Wednesday, June 8, 2016

TREKKING MT. CAPISTRANO: A Quick Guide

Mt. Capistrano in Sitio Binalbagan, Purok 9, Brgy. Simaya is the most prominent minor summit visible in the highways of Malaybalay City. This 610 meters high land form is crowned with magnificent steep, sharp rocks. Mt. Capistrano has become a popular tourist destination in Bukidnon for neophyte trekkers, nature trippers and seasoned climbers. It requires 1 to 2.5 hours trek. Another entry point is in Brgy. Managok, Malaybalay City.

MOUNTAIN FEATURES:

1. Registration Area
Every climber needs to pay an environmental fee of P20.00 at Ms. Imelda Villaruz' residence.
*As of 2017, guide is made mandatory on trekking Mt. Capistrano. Rate is P500 maximum of 15 pax.

2. Jump off
In front of Villaruz' residence is a waiting shed. That is the jump off to the summit.


3. Concrete Staircase
Though your walk is too short for a warm up, a concrete staircase marks the assault. Just take 300+ steps slowly. Catch your breath and take your time.

4. Open Trail
The open trail is difficult. In this 80 degree slope, installed rope is a great savior to climbers. It is not a long trek, though.

5. Forested Trail
Another very difficult steep trail, this one is always wet, thus, so slippery. Though short, your balancing skill will be tested here. Prepare to crawl and get mudded. Twigs and roots spread their open arms to save your gasping and mudsliding soul.




6. Camp Site
This site is marked by bamboo plants. Climbers take a rest here. Some even camp and spend a cold night. 

7. Steep Rocky Trail
Though this part is not the most difficult, I see it the most dangerous. Hopping from a sharp rock to another requires balance, secure grip and careful movement to avoid scrape, abrasion, and worse, fall.  

8. Rocky Summit
Wonderful rock formations adorn the summit. You can hop from rock to rock and take your best shot except jumpshot. Please don't add up the vandals, broken glass and trash. There are designated sites for wastes.  

9. Exhilarating Scenery
Being at the summit of a small mountain allows one to have an exhilarating 360 degree view of the lowlands with cool green rice paddies and mountain ranges. 



10. Time Consumed
Trekking time takes 1 hour to 2.5 hours depending on physical fitness and pacing of the climbers. That includes rest, picture taking and selfie. 


SELFIE SHOTS:





To see my first adventure climb, click: MT. CAPISTRANO: It's the Rocks that Rule.

RECENT UPDATE: Trekking Guide is made mandatory with the rate of P500.00 maximum of 15 pax.


HOW TO GE THERE:

From Malaybalay City, take a south bound bus (multicabs are also available). Alight at Brgy. Aglayan. Hire a habal-habal to Sitio Binalbagan, Brgy. Simaya.

From Cagayan de Oro City, take a south bound bus. Alight at Brgy. Aglayan, Malaybalay. Hire a habal-habal to Sitio Binalbagan, Brgy. Simaya.

From Davao City, take a CDO-bound bus. Alight at Brgy. Aglayan, Malaybalay. Hire a habal-habal to Sitio Binalbagan, Brgy. Simaya.

135 comments:

  1. How to get permit po to climb mt capistrano? Thanks po

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. hi, aileen... registration is at the jump-off area. look for miss imelda villaruz' residence. pay P20.00.

      Delete
  2. Good day! Thank you for your helpful blog. By the way, me and my friends are coming using our own service transport. How will I know if we are in Brgy. Aglayan, Malaybalay na po? Any landmark? Pwede din po ba iwan ang sasakyan ko sa kanto? Is it safe? kasi sakay lang man kaya mi ug habal-habal from Brgy Aglayan to Sitio Binalbagan, Brgy. Simaya.

    Thnak you!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. hi, floreces. thanks for reading. aglayan is a big barangay past malaybalay if you're from cdo. it is easily recognizable. if you have vehicle, you can directly proceed to sitio binalbagan. the road is concreted na. you can leave your vehicle at the registration area. it's very safe.

