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Hill 394
3 reviews
3.33 of 5
The climb up from the hospital road feels like hell on wheels. But the view from the top is amazing. Descend the second fire road to the old naval magazine, an area that's off limits to civilians but not to monkeys. Be careful. They've been known to chase strangers. Make your way back up to 394 (the climb isn't as difficult) for the whiplash inducing descent down the first dirt road. Downhillers will rejoice. Experienced riders will play it smart and stay on the brakes. Beginners will start to pray.
From Subic Bay Main Gate, take Argonaut Highway to Airport. Turn left to Upper MAU then proceed towards hospital. Proceed for a few hundred meters or so until you reach a small dirt road on the left side. Bingo!
Summary: The ascent from the ammo bunker is most recommended for novice cyclists. Though there are tough sections of slick rock and 30 degree climbs, these are short and can be overcome on foot. Be wary of the bamboo trees that have fallen on the trail, as they can be covered by leaves and overgrowth. These can be a nasty surprise on the ascent and possibly dangerous on the descent. proceed along the main trail until you see the forest canopy thinning out. the top of the hill affords a 360 degree view of SBMA and the neighboring country side. great reward for a significant effort going up. i would recommend a descent via the same trail for novice riders.. but there is a second descent that can be taken from the hilltop... this seemd like a freeride/downhiller's dream but, upon visual inspection, looked a little risky. monkeys will converge to the trail-side, probably curious of the commontion made by humans and bikes... but we did not encounter any directly on the trail... they just watch you from cover. :)
Recommended Route: Enter the naval magazine area and keep going straight until the first major four-way intersection with a sign for Morong Gate. take the left turn, follow the road for about 2kms until you reach the first asphalt left turn, follow this single lane road until you see a bamboo and sawali sign saying "Trail to Hill 394". this is next to an abandoned ammo dump being used to store poultry/hog feed (the smell will confirm this). Enter trail through sign.
Other recommended trails in the same area: the trail to el kabayo falls in the forest hills area looks interesting. attempted to climb this trail but the darkness caught us and the aeta guides warned us about snakes and such. approximately a 20 minute walk to the waterfall. initial 300 meters looked steep.
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Review Date April 5, 2000
Overall Rating 4 of 5
Ridden Trail: Ridden Once
Reviewed by: Atty. Mike Yngson
, from Pasig City, Metro Manila, Philippines
Summary: This trail can be done even by someone quite new to mountain biking, but who is sufficiently well versed in knowing when not to ride over his head. The best way to enter the trail is from the Hospital side, where one is instantly engulfed by the indescribable beauty of jungle life. The sounds coming from insects, birds, monkeys and other animals would surely detract one from thinking about the ride. Initially, the terrain is merely rolling, but the last 200 or so meters leading to the top of Hill 394 would surely test one's climbing prowess. This not mentioning the loose soil to be encountered upon doing this last climb to the top. However, the view from the top is exhilirating and definitely worth all the trouble. From the top, one could have a birds eye view of Grande Island, Subic Bay Yacht Club and the bay itself. The isolation is also quite extraordinary. Doing the downhill from the top, passing through the same steep climb, is like being in a giant slide. Even experienced downhillers are forewarned not to be too complacent when doing the downhill, for this particular downhill has already claimed several persons, who ended up with broken arms and ribs. This may be due to unseen ruts covered with thick leaves lying on the ground, as well as the soil being too loose to afford enough traction, even to the most aggressive tire tread. All in all a very exciting ride, if only due to the jungle, and not really technical except for the steep downhill.
Recommended Route: Enter the trail after passing through the Bat Kingdom, and near the Hospital. Avoid being seen by police, as there still exists a sign prohibiting entry to the trail, but the 100 Peso fine is small considering the great ride.
Other recommended trails in the same area: Biniktikan double track is also great, but the native Aetas guarding the entrance to the forest will need some kind of official document authorizing the rider to enter the forest, otherwise it would take some amount of persuading before they would let someone pass. It is also wise not to ignore their warning for people not to tresspass.
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Review Date March 21, 2000
Overall Rating 2 of 5
Ridden Trail: Ridden Once
Reviewed by: Gerald Velayo
, from San Mateo, Rizal Philippines
Summary: I have ridden in this area once with my friend and officemate Norman. The downhill stretch will take your breath away. It's simply amazing! I haven't seen monkeys though.
Other recommended trails in the same area: I recommend climbing Crown Peak Hotel where you could visit BAT kingdom.
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