Lobo, Batangas

Major jumpoff: Brgy. Jaybanga, Lobo

Alternate jumoff: Brgy. Curba (if via Bangkalan)
LLA: 13°39′50.7′′N 121°18′0.5′′ E 1007 MASL (+850)
Days required / Hours to summit: 1-2 days / 4-7 hours
Specs: Major climb, Difficulty 5/9, Trail class 1-3 
Features: Views of Southern Batangas, woodlands, agricultural heartland
Article created: August 17, 2014
Last updated: August 17, 2014
BACKGROUND
The highest peak in the Lobo-San Juan Mountain Range – and at 1007 MASL, a candidate for
Batangas’ tallest mountain, Mt. Naguiling is an impressive peak in Lobo in Batangas’ southern
corridor. that sits between the famous Mt. Daguldol in San Juan as well as the emerging
destinations in Lobo such as Bangkalan and Nagpatong Peak. Once known only as “Mt.
Lobo”, the range is turning out to be more than just a mountain, but a series of contiguous peaks,
offering various possibilities.
The regular hike up Mt. Naguiling begins in Brgy. Jaybanga, but the adventure precedes the hike
itself. As in the other peaks of Lobo such as Bangkalan or Nagpatong Peak, private vehicles must
pass through the river in Curba in order to reach the trailhead. This can be quite a ride, having the
potential to delay your trip, and must be taken into consideration especially when doing the hike
during the rainy season. 
As the trail gets more established, the hiking time itself gets shorter, and as of August 2014, the
mountain is very doable as a dayhike. The hike commences from Brgy. Jaybanga, initially
passing through rice fields and, as I described in Hiking matters, “typical agricultural heartland,
with coconuts, bananas, other fruit trees, root crops, and and lowland shrubs and trees.” A forest
then ensues, sharing similar qualities with the mountains in Bataan such as Pantingan and Natib.
“Though generally straightforward – you won’t use your hands too much – the trail occasionally
passes through slanted portions of the slopes, reminiscent of the fragile paths of Pantingan-Tarak.
There are no water sources past the communities, but there are a number of rest stops in the
forest.”
At the summit, the views – though at times requiring a climb up one of the trees – are scenic,
feasting the coastline of Southern Batangas, the Verde Island passage, and the northern coast of
Mindoro, from which rises a majestic Halcon on a clear day. On the opposite side, Southern
Tagalog mountains can be identified, including Maculot, Malipunyo, and Makiling.
On the way down – or up if camping overnight – the  Balatikan campsite (13°40′18.1′′N
121°11′39.4′′ E, 548m) has scenic views of the Southern Tagalog. A waterfalls further down –
and closer to the exit point – on the other hand makes for a refreshing dip after the hike. Either as
a dayhike or an overnight hike that is more amenable to public transport, Mt. Naguiling is a
worthy hike in Southern Batangas.
ITINERARIES
DAYHIKE
(Given the difficulty of public transport and the impossibility of riding out from Lobo past
1700H, this itinerary is designed on the assumption of having private transport from Manila, an
exception to my policy of writing itineraries based on public transport. Note that in considering
the choice of vehicle, have the river in Curba in mind)
0200 ETD private vehicle from Manila
0530 ETA Lobo, Batangas. Register at police station. 
0630 Arrival at trailhead. Register at barangay captain’s house
0700 Start trekking
1200 ETA summit (1007 MASL). Lunch
1300 Start descent 
1600 ETA Balatikan campsite 
1730 Mini-falls
1800 Back at trailhead. Tidy up
1830 Take vehicle back to Manila
2300 ETA Manila

MT. LABO
San Lorenzo Ruiz, Camarines Norte
Jumpoff: Sitio Butan, Brgy. San Isidro, San Lorenzo Ruiz
LLA: 14°0.79′ N, 122°47.3′ E, 1544 MASL
Days required / Hours to summit: 2-3 days / 8-10 hours
Specs: Major climb, Difficulty 6/9, Trail class 1-3
Feartures: Tropical forest, waterfalls, river crossings, scenic views of Southern Luzon mountains,
rafflesia
Last updated: September 19, 2013

BACKGROUND 
Rising to an impressive height of 1544 meters above sea level, Mt. Labo in Camarines Norte is a
haven of biodiversity whose roster of species include the rafflesia (Rafflesia manillana) as well as the
rufous hornbill (Buceros hydrocorax). Hikers, for their part, can take delight in the challenging trails
of the mountain system (it is too big to be called just a single mountain). Straddling three different
municipalities, the possibilities for traverse trails are many.