      Delete
  3. How much is the fare sa habal2 po? Thank you.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. hi, anon. thanks for dropping by. habalhabal is P30.00 per pax.

      Delete
  4. hi po, ask lang sana if may guide po bang kasama ? or kaya lang kahit wala? thank you po :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kahit walang guide ok lang. Very established na yung trail.

      Delete
  5. Replies
    1. You can hire local guide. Pero ok na rin walang guide kasi very established na yung trail.

      Delete
    2. okay lang po ba na hindi na kami kukuha nang tour guide namin 500 for 5 person kasi. Hehe

      Delete
    3. as per latest info i gathered, barangay council now requires P500.00 guide fee for 5 persons. they made guide a mandatory requirement to oversee the climbers to avoid littering trash anywhere. this resulted to the irresponsibility of other hikers who vandalized and make the mountain their garbage. and now, all of us are suffering the consequences of their doings.
      hope this new policy won't discourage you to visit this wonderful site.

      Delete
  6. Hi, meron po ba guide pa akyat? Ty

    ReplyDelete
  7. Hello po, ano po yung landmark na magsasabi na nasa brgy.aglayan na if youre coming from dvo? Thank you.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It is a a big barangay past Valencia with crossing. It is already part of Malaybalay. It entrance has big slanting dike on the left. Moving forward, on the right you will see 1st Valley Bank. Just ask the locals and sure you will never get lost.

      Delete
  8. May parking space po available before the trek?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, there is parking space at the jump-off...

      Delete
  9. Hello sir..nan dito na ako sa valencia matanong lang kailang ba ng guide to climb sa mt. Capistrano thanks ricky

    ReplyDelete
  10. Hello Sir. I would like to ask if it is ok to bring a kid in mt.capistrano? we are having second thoughts sa steep rocky trail going to the summit. Much better kung naka.carrier po? though this isn't our first hike with our kid in a carrier. will be waiting for your response...thanks.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, Sir/Maam. It's ok to your bring kid there. I suppose you are seasoned hiker. Just be extra careful. That steep rocky trail is not that long, though...

      Delete
    2. Thank you sir.

      Delete
    3. Sir another question. If ever we would like to get a porter. how much will that cost us?

      Delete
    4. portering services as of now is not yet established. if ever you need one, just try to negotiate with the locals at the jump-off.

      Delete
  11. hello sir. I would like to ask if kung safe ba na mag stay don in one night w/o guide?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. hi, janeth. thanks for dropping by. some climbers stay the night at the campsite above even without guide. make sure you are a group. and just inform the attendant at registration area if you plan to stay overnight.

      Delete
  12. Hello sir, I would like to ask if safe ba na mag stay don sa place? in one night.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. yes, it is safe to camp overnight. just inform the locals if you wish to stay...

      Delete
  13. Hi sir...naa nabay habal-habal na motor kung 5:30am ka mag drop sa aglayan?hehe or mata na ba ang incharge sa jump off ana forregustration?hehe. thanks...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi. Yes, naa nay habal-habal ana. Pwede pud mo mamahaw daan sa aglayan before proceeding to binalbagan. ug open na sad ang registration area ana.
      Enjoy!

      Delete
  14. Hi po. Pumunta ako jan last week. And then D ko alam na may altitude mountain sickness ako. Since d ko alam kung gaano sya ka taas na bundok. Nasa kalagitnaan na ako nun masama pakiramdam ko nahihilo ako. :( and ending di ko naabot yung tutok ng mt. Capistrano :( hingi ako ng advise sir kasi gusto ko talaga bumalik dun and hopefully ma goal ko yung tuktok ng capistrano. Ano ba dapat gawin before and during mag akyat dun? :) pa help lang po... thanks...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi, Aila. Sorry to hear na di mo narating ang tuktok. Some tips on preventing high altitude sickness is taking lots of fluid (except diuretic and alcoholic beverages), carbo loading, and taking antinausea pills. Also lower down your pacing and have some jolly buddies. You can also browse the web for some more helpful tips on preventing/curing altitude sickness.

