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?

Hitting Two Peaks in Less Than A Day

Do you know someone who is obsessed with mountain climbing? Are you that someone? If yes, then this is for you.

Mountain climbing is the new trend nowadays as they say. Some people prefer to go hiking than beaching. If swimming or diving makes you a good swimmer, then mountain climbing makes you a conqueror. Yes, you read it right. Regardless if you are a novice hiker or an expert, once you reach the peak of a mountain, you are a conqueror.

Osmena Peak

Famous for beginner hikers, Osmena peak can be reached even without a tour guide. With its elevation of 1,013 meters ASL, hikers can easily climb its peak without difficulty as the trail is not as steep as the other mountains. Surrounding the peak are pointed rocky mountain ranges covered with green grass and some wild plants. Cabbage and other fresh vegetables are planted on plains where you can buy at a very affordable price.

The view at the foot of the peak

There is an entrance fee collected before climbing the peak. Some children offer their service to guide you and bring your things to the peak with a fee that you can decide as to how much. They can also be your photographers as you traverse the trail uphill.

View of the road

A pose at a rock formation just few minutes after setting off

When you are tired, you can always take a rest. If you are into mountain climbing, it would only take you 10 to 15 minutes to reach the peak. Then you will see the wonderful view of what they call Badian Island and the nearby province of Negros Oriental. The view at the peak is amazing that even the heat of the sun that can burn your skin cannot dominate because the weather is still cold.

You can take pictures at the peak as it is flat but be careful because it is rocky. 

An instagrammable pose can be done there. Group photos are possible too.

Our Group pose

You can also eat breakfast there but make sure to "Clean as you go" to avoid trashes in the area. The peak is easy to climb but the view on top is superb. 

Kandungaw Peak

Located in Maloray, Dalaguete, Cebu, Kandungaw Peak is more difficult to climb as it has a steeper slope than Osmena Peak. Although stairs going up are cemented, you can opt to take the more challenging trail. It would take you at least 30 to 40 minutes to reach the peak and you need to use some stick to aid you in climbing.

Kandungaw Peak as seen at it s foot

The view of the neighboring mountain towns can be seen as you wander the trails uphill. There is also a cave along the way. Some ropes are tied at the trees so hikers can hold and pull them to avoid falling or slipping.

Entrance of the cave

At last, at the peak, a breath-taking and picturesque view of Cebu and its neighboring islands can be seen. With a cold blow of the wind and the soft breeze that touches your skin, your tiredness is gone as you reach the top.

Across the peak is the Sunset Peak where the excellent view of the sea that divides Cebu and Negros is visible. Great photos can be taken there too including jumpshots and giant poses. Reaching the peak is fulfilling. 

When you go down, be careful as the trail is slippery despite having been cemented. You will always need your stick to guide you as you go down. There is also a fee collected before climbing and guides offer their service with a minimum fee of 300.00. They guide you all throughout the climb.

If you have a private vehicle, these two peaks can easily be reached. However, if you commute from Cebu City, it would take you long hours to reach them earlier although both can be hit once in just a day. Some hikers choose to stay there overnight and camp. If you bet, better prepare a durable tent and a thick blanket.

So, what are you waiting for? Plan your next hike and climb Osmena and Kandungaw Peak in Southern Cebu.

Sunday Escape: Hiking in Foressa Trails

Couldn't think of your next weekend escapade? Foressa Trails has something adventurous for you.

If you are into hiking or trekking or mountain climbing, or if you are a nature lover and you appreciate everything about it, then hiking at Foressa Trails can be one in your adventure bucket list.

Foressa Mountain Town is located in Cansomoroy, Balamban, Cebu and is owned by the AboitizLand Inc. It is an hour and a half ride from Cebu City by private car. A van for hire, usually called the V-Hire passes by Foressa through the Trans-Central Hi-way from Ayala Center Cebu Terminal and fare is about more or less 120.00 (not sure, though).

A weekend getaway at this place which they call the "the great backyard" is perfect for someone who seeks an escape from a busy and stressful city life. It can be a bolt for your freedom to see what nature can offer as you rekindle your spiritual being in this mountain paradise without thinking about your worries and fears in life.

The price of hike trails is 150.00 per person and the tour guide is 250.00 maximum of 10 persons. More prices of possible activities here: https://www.facebook.com/ForessaTrails/

At the site, a guide can bring you to a hike of up to 10.7 km. Along the hike, you can see some trail guides that lead you to some spots including the waterfalls inside a cave and the way to Binuthan cave.

The hike trails

Trail guide

Trail precaution

You also cross the stream many times and you may take unlimited photos along the way. According to a guide, they do not allow hikers to go on a hike if it is raining as the water usually increases and the trails are slippery and steep.

There is a mini swimming pool along the way, but it is slightly narrow so don't expect too much.

The little swimming pool

At the stream you can take a rest and pose by big piles of rock and savor the moment as you feel the gentle touch of its flowing water.

A quick pose at this beautiful scenery

If you are a new hiker, it would take you 2 hours to reach Binuthan cave and another 2 hours to go back to the jump off point. The trails going back are a little steep and more difficult than the initial trails as you encounter a lot of cogon grasses along the way.

Unknown name but it has falls inside

A pose outside Binuthan cave

If you want to hike at Foressa trails, you should start earlier than 9 AM so you can come back earlier too. You can bring your food and have a picnic or you can stay overnight and camp. For more details, you may visit their Facebook page through the link mentioned above.

It is always fun to do common things with people who have the same interest as you. While hiking at Foressa can be done alone, it is better to do it as a group as well to enjoy more and feel nature's spirit within yourselves.

What are you waiting for? Plan your next hike and go to Foressa Trails.