I planned for this last year only to be left behind by the
airplane. A late morning rain and a
horrible traffic ruined my plan. I
arrived at the airport thirty minutes after the plane departed. The airline staff wouldn't agree with me
taking the next flight despite my begging. It was clear that re-booking was the only option. However,
that would mean incurring an added expense that was just substantial for me to
bear. I went out of the airport not just
with a heavy backpack but also with a heavy heart. I learned my lesson.
Fast forward to 2014, taking advantage of an airline promo,
I booked myself a flight to CDO. Coincidentally, my booking was of the same month as last year. With
everything regarding the climb all set, I can’t afford to be left behind. Fortunately, this time around I left the airport on board a plane.
 |
| Kitanglad Mountain Ranges |
So come Oct. 26, 2014, armed with the courage
I mustered for quite some time and the
confidence gained from more than a year of hiking and running, I found myself along
with Kuya June (guide) walking on a dirt road. We will be doing a dayhike traversing Mt. Kintanglad and Mt.
Dulang-Dulang.
 |
| dirt road to the jump off |
The walk on the dirt road towards the foot of the mountain
served as a warm up. By the time that we
started the gradual ascend, my body has already adjusted. The intense heat of the sun was not a
challenge as the trail was covered with trees. A number of still ladders were present at some parts of the trail. Occasionally stopping to rehydrate and rest, we
trekked on a consistent pace hoping to not finish late at night. A sight of dwarf trees near the summit amazed
me. Fog started to envelope when we
arrived at the summit after more than three hours of trekking, obscuring any
view. Nevertheless, I was still glad
that I made it to the summit of the fourth highest mountain in the
country.
 |
| a beautiful site near Mt. Kintanglad summit |
The traverse from Mt. Kitanglad to Mt. Dulang-Dulang I would
say was the most challenging part of the climb. The trail involved some steep descent and ascent which had me clinging
to ropes and roots. Negotiating these
parts mandate extra cautious, one wrong move and I’ll be in serious injury or
even worse. While it may be the most
challenging, it was also the most beautiful part of the trail. The mossy forest in its different density was
just captivating. I can’t count the
times I stopped to snap photos. There
were times when all I can say is WOW.
 |
| one of the steep ascents |
Approaching towards the summit of Mt. Dulang-Dulang, the
trail remains challenging. More steep
parts ensued which gave me a hard time. I had to listen to my body and slow down a bit
with my already slow pacing. At some
points I had to stop and stretch my tired and stiff legs. I was on the verge of getting leg
cramps. Fortunately, before any leg
cramps occurred I was already at the summit.
It was a big relief! I can now
take a little rest. Unfortunately, there
was no view of the Kitanlad wilderness in sight. Thick fog prevented me from seeing the
surrounding mountains. Still, I was thankful and proud standing on the summit
of the country’s second highest mountain. Not many have the chance to do so.
 |
| mossy forest |
The descent was smooth all the way passing through the mossy
forest on the other side. However I had
a scary moment in the early part of the descent. While inside the mossy forest, I heard a
voice shouting “sir” at my back. Yes, I
was exhausted and all but I heard it loud and clear. I had to run to my guide who was 15 to 20
meters ahead of me asking if he called me.
Hearing a no as answer scared me to death. It was only the two of us in the trail and in
Mt. Dulang-Dulang. In fact, we only
encountered one group of mountaineers and that was on our way up Mt. Kitanglad.
 |
| a ritual site at the summit of Mt. Dulang-Dulang |
After two hours, we reached the foot of the mountain. Perhaps, the creepy incident help us went
down the mountain swiftly. We rested for
a while, before continuing our walk on a dirt road that leads us to a
hi-way. A habal-habal took us to the bus
stop, 35 kilometers away and rode a jeepney to Malaybalay. By seven in the evening I was back at my
lodge. It took 10 hours to complete the entire D2K
dayhike traverse. Twelve hours if travel
time back to Malaybalay is included.
The entire journey was never easy. I may not have a good clearing but still the
experience was rewarding. I hope to go
back some other time and stay longer.
 |
| at one of the campsites of Mt. Dulang-Dulang |
Interested in climbing at Mt. Kitanglad and Mt. Dulang-Dulang? Visit this site http://www.mkrnp.org
 |
| just enchanting |
