The mountain for the heartbroken hikers: MT.SAWI in Nueva Ecija!

Mt. Sawi

Location: Gabaldon, Nueva Ecija
Jump Off Pt.: There are two existing trails
1. Dupinga Bridge
2. Brgy. Malinao (Simbahan na Bato)
Elevation: 594 MASL

Hrs to summit: 1.5 hrs.

Specs: Minor Climb, Difficulty: 3/9 for both trails (Own perspective)

Phone Signal: ++++



Mt. Sawi was first explored by Nueva Ecija Backpackers & Mountaineers Community Inc. last May of 2016. I was really intrigued with this mountain mainly because of its name and the story why it was called that way. I tried everything to gather information regarding this mountain but they won't give it away but yeah, when you really want something, nothing or no one can stop you. #PagMayGustoMayParaan

According to the myths by the locals of Nueva Ecija, it was named Mt. Sawi because there was a girl who hanged herself to death at the summit of the said mountain because she got her heart broken by a guy who eventually left her and married other woman. After that unfortunate event, it was called Mt. Sawi or Mt. Bigti.

On June 26, I together with my friends pushed to Nueva Ecija even though we were not sure with the exact location of the mountain. After long hours of drive and asking locals, we finally reached Dupinga River in Gabaldon, Nueva Ecija. There is no DENR yet or baranggay committee in-charge for the regulations on hiking Mt. Sawi, meaning there are no guides required.

But of course its better safe than sorry. So I asked a local lurking there if he can guide us at the mountain and he agreed.

THE EXPERIENCE AT MT.SAWI (JUNE 26, 2016) 
DUPINGA BRIDGE TRAIL

I only have one word- ASSAULT!!!

We started our trek at 5:45 in the morning, from the bottom to summit, it was of pure assault. No flat grounds, only assault! I'm sorry if I keep on repeating the word "assault" because it really is.

Most part of the trail were grassland with sharp edges, some are as tall as a human so you must really be covered with the right attire. I was wearing a drifit shirt and leggings that's why when we reached the summit, my arms were full of mini bruises caused by the sharp grasses. We were lucky because there was a mild rain shower when we had our hike, if it was sunny we were already toasted because there were no trees to cover us.

At 7 o'clock we already reached the summit, there is no markings or whatsoever but when you see a dead tree (the one where the girl hanged herself to death) it is considered the summit.

I asked Kuya Renato if the myth regarding the girl who had suicide was true and he said that it was not. It was called Mt. Sawi because of the dead tree at the summit. (Well, I'd still like to believe about the story of the broken hearted girl- more dramatic eh?) Kuya Renato also added that we are the second group to hike this mountain. I'm sorry guys if I can't give you a contact number because he doesn't have one.

At 9 o'clock we started to descend and reached the Dupinga river around 10am.

Guide fee is not yet established but I gave Kuya Renato Php 500 for guiding us.

POSSIBLE SIDETRIPS:
1. White Beach Lighthouse lcoated at Dingalan, Aurora (Batanes of the East)
2. Minalungao National Park located at General Tinio, Nueva Ecija
3. Mt. Mapait located at Palayan City, Nueva Ecija

MT. SAWI WAVE 2 (AUGUST 28, 2016)
BRGY. MALINAO, SIMBAHANG BATO TRAIL

I will keep you posted.

ITINERARY

10:00pm: Meet Up Landmark Trinoma

11:30pm: ETD to Nueva Ecija

2:00am: Breakfast at Cabanatuan City

4:00am: ETA Gabaldon, Nueva Ecija/ Wait until sunrise, look for a guide

5:45am: Start Trek

7:00am: Summit/Photo Ops

9:00am: Start Descend

10:00am: Flat grounds

11:00am: Proceed to chosen sidetrip.