Here are my TOP 20 TREKS for 2017:
1. Langun-Gobingob Cave, Calbiga, Western Samar
Conquering the Philippines' biggest cave system is among my greatest trekking fulfillment. The whole exploration took three days. I was in awe looking at the gigantic structures like pillars, altars, clouds, chandeliers and palaces all shimmering. I slept under pointed dagger-like stalactites with crickets biting on my skin. I got goosebumps upon hearing thousand different voices that sounded like howling and wailing. I also experienced crawling with residents snakes, watching flocking bats on show and climbing mountains of guano. Spending a night in the underworld made me badly miss the light.
2. Mindamora Falls, Talakag, Bukidnon
A waterfalls under dispute, this is also called Limunsudan Falls of Iligan City. This can be accessed 1 hour ride from Poblacion, Talakag and 20 minutes trek from Sitio Dagunalan of Brgy. Lantud. The dual cascades measuring a total of 870 feet make Mindamora Falls the highest recorded waterfalls of the Philippines.
3. Tarangban Falls (with Dalunop, Bangun and Larik Falls), Calbayog, Western Samar
Tarangban Falls is a gigantic water cascading in a forested area of Calbayog Samar. Majesty defines this beautiful waterscape. Above this waterfalls is Dalunop Falls, secretly shedding its beauty and charm among the forests. Tarangaban Falls streams down to 4-tiered Bangon Falls and down further to Larik Falls, where I braved to jump down its swirling waters and swam for my life underwater through an opening of a rock to get to the other side.
4. Lulugayan Falls, Calbiga, Western Samar
After an exciting adventure at Langun-Gobingob Cave system, this waterfalls is a perfect sidetrip. Expensive unnecessary guide is required for a very short 10-minute trek trough well-paved trail. But then, the falls is so marvelous! Its width makes it a smaller version of Niagara Falls in Canada. Besides, it has many cascades, with the highest at around 20 feet high.
5. Biri Island, Biri, Northern Samar
Biri Island in Northern Samar is quite a long trip. From Lavesares port in mainland, it takes an hour to reach Biri Island. Honestly, I must say that the fare for the whole boat trip is quite cheaper for only P750.00 maximum of 15 pax compared to Jasaan's White Island (P1,500 for 10 pax; 45 minutes trip) and Camiguin's White Island (P450.00 for 6 pax; 15 minutes trip). Biri is popularly known for its 7 Rock Formations.
6. Balut Island, Sarangani, Davao Occidental
Balut Island is just one among three major islands of Saranggani town (not province) of Davao Occidental. These islands in Celebes Sea are close to Indonesian islands, thus, inhabited by many Indonesians particularly Sangir tribe of Sangir Islands. Olanivan Island, one of the major islands is naked white sandbar frequently visited by travelers. Sabang Hot Spring is also among the most visited spot in the area. The islands are surrounded by many white sand beaches.
7. Lampanag Ridge and Tugisan Falls, Impasugong, Bukidnon
Lampanag Ridge in Impasugong, Bukidnon is a great spot for overnight trekkers who want to witness a cloudy morning the day after. Lampanag is also a great spot overlooking Kaanibungan Ridge. Beside Lampanag Ridge is a 3-tiered Tugisan Falls, each tier unique from each other. The spot is so like an untouched paradise. Pay it a visit and you will know why.
8. Curtain Falls, Impasugong, Bukidnon
Another beautiful spot of Impasugong, Bukidnon is Curtain Falls. This is situated 500 meters down Balisbisan Falls, its twin sibling. Both are smaller version of Asik-asik Falls of Alamada, North Cotabato, which wonderfully sprouts from a verdant wall. Curtain Falls stretches around 50 meters wide. Its highest cascade measures around 30 feet.
9. Wagsik Falls and its nearby Caves, Marilog, Davao City
After 10 long years, I chanced to revisit Wagsik Falls in Maharlika, Baganihan, Marilog District, Davao City. Just a few kilometers away from Davao-Bukidnon border, this 200 meter waterfalls is a must visit for adventurer trekkers. A whole day could be spent visiting this falls and nearby falls and 3 caves namely, Cathedral, White and Aircon Caves.