      Hope you can reach the peak soon...

      Delete
  15. Hello, sir! I would just like to know if madali lang makakuha ng permit even on a Sunday? Thank you.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. hi, krisha. ok lang makakuha ng permit kahit sunday. nasa jump-off lang naman kasi ang registration area.

      Delete
  16. hello...seems so very interesting...i really wanna go..kaya lang we failed to resched to climb..ako nalang..

    ReplyDelete
  17. Hi. Do you know any contacts in the area?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi, emaill. I have no contact there. But no need to worry, the mountain is open for walk-in hikers. No need of booking and guide. The trail is so established.

      Delete
  18. good day, we're to trek mt. capistrano, is it possible to start climbing at 4am?

    ReplyDelete
  19. good day, we're planning to climb mt. capistrano, is it possible to climb at 4am?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. hi, james. 4am might be too early since you need to register first. for security reason, better wait for the registration area to be open. it's right at the jump-off by the way.

      Delete
  20. Hi sir, your blog was very helpful. Any advice po for conditioning our body before kami aakyat this coming saturday? is jogging enough?

    ReplyDelete
  21. Hi sir, your blog was very helpful, any advice po for conditioning our body before we climb this coming saturday? Is jogging/walking will be enough?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. thanks, adrian. jogging will be enough but don't tire yourself too much. reserve some energy for the trek. by the way, capistrano is for beginners. an update also says that guide is made mandatory upon climbing mt. capistrano. enjoy...

      Delete
  22. Great blog Tupe!��very informative and helpful too.

    -P

    ReplyDelete
  23. hi sir!, saan ba makakuha ng permit? sa jump-off or kelangan pa doon sa brgy. office nila?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. hi, errolson. nasa harap lang ng jump-off ang registration area.

      Delete
  24. Hello sir good afternoon, we plan to climb this Sunday and I just want to ask if it's ok if we'll not going to have a tour guide expensive kasi and it says na it's mandatory so ok lng po ba talaga na di na kuKuha ng tour guide? Thank you so much po

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. hi, sw8summer! for me, trekking there doesn't need a guide. sadly, the barangay made it mandatory or obligatory or compulsory. so sorry for that.
      but requiring guide just resulted from the doings of irresponsible climbers who vandalize, throw & leave trash everywhere.
      kaya, damay tayong lahat.
      hopefully, pag matutuloy kayo, siguradong mag-eenjoy pa din kayo. happy and safe trekking!

      Delete
  25. Hello sir good afternoon, we plan to climb this Sunday and I just want to ask if it's ok of we will not going to have a tour guide it's expensive po kasi and I've read na it's mandatory so ok lng po ba talaga na di kami kuKuha ng tour guide? Thank you soo much po.

    ReplyDelete
  26. hi sir. ask lang if what time ang pianaka the best mag start? daun pila fare from malaybalay to brgy. aglayan?

    ReplyDelete
  27. hi sir. ask lang if what time ang pianaka the best mag start? daun pila fare from malaybalay to brgy. aglayan?

    ReplyDelete
  28. hi sir? ask lang ko if pila pamasahe gkan malaybalay to brgy.aglayan kung multicab?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. hi, justin. sorry for this late reply. the best time to climb is early morning when the sun is still gentle. i have no excat figure about multicab fare from aglayan to binalbagan. maybe its P15.00. habalhabal is 30.00.
      hope you had a great weekend.

      Delete
  29. Hello Sir. We're planning to camp at Mt. Capistrano this holy week. Kelangan gihapon ug guide maskin nakabalo na sa trail?

    ReplyDelete
  30. Hello Sir. We're planning to camp at Mt. Capistrano this holy week. Mandatory gihapon ang guide maskin nakabalo na sa trail?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. hi, maam/sir anonymous. yes, guide is mandatory. this was agreed by local officials for security and to avoid littering in the mountain.

