Calamianes: 700 Steps to Mount Tapyas

@ mirandablue

From where I stood at Lualhati Park by the harbor, the cross at the summit of Mount Tapyas seemed unreachable.  The cross was there to be admired from a distance..."unreachable" was a happy thought that didn't last long.  Because right after I took this photo, Cherry, our guide, asked if we were ready to climb Mount Tapyas.  I was floored, I protested, I knew the pain!  I have climbed mountains in the past, and have promised myself "never again".  But my little sister was determined to see the top of the mountain.  Cherry assured me that it's going to be an easy climb because of a concrete stairway, "Only 718 steps, ma'am," she said sweetly.

We climbed aboard our tricycle, and it took us back to the streets of Coron---the hilly parts, until we reached the base of the mountain.  Boys selling bottled water were there to greet us.  I knew I would be dehydrated before I reach the first 100 steps.  I had a moment of panic when I saw the stairs---the trek to Batad rice terraces came back to haunt me!

@ mirandablue

Mount Tapyas is one of the mountains in Busuanga Island. It stands 210 meters above sea level and offers a panoramic view of Coron Bay and the nearby islands of the Calamianes. During Holy Week, the faithful make a spiritual pilgrimage of prayer by climbing Mount Tapyas.

@ mirandablue

The best time to climb Mount Tapyas is late in the afternoon when the sun is not as intense.  I thanked my lucky stars for cloudy skies and benches along the way, perfect for people like me who needed to catch their breath every 10 minutes.  Shooting also provided a breather, and somehow disguised my laborious, heavy-footed steps.

@ mirandablue
view to the west

The views were all worth stopping for.  A dozen steps offered a different perspective.  The western part of Calamianes was shrouded with heavy clouds while the sun beamed towards the east, highlighting parts of the lush, mysterious Coron Island across the bay.

@ mirandablue

Looking down at the verdant Coron town and the reclamation area where we were at just over an hour ago.  I couldn't believe I was able to reach the top in less than an hour, without fainting. Gosh, I am so out of shape!

@ mirandablue

I still couldn't enough of this sight---the craggy slopes, dark crevices, I wondered what was waiting for us at Coron Island, what secrets it would reveal.

@ mirandablue

At the back slopes of Mount Tapyas was this breathtaking sight---gentle, verdant slopes bathed with  sunshine; invigorating mountain air filled my senses, and my knees seemed to be working again!  At the background is Mount Dalara, a dormant volcano, the source of Maquinit hot spring, the only known saltwater hot spring in the Philippines.

@ mirandablue

The golden sunlight was beautiful, and I was looking forward to a gorgeous sunset that afternoon.  But the sun wasn't in the mood to show off...it retired quietly and without fanfare.  And to make up for it, a rainbow appeared on our way down!

@ mirandablue

Twilight at Mount Tapyas as we traipsed down the stairway.  Despite the strained muscles and throbbing ankle, I'm glad I experienced Mount Tapyas.  A visit to Busuanga Island is not complete without it.

@ mirandablue

The blues are for Sally at Blue Monday