Goal Achieved: A Traipse and Sunrise in Panimahawa Ridge

Whether it is a team goal or a personal goal, we can always achieve it if we really want to.

Sunrise in Panimahawa Ridge

Who would not want to chase the sunrise or sunset at this picturesque ridge? Beautiful, isn't it?

It was a 2-month plan for our team to travel to the beautiful province of Bukidnon and visit some of its tourist spots. Excitement was felt from Day 1 of the planning until the day we stepped on its territory. 

at Camp Phillips, Bukidnon

We went to some places such as the Mountain View College where the beautiful Mt. Kitanglad is clearly seen; 

At Mountain View College Bukidnon

Lake Apo where we spent our lunch at a floating cottage and had moments of laughter; 

at Lake Apo

Musuan Peak where, unfortunately I wasn't able to climb due to some circumstances, my friends however did it and enjoyed the view from the peak;

My friends, in Musuan Peak

Communal Ranch where my friends rode on horses and had fun racing with one another and of course picture taking for instagrammable posts. 

Group photo at the Communal Ranch

These are only few of the places we visited while in Bukidnon. The highlight most of all is our morning trek to the famous Panimahawa Ridge.

This had been one of our goals - reach the summit of the ridge and witness the sun as it gradually rises to light the whole world. Finally, we achieved it. The sun's rising indicated a good weather on that day.

Our team, ready for the trek

Our jump-off point was at Impalutao in Impasug-ong, Bukidnon where we met the in-charge if there are hikers who go for a trek. His name is Bobby Paul or known as Sir Bob. He introduced us to two guides named Kuya Dante and Kuya Larry.

We started the trek at 4:19 AM. It wasn't a difficult trek at the beginning since we just traversed plain corn fields for about 10 minutes to prepare ourselves for a more challenging trek and began to descend for 20 minutes to reach the bamboo bridge. We took a rest for a while then began to ascend to a little steep terrain. By the way, we were using our mobile phones' flashlights since it was dark yet. It was a 30-minute ascent until we reached a little hut where hikers can take a rest and see some town lights from afar. We rested for 15 minutes then began to walk again and reached a house where we can refill our bottles with water or answer the call of nature before we started to ascend again. This time, we were right at the foot of the ridge.

Our guides were surprised that we walked faster than any other hikers that we could reach some points during the trek in less than the expected time. The way to the summit was steep. It wasn't difficult, however, there were a lot of rocks along the way which can cause one to slide if not being careful. We needed to hold hands to help one another in ascending. 

The summit in silhouette view

They say, the most beautiful view can be found after a hardest climb. Yes, this is agreeably right. We were mesmerized with the beautiful sea of clouds as we reached the summit although the sun hasn't risen yet.

Not so thick, but it's still a sea of clouds.

Indeed. Panimahawa Ridge's view is breath-taking. This goal was achieved and we never regretted it. Personally, it has been my long time plan to go there, and yes, it was realized! We were able to witness the sun rising slowly and showing us its brightness. Of course, we welcomed it with a smile and with fulfillment.

Group photo at the Panimawa Ridge

We took a lot of photos and enjoyed the view. There were hikers who spent one whole night there to witness the sunset and the sunrise. They left with no trace, yes, but unfortunately, there were few trashes which is, I think, not a good attitude of a hiker. 

We also brought our trail food and ate at the summit. When the sun's heat was about to painfully hit our skin, we decided to descend. The descent from the summit was a little scary as rocks were clearly causing us to slide. We had to be cautious at all times. 

We were just behind our friends but we had to take more rests this time as our feet were already shaking and we couldn't almost catch our breaths. We traversed the same trail as we did while going to the summit. It was just funny that we (my friend and I) were lost as we took a different trail when we were almost back at the jump-off point. Good thing we met Kuya Larry and came back together to the base where our friends were already taking a rest and waiting for us.

The trek was an achievement, indeed. If you wish to visit Panimahawa Ridge, you may contact Sir Bob through his mobile number 09978013135. The rate of the hike is P300.00 per person. 

You may bring your trail food if you'd like to eat breakfast at the summit or bring a camping set if you wish to spend a night there. Wear hiking shoes with spike as rocks are dangerous near the summit. 

What are you waiting for?