MOUNT KANLAON CLIMB (GUINTUBDAN-GUINTUBDAN TRAIL)

Location: Negros Occidental, Philippines Entry point: Guintubdan, Ara-al, La Carlota City Exit point: Guintubdan, Ara-al, La Carlota City Coordinates: 10°24'44"N, 123°7'55"E Elevation: 2,434 MASL (7,989 feet) Days required / Hours to summit:2 days / 8-10 hours Specs: Major climb, Difficulty 8/9, Trail Class 4 Descriptive Summary: Mount Kanlaon ranks 6th among the TOP TEN "TOURIST GEMS" of the Philippines as shown is this link. It is the highest mountain in Visayas and is considered to be the Philippines largest active volcano. It has two known craters, one is the old extinct crater called Caldera with a crater lake in Margaja Valley just below the Makawiliwili Ridge with the size of 2 by 0.8 km (1.24 by 0.50 miles) and the second one is the active Lugud crater which already killed 7 mountaineers on its deadly eruption in 1996.

View Mt Canlaon in a larger map

This is a part of my April 11 – 15, 2014 Mount Kanlaon – Negros Occidental Trips which includes: Mambukal Mountain Resort; Bacolod City Tour; The Ruins of Talisay; and Balay Negrense .

This was my second climb in Mount Kanlaon where the first one was recorded on August 24-25, 2013 but due to Low Pressure Area (LPA), our group was not allowed to go beyond the Pagatpat Campsite for safety reasons. It was during my second attempt to climb that we succeeded to conquer its summit on April 13, 2014. To make sure that we get the scheduled we desired, our group climbing permit request was sent to DENR-PENRO addressed to Mr. Angelo Bibar on September 26, 2013 through LBC. Our group consisted of eight, namely: Peter J. Zabala, Alan A. Valenzuela, Benedick I. Manalang, Cesar H. Garcia, Rome A. Frias, Timothy E. Mislos, Jonathan L. Reales and I. DENR-PENRO only approves a maximum of 10 climbers for a day excluding the guides and porters. I was the Expedition Leader of the group for the second time.

Conquering the summit of Mount Kanlaon

This exciting climb has started with a PAL flight from Manila at 8:00 P.M. and arrived in Silay International Airport at 9:05 P.M. Our pre-arranged chartered van picked us at the airport and we drove to Bacolod City for dinner. Peter, Jonathan, Tim and Rome took the morning flight and so we picked them also from an agreed place and headed to Guintubdan Pavillon for an overnight.

One of the pools I saw in Guintubdan Pavillon Resort in my early morning walk on April 12, 2014

Bong Marcelino, our head guide, met us at Guintubdan Pavillon as we arrived there at almost 12 midnight and we arranged our meals to be cooked by them for breakfast and pack lunch for the following day. The groceries, butane and other necessary items were marketed by Rome Frias as an advance party and these items were equally divided to all our three porter guides.

Our accommodation of two rooms in Guintubdan Pavillon

We had a soundly and tight sleep in a Guintubdan Pavillon where due to its elevation of 900 meters above sea level gives a cooler temperature. The Pavillon is so picturesque overlooking the scenery down the place.

Connie Vasquez having her breakfast in the scenic Guintubdan Pavillon dated August 24, 2013, one of our climbing buddies during our unsuccessful first Mount Kanlaon Climb

Having breakfast in Guintubdan Pavillon is just rewarding as you see lush green scenery of rolling hills and mountains. How we wished, we stayed longer and savored the joy that this awesome sight had delighted us.

Our Climbing Team of Eight

The moment of truth has started as we carried our backpacks and in a moment of silence, our group prayed hard for God’s guidance and presence to give us safety all throughout the climb. The Pavillon serves as the jump-off point. We took the Guintubdan-Guintubdan trail which we believe is easier than the Guintubdan-Mananawin Trail. At exactly 8:00 A.M., we left the jump-off point.