This article describes the regular trail to Mt. Labo coming from Brgy. San Isidro, San Lorenzo Ruiz.
This trail is based on previous geothermal prospecting done more than a decade ago. These efforts
did not come to fruition, but in its aftermath, rough roads were left behind leading to the drilling site
located 9 kilometers from the trailhead and around 800 meters above sea level. These rough roads –
overgrown since – became the initial (and very long) part of the trail, while the site became the
campsite.

From the campsite, over 700 meters of altitude have to be gained to reach the summit which is 1544
MASL. Here, the environment is different: the forest is central rather than peripheral to the trail, and
the hiker can immerse in it, experiencing the beauty of the moss-covered trees, and at the summit, on
a clear morning, Mt. Mayon, Mt. Isarog, and even Mt. Banahaw can be seen.

Meanwhile, from the campsite one can take a trail to the Angelina Falls (actually named after Tiong
Ani himself) just thirty minutes away – it is a worthy sidetrip. Finally, during June or July, there is a
week or two when the rafflesias are in bloom, making them a seasonal but very rewarding destination
for hikers who have an interest in our unique tropical flora and fauna.
MT. PULAG (AKIKI-TAWANGAN TRAVERSE)
Kabayan, Benguet
Entry point: Akiki Ranger Station, Brgy. Doacan, Kabayan
Exit point: Brgy. Tawangan, Kabayan
LLA: 16°34’58″N 120°53’15″E, 2922 MASL
Days required / Hours to summit: 2-4 days / 9-12 hours
Specs: Major climb, Difficulty 7/9, Trail class 2-4
Features: Pine forests, mossy forests, Scenic grassland summit

BACKGROUND
The four classic trails of Mt. Pulag are Ambangeg, Akiki, Tawangan, and Ambaguio, and in the
course of several hikes I have had the privilege of trying all of them. The recent years have seen
Ambangeg becoming a tourist trail, and with hundreds of people on its main campsite during
weekends, I think it is time to deemphasize the Ambangeg as the ‘main’ Pulag trail. Whether we like
it or not, because of its easy access to the summit, people will flock there.

The purpose of this itinerary is to introduce a different Mt. Pulag experience, one that would appeal
more to hikers, but in a way that is also doable within a weekend. It will be a radically different
weekend: the unique trails you will pass through will span over 30 kilometers – thrice that of
Ambangeg. In terms of hiking hours, we will also be looking at 10-hour days apiece, instead of the 8-
hour total of Ambangeg. In terms of difficulty, I would give the Akiki-Tawangan a 7/9 compared to
the 3/9 of Ambangeg.

What I speak of is the Akiki-Tawangan Traverse, a very scenic and challenging hike that combines
the the steep, pine-forested trail of Akiki and the long, mossy-forested trail of Tawangan, and
between them, the grassland summit – providing a Pulag experience that has instantly become one of
my favorite Cordillera hikes!

The Akiki-Tawangan is also combinable with a Mt. Tabayoc dayhike on the third day, making this a
much more exciting option than the Luzon 3-2-1, which involves visiting Mt. Timbak. Although
Timbak is a nice place, in terms of trekking hours, I am convinced that an Akiki-Tawangan-Tabayoc
is a more reasonable option.

The first part of the hike involves ascending to the summit via the Akiki Trail, which can be
accomplished in one long day, or two relaxed ones. The advantage of pushing Akiki Trail in one day
is that it makes a “weekend Pulag” possible with the help of chartered jeepneys. On the other hand,
by creating a four-day itinerary, availing of passenger buses on both ends is very possible. Overall, I
would suggest a 3 or 4-day hike; with an optional Tabayoc, time permitting.

The steep ascent requires an altitude gain of over 1500 meters and it is not recommended for people
who will not enjoy such a demanding task for one day. Options include camping in Eddet River, or
more reasonably, Marlboro Country which has a water source and is close enough to the summit to
reach it early in the morning. There is nothing complicated about the Akiki Trail: It’s just ascents and
pine trees all the way!

