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.