MOUNT DINOR: A CHALLENGING MINOR CLIMB BUT REWARDING HIKING DESTINATION

 

Location:  Brgy. Sinoron, Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur, Philippines
Entry Point: Sitio Pilan, Brgy. Sinoron, Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur
Exit Point: Sitio Pilan, Brgy. Sinoron, Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur
Elevation:  1,240 MASL (4,068 feet)
Days Required / Hours to summit: 1 day / 4 hours
Specs: Minor Climb, Difficulty 3/9, Trail Class 1-3
Total Length: 9.75 kilometers or 19.15 kilometers plus backtrail (11.9 miles)
Features: The trail starts with the picturesque Pilan hanging bridge and after a series of ups ascents and descents is a creek crossing.  It has rolling and open trails (it is like a walk-in-the-park) from jump-off point to the forest entry point.  There are 2 stations (Bonghanoy and Panerio both with water source) and followed by three camp sites with Camp 1 having water source.  Camp sites are close with each other with a distance of not more than 15-minute trekking.  After Camp 1, follows shortly the forest which is a 45-minute cardiac assault to the summit.  The summit offers no overlooking scenery as it is densely-forested area.

The mossy dipterocarp forest summit of Mount Dinor

Since we slept near Pilan bridge, we had an ample rest in the chilly evening, though my guide, Rasta Man (Roben Tano) assured me that he will cook for our breakfast and pack lunch.  Thus, he woke up at 5:30 A.M.  While I was already awake, I still stayed in my tent and later had a bath in a nearby faucet.  We started the trek at 7:05 A.M.

This was the third mountain I climbed in Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur, where the other day was a twin-peak day climb of Bamboo Peak and Mount Loay.  This one of Mount Dinor is a day climb.

Pilan Bridge: The jump-off point

Down Pilan Bridge is picturesque river with some boulders of rocks on it.  When I saw it in the evening, I thought of having a swim of it, but in the morning it turned out to be cold.

Crossing the Pilar bridge

I was full of energy when I started the trek.  The two mountains we climbed the other day served as my workout climbs for this mountain.  Like, the other two mountains, this mountain charges P50 for the registration.  The guide fee for this mountain is P750 with a ratio of 1 is to 5 for every one guide.  Bamboo Peak and Mount Loay charge P500 for the guide.

A  narrow concrete trail

After the Pilan bridge followed a narrow concrete trail gradually ascending.  At the start of my trek, I can see tree species typical of Philippine lowland/montane forests, with prominent trees including the endemic Almaciga (Agathis philippinensis), various Ficus (Fig) species and possibly thorny ones like Flacourtia javanica.

The tree species at the start of the trek

Creek crossing at 7:21 A.M.

My guide, Roben Tano

The clear and clean inviting creek

The creek seems so inviting to look at, but when you touch it, it is as cold as a frozen ice.   According to my guide, locals can harvest tilapia in this creek but fish harvesting for commercial purposes requires permit, but rarely permitted.

After a series of assaults trail turned to be rolling at 7:29 A.M.

Despite the morning cool temperature, I can feel that my body was being heated by endless assaults that we scaled.   I only equipped myself with a one liter bottled water since my guide assured me that there are water sources along the trail.

Passing thru a Bagobo local's house at 7:40 A.M.

Meeting locals along the trail

Another Bagobo native's house at 7:59 A.M.

One of the livelihood of the locals is coffee production, as Davao region is known to be a coffee producer, where it accounts for 21% of the local coffee supply, making it the second-largest producer in the country.  According to the local that I have asked, their coffee produce is considered to be high-quality Arabica coffee, known for its rich and earthly flavors.

Back to rolling trail at 8:01 A.M.

The third house at 8:02 A.M.

The fourth house at 8:09 A.M.

Who can resist with this rolling trail at 8:15 A.M.

Rubber trees along the trail

At 8:27 A.M., we passed through a trail where rubber trees (Hevea brasiliensis) are cultivated and they are planted for commercial use, suggesting their presence with those lush, biodiverse areas.

