From the rotonda in Norzagaray its uphill all the way to Barangay San Mateo where Ipo Dam is located. On the way there we made a side to Pinagrealan Cave.
Pinagrealan CaveAccording to www.bulacan.gov.ph:
This cave is a subterranean network of caverns extending more than a kilometer deep. The Katipunero Revolutionaries during the war against Spain used it as a camp in 1896 and again during the Filipino-American War in 1898 as hideout of General Emilio Aguinaldo (the First President of the Philippines). It was also used as a sanctuary by the Japanese Imperial Army when the Philippines was liberated by American Forces.
We we got to Ipo Dam we found out that they don't let visitors in unless you have some permit from the Manila Water Authority. We did not let ourselves be daunted by a minor "glitch" in our plans. We decided to head further up mountain to Angat dam. A storekeeper told us there is a quaint spot called Bitbit on the way to Angat dam
On the way there we passed by a place called "Hilltop". Its considered to be the "Baguio of Bulacan". From there you get to see Ipo Dam with the Sierra Madre mountain range as backdrop.
Ipo dam as seen from HilltopIts downhill all the way from Hilltop to the San Lorenzo bridge. From the bridge one can see a beautiful clean and emerald green river below.
Bridge going to Angat dam
with the Sierra Madre as backgroundThe scenery that greets one in Bitbit is enough to rejuvinate the tired muscles.
Mandatory photo op
Bitbit scenery
Cool downWe took a quick dip in the cool and clear waters while some picknickers nearby enjoy their BBQs. Unfornately that day we were not able to bring any food with us (we normally bring packed lunch). So before our mouths begin to water, we decided to head back up to San Mateo to look for some grub.
Nice place...nice pictures.
ReplyDeleteHave a safe ride always
@jireherika - thanks mga adik! :D
ReplyDeleteHello! My friends and I are planning to go there on Aug.31. I wish to know more information about Bakas, Pinagrealan Cave, Hilltop and Bitbit. I hope you won't mind answering these questions:
ReplyDelete1.) Up to where can our van run through Bakas? Kasi po nabasa ko di na makakapasok yung mga sasakyan. Malayo layo po bang lakaran yon? We wont bring our bikes kasi di na kasya.
2.) Are we allowed to enter Pinagrealan Cave? Or at least makita man lang yung opening gaya ng picture nyo?
3.) There was a comment about Hilltop sa http://www.bulacan.gov.ph/tourism/touristspotfeedback.php?id=26. Ang sabi “We are barred from entering this far flung place because the soldiers guarding the place told us it is too dangerous.” Can’t we really go there? Pero bakit po kayo may picture sa Hilltop? Nalilito na talaga ako.
Finally 4.) We know Bitbit River is in San Lorenzo. How do we go there from Hilltop? Malayo po bay un? Makakadaan po ba yung van papunta dun?
Thank you so much!
Hi!! Very nice place!! Realy Bulacan is the best!!(from a bulakena mouth..hehe) kuya i just want to ask if we can have our pre nuptial photoshoot there? Do you have any idea if they are allowing it? Or do we need a permit to do so??if ever,where can we get it..
ReplyDeleteWe realy appreciate ur reply..
Thank u very much in advance..
Continue exploring Bulacan's beautiful places..
Godbless!!
Lee
@Lee - its open to the public, no permit needed :)
ReplyDeleteHello! Thanks for your respond..we realy appreciate.
ReplyDeleteOne more question? Can we go there by car? i mean pwede bang umakyat or bumaba dyan ung sasakyan?? kc mukhang malupit n hiking yta kailangan dyan??
Do you have any idea po ba how far is that from Malolos, Bulacan? Tiga Bulacan po ba kayo?
Thank u po tlaga s reply nyo..
Godbless!
lee,
ReplyDeleteby car - yes, you can bring a car, you can park it near the huts. NO hiking needed
how far from malolos, im not exactly sure. you can check it via google earth or wikimapia
im not from bulacan, im from quezon city
I was here this afternoon but up to the bridge only due to lack of time. Will definitely go back there.
ReplyDeleteah if your from manila or q.c you can take the route going to sm fairview then follow jeepneys that has a route of bigte or norzagaray, the best drop point is bigte circle (if you will use the public vehicle) then you could rent a trycle giong to pinagrealn cave after caving you can ask to rent the trycle going to bit-bit because this is `1-2 hr ride.. im not sure about the trycle fee..
ReplyDelete