      Delete
  31. hi! would like to ask if it is possible not to ask for a guide? (although it is mandatory) I'm planning to trek alone anytime this summer

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. hello, jan. the barangay made it a policy to hire a local guide. it started when irresponsible climbers made the mountain a trash dump site. if during your climb, there are other climbers, you may share a fair amount for the guide.

      Delete
    2. tsk3, sayang kaayo... ma wad-an pud ta ug gana ani ug adto ddto kay nia additional nga gasto tungod sa guide... hopefully sir naa unta silay consideration for responsible climbers... salamat sa reply sir :)

      Delete
    3. lagi. hopefully, masolusyonan lang na nga issue. pwede ra ta magsabay sunod ug climb, at least, maminosan ang gasto.

      Delete
  32. Hi sir! :) There was already an update about having a guide throughout the trek, so how much would it be possibly cost?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. hello. accdg to malaybalay tourism officer, it's 500 for minimum of 5 pax. this has to be validated though.

      Delete
  33. Hello Sir. What if nakaadtu na before? Murag ironic man gud ug mukuha pa guide. If concern sila sa mga trash, taasan nalang unta ang environmental fee.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi! that's my concern too. even malaybalay tourism officer has to clear this out. hopefully, this will be ironed out soon.
      i've been there countless times yet i am not excused from the policy.
      by the way, i appreciate your suggestion regarding environmental fee. and it would be better if this would reach the barangay officials.

      Delete
    2. Hopefully. Been a mountaineer for years pero karun pa ko naka encounter ug mandatory na guide. It would be ok if traverse or dangerous and highy difficult ang trail, acceptable ra ang mandatory guide fee. But it sounds like they just wanted the locals to earn. Just saying. Thanks for the blog. So informative!

      Delete
    3. I feel you. Been to many mountains without guide. And this mountain is one of the easiest treks, yet guide is made mandatory. Hope they will make it optional or of minimal fee.
      Thanks for dropping by... Safe trekking!

      Delete
  34. Hello sir.. Pila kaha magasto back and forth kung mag kung gkan cdo?? Gusto pud unta mi ligo sa nasuli after capistrano..

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello. Fare from CDO to Aglayan =P130 (bus); Aglayan to Binalbagan =P30 (habalhabal); Env. Fee =20; Guide Fee =P500 for 5 pax; Binalbagan back to Aglayan = P30; Aglayan to Nasuli = P10; Nasuli to Spring =P10.00 (also walkable); Entrance to Nasuli Spring Resort = P30; Nasuli to CDO = P150. Thanks...

      Delete
  35. hi! ask lang ko sir if pila ka oras ang byahe fr davao city? and open kaya cla sa holy week? Thanks in advance sa reply :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. hi. mt. capistrano is 5hours from davao city. so far, wala man silay notice to close on any day so open ra sila sa holy week. ug i'm sure daghan tao ana nga time.

      Delete
  36. Hi, is there a site where we can sleep on mt. capistrano?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. hi. yes, there is camp site in mt. capistrano. but bring sufficient amount of water from jump off for there's no water source at the camp site.

      Delete
  37. Hi sir. Salamat sa imuhang blog.dugay na kaau me mag plan mag adto diha kaso wala me kabalo asa ang jump off. Ask lang ko sir unsa pai lain bayaran ddto sa registration area?para makasaka me sa Mt.Capistrano? Thanks po. ��

    ReplyDelete
  38. Salamat sa blog nimu sir.dgay naku gusto mo saka diha kaso nagapangita ko asa dapita.sir ask lang ko kung unsa pai lain bayaran para makasaka me sa Mt.capistrano?thanks po.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. hi, marbzkie. hope you had a great climb to mt. capistrano. sorry for very late reply. i've been out spending family time. in case you still need my answer to your query, the required fees are: Environmental Fee=P20.00 and Guide fee for 5=P500.00.
      God bless you...