Resting at Bonghanoy Station at 8:46 A.M.

Bonghanoy Station offers panoramic sights of the Davao Gulf coastline and surrounding mountains like Mount Loay.  It also has a store where basic necessities of a trekker can be bought.  It has open huts where trekkers can take refuge from the heat of the sun or strong rains.

Bonghanoy station viewdeck

One of the best spots at Bonghanoy Station is its viewdeck.  From there, the summit of Mount Dinor can be totally viewed.  There is no entrance fee here.

Panerio Station at 9:30 A.M.

Bamboo benches and Resting shade at Panerio Station

Emergency or for overnight camping accommodation

The view as captured from Panerio Station

On our way to Camp 1

Arriving at Camp 1 at 10:01 A.M.

Relaxing at Camp 1

Like the two stations we passed, Camp 1 has overflowing water source and more bamboo benches and a store where climbers can buy their necessities.  Obviously, with available accommodation at Camp 1, other climbers would even opt to stay there for an overnight or two as it offers lush, dense evergreen forests with endemic trees which provide a truly wild experience.  Exploring the camp, would enable guests to enjoy hidden waterfalls and refreshing, clear stream perfect for relaxation.

Guests and climbers alike can sleep here

In Camp 1, climbers will have the chance to see endemic birds like Sri Lanka blue magpie and other fauna, which indeed proves that it is a haven for nature lovers.  Locals can also identify for you medicinal plants, rare ferns, and beautiful orchids within the forest on its vicinity.  Even up to this point only, hiking experience can be maximized.

Camp 2:  Hibalay Campsite at 10:17 A.M.

A local's house after Camp 2

A waiting shade at 10:28 A.M. before entering to the lush forest

A rope support in steep ascent to the summit

Invaded the summit at 11:13 A.M.

From the start the trek from the jump-off point to the summit, I haven't seen any climbers who were with us.  Not even a single one was seen by me.  Well, maybe because November 7, 2022 is a Monday.  As per record, my trek to the summit clocked 4 hours and 9 minutes in a manner of an executive climb - no rush just simply walk like in the park. 

Victorious at the summit

At the summit of Mount Dinor, you won't get a wide panoramic view, because it's covered in dense, towering trees mostly of dipterocarp forest trees dominated by Almaciga trees.  It is a mossy forest with rich biodiversity with diverse birds like Philippine Honey Buzzards, Brahminy Kites, Serpent Eagles and tracks of wildlife such as Philippine Deer and Warty Pigs (as my guide told me).

Started descending after 17 minutes at cold summit

In descending, one needs to hold to the rope support since the trail is so steep.  This rope support extends from the summit and up to the entry point of the forest.

Exiting the main entrance to the dense forest at 11:54 A.M.

Rested in this hobbit-like hut at 11:58 A.M.

Back to Camp 1 at 12:46 Noon

Started descending from Camp 1 at 12:47 Noon

Capturing this scenery while on trail at 1:57 P.M.

Back to rolling trails at 2:31 P.M.

Crossing the creek at 2:51 P.M.

A selfie photo at the creek

Back in Pilan Bridge at 3:10 P.M. - the jump-off point.  Done!

This is the river down Pilan bridge

At exactly 3:13 P.M., I was at the jump-off point, the house where we stayed for overnight.  Then, we took habal-habal to Sinoron gym and from there another tricycle going to Sta. Cruz Bus terminal, where I treated my guide with a late sumptuous lunch.  Then, I boarded with an air conditioned bus going back to Davao City for approximately one and half hours to be reunited with my wife and son at Avida Towers at 7:20 P.M.  My wife cooked for a delightful dinner for us since we bought from the supermarket food supplies good for 4 days when we arrived in Davao City,

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MOUNT LOAY: A HAVEN FOR GREAT WORKOUT CLIMB AND CULTURAL EXPERIENCE

 

Location:  Brgy. Zone 2, Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur, Philippines