Past Marlboro Country, you will enter a mossy forest but this is not the mossy forest awaiting you in
the hike. 2.5-3 hours from Marlboro, you will emerge into the grassland summit area of Pulag and
within 30 minutes you will be at the summit.
From the summit, the Tawangan Trail is a very long but gradual descent through a mesmerizing
mossy forest. If the Akiki is pine forest all the way, the Tawangan is mostly mossy, and this will go
on for 7-9 hours on a descent. The only perceptible change is the increase in height of the trees as
you descent – a natural consequence of varying climatic factors. Two-thirds into the trail, you will
trek parallel to the Halong Creek, which doubles as a water source. When the descent is done, the
village of Tawangan – with its friendly people and cozy and cheap lodge – is not far away.

For the peakbagger, climbing Mt. Tabayoc, Luzon’s second highest, is very appealing since it is just a
3 or 4-hour return hike. This entails an additional day, but also makes the itinerary more relaxed.

SAN JOSE CIRCUIT: MTS. TANGISAN, BUNGKOL BAKA & KAWAYAN

San Jose, Tarlac

Major jumpoff: Sitio San Pedro, Brgy. Iba, San Jose

LLAD (T): 15°26’8.22″N, 120°23’47.63″E, 491 MASL, 4km

LLAD (BB): 15°24’44.74″N, 120°22’57.75″E, 617 MASL, 9.3km

LLAD (K): 15°24’24.83″N, 120°23’39.71″E, 595 MASL, 11.5km

Days required / Hours to peaks: 1-2 days / 1.5-2.5h (T); 4-6h (B); 5-7.5 (K)

Trail length: 17.7 kms (Loop: San Pedro-Tangisan-Bungkol Baka-Kawayan-San Pedro)

Specs: Major climb, Difficulty 6/9 (SJC dayhike), Trail class 1-3

Features: Scenic views of Central Luzon and Zambales mountains

Article history: Created February 10, 2013BACKGROUND

The western towns of Tarlac, particularly San Clemente, Mayantoc, and San Jose, are a fertile ground
for hiking exploration and documentation, being located at the foothills of the Zambales mountain
range. These towns are the access points to approach the Zambales mountains from the west, and the
most notable of them (and the only one in common use today) is the well-received Mt. Tapulao
Traverse. Moreover, there are also foothills that serve as hiking destinations in themselves. For
instance, Mt. Damas, in San Clemente, Tarlac is becoming a popular hiking destination.Another such
trek through the foothills is what I call the San Jose Circuit, which combines three small mountains:
Mt. Tangisan, Mt. Bungkol Baka, and Mt. Kawayan, to form a very nice loop trail originating and
ending in Sitio San Pedro, Brgy. Iba. The total trail length is around 17-18 kms. This hike features
scenic views of the rural San Jose villages and fields, as well as rocky peaks that serve as viewpoints
to the great mountains of Zambales, as well as the Central Luzon plains, where Mt. Arayat stands as a
solitary giant.

Both Mt. Tangisan and Mt. Bungkol Baka have been climbed by hikers in the past decade, but
usually as individual hikes. As early as 2008, Tarlac Mountaineering Club has shared a Mt. Bungkol
Baka itinerary with PinoyMountaineer.com This article also provides information to do these
mountains as separate hikes and is the successor article to the Bungkol Baka and Mt. Tangisan
itineraries in the website. However, I will also be offering an itinerary that combines these two
mountains, plus a third peak, Mt. Kawayan, for longer, more exciting trip that makes the trip from
Manila well worth it. This can either be a long dayhike, or a more relaxed (but still challenging)
overnight hike.

Most hikes in the Philippines are backtrails and traverses; I think we need more loop trails, where the
trail is not repeated in most part of the hike (just like a traverse) but the entry and exit points are the
same (just like a backtrail). The trail is one such trail, originating and terminating in Sitio San Pedro,
Brgy. Iba, San Jose. What follows is a description of the trail. But first, check out this map to have an
idea of the trail:

UGO-PULAG TRAVERSE

Benguet and Nueva Vizcaya

Entry point: Brgy. Tinongdan, Itogon, Benguet

Exit point: Babadak Ranger Stn, Bokod, Benguet (+ 2 others)

