CLIMBING MT. KALATUNGAN: A Quick Guide

THE MOUNTAIN  

 Mt Kalatungan, a.k.a Catatungan, is a volcanic mountain in Bukidnon, Northern Mindanao. PHIVOLCS has no recorded eruptions of this stratovolcano, yet classified potentially active. The mountain range stretches along the areas of Valencia, Maramag, Talakag and Pangantucan. The prominent summits are Kilakiron in Valencia and the twin Kalatungan and Lumpanag summits most accessible in Pangantucan.

The twin summits of Kalatungan (left) and Lumpanag (right) viewed north from Mt. Kitanglad summit.

  

The twin summits Lumpanag (left) and Kalatungan (right) viewed south from Kalagutay Hills, Kalilangan, Bukidnon.

Mt. Kalatungan, towering 2,880 meters ASL, is the fifth highest peak of the country (contrary to the previous claims as the sixth highest). The mountain is a home to Philippine Eagle and other precious endangered species. 

The jump-off point at Barangay Mendis.

The View Deck

THE PHOTO BELOW SHOWS THE TOTAL DISTANCE TO TREK IN COMPLETING THE KALATUNGAN-LUMPANAG TRAVERSE...

Mountain Map and Distance Information Board at View Deck

View of the lowloands including Lake Napalit.

Muleta Falls graces the arduous Bukobuko sa Anay Trail.

Muleta Falls

The mossy forest of Mt. Kalatungan.

The summit

The long time dead bark at the summit is a favorite posing site of the climbers.

The stunning view of Mt. Kitanglad Range.

The offering site at the summit. Photo by Kleo Marlo R. Sialongo

Boulders going to Lumpanag Summit from Kalatungan Summit.

The boulders of Lumpanag (Wiji) Peak.

Kalatungan Peak viewed from Lumpanag Peak.

The awesome cliffs of Mt. Kalatungan Range.

The common leech in Mt. Kalatungan.

The different species of poison ivy to be cautious about. 

OTHER FEATURES OF THE MT. KALATUNGAN

Aside from its grandiose summit, this mountain is a host to challenging boulders, majestic waterfalls, hidden lakes, mossy forests, bonsai gardens and countless wonders.  

Note: These spots cannot simply be reached by treading through the usual trail to the summit. These require separate treks.

The bonsai garden of Mt. Kalatungan.

The Red Lake carefully hides within the forests of Mt. Kalatungan.

The alluring Kaayatan Falls.

The mighty Katakata Falls.

Getting in touch with Katakata Falls.

The spectrum of colors in Katakata Falls.

The lady-like curvature of Sagayaran Falls.

Didilusan Falls, my very first exploration site in Mt. Kalatungan.  

To read more about my adventure about Didilusan Falls, please click: One Trek, Ten Picks

To view some more of the countless waterfalls, please click: Kalatungan Wonderfalls Album


CLIMB MANAGEMENT
 
In 2009, the LGU of Pangantucan, with PAMB-Kalatungan, crafted policies and ordinances governing the Entrance to Mt. Kalatungan Natural Park for well facilitated and coordinated visit to the mountain, giving due respect and importance to the rights and roles of our highlander brethren settled in the area. Pangantucan is now the registration center and the major entrance and jump-off to Kalatungan summit.  

HOW TO GET THERE

From CDO, take a take a Rural Transit (Rural Tours, with Aircon) bus bound for Wao. Drop at Pangantucan. The trip is around  5 hours.

 From Davao, take a Rural Transit (Rural Tours, with Aircon) bus bound for CDO. Drop at Maramag Terminal. The trip is around 3-4 hours. take a bus or van bound for Wao (Lanao del Sur) and drop at Pangantucan. The trip is around 45 minutes.

You may spend the night at Tourism Lodge (P250/night) or proceed directly to brgy. Mendis (jump-off) via habalhabal (P80 for a passenger with his baggage) and pitch a tent.

SCHEDULE OF FEES (As of August 2016)

Mountain Park Permit = P300/per head (payable to Tourism Office, Municipal Hall)

Guide = P350/day (can carry a max 10kg load)

Porter = P400/day (max of 15 kg)

Plus white chicken, local wine (Fighter Wine), coins and fabric bits for RITUAL
No ritual fee required

THE CLIMB ITINERARY

We established the shortest and the easiest traverse trail, that is 2days, instead of 3days.

It is always advised to start a climb early.

Always ask the guides for water sources.

Here's a typical IT for Kalatungan-Lumpanag (Wiji) Traverse:

Day1

7:00-7:30 - Poblacion to Brgy Mendis via habalhabal

7:30-7:45 - meet the guide and porter / give the chicken

7:45 - start trekking (with river/water source along the way)

9:00 - ETA Viewdeck, with water source

10:30 - ETA Buko-buko sa Anay Ridge

11:30 - Lunch; rest; picture taking (Muleta Falls visible)

12:00-3:30 - Trek from Bukobuko sa Anay to the Summit

                      (with last water source in between)

3:30-4:30 - At the Summit

4:30-5:30 - Descent to Dwarf Bamboo Camp (abundant water source)

5:30 - Set up camp, cook, rest

Day2

6:30-7:30 - Prepare food, clear camp, water loading

7:30-8:30 - Ascent to Lumpanag Peak

8:30-9:00 - At the Summit; picture taking (Kitanglad Range visible)

9:00-11:30 - Cross along 3 minor peaks

11:30 - Lunch

12:00-2:30 - Descent to brgy Mendis (it's not a backtrail)

2:30-3:00 - Tidy up, take habalhabal to Poblacion Terminal

3:00 - Take a bus direct to CDO

                or take a van to Maramag, then take a bus to Davao or Cotabato Area

For further queries, pls contact:

Christopher M. Diaz (that's me) - 0926-247-8796 

For booking and permit concerns, pls directly contact:
Ms. Lea M. Apal (OIC Tourism Officer)- 0917-774-5868

Guides have no cellphones. We will contact them for you.