Entry Point: Sitio Loay (Loay Elementary School), Brgy. Zone 2, Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur

Exit Point: Sitio Loay, Brgy. Zone 2, Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur (option to traverse to Langan Falls)

Elevation:  1,040 MASL (3,412 feet)

Days Required / Hours to summit:  1 day / 3 hours

Specs: Minor climb, Difficulty 3/9, Trail Class 1-3

Total Trail Length: 5.79 kilometers or 11:58 kilometers plus backtrail (7.2 miles)

Features:  Characterized by having 8 stations where climbers can have an emergency camping.  A few of these stations have stores owned and managed by the Bogobo natives have stores where snacks, drinks and buko fruit are available and they are grown with ornamental plants making them picturesque.  The trail to the summit is an endless assault with small to average size rocks.  The summit has a clearing offering 360-degree view.

Just one of the stations to relax and freshen tired body

This climb started when my Bamboo Peak Climb ended.  From the Bamboo Peak jump-off, we took habal-habal ride to Sta. Cruz Bus Terminal which cost me P200 since I have to pay P100 for my guide.  Then, from the bus terminal,  was another habal-habal ride for P40 each for a total of P80 going to Loay Elementary School, the jump-off point.  That P40 habal-habal was such a bumby ride.  My God, I almost lost my ass on the way.  But the habal-habal drivers were really good in navigating unevern and rocky roads, we never out of balance. 

Yes, I climbed Bamboo Peak in the morning and in the afternoon, I climbed this mountain on November 6, 2022 and my entrance fee was P50.  My climb here started at 1:45 P.M.  It was actually hot at that time and since I was fully loaded with lunch, I felt sleepy.

The starting trail of coconut trees

My guide Rasta Man (Roben Tano) and I were the only trekkers at the trail since most of them climbed early in the morning.   For Davawenos, this mountain is famous as a popular, challenging weekend hiking spot, often called the "celebrity mountain" for trail runners, known for its "Sea of Clouds," scenic views, and serving a training ground for bigger climbs like Mount Apo.  Its fame comes from its accessible yet strenuous 5.79-kilometer trail at an elevation of 1,040 MASL summit.  Like, my first climb of Bamboo Peak, this mountain is also an ancestral lands of the Bagobo-Tagabawa tribe.

Gradually, the trail can be seen with varied tree species

The trail from the start was a rolling one but still makes it exhausting was the extreme heat that I felt in every step I make.  The trees do not completely cover the trail and so the heat of the sun invades the space of the trail we trek on.

The third station at 2:27 P.M.: such a very inviting sight

Rested at the third station after an endless assaults

Evidently, the mountain itself with the indigenous management of the Bagobo-Tagabawa natives has been beautified.  Spaces in every station has been turned into beautiful gardens and the inviting bamboo benches were installed.   I have not observed this kind of management in the mountains of Luzon.  Indeed, the Bagobo-Tagabawa Indigenous Peoples Organization has integrated ecotourism with tribal culture and providing economic benefits to its member natives.  This kind of management of the natives can also be observed in Bamboo Peak.

Manicured landscape and garden by the natives

I am amazed of how the natives maintained the landscaping and gardening.  It was such a refreshing sight to the climbers.  From time to time, you will see stations with highly maintained gardens.

This may not look endless assaults but they are

I have not encountered descent on the trails.  Continuously, the trail is ascending and it's good that when I see a station, I obliged to stop and rest to breath some fresh air.

The next station at 2:41 P.M.

Just simply and accommodation for climbers who wanted to stay overnight or rest

A comfortable accommodation for those who wanted to rest at 2:58 P.M.

The trail is getting foggy and definitely chilling cold at 3:00 P.M.

As we ascend, the air is becoming crisp and fogs are getting thicker.  This gave me an advantage to feel more relaxing since at the start the heat I felt was like piercing my breath.

This is Station 5 at 3:05 P.M.

