peaks of Maragondon and has been retained throughout time.  With Pico de Loro and Silyang Bato included, there are about 24 Peaks that are waiting to be explored. 22 of which are mountains and 2 are volcanoes both extinct and dormant. The most popular of them is Mt. Buntis, which is often associated with the martyrdom of Gat. Andres Bonifacio.

4. Susong Kalabaw, Tingting-uling and other exotic produce 

These are fruits of endemic trees and shrubs that have been baptized with adult-sounding monikers. Susong Kalabaw is a sweet-tart tasting yellow-reddish fruit, while Tingting-uling is a very sweet wild berry that changes its color from light red to very dark purple when ripe. These fruits grow in the wild and are mostly found within Maragondon Mountain Range and the nearby towns of Bailen and Magallanes. Other wild fruits and crops include Sampinit (Philippine Wild Raspberry), Bignay, Galo and root crops like dilaw na luya (turmeric) and Nami (Yellow Yam).

 5. Patungan (Sta. Mercedes) Cove

Contrary to popular belief, Maragondon is not a landlocked municipality. In fact, it’s western side opens up and touches the southern portion of Manila Bay. With the creation of the Kaybiang Tunnel, its magnificent coves have become accessible by land. The largest of which is called Patungan Cove found in Brgy. Sta. Mercedes. At the entrance of the cove is a small boulder beach, while the rest is a long stretch of powdery beige sand.

6. Carabao Island

Where else in the country can you find an island that is rich in history, yet as picturesque as Batanes and El Nido combined? No where else, but in Carabao Island of Maragondon. After playing a significant role in the defense of Manila Bay during WWII, the current State of Carabao Island makes it look like it was completely untouched by man. Azure waters surrounding the towering cliffs at the bottom and a gently sloping plateau on top. I’m sure, no one would believe if you tell anyone that this is in Manila Bay!

7. Limbones Island

Limbones Island probably has the greatest revelation that Manila Bay has to offer. From the surface, the island looks no different than Carabao’s cliffy terrain. But once you go underwater, then the island will reveal its surprise – patches of healthy corals teeming with marine life! This makes the island perfect for snorkeling and SCUBA diving. During summer season, the island’s calm water is also ideal for kayaking, paddle boarding or simply swimming under the glorious sunshine.

8. Maragondon River

Formerly known as San Diego River during the Spanish Period, Maragondon River is one of the cleanest rivers in the Province of Cavite. The river stretches from the upland barangays of the town and ends in Ternate, Cavite, where it meets and opens up to Manila Bay. Floating Nipa Huts are available for rent and are perfect for picnic lunches as you cruise along the river’s verdant surroundings.

9. Fiery Sunset

The town is host to fiery displays of sunset, whether you’re viewing it from the top of Pico de Loro or overlooking the cove of Patungan from Kaybiang Viewpoint. The sun never fails to impress as it unleashes its final glory, probably its way of saying goodbye before nighttime.

10. Waterfalls

When rivers meet mountains, you get waterfalls and in the case of Maragondon you get an oversupply of both! This explains the existence of four known waterfalls in just one town. There is the Kaybiang falls in Brgy. Santa Mercedes; Pico de loro Falls found inside the Mt. Palay-Palay National Park; Balayungan Falls in Pantihan 1 and Ragatan Falls in Brgy. Mabato.

If you haven’t explored Maragondon, this is your time to be an intrepid and discover why its worth being called the Town that has it all.

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