Thursday, December 27, 2012

Climbing Mt. Matutum


Mt. Matutum as seen from  Sitio Glandang, Tupi, South Cotabato

When climbing Mt. Matutum all  trekkers are  required to plant seedlings at the foot of the mountain.   This  program was made by the local tourism Office of  Tupi  called "AMYAK MALEH MATUTUM" means climb and plant in Mt. Matutum. 


Our Porter Mang Natu at 62 yrs old (center) together with his younger brother at 56 yrs old can still climb the 2,286 masl Mt. Matutum
It was my friend Tina who planned the climb in celebration of  her  birthday. We left Davao Overland Transport Terminal at 4:00am. Arrival in General Santos was 7:00am. Our packed  lunch was bought at a nearby fast food at General Santos City Terminal  before we took  another bus bound for Tupi, South Cotabato. RegistrAtion fee and Porters were  already arranged by our friend and also our guide for this climb Sir Maulvi Bajunaid.

                                                                 Rare Plants found in Mt. Matutum

Phase 1 trail is an easy trail. The average hike is about 3-4 hours.  Flora and Fauna can be seen along the trail. We stopped to have our lunch before reaching Phase 2. Phase 2 the trail was a  difficult trail with an  average hike for about 3-4 hours until we reached the summit .It was 4:00pm when all of us arrived at the summit. The summit was surrounded with trees. We pitched our tents and prepared our meal for the night. The night was so cold with strong winds blowing that could flew our tents if


The next morning the whole surrounding was filled with fog.  We weren't able to witness the sunrise. We met some fellow mountaineers at the summit. It was fun talking and taking photo's with them. At 9:00am our group descend back and arrived at 3:00pm  at the jump off point.

with Fellow Mountaineers we met at the summit of Mt. Matutum

Getting There: 

From Davao City Overland Terminal take a bus to Tupi (php 280.00 estimated fare one way). Just inform the driver to drop you off Barangay  Kablon. Single motorcycles will take you to TOURISM GUARDHOUSE, in Sitio Glandang, Brgy. Kablon (Php150.00 pero motorcycle one way). Make sure to have an early registration prior the climb to avoid inconvenience. Registation fee is Php150.00 per person. Porter fee is Php 250.00-300.00 per day. If you need a guide feel free to contact Maulvi of Tupi (09269031934).

*Some photos are courtesy of Pen Casel and Anthony Elisar

  





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Thursday, November 29, 2012

Matigol Falls in Arakan, North Cotabato


Bani Waterfalls

The  first time I went to Matigol Falls  also known as Bani Falls was with my fellow mountaineers a few years ago. It was also a day hike but the trail we chose was  a little difficult since we follow the trail from the uppermost part of the waterfalls going down to the foot of the waterfalls.

This year Louie, Leo, Keir, Madayaw and I had our day trip to Matigol Falls. We arrived in Arakan Valley at 8:00am.  Hired   motorcycles  took as at the jump off point. From the basketball court our trek begins and after 30 minutes we reached Sitio Inamong, Barangay Datu Ladayon where we secure our guides and pay our registration fee.

"Traveling Louie" and "Journeying Sarah" at the top  of  Matigol  falls (photo courtesy of Madayaw Wowdagway)
 

Our first destination was to set foot at the  top most part of  Matigol Falls. We relaxed for a while and took some photos before we climbed back, took  another trail to reach the foot of  Matigol Falls.  Be sure to bring an umbrella with you because the weather is really hot on daytime since you will trek mostly on  grasslands. An hour and a half hour of trek  took us to see another beautiful gift of nature.

The Trail

A glimpse of  Matigol falls before descend
The foot of  Matigol Falls
Getting there:

From Ecoland Terminal took a "Rural Transit" bus bound for Cagayan via Budha. Just inform the driver to drop you at Arakan, North Cotabato. The fare ranges from  Php 80-100 non aircon bus.You may chosse to walk from the national highway or ride in a motorcyle all the way to Sitio Inamong, Barangay Datu Ladayon court at Php 50.00 -Php80.00 per person.  Registration Fee is Php25.00.