      Delete
    2. its okay sir. were planning this coming weekend na mag mt.capistrano. another question sir if pila ka oras ang biyaheon from seagull to Brgy. Aglayan, Malaybalay (registration area) motor among sakyan.

      Delete
    3. it takes around 3.5-4.0 hours kun magmotor mo from seagull to capistarnon jump off at sitio binalbagan, simaya, malaybalay.

      Delete
    4. Naa bay lain na resort ddto dapita sir na dili kaau layo sa mt. capistrano?

      Delete
    5. yes, naay resort duol. Nasuli Spring Resort, sakop sa Brgy Bangcud. Duol ra sa highway. tag 30.00 ang entrance. you may check this post: http://bukidnonunlimited.blogspot.com/2016/08/nasuli-spring-resort.html

      Delete
  39. hi sir! is it safe to bring a 3 year old kid? gusto po kasi namin isali baby namin sa adventure namin. tnx po :D

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. hi. yes, it's ok to bring your baby up there. just be there to guide him/her all the time. and be extra careful lang. enjoy!

      Delete
  40. Nice blog sir. Ive seen your recent update. Required na pala ang guide? Kailangan na rin po ba ng booking nyan? Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. thanks, zarlozarlo. yes, required na ang guide. pero pwede pa rin magwalk-in. enjoy!

      Delete
  41. good pm, 3 lng kasi kami na may balak pumunta jan sa mt capistrano, i know mandatory yung guide, so is it okay na 3 lang kami mag hati sa 500 or dapat 5 persons tlga ?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. hi, unknown! sorry for late reply. been out for long. yes, ok lang paghatian nyong tatlo ang guide. enjoy trekking!

      Delete
  42. Hello po! Available ba anytime ang mga tour guides? Kase wala po kami contacts doon tapos gusto namin umakyat eh. Or do we really have to inform the council or person in charge that were coming?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. hi, rennie boy! yes, guides are always available. ok lang mag-walk in kayo. you're always welcome...

      Delete
  43. Good evening sir, kung nakatira lang po malapit sa capistrano wala na ba silang bayad? may kasama kasi ako na tagabukidnon lang. Thanks sir.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi, Aljon. If he's living in nearby barangays, he is still required to pay the required fees. But if he's from Brgy. Simaya, better let him inquire at the registration area if there are exemptions for the locals.
      Enjoy trekking!

      Delete
  44. Hi, would like to ask if we are allowed to climb early in the morning to witness the sunrise?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. hi. you may do it but you have to coordinate with barangay ahead so your registration will be facilitated.

      Delete
  45. hi! your blog is very helpful, very nice too. wer planning to climb this Sunday. is it fine to bring a 8-yr.old kid? d ba mahirap for her ang trail?
    thanks

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you. Yes, you can bring your kid. Just adjust to her pacing and guide her on the steep parts. Generally, the trail is categorized as average. Enjoy your climb!

      Delete
  46. thanks for the quick reply...one last question. is the area for registration always open? i mean we will be arriving 3-5am, wer afraid that we might wait for them to wake up for us to be registered.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi, Louiza. Sorry I was out for a long time. Hope you had a great climb.

      Delete
    2. Yes we had, truly a mesmerizing place. our only source of info was only from your blog, very much helpful. Thanks much!

      Delete
    3. I'm so glad you made it...

      Delete
  47. Hi sir! I just want you to know na nka-akyat na po ako sa peak ng mt. capistrano and fortunately for the 2nd time naka abot po ako sa peak. ������ The struggle is real! Hehehehe ☺️☺️☺️��������

    ReplyDelete
  48. hillow po, mandatory po vha talaga na mag bayad ng 500 kahit 2 person lng?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. hi. as per barangay ordinance, yes it's mandatory.

      Delete
  49. Hello. Is it possible to come at late afternoon na and then stay the night sa campsite?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, it's possible. there's a campsite near the summit. no water source though. just inform the attendants at registration area. enjoy!