The Busay Buslugan Falls as taken on April 12, 2014 (Summer Time)

We regrouped in Busay Buslugan Falls at 9:15 A.M. and had an endless pictorials. Our guides warned us that at this point “limatik” abounds and we have to avoid them by not sitting on the ground. The water then was so clear and quite inviting for a swim. We stayed in the place at 9:55 A.M. up to the point where we were dropped dead tired in our pictorials.

The Busay Buslugan Falls taken on August 24, 2013 (Rainy Season Time) during our unsuccessful first climb

I still recalled the first time we visited this water falls last August 2013, it was filled with cascading water and the place was foggy and quite cold. By that time, it was not inviting for a swim as the water was freezingly cold.

Taking a lengthy rest at Patay na Suba

We just passed in Patay na Suba (Dead River) at 10:15 A.M. Panoy and I did not stop there but the rest of the group when they passed through this point had a lengthy siesta including a snacks break. As you see, Panoy and I were not in the picture.

Our group had regrouped at Camp 1 for our lunch

We arrived in Camp 1 at 11:56 A.M. just timely for our lunch. As far as I can remember, my exclusive guide in the name of Rexon “Panoy” Pieldad and I being in the lead pack, had only rested for thrice from Buslugan to Camp 1 at a maximum of 2 minutes each. Longer rests made me feel chillingly cold and so I avoided it. Thus, we both arrived first in Camp 1 and the next pack arrived at 12:15 Noon. With our excitement, “limatik” (a sucking leech) was remote in our minds. Before we reached Camp 1, we had to hurdle three long assaults.

A 5-minute rest at Camp 2 with Jonathan Reales and my guide, Panoy

Trekking from Camp 1 to Camp 2 is only 18 minutes all of which are cardiac assaults where we left Camp 1 at 12:55 noon and arrived there at 1:13 P.M. From Camp 2 to Pagatpat Campsite, deep ravines were evident. Cardiac assaults were increasing in number and I have to stop to catch my breath. In some instances, I have to call Rexon to stop for a while and usually for barely two minutes, we resumed.

The first ravine after descending Camp 2

The scenic foliage is becoming richer, thicker and closely intertwined as the we trekked deeper into the rain forest of Mount Kanla-on Natural Park. This park was reenacted into law through Republic Act No. 9154, Series of 2001 establishing Mount Kanla-on located in the cities of Bago, La Carlota, and San Carlos and in the municipalities of La Castellana and Murcia, all in the province of Negros Occidental, and in the City of Canlaon and Municipality of Vallehermoso, both in the province of Oriental as a protected area and a peripheral area as buffer zone providing for its management and for other purposes.

Another deep ravine between Camp 2 and 3

As a background, Kanlaon Volcano, also spelled as Kanla-on or Canlaon, is an active stratavolcano which is the favorite spot for mountain climbers being the centerpiece of Mount Kanlaon Natural Park which was originally established on August 8, 1934. It is a part of the Pacific Ring of Fire.

Another deep ravine almost near Camp 3

Mount Kanlaon has three hot springs on its slopes: Mambukal Hot Springs on the northwest, Bucalan Hot Spring and Bungol Hot Spring. Its adjacent volcanic edifices are Mount Silay and Mount Mandalagan, north of Kanlaon.

Carefully scrutinizing the trail of a ravine if it is slippery

Left Camp 2 at 1:13 P.M. and was in Camp 3 at 2:05 P.M. We passed through the crash site at 2:35 P.M. where former President Ramon Magsaysay plane had crashed. Panoy and I were at Pagatpat Campsite at 3:40 P.M. and waited for the rest of the group.

The tranquil Pagatpat Campsite

We stayed longer at Pagatpat till 4:15 P.M. to ask the rest of the group if they can still manage to push for the Saddle Campsite for overnight and since it was still early, the rest gave a resounding "yes" to resume the trek to the Saddle Campsite where we reached there at 4:45 P.M.