The crisped air gave me advantage to be comfortable in my trek.  This was in contrary with what I experienced at the start of the trek.  I just love the feeling.

This is a viewdeck and resting hut for tired climbers

Unfortunately, the viewdeck does not capture the view below

At 3:08 P.M., I was fully relaxing feeling the vibe of this very cool spot.  This was such a different experience of the 105 mountains I already climbed.  I have here a unique experience.  These are the 105 mountains I climbed locally and internationally and you can see it by yourself my varied mountain climbing experiences.

Another viewdeck to relaxed on at 3:28 P.M.

Here I was at 3:30 P.M.

What made my climb here exciting was, I was looking forward of what the other station will offer in terms of the scenery and facility.  Imagine, having such a long and comforting bamboo bench to sit on.  That is quite rewarding especially when you lie down, the air gives a soothing effect in your skin.

Here I was at 3:32 P.M.

If you will notice, the intervals are so short, because I always hurry to get to the next point hoping it would be a different experience.

Ascending to higher elevation at 3:46 P.M.

At 3:49 P.M. I really rested in preparation for the last lap to the summit

Just entered the welcome marker to the summit at 4:01 P.M.

Finally, invaded the summit at 4:09 P.M.

My scaling to the summit clocked 2 hours and 39 minutes in my own chill-chill pacing but this can be even reached at an hour if one seriously considering faster strides.

Stayed at the summit for 32 minutes

The neighboring mountains as captured from the summit

Roben and I descended from the summit at 4:41 and reached the jump-off point at 5:56 P.M.  which means that our descent was 1 hour and 15 minutes.

So, from the jump-off point, we boarded a habal-habal for P40 each or a total of P80 going to Sta. Cruz Bus Terminal.  Then, we took dinner at the bus terminal and while we were having dinner at the bus terminal, Roben sent somebody to buy for our food supplies for the following day which was our Mount Dinor day hike, November 7, 2022.   From Sta. Cruz Bus terminal to Sinoron Gym for 7.3 kilometers or 18 minutes, we boarded a tricycle for P50 fare each or a total of P100.  Then, from Sinoron Gym to Pilan Bridge was also a tricycle ride for P50 each or a total of P100.  It was close to Pilan Bridge where Roben and I spent overnight from a friend's house.  But we opted to pitch our tents outside that house.  Next blog is our Mount Dinor hike.

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BAMBOO PEAK: AN ANCESTRAL LAND OF THE BAGOBO-TAGABAWA INDIGENOUS GROUP

Location:  Brgy. Jose Rizal, Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur, Philippines
Entry Point: Sitio Centro, Brgy. Jose Rizal, Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur
Exit Point: Sitio Centro, Brgy. Jose Rizal, Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur

Jump-off Point Elevation: 249 MASL (816.93 feet)

Elevation: 1,106 MASL (3,629 feet)

Days Required / Hours to summit: 1 day / 3 hours

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

Features:  It has both open trails and forested trails.  There is one creek and the entire stretch of the trail is characterized by series of assaults.  A few houses by Bagobos (around five) halfway to the summit sells fresh buko fruit and two stores to buy snacks, lunch meal and other food items.  Some of the trails are grown with bamboo and its ridge where peak is located provides an ample space for camping.

The entry point to the summit grounds

This is a part of my November 5-8, 2022 Davao del Sur Trip, where Nov. 5 and 8 were spent with my wife and son in Davao City and November 6-7 was allocated with my 2-day 3-summit climb in Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur.  It became possible when contacting the Sta. Cruz Tourism Office recommended to me Rasta Man (Roben Tano) to be my guide since I am alone to climb these the three mountains.

The jump-off point

I left Davao City boarding a bus at 11:00 P.M. of November 5, 2022, where I just left my wife and son in our accommodation at Avida Towers and arrived in Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur at 12:30 midnight which is already November 6. From there, I met my guide for the first time and we stayed in the barangay hall and waited for the morning where we did the food marketing ang breakfast.

