Atimonan rock climbing is relatively new and therefore bolted routes are non-existent yet. First ascent climbers are warned of falling rocks (that’s why helmets are mandatory) and placing of your own pro requires judicious judgment on the part of the climber because of the inconsistent nature of limestone. There are lots of belay points and natural anchor points (small trees, boulders, cracks) . The rocks are relatively clean, except for some areas that are vegetated and some routes become are gullies during rainfalls. Those wanting to put up bolts are advised to inform the author below; there may be trad routes that might be bolted accidentally. Climbers are advised to see and register with Kagawad Billy Vila (the house at the entrance of the climb) for record purposes. Climbs are better in the afternoon, the rock faces the morning sun. Best times to go there are the months of November (though there are chances of rain yet), December, and January. Summer months are also okay, provided you don’t climb in midday, and expect a lot of heat. In case of rains, abort the climb immediately; gushes of water form mini waterfalls that makes bail-outs difficult and unsafe (especially in the Main Wall area). There are some established rappel points with abseil rings in Veronica’s Arete and Acidic installed by this writer; but their integrity should always be kept in mind. Back it up if necessary.
Eats and treats abound, food can be bought in nearby sari-sari stores. Atimonan town proper is only 5 kms. from the rock climbing area and fresh seafoods (relatively cheap!) can be sourced there. Mountain biking can also be fun in the nearby zig-zag road of Atimonan National Park where the famous "eme" or that M-shaped circuitous road that the Tour of Luzon popularized. Those fond of watersports can check out the beaches of Atimonan, though the coral reefs have long been gone. Day hikes can are also possible in Quezon National Park and there are already established trails. There are a lot of unexplored caves in the adjacent Bgy. Sapaan that the locals are advising for the author to explore, but that is another story.
The town is relatively peaceful, and the people are friendly, but as in other parts of the country, be mindful of your equipment and personal belongings, as they can become temptations to some. Climbers and other visitors are strongly advised of the "no trace" camping ethic (meaning everything non-biodegradable should be packed out).
For more information:
Rev. NOEL A. SUMINISTRADO
Ilang-ilang St., Capistrano Subd.
Lucena City 4301
Phone/Fax :(042) 715089
E-mail: karass@mozcom.com
ATIMONAN ROCK CLIMBING
Km. 165 , Bgy. Tinandog, Atimonan, Quezon
Route Name Rating (YDS) First Ascent
PRACTICUM BOULDER
Sail Away 5.0 NASuministrado, 1995
Wet and Wild 5.1 JSEleazar, 1995
WINDY WALL
Acidic 5.1 NASuministrado,1996
Sidesteps 5.5 NASuministrado,1996
Black Route 5.4 JNarciso,1996
Extreme White Route 5.10b JRamirez/JNarciso,1996
Camless Crack 5.8+ LEvangelista,1996
MAIN WALL
Veronica’s Arete 5.5 TRemigio/NASuministrado,1996
Espasol 5.3 NASuministrado,1996
Gumboorumboo 5.2 CdelaCruz,1996
Twist and Shout 5.9 TRemigio,1996
Dear God 5.9+ KImao,1996
Fire Inside 5.9 DViado/NASuministrado,1996
Pocketful of Dreams 5.6 NASuministrado/JEleazar,1996
Paparazzi’s Way 5.0 NASuministrado/LElla,1997
Smells Like French 5.7 CMakinano/FBulan,1997 (Dec)
Looks like French 5.10 CMakinano/FBulan 1997
Swiss Cheese 5.9 CMakinano/FBulan,1997
Swingout Cafe 5.0 NASuministrado/OMarino,1998
Spacewalk 5.6 NASuministrado/OMarino,1998
Desperado 5.6 RJulian/NASuministrado,1998
Soul Taker 5.9 CMakinano/FBulan,1998
Desperado Direct 5.8 RJulian/NASuministrado,1998
Inside Out 5.8 MSoriano/BDelaCruz,1998
Stretchmarks 5.10 CMakinano/FBulan,1998
NORTH WALL
All Expenses Paid 5.7 FBulan/NASuministrado,1998
Hello, Mike Test 5.8 CMakinano/RJulian, 1998
A Note on the Grades: The grades are but preliminary ratings and judgments of the first ascenders; they are yet to be confirmed by other climbers for consensus.
Philippine Rock Climbing Page | Main Climbing Areas
Last modified : 05 April 1998