The sunset at the saddle (photo courtesy by Peter Zabala)

I felt cold when I arrived at the Saddle campsite for I have been wet with perspiration and so after Panoy helped me to pitch my tent, I comfortably had an ample rest and waited for the call for dinner. The rest of the group went out to enjoy the sunset. There was no socials as everybody wanted to sleep but the campsite was so noisy with the LGU official climbers of Negros Oriental who had boisterous laughter until dawn. Our group had barely slept.

The sun sets completely at its rest as viewed from the saddle (Photo courtesy by Peter Zabala)

The night was not so freezing as compared to Mount Pulag but somehow one may not afford to have a comfortable sleep without socks and cold clothing gears as the coldness was really annoying.

Ascending from the Saddle to the Summit (Photo courtesy by Jonathan Reales)

Scaling midpoint from the Saddle to the summit

The wake up call was at 5:00 A.M. for us to witness the beautiful sunrise. And so without anything in our stomach, we headed up to the summit where it took us 40 minutes to completely conquer the summit. We first kissed the big stone on the foot of the summit as first timers to climb the summit.

The Margaja Valley – the old extinct crater of Mount Kanlaon (Photo courtesy by Jonathan Reales)

Scaling up to the summit has given us opportunity to capture the totality of the Margaja Valley where it really looks magnificent. It was so breathtaking and no word can ever describe how beautiful it is.

A closer glimpse of Margaja Valley or Caldera Crater Lake (photo courtesy by Benedick Manalang)

Scaling the summit was quite dangerous as the trail is consist of loose rocks and down to Margaja Valley is approximately a thousand feet below. Thus, how can I afford to miscalculate a step where it will cost my life.

I almost have seen the hole of the active Lugud crater

The summit has an active crater on it but we were advised not to look down for a strong wind can blow us down into it. We have to crawl and the guides were obliged to hold our feet for safety.

The hole of Lugud crater was not really possible to be seen by mere crawling (Photo courtesy by Jonathan Reales)

More or less, this is the only view available to our naked eyes as it is very dangerous to go beyond. We were following closely the instructions of our guides for our own safety. We cannot even stand at this point.

The hole of the active Lugud crater as captured by our camera through extended arms

Though it was scary, I managed to extend my arms to capture what is beyond my sense of sight but I was completely held by my guide in my two feet. This summit has a peak elevation of 2,435 meters above sea level (7,989 feet) and the mountain has a base diameter of 30 km (19 miles) and is dotted with pyroclastic cones and craters.

Our group with the backdrop of the Makawiliwili Ridge taken from the summit (photo courtesy by Jonathan Reales)

Based on what I've learned from my online research, Mount Kanlaon has erupted for 26 times since 1919. Eruptions are typically phreatic explosions of small-to-moderate size that produce minor ash falls near the volcano. In 1902, the eruption was classified as strombolian, typified by the ejection of incandescent cinder, lapilli and lava bombs.

Peter Zabala or Pete Zee provided most of the pictures in the climb

Grateful to meet, Pete for the first time who is a friend of my friend, Jrich Macasero where his artistic inclination in photography has provided me a lot of materials for this post.

Timothy Estanislao Mislos jubilant while at the summit

Another travel buddy made a difference in this climb as I learned some tips from him regarding some photography and IT tips. So glad to meet him for the first time.

Jonathan Lusares Reales – a keen macro-specie photographer

A silent but deep photographer has its own way of documenting every specie he captures with his camera whether it belongs to flora or fauna category.

Cautious of every step I made while descending the summit

While loose rocks are so dangerous for any false move, I made it to a point that I surely locked my feet in every single step I made for me not slip out.