      Delete
  50. Hello? May sked po ba available fpr joiners this coming august?

    ReplyDelete
  51. Hello? May available po bang schedule for joiners this august?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi, Novy. Every weekend, there are climbers at Mt. Capistrano. But I'm sorry I don't have information about organized climbs. You may just join walk-in climbers.

      Delete
  52. Hi. Is it safe already to climb this Sunday? Thank you so much.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sure. It is always safe to climb Mt. Capistrano. It is situated just within the barangay. Enjoy...

      Delete
    2. Thank you for the immediate response.

      Delete
  53. Hello,

    Your blog is very informative and your engagements from queries are updated which makes the gathering of information much easier.

    I read that there's a guide's fee of Php500 for a number of people and this would be financially easy if you're in an organized group.

    Question, if we're walk-in and there's just the 2 of us, is it possible to tailor the guide's fee? like dropping it to php200 for 2 persons?

    Looking forward to your response.

    Cheers!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi, igi, We actually have the same sentiment. A guide fee of P500 is strictly required for 1-15 climbers as per approved barangay ordinance. In case you bump with other climbers, you may wish to join them to lessen individual cost.

      Delete
  54. Hi po. 3 lang po kaming aakyat ng Capistrano. How much po for the guide fee? Salamat po!

    ReplyDelete
  55. Hi po..ask lng..what is the earliest possible time n buks n ang registration office for mt. Capistrano?and have u hike paminahawa ridge?if u already hike paminahawa ridge...do u know how can i get a permit to hike paminahawa?thanks..hoping for ur response...will be in bukidnon on june 17&18, 2018.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi! as far as i know, Capistrano registration is already open by 4am.

      Regarding Panimahawa Ridge, you may contact Lead Guide Bobby at 0997-801-3135 or Sid at 0927-900-3932.

      Delete
  56. Sir pa update ko as of now kung pila na ang bayad sa guide? Ug need gihapon ang guide? Salamat

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi, Kent. Same gihapon. Required ang guide @ P500.00 for 1-15 hikers.

      Delete
  57. sir medyu me kamahalan naman po yung 500 for the guide even if 1,2 or 3 lang kami. if di matuloy kasama ko baka ako lang mag climb dun.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sadly, we share the same sentiment... I also pay 500 even i am alone.

      Delete
  58. Good afternoon po. Plan sana namin mag akyat bukas sa mt. Capistrano. Safe po ba? Kahit umuulan?

    ReplyDelete
  59. Good afternoon po. Plan sana namin mag akyat bukas sa mt. Capistrano. Safe po ba? Kahit umuulan?

    ReplyDelete
  60. Okay lang po ba mag climb bukas? Balita kasi namin umuulan diyan and may low pressure daw? Safe lang ba mag climb?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi, Vanessa. Hope you made it yesterday. Sorry for the late reply. I'm offline on weekends. It's always safe to climb Mt. Capistrano. Rainy days just make climbing uncomfortable.

      Delete
  61. Hello sir! Sorry if this may sound inappropriate/offensive(?) but is the place safe from rebels? I'm sorry I just need to ask .

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi. Yes, this place is very safe from rebels. It is within the barangay. The jump off is just 350 meters away from residences.

      Delete
  62. Thanks so much for sharing this awesome info! I am looking forward to see more postsby you!
    Trekking in Nepal

    ReplyDelete
  63. extremely helpful sir!! keep it up po.

    Who's going this Aug. 11, 2018 at 4am, drop-off area...?
    going/

    ReplyDelete
  64. extremely helpful po sir!

    who's going this 11th of Aug this yr na..4am at the jump off??
    giong!

    ReplyDelete
  65. hello sir, good afternoon. pwedi mag ask og contact # na pwedi namo ma ask didto sa mt capistrano before heading there. thank you sir.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi! I'm so sorry I have no contact number from the site since booking is not really necessary. Guests are usually walk-in hikers.

      Delete