LLA (Ugo): 16.31916°N, 120.80166°E, 2150 MASL

LLA (Pulag): 16°34’58″N 120°53’15″E, 2922 MASL (#3)

Days required / Hours to summits: 4-7 days / 7-10 (U); 30-40 (P)

Specs: Major climb, Difficulty 8/9, Trail class 1-4

Trail system: Grand Cordillera Trail, Sections 1-3*

Features: Pine forests, mossy forests, villages, hanging bridges, lakes, waterfalls,

Article history: Created January 23, 2013

One of the Top 10 Hikes in the Philippines

BACKGROUND

I am very pleased, at the start of 2013, to unveil an exciting itinerary that features two of the
Cordillera’s famous mountains – Pulag and Ugo – and showcases the hidden wonders that lie
between and beneath these mountains. The Ugo-Pulag Traverse is also an important connection that
paves the way for the establishment of a long distance trail in Northern Luzon, what I would
henceforth refer to as the Grand Cordillera Trail (GCT), a trail system from Nueva Vizcaya and
Southern Benguet to Mountain Province and beyond, passing through the major peaks of the range.
By itself, the Ugo-Pulag Traverse is to Luzon as the Talomo-Apo Traverse is to Mindanao: a long
trek or “megatraverse” towards the highest peak, from another prominent mountain. Yet, while the
latter is almost purely an interaction with nature, the former is a cultural experience, for it passes
through ‘living trails’, paths that people use in their everyday lives.

I am fairly sure that others have done a Mt. Ugo-Mt. Pulag traverse in the past, though there are
many ways to do it, and the itinerary I am presenting simply makes sure that you reach Ugo and
Pulag in one direction. It requires neither trailblazing nor exploration in the sense of going into the
unknown; instead, it beckons the hiker into villages that are largely foreign to the hiking community
simply because they are ‘out of the way’. Another impediment is perhaps the lack of people who
would like to do longer-distance trails that require more than a long weekend to complete.
Nevertheless, as I have discovered when I did this trek, these trails are beautiful, passing through a
number of environments, from river valleys to pine and mossy forests; steep ascents on narrow trails
to relaxing strolls on roads wide enough for motorcycles to pass through. There are villages,
waterfalls, lakes, valleys, peaks, hanging bridges, and even rice terraces along the way; the beauty of
the trail is a powerful invitation for hikers to ‘go long distance’, that is, to spend six days on the
mountain.

The Ugo-Pulag Traverse has three sections, which can also correspond to the first three sections of
the Grand Cordillera Trail. The total trail length is probably 90-100 kilometers. The first is basically
the Ugo Traverse, which is very commonly done by local hikers. The only modification for the Ugo-
Pulag Traverse is the necessity of doing this section from Itogon to Kayapa, instead of the more
customary (and easier) Kayapa-Itogon. The second section is the connection from Mt. Ugo to Mt.
Pulag, and passes by at least six villages, as well as the eastern slopes of Mt. Purgatory. It terminates
either in Babadak Ranger Station, via the Balete-Babadak Road, or to the grassland summit of Mt.
Pulag via Brgy. Napo. Finally, the third section is the standard Pulag hike, via the Ambangeg Trail
and returning the same way or completing the section towards Tawangan, Kabayan, Benguet or even
Tinoc, Ifugao via the Tawagan Trail.

TRAIL DESCRIPTION: SIX-DAY UGO-PULAG TRAVERSE

Note: I am recommending a six-day itinerary, but it is also very possible to shorten or expand it
depending on your preferences. The villages make for good camping spots: they are sure water
sources and there is the possibility of staying in the barangay halls or houses.

MT. PURGATORY (MT. PACK-MT. KOMKOMPOL)

Bokod, Benguet

Entry point: Japas Jumpoff, Bokod

Exit point: Brgy. Ekip, Bokod

LLA: 2290m (Mt. Pack); 2080m (Mt. Purgatory); 2329m (Mt. Komkompol)

Days required / Hours to summit: 2-3 days / 4-5 (Pa); 5-7 (Pu); 9-11 (K)

Specs: Major climb, Difficulty 6/9, Trail class 1-3

Features: Pine forests, mossy forests, Views of Benguet mountains

Article history: Created January 1, 2013

Note: This article is under construction.