Relaxed as I set foot at the Saddle Campsite

When I was at the summit, I was so worried of the research I made that on August 10, 1996, a group of 24 mountain climbers were on the same summit when the volcano suddenly erupted without any warning killing British student Julian Green and Filipinos Noel Tragico and Neil Perez, who were trapped near the summit. The authorities rescued the 17 others including 10 Belgians, another Briton and six Filipinos. The 17 were identified as Belgians Frederick Carraso, Philipp Couche, Caroline La Grange, Sophie La Benne, Darmien Gaitan, David Rycaert, Florence De Corte, Jean Francois Ossengeld, Caroline Verlinde and Delthme Ferrant, Briton Gordon Cole and Filipinos Pepito Ibrado, Wovi Villanueva and Albert Devarras.

We had then our breakfast as we returned to the saddle campsite and had breakcamp afterwards. The following is my personal record on how I descended the mountain with my guide, Panoy which I made it for FOUR HOURS AND 8 MINUTES to Guintubdan jump-off without taking any trail food and lunch and literally I was non-stop then. Left saddle - 9:20 A.M.; Pagatpat – 9:37 A.M; Crash site – 10:04 A.M. ; Camp 3 10:17 A.M.; Camp 2 – 10:49 A.M; Camp 1 – 11:03 A.M.; Patay na Suba – 12:17 Noon; Buslugan – 12:38 Noon and Guintubdan jump-off – 1:28 P.M.

On the other hand, I scaled Mount Kanlaon from the Guintubdan jump-off point to the saddle campsite for a total of EIGHT HOURS AND 45 MINUTES inclusive of occasional rests due to excessive cardiac assaults, lunch break, trail food and water break and siesta time in Buslugan for a lengthy pictorials. From the saddle to the summit is only 30 minutes if no pictorials are made along the trail.

Below is a suggested Itinerary:

Day 1

08:00 ETD Guintubdan
09:30 Buslugan picture-taking
11:30 Lunch at Camp 2
03:30 Pagatpat Campsite
04:30 Pitch tents at the saddle - There is an option to scale the summit if weather permits
06:30 Dinner afterwards socials
08:00 RON:

DaY 2

05:30 Wake-up call:
06:30 Breakfast
07:30 Breakcamp
08:00 Scale the summit with backpack
08:45 Start descending from summit
09:45 Pagatpat Ridge
12:00 Lunch at Camp 1
04:00 ETA Guintubdan Jump-off point
04:30 ETA Guintubdan Pavillon
04:35 Shower in Guintubdan Pavillon
06:00 ETD Guintubdan Pavillon
07:20 ETA Mambukal Resort

BUDGETARY CONCERNS

The total budget does not include the plane fare which is P3,500. These expenses include the registration of P300; 3 porter /guides for P7,000 including a tip of P1,000 for their extra services for cooking and made us like boarders waiting for sumptuous meals inside our tents; all meals from/to manila airport; all grocery items, butane, bottled water and other climbing supplies; chartered van of P3,200 from Bacolod airport to guintubdan; chartered jeep from guintubdan to mambukal for P1,500; mambukal accommodation of P3,300; guintubdan pavillon accommodation for P1,200; airport terminal fee in Bacolod for P200; hotel accommodation and taxi fares for the advance party in marketing food – P800 and other common expenses which were all divided into eight persons.

OTHER CONCERNS

Porter/Guides have a rate of P1,000 per day. On our part, we hired 3 porter/guides where we paid P6,000 and an additional of P1,000 for our tip. Our porter/guides had served also to be our cooks, photographer and safety advisors.

HOW TO GET THERE

Take any daily flight from Manila to Bacolod. Hire a chartered van from Bacolod airport to Guintubdan Pavillon for overnight so that the following day the climb can start as early as 8:00 A.M. It is cheaper to have a side trip to Mambukal than to hire again a chartered van from Guintubdan back to Bacolod. Chartered jeep from Guintubdan to Mambukal is only P1,500 and the minibus from Mambukal to Bacolod is P35.

Mount Kanlaon Climb is a part of our 5-day Bacolod-Mount Kanlaon Climb-Mambukal-The Ruins of Talisay Trip and I am sharing what we spent in the entire trip which does not include the "pasalubong".