10. Laligan Falls, Valencia City, Bukidnon
Another waterfalls I chanced to revisit in Laligan, Valencia City. Laligan Falls is 4-tiered cascades streaming down to the vast rice fields of Valencia City, known as City of Golden Harvest.
11. Salawaw Cave, Valencia City, Bukidnon
To date, Salawaw Cave is so far the best cave in Bukidnon that I have explored. Two hours trekking on its crsytal clear underground river is truly an amazing adventure. The cave is still alive. Shimmering formations wow every guest. One of its many highlights is rappeling on a 20-feet waterfall.
12. Mt. Capistrano Cleanup, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon
A simple trek yet so meaningful. That's how I describe my latest trek to Mt. Capistrano where I climbed with friends whom I share the same passion. We did a cleanup in participation to National Mountain Cleanup Day.
13. Kalagangan, San Fernando, Bukidnon
San Fernando, Bukidnon is a paradise. The almost untouched destinations are being preserved. Many people, even from Bukidnon are reluctant to visit San Fernando, much more the Barangay of Kalagangan because of fear of NPA. I braved to visit the place and everything was normal. I crisscrossed 3 merging rivers, the biggest is Salug River (Salug is Manobo term for River among Matigsalug tribe) to reach Sitio Simsimen (Simsimon). I slept with the locals and explored the hidden wonders the day after. One is Bolisong, meaning a deep and wide pool. Another is Tandayag Falls, a 2-tiered waterfall which requires climbing through a localized cable ladder.
14. Ugis Peak, Esperanza, Sultan Kudarat
The silent mountain of Esperanza, Sultan Kudarat is clad with fierce. This sharp edged peak in the scenic village of Teduray tribe is adorned with many waterfalls. Protected, this mountain is still a habitat to numerous monkeys, which climbers usually see.
15. Sea of Cloud Ridges, Impasugong, Bukidnon
Aside from Mt. Pulag of Benguet, many discoveries of scenic sea of clouds views have been disclosed. Among these are Kapayawan, Gupalon and Panimahawa Ridges in Impasugong, Bukidnon. Overnight or early morning trekkers can witness sea of clouds among wonderful ridges of Impasugong. This ridge is friendly to beginner trekkers since trekking only takes around two hours.
16. Boracay, Aklan
For the record, yes, I also set foot in Boracay Island during my no-itinerary trip to Iloilo courtesy of Piso fare. Though it was not really in my wishlist, to say that I don't like Boracay is a sheer hypocrisy.
17. Kimezeges, Pagantucan, Bukidnon
I might be the last trekker from my hometown Pangantucan (Bukidnon) to have discovered this natural blue spring. With an area of about 120 square meters, Kimezeges (Manobo term read as Kimarahus) means a strong current. Adorned with balete (fig) trees, with its natural aqua blue shade, this sacred place among the tribe feels so enchanted.
18. Laswitan Lagoon, Cortes, Surigao del Sur
This wonderful lagoon in Cortes, Surigao del Sur makes waterfalls out of Pacific waves. The best time to visit this place is during high tide when the waves strike the rocks making waterfalls on the other side.
19. Sinangguyan Falls, Don Carlos, Bukidnon
Quite unknown, this waterfalls truly shocked me when I saw it. Though it's just walkable from national highway of Barangay Sinagguyan, Don Carlos, Bukidnon, it's a no no joke kind of waterfalls. Its majestic height is more than a hundred feet. Its wide curtain-like cascade makes it more alluring.
20. Some other places I opt to leave alone
There are places I visited which I considered too precious to be touched and exploited. I hope these spots will not be devastated by commercialization and abused by irresponsible mountaineers....
Photo Credits: Joni Bonifacio, King James Branzuela and my trekking guides.
No comments:
Post a Comment