BACKGROUND

Nestled between two of the major Cordillera mountains – Mt. Pulag and Mt. Ugo – are the lesser-
known but very beautiful peaks of Bokod, Benguet. In the past year, the municipality of Bokod with
various hikers joined together to establish a trail going through these peaks, forming what is now
called the ‘Mt. Purgatory Traverse’. This article is based on my hike up the mountain from December
28-29, 2012.

Doubtless, it is the evocative power of its name, Purgatory, that arouses curiosity and ultimately
draws hikers to see what this hiking trail has to offer. Mt. Pack, one of the, if not the highest peak in
the trail, is the one that mapmakers highlight, and perhaps Mt. Komkompol, being of the same height
as Pack. However, it seems to be the locals’ wish for the whole trail to be labelled the ‘Mt. Purgatory
Traverse’ and so we will adopt this naming, with the caveat that we wish for the whole trail to be
seen as a circuit rather than a single-peak traverse, similar to the versions of the Kibungan Circuit.

The first part of the Mt. Purgatory Traverse involves an eight-kilometer hike from the Japas jump-off
to the summit of Mt. Pack, 2290 MASL. The trail features pine forests and mountain roads that, had
they been established enough, would have enabled jeepneys to pass through. It is very much
reminiscent of the early parts of the Amgbangeg Trail, or Mt. Ugo. After 5 kilometers, the trail will
transition into mossy forest, and become a bit steep though well-established throughout.

From Mt. Pack, it takes 2.5 kilometers to reach the peak or viewpoint called ‘Mt. Purgatory’. It used
to be a relay station during the American period; and it was the Americans assigned there who found
the cold, forbidding weather to be akin to ‘being in purgatory’, leading to the christening of the peak
as such. However, it did not seen to be a distinct mountain from Mt. Pack. Near Mt. Purgatory, the
village of Mangisi has a campsite where hikers on a three-day itinerary usually stay.From Mt.
Purgatory, the trail goes on through the mossy forest, which at times seem endless but whose beauty
is enthralling enough to sustain your interest and keep going. Finally, you will reach Aponan
junction, which has a waiting shed, and if you head left, the Bakian Elementary School is very near,
and this for its part is the traditional campsite for a two-day hike.

Past Bakian, the alternation of pine and mossy forests continue, and in the former, clearings and
viewpoints offer the opportunity to glimpse at some of Benguet’s prominent peaks: Mt. Sto. Tomas
(W), Mt. Timbak (NW), the looming presence of Mt. Pulag (N), and southeast to Pulag, Mt.
Salingsing (NE), a possible bridge between Purgatory and Pulag in what would be a fantastic
traverse.

Eventually, the hiker will reach Mt. Komkompol, the final peak in the range. There are actually two
other named ‘mountains’ or ‘peaks’ in the maps issued by the municipality but they are more of
viewpoints rather than actual or distinct mountains.

From Komkompol, the trail is mostly pine trees. Amazingly, the trail is well-established throughout
the entire ‘traverse’. However, the final 4-5 kilometers requires you to walk through a rough road that
is almost (but not quite) accessible to jeepneys. At the end, the jeepney will take you back to Bokod
proper, and then back to Baguio City.

In all, because of its beautiful pine forests typical of the Cordilleras and an unusually long stretch of
mossy forest unusual for the other treks in the area, the Mt. Purgatory Traverse is a highly-
recommended trek in Benguet, and paves the way for possible, future long distance connection to and
from Ugo and Pulag

MT. MANDALAGAN

Silay City, Negros Occidental

Major jumpoff: ‘Hospital’, Brgy. Patag, Silay City

Alternate jumpoff: Sitio Campuestohan, Brgy. Cabatangan, Talisay

LLA: 1683 MASL (MP); 1450 MASL (TD)

Hours to destination / Days required: 4-6h (MP), 3-5h (TD) / 1-3d

Specs: Major climb, Difficulty 4/9 (TD), 7/9 (all), Trail class 1-4

Features: Sulfur vents, crater lakes, tropical rainforest

Article history: Created August 21, 2012

BACKGROUND

Completing the trilogy of Negros mountains, alongside Mt. Kanlaon and Mt. Talinis, is the crown
jewel of the North Negros Forest Reserve, Mt. Mandalagan in Silay City. Richly forested, with
majestic almaciga trees, and replete with rivers, waterfalls, and hidden lakes, Mt. Mandalagan is
classified by PHIVOLCS as a ‘potentially active volcano’, and indeed, its most prominent and
unique features are those wrought by volcanic activity.