MAMBUKAL MOUNTAIN RESORT

Location: Brgy. Minoyan, Murcia, Negros Occidental, Philippines Elevation: 366 MASL (1,200 feet) Descriptive Summary: Mambukal Resort is the gateway to Mount Kanlaon Natural Park. It was originally developed by a Japanese architect named Kokichi Paul Ishiwata in 1927 which started its operation as a bathhouse and picnic garden providing cool haven for Negrenses and their guests. It is currently maintained and managed by the local government of Negros Occidental. Its vast expanse of more than 23.6 hectares is dominated by verdant landscape and refreshing beautiful natural features which includes a big mountain stream fed by several tributaries, descends in a series of seven waterfalls which cuts through the center of the resort that feeds the water holes and boating lagoon.

View Mambukal Mountain Resort in a larger map

This is a part of my April 11 – 15, 2014 Mount Kanlaon – Negros Occidental Trips which includes: Mount Kanlaon Climb; Bacolod City Tour; The Ruins of Talisay; and Balay Negrense .

The Warm Sulfur Dipping Pool which is closed for operation every Tuesday for maintenance

Guests can avail of many types of accommodation facilities like the Villas, LGU Cottages, Family Cottages, Tourist Lodge, Dormitory, Picnic Huts/Trellis and Conference Hall which is entirely versatile with audio-visual, lighting and meeting equipment for seminars, conferences and banquets. It also has a food court which offers catering services with set meals and buffet choices.

The Japanese Ofuro Hot Pool – a Mikawa Onsen River View Rotenburo Outdoor Bath Hotspring

The entrance fee of P100 a day in the Japanese Ofuro Hotspring is not that much as its medicinal waters provides a therapy particularly for highly exhausted bodies. While dipping on this pool, one may see the resident bats of different species on top of the trees which totally arch the totality of the pool. In fact, guests can also enjoy bat watching with species to include: the golden-crowned flying fox (Acerodon Jubatus), the large flying fox (Pteropus vampyrus) and the common island flying fox (Pteropus hypomelanus). As of this writing, there are more than 4,000 fruit bats around the area.

The resident bats in Mambukal Resort

Aside from hot spring pools, guests can also enjoy recreational activities like: the challenging slide for life and wall climbing; boating; canopy walk, butterfly watching on is butterfly garden and have the trekking to have a close encounter with the seven water falls. The Canopy Walk can be done through interconnected hanging bridges.

Enjoying a dip in the Japanese Ofuro Hot Pool

It was my August 26, 2013 visit to the resort that my group of six including Connie Vasquez, Marie Jane Gumba, Dr. Cesar H. Garcia, Rome A. Frias and I enjoyed for almost four hours at the Japanese Ofuro Hot Pool but we missed the seven water falls trekking then. Thus, in this recent visit, April 14, 2014, I only accommodated the latter activity.

The standard swimming pool (not a hot spring) just adjacent to the LGU Cottages

Trekking to the seven waterfalls will take just for two hours back and forth with an almost cardiac assault trails though the trails are already concrete equipped with metal railing. The time may exceed if you guests will enjoy a swim or a cool dip. The location of the Canopy Walk precedes the Seven water falls trekking. Engaging into this forest trek, one may see the slopes and dips forming interesting rock formations and lush forests of tropical and semi-tropical trees. The first three water falls are just for viewing and dipping or bathing is not allowed. The fourth water falls is not accessible as there is no trail to view it. The fifth water falls can be viewed only on its top and guests can only enjoy it if they know how to dive from atop its viewdeck. The sixth water falls is the only water falls where guests can enjoy a swim but it is surrounded by shanties which sells food and snacks. The seventh water falls is not accessible as the trail towards it is being inhabited by private residents who might cause trouble to tourists as per the tour guide advice.

