Dayhiking Mt. Kintanglad and Mt. Dulang-Dulang (D2K)

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

 Doing a solo hike on Kintanglad Range has been on top of my bucket list.  My feet has long been itching to step on the trails of Mt. Kitanglad and Mt. Dulang-Dulang .  These two mountains have a high appeal to me.  Reading the accounts of those who have climbed, just excite me.  At the same time, knowing that these two are among the Philippines highest also sends shivers down my spine.  It took me for a while to finally entertain the thought of doing a dayhike.  Mental and physical preparations must be put into consideration.  

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