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.

MT. HAMIGUITAN

Sunset in Mt. Hamiguitan

Located in San Isidro, Davao Oriental Mt. Hamiguitan with an elevation of 1,620 masl and total land area of 6,834 hectares is one of a kind for it is known for its “bonsai forest” with trees more than 100 years old. In 2009 it was declared as a National Park by the UNESCO.

pitcher plants can be found in Mt. Hamiguitan

It was a few years ago when  our group  "TEAM  WANDERLUST " climbed Mt. Hamiguitan. We left Davao City at 1:00am and arrived in San Isidro, Davao Oriental at 4:00am.  There was no one at the terminal when we arrived in San Isidro so we called the  contact person  in tourism office of San Isidro to fetch us. There was another organized climb scheduled for that day so we negotiated with them for us to ride on the truck which will take us to the jump off point.  On the first day we  crossed rivers  and hiked for the whole day.  We only stopped for lunch and rest when our feets are tired.  We stayed in Camp 1 during the night, pitched our tents and rest for the night.

Lantawan 1

On the second day our trek continues as we passed by Lantawan 1 and Lantawan 2. It was an open area where you will see beautiful sceneries. It was noon when we arrived in Camp 2. We again pitch our tents and prepare our meals. After lunch, some of  my friends went to tinagong dagat and twin falls. I chose to stay at the campsite. We roam around the bonsai forest since it was a few steps away from Camp 2. During the night, there was a lot of fireflies in the area. It was so amazing. The weather is not so cold at camp 2. it was time to sleep again for the night.

summit

On the third day  we prepared our breakfast,  packed  our things and cleaned the area.. We were heading for the summit of Mt. Hamiguitan. It was a three hours trek in the forest to arrived  at the summit.  After resting and picture taking our group started to descend. It was a long way going down from the summit. At 4:00pm we were back to the jump of f point. Eventhough we were tired but we were very satisfied with our climb. 

Getting There:

For group climbers you can hire a van bound for San Isidro, Davao Oriental. From there register at the tourism office. Then hire a motorcycle or jeepney  that will take you to the jump off point. Porters and guides can be arranged upon arrival at the jump off point.

MT. KITANGLAD

                                                                               Sunrise in Mt. Kitanglad

MT. KITANGLAD is the fourth highest peak in the Philippines with an elevation of 2,899 metres. It was declared as an ASEAN National Park last 2009.  Bringing of tent is not necessary since there is a bunkhouse at the summit. Electricity is also available where hikers may enjoy watching television and charge their cellphone. The average climb is two days only.  Fifteen persons are allowed to climb per batch.  To those who wish to climb Mt. Kitanglad, it is important to make an early registration at the PAMBI Office in Malaybalay, bukidnon to avoid inconvenience.

GETTING THERE:
From Davao City, take a bus to Malaybalay,  Bukidnon. Upon arrival at the terminal, look for jeepneys  that goes to Sitio Intavas, Impasug ong, Bukidnon. Porters and guides may be arranged upon arrival.   

 

the summit of Mt. Kitanglad

bunkbeds

outside the bunkhouse with our porters

          

Year End Climb at Mt. Apo

Most climbers here dreamed of climbing the highest summit in the Philippines and I was one of them. Although I made a lot of plans before to climb Mt. Apo but it was always cancelled but  I  got the opportunity to climb Mt. Apo together with my four climbing buddies Tina, Yoj, Palang and our guide  Jun. It was before new year when five of us went to Kapatagan, Davao del Sur. We had a night trek going to Barangay Paradise, fixed our tents and prepare our dinner. We also made the arrangement with our porter that night.  

It was drizzling the next morning. But we were still eager to pursue the climb. After we prepared breakfast, packed lunch and packed our things we started the trek. We passed thru Goody goody campsite, took our lunch near Baroring River and in the afternoon we trekked  the boulders of Mt. Apo. We reached the peak at 5:00pm. We realized that we were the only climbers in  the area. It was very cold so Tina and I decided to lit the lantern. It will lessen the coldness inside the tent and it was very helpful. 

It was 4:00am when we trekked the summit near the campsite. We were lucky to have a good weather. Had our photos here and there. We even made phone calls to our friends and loved ones telling them that we were already in the summit of Mt. Apo. It was a very nice experience communing with nature. After breakfast, we packed our things and start to descend via Kidapawan trail. We passed thru Lake Venado and had our lunch then we continue to trek until we reached Agco Hotspring at night.

It was a very tiring experience but it was one of best. To those who wish to climb Mt. Apo it is better to take Kapatagan-Kidapawan trail for you to see the boulders and crater of Mt. Apo.

GETTING THERE:(via Kapatagan Trail)

From Davao City take a bus or van bound for Digos City. Then take a van or  motorcycle to Kapatagan, Digos City. You can register  at  Mt. Apo Mountaineering trekkers Information Center in Sitio Baras, Kapatagan, Digos City. Porters and Guides may be secured upon arrival.