The 2-km wide plateau and occasional lagoon, Tinagong Dagat, is said to be its main crater; it can be
likened to Margaha Valley in Mt. Kanlaon. Its name means ‘hidden sea’, owing to what locals
describe as a seemingly-marine behavior of its waters rising and waning, as if it had high and low
tides. During the rainy season, it is possible to see Tinagong Dagat as a lagoon. Set at a respectable
altitude of 1450 MASL, this is the major attraction of Mt. Mandalagan, and the main destination in a
regular two-day trek up the mountain.

Two hours away from Tinagong Dagat to the east, Solfatara (also called ‘Solfotara’) is a field of
fumaroles and mud pools whose name derives from the Latin ‘sulpha terra’ which means ‘land of
sulfur’. It is also known as ‘Sulfur dako’ (Big Sulfur) to distinguish it from another, smaller field
known as ‘Sulfur gamay’ (Small Sulfur), which is also accessible via a lesser-known trail going to
Campuestohan in Talisay, Negros Occidental.

As for peakbaggers, the highest reachable peak in the trail system is the Marapara Peak, 1683 MASL.
It is also accessible from Brgy. Patag, requiring 4-6 hours in a southward direction; the final assault is
said to involve steep sections through dense forests. From Marapara Peak, a westward descent can
lead to Campuestohan, Talisay City, although it is also possible to continue south to connect to
Tinagong Dagat (specific details of these trails are still lacking). Marapara Peak has a small flat area
where a few tents can fit, but unlike the other major features highlighted above, there are no water
sources in Marapara Peak.

The three destinations and the exit points can be combined, creating countless permutations that can
require 1-3 days of trekking. Since it is the loveliest campsite of them all, Tinagong Dagat can be the
base for exploring Solfatara, then back to Brgy. Patag in a two-day trek. On the other hand, that same
trek can end up in Marapara Peak on the second night, allowing for another day to exit to Talisay
City in a three-day trek. Finally, guides say that from Tinagong Dagat, there is a long trail that leads
to Murcia, which leaves open the possibility of a connection to Kanlaon — a week-long trek through
North to Central Negros! The possibilities are truly endless!

TALAMO APO!

Davao City and Davao del Sur

Entry point: Purok 6, Tamayong, Calinan, Davao City

Exit point: Sitio Mainit, Brgy. Kapatagan, Digos, Davao del Sur

LLA (Talomo): 2674 MASL (#13)

LLA (Apo):: 7°0′30″N, 125°16′33″E, 2,956 MASL (#1)

Days required / Hours to summits: 4-7 days / 10-14 (T); 20-28h (A)

Specs: Major Climb, Difficulty 9/9, Trail class 2-5, Exploratory

Features: Mossy forests, Sulfuric vents, Lake Venado, Boulders

One of the Top 10 Climbs in the Philippines

Note: This itinerary is still under construction. Content will be expanded and modified in the future.

BACKGROUND

Doubtless one of the most exciting and challenging trails in the whole Philippines, the Talomo-Apo
“Megatraverse” is the ultimate tropical hiking experience, enabling an immersion into a variety of
environments that represent the beauty and diversity of Philippine mountains. It takes at least four
days, with a daily average of 12-14 hours trekking time, to complete the traverse, with some parts of
it steep and exploratory; a five, six, or even seven-day climb is recommended. These specifications
give the Talomo-Apo Traverse a Difficulty 9/9 rating, making it one of the toughest climbs in the
Philippines; definitely it is much tougher than a regular Apo Traverse, even if it is combined with a
Talomo; the connecting route between Talomo and Apo provide much of the challenge. For the
classic Talomo-Apo Traverse, the Kapatagan Trail is recommended, so that the hiker will never have
to repeat any part of the trail (unlike if the Kidapawan Trail will be used, in which case the hiker has
to return to Lake Venado using the same trail).

