Bukidnon 7 (Part 1): Mt. Kitanglad- Dulang- Dulang- Batu Peak-
Mt. Kitanglad-Dulang-Dulang as seen from the trail to Mt. Maagnaw
The Bukidnon 7 is a six-day hike in the two mountain ranges in Bukidnon in the province of Cagayan de Oro. The first part of the event is a three-day traverse of the Kitanglad Range covering the peaks of Kitanglad, Dulang-dulang, Bato Peak, Mt. Langkayugan, and then Mt. Maagnaw; the second part which is done after a one-day rest, is another three-day traverse in the Kalatungan Range. Here we hiked to the peaks of Mt. Kalatungan and Makaupao or Wiji.
Both mountain ranges are included in the list of national integrated protected areas system or NIPAS sites because of their outstanding biodiversity. They are home to endemic species of flora and fauna, most notable of these is the Philippine Eagle. Both mountains are also ancestral domains of indigenous peoples.
Working for the Biodiversity Management Bureau of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, I often come across these two areas. I find them interesting and remarkable because of the richness of the variety of life. The hiker in me have always dreamed of being part of that ecosystem for a while just to feel and see how, probably, our national bird sees the place.
Part I Kitanglad-Dulang-dulang-Bato Peak-Mt. Langkayugan-Mt. Maagnaw
For day 1, we have to do a kitanglad-dulang-dulang traverse- a hike estimated to last up to 13-15 hours in full pack. We started at 0130H at the Kitanglad jump-off point, the trail of which we already hiked the day before- a good decision because we have a two-hour head start.
The trail going up- used not only by hikers but also of the crew of the network towers at the summit, is very well established, even complemented by steel stairs in very steep portions. Markers which features a map, the altitude, together with distance from the base camp, and to the summit are also present in appropriated rest stations and are helpful in telling your hike’s progress.
Stairs to the summit of Mt. Kitanglad
Though not technical, the 5-6 hour hike goes in a continuously ascending trail. The summit is marked by communication towers and various bunk houses that it feels like we have arrived in a small community. We were welcomed by the people there, even allowing us to use their facilities to clean ourselves.
Forest scene going to the summit of Mt. Kitanglad
One of the may summit views of Mt. Kitanglad
Mt. Dulang-Dulang (D2)
The real challenge begins in the hike going to Mt. Dulang-dulang. The trail begins in a steep 87 degree descent through a trail lined by talahib grasses which goes on for about 2 hrs. It was slippery so we have to hold on to the reeds and grasses. There is a very steep portion where we have to use a rope.
After the reeds, we then entered the enchanting forest where time feels to have stopped. This primeval landscape of trees and green moss marks the start of the ascent to D2 and continues up until the summit and campsite.
The trail is not as established as in Kitanglad and there is a possibility that one might get lost in the brambles of ancient trees, shrubs, and ferns. The trail will feel like an obstacle course as one negotiates the gnarled roots, fallen trees, and overhanging branches after some time. In some portions, one has no choice but to crawl or duck walk to go under logs. To keep hikers in the right path, the guides leave a trail of upturned ferns with white colored undersides.
Trail going to Mt. Dulang-Dulang
The trail to Mt. Dulang-Dulang is one long obstacle course
As in all forests, the temperature dropped. The body though will be kept warm by constant motion. In our case however, the rain accompanied us from the middle of our D2 hike up until the summit. Though prepared for the rain and cooler temperature, we are not prepared on how cold the surrounding can be when these two factors meet.
We arrived at about 1630H at the summit of D2. In our chilled state, negotiating the steep ascent to the summit, especially the 90 degree wall of rock which already became a waterfall, was physically, mentally, and emotionally demanding. The challenging trail became even more challenging as the cold seeps through the body making it hard to concentrate, think and move.
When I arrived at the summit, I was silently crying and demanding answers to myself on why I was there. By 1730H we retired to our tents and slept through the night. When we woke up at 0600H, the sun is shining brightly , piercing its way through the gaps in the canopy; the birds were chirping away the coldness of the previous day and only then did we see and truly appreciated the beauty of D2- which is the second highest mountain in the country. We were like solar powered cells- soaking in the all the energy that the sun can give. This short period of being under the sun charged and powered us for another two-days worth of trekking under the rain.
DAY 2 Mt. Dulang- Dulang to Batu Peak and Mt. Langkayugan
Waking up to a warmer temperature and sunlight feels like a privilege after trekking in the rain the previous day. We left the enchanted campsite of Mt. Dulang-dulang at 1100H expecting a trek under the noonday sun. Less than one hour into the hike, it started drizzling and as we walked, the drizzle turned into rain which continued until we reached Bato Peak at 0130H and Mt. Langkayugan at 0400H.
Batu Peak at 2,445 MASL is just an outcropping of rocks, hence the name. The trail going to the peak alternates between talahib patches and mossy forests. There are more descents than ascents here and like the trail to D2, it may feel like an obstancle course, especially in the forested part. The muddy trail, and the cold temperature added a challenge again.
We had lunch under the rain, surrounded by a cold, lonely fog at the base of Mt. Langkayugan. We started the ascent to the summit, shivering under the depressing absence of the sun, the only thing that keeps me going here is the thought that we will be reaching the summit in 45 mins – 1 hour. The thought of the warmth inside the tent is empowering.
We arrived at 0400H and hurriedly set-up camp. It was not easy reaching the summit. The ascent was steep, almost technical, especially in the part where there is another rock face to climb, the other side of which falls of a cliff. As we clamber up, I realized why rock climbing is essential in basic mountaineering courses.
The summit-campsite is open, with patches of grass all around. It is big enough and easily accommodated all of our six tents. We were directly facing Mt. Kitanglad and D2- during the night when the rains have stopped, we can clearly see the silhouette of the two mountains darker against the darkness of the night sky. A few stars can be seen in the wide spread of sky giving us hope that tomorrow, a better weather will welcome us.
Day 3- Mt. Maagnaw
View from the summit of Mt. Maagnaw
Mt. Maagnaw is the 8th highest mountain in the Philippines at 2746 masl. Accessible by passing Mt. Langkayugan, its meandering trail is covered by overgrown vegetation. Thus, it is advisable to wear gloves and arms sleeves as the plants will cut every exposed skin.
We woke up at 0200H and after a 3-hour hike reached the summit, just in time for sunrise. The views are expansive and because we were given a very clear morning, we can see up to Mt. Apo. Other prominent mountains that can be seen are the Mt. Kalatungan Range, Mt. Ragang, Mt. Kitanglad, and Mt. Dulang-Dulang.
Summit: Mt. Maagaw- the last mountain for the first part of Bukidnon 7
Though the summit can accommodate tents, camping is prohibited at the summit.
In our hike back to Mt. Langkayugan where our porters and gears are, we passed by another mossy forest. We did not see it during the dark trek up the summit so we were all in awe again of the moss covered trees.
We were back at Mt. Langkayugan at 0730H and left the camp at 0900H. We ended the hike at 0100H after passing by more talahib lined trails and lowland forests. The sun is shining and it’s nice to see all the many shades of green after being in the rain so long.