The lagoon where guests can enjoy boating

Boats for rent are available for guests for P30 per head which is only good for 30 minutes. After the boating, the next activity is to visit the adjacent Butterfly Garden to see the abundant species of butterflies in their splendid and marvelous colors.

The thrilling Canopy Walk over the hanging bridges

Guests can enjoy the resort either through a day tour or an overnight. Entrance fees vary from: Adult – P50; Kids 11 years and below – P20; Light Vehicles – P15; and Trucks and Buses – P30. Regardless of a day tour or overnight, guests will pay these fees. It would be convenient if a reservation for accommodation is booked at (034) 213-2715 before the day of intended visit to avoid problems.

The First Water Falls just after the Canopy Walk

One thing I like in Mambukal is the availability of food services which are affordable. It is like a food court located in one part of the resort accessible to some other facilities. You can afford to have sizzling and grilled food with rice at a rate of P150. You can also have a pork belly of P85 with rice. Fruits shakes are available at P50 only. Eating breakfast is like dining in fastfood chains like McDonalds at P75 per order. You can also have the option of having your food delivered to the convenience of your room.

The modern LGU cottages with spacious car parks and concrete pavements

Parking lots are spacious not to mention that roads inside the resort are also wide with well-developed pavements where joggers can enjoy. The whole place is just so shady with lots of trees and ornamental plants around.

Marie Jane Gumba on her way to the refreshing Blade SPA

If the guest is not contented with the hot pools, he may avail of the services of the Blade Spa just adjacent to the Warm Sulfur Dipping Pool and the Japanese Ofuro Pool. Here, the guest is assured of a refreshing massage to invigorate himself from an exhausting city life.

The vendors of flowers and ornamental plants

Guests may also have the chance to buy a variety of flowers and ornamental plants at affordable prices. These includes a variety of pines, ferns and orchids that thrive on its cool climate and rich soil known as Mambukal clay.

Mambukal Resort Amenities Map

The map above will help you visualize the whole picture of the resort so that you can plan out the activities you will have depending on the location and accessibility of the facilities.

So far, this is my second time to visit Mambukal Resort but I am considering to go back to witness its annual Mudpack Festival – a unique event which celebrates the harmony of man and nature which features Mambukal’s distinct multi-colored clay to stir the people’s awareness of the importance of our environment.

HOW TO GET THERE:

Take any daily flight from Manila to Bacolod (Silay International Airport). Then take a minibus going to Mambukal for P35 only (one way) with a travel duration of 55 minutes from the city of Bacolod. You can also hire the services of chartered vans from Bacolod to Mambukal or vice versa. You may either contact Mr. Charles Ea at 09173092985 or Mr. Dante Nono at 09394494041.

FOR RESERVATION:

Contact the following numbers: Mambukal Reservation Office (034) 213-2715, (034) 433-8516 and (034) 709-0990; Mambukal Resort (034) 473-0610

MOUNT DULANG-DULANG CLIMB

Location: Lantapan, Bukidnon Major Jump-off: Sitio Bol-ogan, Brgy. Songco, Lantapan, Bukidnon (Ideal) Exit point: Sitio Bol-ogan, Brgy. Songco, Lantapan, Bukidnon Coordinates: 8.097980N; 124.96050E Elevation: 2,938 MASL (9,649 feet) Days Required/Hours to Summit: 2 days/9-10 hours Specs: Major Climb, Difficulty 6/9, Trail Class 2-4 Specs (Traverse): Major climb, Difficulty 8/9, Trail class 2-4 with roped segments Description: Mount Dulang-Dulang is the second highest mountain of the Philippines, second only to Mount Apo of Davao at 3,412 meters (11,194 feet) and slightly higher than Mount Pulag of Luzon, the third highest at 2,922 meters (9,587 feet). Descriptive Summary: This climb is actually a part of Mount Kitanglad – Dulang-Dulang Traverse Climb. The itinerary presented here is an ideal non-traverse climb and not necessarily what the blogger did.