The rewards, however, are immense. In just one climb, one gets to bag two of the highest peaks in
the Philippines, Mt. Apo the highest, and Mt. Talomo at least the 13th highest mountain in the
Philippines (or possibly higher). Several types of forests are encountered: from the primeval grandeur
of the upper montane (mossy) forest in Talomo’s summit to the stately grandeur of the century trees,
bearded with lichens, of Mt. Apo. Finally, landmarks such as Lake Venado, the highest lake in the
Philippines, and the vast Boulders are encountered, with sulfuric vents effusing steam beside it
(beware of the fumes!). The summit itself, rocky and adorned with beautiful shrubs, has a very nice
campsite and is an attraction in itself. From atop it, one can view many of the high mountains of
Mindanao, and the sunrise is usually spectacular.

The Talomo-Apo “Megatraverse” is truly a wonderful journey and is highly recommended for
adventure seekers who wish for a longer-than-usual, tougher-than-usual climb. The difficulty and
beauty of this climb make it an unforgettable journey.

TRAIL DESCRIPTION: FOUR-DAY TALOMO-AP

KIBUNGAN CIRCUIT

Kibungan, Benguet

Jumpoff (closed loop): Sitio Tanap, Poblacion, Kibungan

LLA: 1820 MASL (Tagpaya); 1875 MASL (Oten); 2105 (Tagpew)

Days required / Hours to summit: 2-3 days / 6-9 hours (Tagpaya)

Specs (Version 1): Major climb, Difficulty 5/9, Trail class 1-4

Specs (Version 2): Major climb, Difficulty 6/9, Trail class 1-4

Features: Pine ridges, mossy forests, rice terraces, village walks

BACKGROUND

Nestled at the heart of the Cordilleras, the town of Kibungan in Benguet offers pristine and scenic
trails that pass through highland Kankaney villages, rice terraces, pine ridges, and occasional mossy
forests. The mountainous terrain and rolling slopes of Kibungan has caused some visitors to call it
the “Switzerland of the Philippines” – an appellation that, although awkward, conveys the sense of
grandeur that is truly palpable within the environs of this beautiful highland town.

There are several long-distance trekking possibilities, making use of existing footpaths, including
those leading to Ilocos Sur and La Union to the west, and to the town of Bakun up north. However,
the more popular and accessible routes are known as the Kibungan Circuit, which begins at Sitio
Tanap in the town poblacion and goes up Mt. Tagpaya (1820 MASL). From there, one can return to
Tanap using a different trail that passes by Lungsad Falls. This is known as the Version 1 route, and is
usually done as an overnight climb.

On the other hand, the Version 2 route continues from Mt. Tagpaya towards two more peaks: Mt.
Oten (1875 MASL) and Mt. Tagpew (2105 MASL; pronounced as tag-pow). Version 2 usually takes
3 days, but can be done in two days.

Either way, the trail is very pleasant and rewarding. On clear days, there are nice views of the Bakun
mountains, including Mt. Tenglawan (N), the Halsema Highway up to Baguio, with Mt. Ugo behind
(ESE) and Mt. Sto Tomas at its tailend (SE). La Union and Ilocos Sur, and behind them, the West
Philippine Sea, complete the panorama. And yet, even without these distant sights, the proximal
views are tantalizing in themselves. The pine ridges, reminiscent of those in Mt. Sicapoo, and the
slopes laden with unique white rocks, which in turn calls to mind Bakun, make trekking in Kibungan
a unique experience. Add to these sights the seclusion and tranquility, the endless trekking
possibilities, the fascinating culture that remains alive, and you have a truly wonderful and highly
recommended trek in the Cordilleras!

MT. KILAKIRON

Valencia, Bukidnon

Major jumpoff: Sitio Cambangon, Brgy.Lilingayon, Valencia

LLA: 2329 MASL

Days required / Hours to summit: 2-3 days / 8-12 hours

Specs: Major climb, Difficulty 6/9, Trail class 2-4

This article is under constrcution. More information will be offered as well get hold of them. Those
with information and updates regarding this destination are encouraged to contribute by commenting
or emailing the blogger at gideon@pinoymountaineer.com. Contributions will be acknowledged and
greatly appreciated!

BACKGROUND

Mt. Kilakiron, at 2329 MASL the highest mountain in Valencia City, is yet another exciting hiking
destination in the mountainous province of Bukidnon. It is part of the Kalatungan Range, which is
the second largest (and highest) mountain range in Bukidnon.