Mt. Dulang-Dulang:Philippines 2nd Highest Summit

It was holy week when our group climbed  Mt. Dulang-dulang. Climb permits must be secured from PAMBI in Malaybalay, Bukidnon as earlier as possible  since only 15 hikers per group in a day are allowed to climb. We made the booking from PAMBI five  months ahead of time since holy week is a climbing season with the help of  Mr. Ronan Montero  of  Panahik Outdoor Shop in Malaybalay,  Bukidnon. 

The road to Lantapan, Bukidnon with Elmer, Jenny, Kuya Ely, and Jandy

 Mt.  D2  is regarded as a sacred place for the Talaandig Tribe in Lantapan, Bukidnon . A ritual is required  from  the Datu of the tribe before the climb. The things needed for the ritual were three live chickens, 15 pcs. 1 peso coin, 1 bottle Fighter Wine, 1 bottle Mallorca, 15 pcs. eggs,  red and white cloth and a ritual fee of Php500.00 per group.  When we arrived at  Lantapan, Bukidnon the DATU of the village accomodated us in his house for us  to stay overnight.

"DATU" of  Talaandig Tribe preparing for the ritual

Early morning the next day everyone was all set to climb. Our trek started in a two-hour open trail before we entered the sacred forest of Mt. Dulang-Dulang. From the foot up to the last campsite all you would  find was mossy forest and rare flora and fauna's. When we reached  Manny's Garden late in the afternoon  we knew that we were near the campsite. Glad that we're already in the campsite when the rain started to pour. During the night nobody dares to get out of their tents since it was very cold. All tired, our group decided to sleep early.

open trail

A rare flora in Mt. D2

Manny's Garden

Wake up call was 4:30am to watched sunrise at the peak but due to a very cold weather only me and the guide went to the peak that early but everyone followed us after a few minutes.  At the peak you will find a tree with white ribbons, that's the place were the tribe members made their rituals. After our breakfast, we packed our things and descend back to the barangay. 

 

On top of the tree ( at the back is Mt. Kitanglad)

GETTING THERE:

From Davao City take a bus (Rural Transit) bound for Malaybalay, bukidnon. Jeepneys are available in Malaybalay  public market that  will take you to Lantapan, Bukidnon.