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The surrounding mountains taken from the summit of Mount Dulang-Dulang

Originally, my plan was to have a Dulang-Dulang – Kitanglad Traverse but my guide told me that it is so expensive to do this since you have to pay for the ritual to be officiated by the datu as well as the chicken costs P1,500 not to mention that you have to pay for the climbing registration. Part of the ritual is the hanging of bands of white cloth at the summit with coins in it, as they say that it is a show of respect to the native culture. All these are paid to the datu where it will reach around P4,000 and since I was alone to climb the mountain, I have to shoulder the whole amount. With this, I changed my mind and sought the advise of my guide who suggested to me that I better opt to have my entry point in Kitanglad and traverse to Dulang-Dulang to avoid these expenses.

Approaching the vertical trail of Mount Dulang-Dulang from Kitanglad side

That is why, it is really difficult to climb this mountain without prior contact because you do not have a local knowledge about the place and you might end up spending much. It is recommended that groups who wanted to climb have to join the Mindanao-based groups where they know more about the existing climb regulating policies. It is highly recommended, too, that you should have an experienced guide. To make it lighter in your pocket, you arrange with the guide that he is also your porter at a rate of P1,500 per day. Guide and porter has a rate of P1,000 a day.

Another panoramic view from the summit of Mount Dulang-Dulang

In my case, I just bargained to pay my guide the amount of P1,500 but I shouldered all the expenses ranging from our food, transport and registration/park fees for the five of us. My guide asked my permission to allow him to have three companions including a student nurse.

Another worth-sharing panoramic picture taken from the summit

My guide and porters did not observe the time stated in our itinerary as initially agreed and so I find it not worth sharing for purposes of giving the accurate information.

On top of bonsai tree at the mountain's summit

According to my guide, this mountain is regarded by the Talaandig tribe of Lantapan as a sacred place. It is also within the ancestral domain of the tribe.

Mount Kitanglad's summit as viewed from Mount Dulang-Dulang's summit

Just imagine, we woke up at 6:00 A.M. at our Kitanglad’s abandoned bunkhouse but we started the trek at 10:50 A.M. We descended the 90-degree vertical trail equipped with a rope at 11:00 A.M. where this part is grown with cogon grass and was at Kawa-Kawa Campsite at 12:00 Noon but we had our lunch along the trail at around 1:30 P.M. since we had our breakfast late.

Our group enjoying the cool breeze at the summit early in the morning

Later in the afternoon, our group was heading for a Dulang-Dulang Traverse where we were trailing lofty forests. True enough, that according to my previous research, this mountain is a home to a variety of fauna and flora. Accordingly, it was revealed that it is a home to 58 mammal species including bats, squirrels, monkeys, wild boars, flying lemurs, shrews and deer.

A part of the summit where white bands of cloth are hanged with coins as part of the tribal ritual

The Fairy Land just adjacent to the summit

Further, it was revealed that the Philippine Eagle is also sighted within the vicinity of this mountain but that I have not experienced. It maybe disappointing but I only sighted two squirrels along the trail and nothing more. Most of the mammal species in this mountain are endangered species and so climbers should be responsible enough not hunt them or cause damage to their habitat.

The enchanting Fairy Land

Walking through various trails was quite rewarding as you will see pine trees and forests where cicadas can be heard. As you enter the densely forested area, the air is becoming cold and what you will hear is the sound of your footsteps. You can see thick moss abounds along your trail and in open trails you can see clouds on top of you.

Enjoying the mossy forest of the Fairy Land

Nimrod and I were climbing a muddy vertical trail at 4:20 P.M. and finally reached the summit at 5:15 P.M. where we pitched our tent. It was extremely freezing at night comparable with that of Mount Pulag. With this, it is highly recommended that you bring thick and thermal clothing and gears like jackets, gloves and other thermal outfit.