Then, we boarded habal-habal from the town proper to the jump-off point in Barangay Jose Rizal for a distance of 36 kilometers for 75 minutes where I paid P200 since for me and my guide for P100 each.  The registration fee for the climb is P50.   We started the trek at exactly 6:00 A.M.

The trail at the start

The muddy and rocky trail

Since the night before rained, the trail was literally muddy and the rocks were slippery.  I was like balancing all the time.  I was not really ready for a muddy trail, though I was wearing a gore tex shoes.

The trail was along the densely-forested area

A creek along the trail after 16 minutes of trekking

Trekking in the mountains of Sta. Cruz is highly regulated by its tourism office.  In fact, they require that in every 5 climbers, the ratio is one guide for a fee of P500.  In my case, I paid P500 for the guide since I was alone in the climb.

At 6:40 A.M. bamboo plants were more visible

At this point, the trail was narrow and less muddy.  I had the chance to have a more relaxing trekking without balancing myself from slippery rocks.

With a dog companion

My guide told me that the dog which you see in the picture usually go with the climbers from the jump-off point to the summit and back.

The open trail at 6:51 A.M.

I just noticed that my guide is always ahead of me for quite a distance.  He didn't pattern his pace according to my pacing.  Sometimes, when he is no longer visible to me, I would normally shout.

A buko break in one of the Bagobo's house

At 7:10 A.M., my guide and I rested in the house of a Bagobo which is along the trail.   Of course, the main purpose is to buy a fresh buko.

Eating buko for a refreshing break

I got excited when my guide told me that fresh buko fruit is being sold in this house.  I ordered three for P10 each and I drank its juice and have eaten the buko's jelly-like coconut meat.

Another relaxing stop at 7:40 A.M.

Houses here are really designed to provide a veranda to relax and rest.  This part here has a few Bagobo's houses and one can also buy buko and other snack items.

An elevated veranda-like structure where climbers can rest

I am amazed that the houses here of Bagobo's provide a better elevated platform where climbers can take a rest or sip buko juice or eat some snacks.

Another place to accommodate climbers for their own rest

It was at 8:19 A.M. when I was able to reach another house of refuge since we stayed here.  Some of those climbers stayed here and took their breakfast.

Heading to the summit entrance

At  8:45 A.M., I was already heading to the summit entrance.  On my way, I had a question of why this mountain has been named Bamboo Peak.

The gate to the summit grounds

I entered the gate to the summit grounds at 8:46 A.M.  It was such a gloomy day and only a few climbers were there.  There were two groups there but we were only a total of nine at the summit.

Finally, I set foot at the summit at 8:58 A.M.

Yes, the elevation of the summit is at 1,106 MASL or 3,629 feet above sea level.   In my own chill-chill pacing, my trek to the summit clocked at 2 hours and 46 minutes.  Not bad, despite of the muddy and rocky trail that I had and I even had  three buko fruits.  

The summit without clearing

Since it was gloomy then, we have not enjoyed scenic clearing at the summit.  Though my guide told me that summit is known for its frequent fog, creating a serene, other worldly atmosphere.  Since it was too cold and windy, we only stayed for 23 minutes at the summit which was until 9:09 A.M. If you want to know how many mountains I climbed including international climbs, you can read by blog post  The 105 Mountains I climbed excluding the hills.

Just a part of my descent

In our descent, we stopped at the last house heading to the summit at 9:38 A.M.   At this point, usually climbers take an ample rest before having the last push to the summit.  There is a store here that you can buy your refreshments or other personal necessities.

Invaded again this scenic "veranda" for the last time

I reached this point at 10:30 A.M. and bought buko fruit again at the nearby Bagobo's store.   At this time, we have seen bigger groups pushing for the climb to the peak.

Reached the jump-off point at exactly 12:00 Noon

We did not stay long at the jump-off point.  We took a habal-habal drive heading to Mount Loay jump-off point for our  Mount Loay Climb in the afternoon and near the jump-off point, we took our lunch in a carenderia.

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