MOUNT TIMBAK: THE 9TH HIGHEST PEAK IN THE PHILIPPINES AT 2,717 MASL

 

Location: Atok, Benguet, Philippines
Entry and Exit Points:  Sitio Timbak, Barangay Cattubo, Atok, Benguet
Elevation: 2,717 MASL (8,914 feet)
Days Required / Hours to Summit:  1 day / 25- 35 minutes
Specs: Minor Climb; Difficulty - 2/9; Trail Class 1

Features:  The third highest mountain in Luzon and the 9th highest peak in the Philippines.  It has open trails on its sides planted with local crops like potatoes, cabbage, carrots, lettuce and different varieties of flowers and cactus.  From its 360 degrees viewpoint, rice terraces and other mountains can be viewed on their most splendid beauty.  Sea of clouds can also be viewed depending on the months of visit according to our local guide.  It is the most easiest climb I ever had since from the jump-off point starts at 2,249 which means that only 468 MASL is left to scale to the summit.

While at the summit of Mount Timbak

I was just a joiner of this climb and it started when we had a meet up at the Greenfield District parking lot in Ortigas Center of Mandaluyong at around 8:00 P.M. but we left boarding a van at 9:00 P.M. heading towards Atok, Benguet.

Our meet-up venue at Greenfield District parking lot

It was a long drive heading north and most of the joiners were Call Center agents and seasoned climbers.  I knew nobody in the group.  I just saw the advert of this climb in Facebook and I paid for a down payment thru GCash so that I can be included in the climb.

Stopover at Leeza's Restaurant in Sison, Pangasinan

At around 2:10 A.M., our van had a stopover in Sison of the province of Pangasinan to take something to eat or drink hot coffee or eat goto to warm our stomach.  It was very cold inside the van and some might have taken sleep but I did not.  We have already 214 kilometers for more than 3 hours drive.

Our van service vehicle

If you will notice, most of those who had a stopover in the restaurant are mountain climbers in the mountains of the North.   Some, though not in the same group, recognize each other since most of them climb mountains almost every weekend.  Only a few are really families who travel for leisure to the North particularly Baguio City.

Heading to the jump-off point

As early as 7:54 A.M., we were already driving towards the jump-off point.  I felt dizzy because I was not able to sleep during the trip.  This is the usual arrangement when we do have climbs in the North, we leave Manila at around 9:00 P.M. or 10:00 P.M. usually Friday evening since most of the joiners are still coming from their work.

Parking at the jump-off point

Our van drove to the higher elevation just to park at the jump-off point which was already at 2,249 MASL.  We can feel the cold air.  Benguet is noted for having a cold climate because of its mountainous area at a very high elevation.

The view from the jump-off point at 7:57 A.M.

The view was really rewarding.  Wherever you turn your eyes, rice terraces are very visible.  The terraces are planted with local crops and even flowers.

Started the trek at 7:59 A.M.

Even if I was sleepy, I managed to go ahead with the rest of my fellow joiners as I wanted to capture them climbing up in one line.  The fresh air that I breathed invigorated me.  

The panoramic view as we climbed higher

As we climbed higher, more neighboring mountains can be seen.  The dramatic rice terraces terrain are becoming more evident, such a view to behold.

The view deck at 8:02 A.M.

At the view deck, there is a store where we can buy our breakfast for hot milk, coffee or chocolate but most of all the cheaply priced fresh vegetables.  For just 3 minutes trek, we already reached this very rewarding view.

Loving the experience of being on top of everything

You see, when you are in this kind of place, you will be in complete spell admiring the beautiful creation of God.  You feel so different.  I was completely speechless to be exact.

Still at the view deck

It was already 8:18 A.M. and we were still at the view deck since some of our companions were still sipping their hot coffee and eating local delicacies.

Cactus for sale

It was already 8:23 A.M. and still at the view deck

I don't understand why some of my companions were buying vegetables and fruits when we are still to trek to the summit.  Besides, we were the only group that were there.

Trekking to the summit resumed at 8:32 A.M.

Take note, we only had trekked for 3 minutes going to the view deck and this time, we again resumed the trek at 8:32 A.M.

I was ahead of them at 8:36 A.M.

Reached this point at 8:38 A.M.

The view just below our location

Communication Towers were at the higher elevation

The view at 8:46 A.M.

Group picture at 8:55 A.M.

The organizer requested for a group picture for his business advert.  Bundokerong Pandak was the organizer of the event.  I really don't him personally, but I can always see his Facebook advert to joiners climb.

I just love this view while on trail

The mandatory 5-second rest at 9:15 A.M.

We were advised to stop by the organizer so that we can regroup at this point.  Some were left behind since they are filming and taking instagrammable pictures.  A few in the group even took with them costumes while taking pictures and videos.

Look at this! Such an amazing view

Literally superb view

Finally the summit at 9:20 A.M.

Excluding all the rests and stops from the jump-off point to the summit, it was only 32 minutes total time that I spent for my personal record.

Literally on top of the world

The view below our location

Another summit angle shot

This is much better

The community down the summit

We left the place at 10:12 A.M.  I for one, bought some vegetables and fruits for it those were really from cheaper compared to Baguio City prices where we will also go after this climb.