AN EXECUTIVE CLIMB TO MOUNT FATO

Location: Barangay Maligcong, Bontoc, Mountain Province, Philippines
Jump-off Point: Sitio Favuyan, Barangay Maligcong, Bontoc, Mountain Province

Elevation: 1,438 MASL (4,717.85 feet)

Days Required / Hours to Summit: 1 Day / 1 to 1 1/2 hours

Specs: Minor Climb, Difficulty 3/9, Trail Class 1

Features: Trail covered with pine trees, the summit offers a vast panoramic view of the mountain of Bontoc and overlooking the massive Maligcong Rice Terraces; and it passes through the peak of Mount Podlak.  On its summit is a big limestone rock, summit boulder, or part of the Fato rock formation.  In fact, the name "Fato" is the local Kankana-ey pronunciation of the word bato, which means rock.  Its mostly flat or gradual  elevation pine tree-lined trails and cool mountain breeze can be categorized as a beginner-friendly hiking destination.

While at the summit boulder of Mount Fato

Day 0

This post is actually packaged tour as a 2-day twin-peak climb of Mount Fato and Mount Kupapey in Bontoc, Mountain province.  Our tour package provider was John Lester Belardo and Kristine Capistrano.   The tour chartered van drove us from the Mayflower Parking lot of Greenfield District of Mandaluyong City in Metro Manila leaving at 9:00 P.M. of a Friday.  Tours and climbing group joiners usually assemble in this area.

Day 1

Samoki Bridge leading to Bontoc town proper

It was really cold when we arrived in Ifugao, but it was more colder when we arrived in Bontoc town where the temperature is 18 degrees Celsius.  While in Metro Manila, the average temperature is from 31 to 34 degrees Celsius.

Driving thru an access road to our accommodation

After an 11.5 hours van travel from Manila, we arrived in Bontoc town at around 8:30 A.M. From the town, our van had uphill drive heading to our accommodation in Barangay Maligcong.  Bontoc town proper has an elevation of around 1,173 meters or 3,848 feet above sea level, while Maligcong is approximately 1,383 meters or 4,537 above sea level.  So, driving towards Maligcong leads to a high elevation thru an access or village road.

  

Arriving at Chen's Homestay

Chen's Homestay is located in Sitio Favuyan, Barangay Maligcong, Municipality of Bontoc, Mountain Province.  It is a bed and breakfast accommodation.  Tired from an overnight road travel, our organizer gave us the opportunity to rest in our bed.   They can be reached at Chen's Homestay or 0956-280-5628.

The dining section of our homestay

As far as I can remember, it was our service provider who cooked for our meals and lunch was our first included meal in the tour package.

The pine-covered trail of Mount Fato

At exactly 1:00 P.M. after a relaxing rest from our cold bed, we started to trek to Mount Fato.  Our highly abled and reliable guide was David Rome Chumacog, where he can be reached at 09066243602. He can speak well both in English and Tagalog.  The pine-forested path trail with stead ascents made our trek so easy.  No sweat at all plus the fact that it was cold though the sun was up at 1:00 P.M. and beyond.

A view deck near Mount Podlak peak

Our guide told us that, halfway to the summit of Mount Fato, we will pass thru the peak of Mount Podlak with an elevation of 1,274 MASL or 4,179.79 feet above sea level.  From this peak, there will be a minor descent to continue the trail to Mount Fato summit.

A group photo at the summit boulder

Honestly, none of the climbing joiners were known to me.  It was my first time to meet them.  However, it was my second time to avail the services of the tour provided proven to be reliable and have good service.  Food servings are great not rationed.   Kristine Capistrano is a good chef.  Her aromatic cooked meals are always packed with rich, deep flavor.

Exploring the heights of the summit boulder

We were given ample time to have solo pictures and video recordings at the summit boulder.  Good enough that by that time, there were only two groups climbed the mountain.   All were so friendly and accommodating.  On my part, I arranged all my pictures and videos with our guide, David Rome.

The rock formation at the back of the summit boulder

At 1,438 MASL or 4,717.85 feet summit, I enjoyed a lot of it ranging from its iconic gigantic rock formations for a 360-degree panoramic view, taking dramatic photos above the clouds, and soaking in the cool breeze and peaceful atmosphere overlooking the stunning Maligcong Rice Terraces.

Playing along with the rock formations

Each joiner has been given time for any pose and video capture he/she wanted.  We believe that climbing this can only be once since we want for more new climbs.

A drone shot capturing the expansive summit boulder

We were also lucky that one of the joiners shared his drone shots with the whole group in the person of Jhaytome Altobar Pineda.  In fact, he shared all drone pictures and videos to us.

Overlooking Maligcong Rice Terraces at the summit

Those who would like to climb this mountain has to note that there are also grassy paths, minor rock scrambling near the summit.   And I was so amazed that there was a local mountain dog who joined us during this climb from the jump-off point to the summit and back to the jump-off point.

Another drone shot of the summit boulder

Actually, the jagged stone stacks and large boulders are really ideal for great photo capture.  From this point also, is the best location to watch the sun dip below the rolling Cordillera ridges.  Had only we had an early morning trek, then we can also witness rolling mists hugging the surrounding peaks and valleys.

We really enjoyed to stay at the summit that it took us more than 80 minutes there.  Descending the mountain took me 40 minutes, since we were racing down to the jump-off point.  It was indeed a great climbing experience.  After dinner, we had an evening socials in the midst of a freezing cold night until 10:00 P.M.  The following day or Day 2 was another climb that of Mount Kupapey in a separate blog post.  You can read it also with gusto.

TOUR GUIDE RATE

The guide is P500 per destination for a ratio of 1 is to 5 pax.  So, if for one day, there are 3 destinations visited, then, it will be P1,500.

ACCOMMODATION,  MEAL RATES AND ENVIRONMENTAL FEE

The accommodation at Chen's Homestay is P500 per person for a day, while kids is charged at half or P250 per person.  Meal per order is P250.  However, the guests can cooked their food and they charge P500 per day using all the cooking, dining wares and all cutlery items.  Coffee is free.  There is an environmental fee of P60 per head.

HOW TO GO TO BONTOC AND CHEN'S HOMESTAY (PUBLIC TRANSPORT)

1. Take a Coda Bus Liner from Cubao (Quezon City of Metro Manila) to Bontoc of Mountain Province for a fare which varies from P900 or US$14.69 to P1,200 or US$19.59 one way with a travel duration of 10-11 hours.  The final destination of this bus is to Sagada, but you need to alight in Bontoc town proper.
2. From Bontoc Commercial Center, usually parked along Capital Road behind the public market or in front of Pines Kitchenette and Inn, take a jeepney to Maligcong where your drop-off point is Favuyan (the lower/main area near most homestays) for P50 or US$0.81.  The travel time is roughly 30 to 45 minutes along scenic, uphill road.   Jeepneys leave when full, with standard intervals typically scheduled around 8:00 AM, 12:00 NN, 2:30 PM, and 4:30 PM.

THANKS FOR READING!