Wanted to stay longer in the Fairy Land

Late in the afternoon until early in the evening, our group was in the summit capturing with our camera the changing hue of the sky and the distant mountains. We had our dinner at 7:00 P.M. and rested at 10:00 P.M. after our socials.

Some more time in the Fairy Land

We woke up at 5:00 P.M. and stayed at the summit while the rest were preparing for hot beverage drinks. After taking hot milk and a pair of bread slices, we stayed in the ‘Fairy Land’ just adjacent to the summit. My companions were getting the coins from the white bands of cloth hanged from the trees. I noticed that trees around are like bonsai.

Still at the Fairy Land

Gasiong and I started to trek at 9:00 A.M. and were at Manny’s Garden at 9:30 A.M. where we stayed there till 11:00 A.M. for cooking our food for our brunch.

The royal grass crown at the Fairy Land

After that was a long and exhausting trek until we reached the jump-off point at 4:00 P.M. in Sitio Bol-ogan. We have not booked for a chartered vehicle and so we waited for a passing jeepney just up to Barangay Balila where we dropped Gasiong and McDong who will be heading to Mountain View College Main Campus while the three of us: Nimrod, Shiela Mae and I headed to Valencia City for three cutting trips.

Last glimpse of the Fairy Land

While at the summit campsite

Sunrise at the summit

Still at the summit witnessing the scenic sunrise

Below is the recommended itinerary from www.pinoymountainer.com which is an ideal one to guide your future climb:

ITINERARY

Day 1
11:00 From CDO’s Agora Terminal, take bus to Malaybalay
15:00 ETA Malaybalay market, meet with the local group
15:30 Take jeep to Lantapan
17:30 ETA Lantapan, Courtesy call with Datu
18:00 Prepare for next day’s climb, dinner
19:00 Attend ritual sacrifice by the Talaandig tribesfolk
21:00 Lights out

Day 2
05:30 Start trek
11:30 Lunch at water source (near river)
16:00 ETA Plaza
16:30 ETA Manny’s Garden (campsite near summit). Set up camp
17:00 Visit the summit (just 5 minutes away)

Day 3
05:45 Wake up to watch the sunrise at the summit, Spot Mount Apo
06:30 Breakfast
08:00 Break camp
08:30 Start descent
12:00 Back at water source
16:00 Back at jump-off point; take jeepney back to Malaybalay
17:30 Take jeep or bus to CDO

Our group enjoying a siesta at the summit campsite

While at the Manny’s Garden

Manny’s Garden is a mystical forest right after the summit area of Dulang-Dulang if you are in a Kitanglad-D2 Traverse. It is named after the late Manny Serina, the great pillar of mountaineering in Mindanao. He was among the pioneers who explored and introduced Dulang-Dulang as a climbing destination.

Preparing our meal for brunch at Manny's Garden

We spent long at the Manny's Garden where we had our brunch since we only have a coffee and a pair of slice bread in the morning.

Trekking a very, very long and winding rough road leading to the jump-off point in Sitio Bol-ogan, Brgy. Songco, Lantapan, Bukidnon

TRIVIA

As Guiting-Guiting is dubbed as ‘G2’, Dulang-Dulang is now coined as ‘D2’. It is now high time to correct textbooks and other reference reading materials which give unverified information that Mount Pulag is the second highest mountain in the Philippines as D2 is 16 meters (52.55 feet) higher than Mount Pulag.

HOW TO GET THERE

Take an airplane from Manila to CDO. Take an airconditioned Rural Trans bus from CDO Integrated Bus Terminal going to Valencia for 3 – 4 hours for P180. Take a jeepney from Valencia to Aglayan for P20. Take a multicab from Aglayan to Lantapan town proper for P25. Take habal-habal from Lantapan town proper to Barangay Balila for P10 and a jeepney from Brgy. Balila to Sitio Bol-ogan of Brgy. Songco, Lantapan Municipality.

GUIDE'S CONTACT NUMBER

Nimrod Solis - +639267977522