Rock climbing in Atimonan is ideal during the summer months, between November to January, and preferably during a dry season. The site is 165 kilometers south of Manila, located beside the Maharlika Highway in Barangay Tinandog. This abandoned rock quarry offers a variety of routes with a mixture of pocket holds, vertical cracks, and overhangs.
The established climbing routes are 10-40 meters in height with a range of difficulty levels. Depending on the climber’s skill, ability, and taste, one could ascend via top-rope, lead or trad. Getting There
From Manila, estimated travel time can be between 3-5 hours. By private vehicle Take the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) all the way to the end, past Calamba and Batino exits, into the SLEX link to STAR Tollway. Since it is a link, you will pass two toll booths (one to exit SLEX, the next to enter STAR Tollway). Watch out for the Sto. Tomas Exit and turn left, which should lead you to Maharlika Highway, which is major road that connects Sto. Tomas, Batangas to Quezon province. You will pass through the following Quezon towns: Tiaong, Candelaria, Sariaya, Lucena City, and Pagbilao before reaching Atimonan. By public transport You can take JAC Liner or Lucena Liner from either Buendia or Cubao Station. When you get down at the last stop at Lucena Grand Terminal, ask for any bus (usually AB Liner) going through Atimonan. Look out for two landmarks, the stone marker for Km165 and the Paradang Rizal arch, for your stop. Permits / Fees / Registration
Before starting any climbing activity at the site, it is mandatory that climbers register with Kagawad Billy Vila first (at the house situated at the entrance of the climbing area). A PhP20.00 fee is collected to keep the surroundings and climbing areas clean. Food & Shelter
Arrangements for your daily meals can be made with Kagawad Billy for a fairly minimal monetary expense. A climbers’ hut, which can house up to 15 persons, has been put up through the donations of visiting climbers. There are no set fees for using the kubo just yet, but donations are most welcome for maintenance! For freshening up, there are two toilets and a bath adjacent to the house of Kagawad Billy. Climbers can also opt to bring tents and camping related paraphernalia, as a camp site is located about several meters from the climbing area. Just be sure to pitch tents away from the towering coconut trees or else risk getting hit by falling coconuts. Tips from the Locals
Pastor Noel Suministrado is the caretaker of this climbing area. Please get in touch with him and register before hitting the crag. Address: Ilang-ilang St., Capistrano Subd. Lucena City 4301 Email: [email protected] http://www.facebook.com/noelsuministrado |
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