Mt. Kanlaon: The Highest Summit in Visayas

Mountain climbing is my passion. I've been to the highest summits of  Luzon and Mindanao before  so this  time I decided to climb the Highest summit in Visayas with an elevation of 2,435masl located in Negros Occidental.

Mt. Kanlaon is one of the most active volcano in the Philippines. Prior  the  climb, a permit together with the filled up registration forms and waivers duly notarized  must be secured from the  DENR-MKNP superintendent.  Registration Fee is  Php300.00 per person. You may choose from these trails:  WASAY to  GUINTUBDAN, a 3 -day climb, GUINTUBDAN trail entry and exit, a 2-day climb. 

Day 0: We took an evening  flight from Davao to Cebu and a bus ride  from south bus terminal to Dumaguete City. After we bought our food and everything we needed for the climb, we left Dumaguete City and took the Ceres Bus bound for Bacolod via Mabinay, . It was the first time that I traveled on a daytime and  I was amazed by the spectacular views of the Province of  Negros Oriental and Negros Occidental. 

After five hours of travel we stopped at the Junction and  took another bus to La Carlota City.  It was already dark when we arrived in Barangay Ara-al,  La Carlota. We met  our Guide and rented a house for us to stay for  the night. We were all excited to climb the next day.

Day 1: It was very cold when we woke up but I still decided to take a bath in a freezing cold water. After preparing our breakfast and packed lunch we started the trek at 6:30am. The trek took us around six hours before we reached the campsite.  We were 30 minutes away from the  summit but the guide didn't allow us from going to the summit because the clouds  were covering the peak.   We decided to trek the summit the next morning.

Day 2: Wake up call was 5:00am but the whole place was still covered with fog. We have no choice but wait until the fogs will disappear because the guide told us that it was dangerous if we can't see the trail clearly. While waiting we had our breakfast and prepared our packed lunch. We waited until 9:00am but the weather is still the same. We had no choice but to go back.

Although we haven't  made it to the summit but the climb is still worth it. Thanks to my travel buddies Kristina Corpuz and Mario Lopez for the  great company.