Situated in Caranglan, Nueva Ecija; Mt 387 is part of Talavera Watershed Forest Reserve along the Caraballo mountain ranges with a land area of 387.9 hectares, thus it is where it got its name. It is also known to the locals as "Batong Amat" in the local dialect which means "Ghost Rock" because the remains of those who died during World War 2 were buried most especially the Japanese soldiers. The whole place also served as a barracks and Japanese camp and there where instances that rusted armaments can still be dug up.
To some, Mt 387 was also known as the "Chocolate Hills of North", well honestly I don't see any resemblance at all, it looks like more of an uneven "Chocolate Hills" and the numbers of slopes are quite few to compare. My apologies but I don't agree with some bloggers or these promotional ideas. For me, it is already beautiful and awesome in its own right, no need to compare it with another landmark just to get attention whatsoever.
The 387 hectares of the mountain range was awarded to "Kalinga sa Kalikasan ng Puncan" (KAPUNCAN) headed by Sir Roy Manuzon. Their group have agreed with DENR to protect and preserve the land area, thus each visitors (hikers and travellers) alike are requested to plant a tree each time they hike Mt. 387 which is part of the reforestation initiatives.
The initial part of the trail is forested until reaching an open grassland until it leads to a huge pile of rocks known as the "Ghost Rock" where the remains of those who died during WW2 were buried. Then another 5 minutes of trekking will lead to the famous landmark known as the "Lover's Tree", it is the only tree in the vast open grassland. According to some local legend that circulated among the outdoor community "Whoever climbs the said tree will be lovers or they will find their lover". The summit is characterized by a ridge that offers a 360-view of the Caraballo Mountain Ranges.
To some, Mt 387 was also known as the "Chocolate Hills of North", well honestly I don't see any resemblance at all, it looks like more of an uneven "Chocolate Hills" and the numbers of slopes are quite few to compare. My apologies but I don't agree with some bloggers or these promotional ideas. For me, it is already beautiful and awesome in its own right, no need to compare it with another landmark just to get attention whatsoever.
The 387 hectares of the mountain range was awarded to "Kalinga sa Kalikasan ng Puncan" (KAPUNCAN) headed by Sir Roy Manuzon. Their group have agreed with DENR to protect and preserve the land area, thus each visitors (hikers and travellers) alike are requested to plant a tree each time they hike Mt. 387 which is part of the reforestation initiatives.
The initial part of the trail is forested until reaching an open grassland until it leads to a huge pile of rocks known as the "Ghost Rock" where the remains of those who died during WW2 were buried. Then another 5 minutes of trekking will lead to the famous landmark known as the "Lover's Tree", it is the only tree in the vast open grassland. According to some local legend that circulated among the outdoor community "Whoever climbs the said tree will be lovers or they will find their lover". The summit is characterized by a ridge that offers a 360-view of the Caraballo Mountain Ranges.
| Dubbed as the "Chocolate Hills of the North" |
| Team Una |
| Batang Amat aka Ghost Rock |
| Team Una @ Ghost Rock |
| Tree Planting |
| Lover's Tree |
| Team Una Family |
How to Get There:
1. Ride any bus bound to Tuguegarao.
2. Alight in Km 175 Brgy Puncan in frfont of Iglesia Ni Cristo
3. Or ride a bus bound to San Jose, Nueva Ecija.
4. Once in San Jose, you can ride a trike to the jop.
Sir Roy Manuzon (09175712152)
***I joined an event organized by Team Una
