The Truth About Mount Tapyas: Are There Really 721 Steps?
Where It Starts
The Truth About Mount Tapyas: Are There Really 721 Steps? That’s the question every visitor asks before taking on the climb. The journey starts in Coron Town, on the street named after the mountain. That is the clue, Tapyas Road. Just off the main road near the municipal gym, the entrance is well-marked, and the concrete staircase leading up the hill is visible from a distance. This is where the challenge begins.
What to Bring
Before you start, make sure you’re well-prepared. Here’s what you need:
- Plenty of water – the heat can be intense, and there are no refill stations along the way.
- Sunscreen – even in the late afternoon, the sun can be harsh.
- Comfortable trainers or hiking shoes – the steps are steep, and proper footwear is a must.
- Sunglasses and a hat – for extra sun protection.
- A camera or phone – the views at the top are worth capturing!
What to Expect -The Truth About Mount Tapyas: Are There Really 721 Steps?
The temperature can be relentless, often exceeding 28 degrees Celsius. While there are a many shaded spots along the way, the climb can still be quite taxing. Be ready for an incline that steadily increases, with occasional resting spots, with benches, built into the staircase. There are quite a few shaded platforms along the stairs, providing much-needed relief from the sun. It typically takes 20–30 minutes to reach the summit, depending on fitness level and breaks taken.
The Ascent Begins: Climbing in the Heat
We stand at the base of Mount Tapyas, ready for the challenge. The long ascent begins, and the first painted number appears on the cement steps: 100. Already, scepticism creeps in.
Have we really climbed 100 steps already? It doesn’t feel like it.
The winding staircase has built-in shelters, and we take advantage of them, pausing to catch our breath, heart rates pumping from the combination of exertion and heat. The numbers painted on the steps come quickly—too quickly. Something doesn’t add up.
The Route and the Views from Mount Tapyas
The staircase zigzags up the mountain, with occasional landings and railings for support. Along the way, you get glimpses of Coron Town, the harbour, and the lush surrounding hills. As you climb higher, the scenery opens up, making each stop along the way worth it.
At the summit, you’re rewarded with panoramic views of Coron Bay, its turquoise waters, and the surrounding limestone cliffs. The iconic Coron sign, reminiscent of the Hollywood sign, sits proudly on the hillside, and a towering cross stands nearby. Sunset is an especially magical time to visit, as the sky lights up in hues of orange and pink, making the effort to reach the top even more worthwhile.
Reaching the Top: The Myth Begins to Unravel
Step by step, we continue. Rest, climb, doubt. Repeat. After around 25 minutes, we reach the summit. From here, the Coron sign sits like a mini-Hollywood landmark on the hillside, alongside the giant cross that dominates the skyline. We look around, taking in the breathtaking views of the bay and the surrounding islands. But one thing is certain—we did not just climb 700+ steps.
The Psychology of the Mount Tapyas Step Count – the Painted Numbers
Are the step numbers an illusion? A trick to make the climb feel longer and more intense? We didn’t meticulously count every single step, but we estimate somewhere between 300 and 400 steps—far fewer than the 721-step legend repeated across the internet. Could it be that the painted numbers create an illusion of greater distance, fooling both visitors and locals alike?
Challenge Accepted: Count the Mount Tapyas Steps!
So, we put this to you, fellow adventurers: How many steps are there really? If you’ve climbed Mount Tapyas, did you count? Do the numbers on the steps feel accurate to you? Or is this one of those travel myths that has been passed down unquestioned?
Let’s solve this mystery together. Count the steps and drop your number in the comments!
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