Hiking Panimahawa Ridge at Impasugong, Bukidnon, Philippines

 

perfect place for serious talking😆

Today, accompany us to a day hike at Panimahawa Ridge, one of the breathtaking ridges in Bukidnon, region 10, Philippines. Locals relayed that ‘panimahawa’ is a Higaunon term meaning ‘pamahaw or breakfast’. Higaunon are highland indigenous people who consider the ridges as their habitat, so everyday as they head out for farming several crops, they pleasantly stop at ‘Panimahawa’ to eat savory breakfast they usually bring.

                                                               This ridge has 819 meters elevation.

From the capital Manila, take a direct flight from Ninoy Aquino International Airport to Laguindigan Airport,  Cagayan de Oro City. Immediately hop on a public utility vehicle which could be van or taxi bound for Agora Terminal. This terminal operates various bus transport going to many parts of Mindanao, including Malaybalay, the center of Bukidnon. It takes two hours and forty minutes travel from the terminal to Malaybalay.  Rural Transit, being the most trusted vehicle, transports passengers from CDO to Davao city and vice versa.  Book in advance your chosen accommodation in the city, so you can ready yourself for a challenging hike.  A number of barn-typed cottages have been sprouting  here so, carefully select the one that suits your budget. Upon arrival you can either sip some coffee or soda from your haven while hiring a motorcycle or four-wheeled car operator online. Several locals offer rent-a-car or motorcycle services. From Malaybaly,  it takes approximately 20-minute drive to reach Impalutao, Impasugong, the jump off area to the ridge. It is here that mountain guide accepts and welcomes you to a long hike. The guide then will ask you to perform a ritual by requesting you to offer  1 peso or 5 peso coin to a sacred spot. Observing this custom is a subtle way of showing respect to the mountains and the One who created them. The ridge is reached at 2687 feet above sea level.

Let’s take the first step!

Gary and I embarked on an exciting day hike to Panimahawa Ridge, led by the cheerful guide Jason Paul in the Ant Farm where the base camp is situated. We began walking at dawn, 5:30 in the morning.  From the base camp, hikers had to endure a 50-minute descent, cross a wooden bridge, and then more than a 1-hour ascent. Along the way, we marveled at the views of other towering ridges and mountains, such as Mt. Kitanglad,  far yet striking panormic view were visible for both Mt. Kitanglad and Mt. Dulang-dulang.   

          

          Should I move forward or turn back home?      I don't think I'm ready for Mt. Kitanglad😄

 Before reaching the summit of Panimahawa, we paused to admire the breathtaking landscape, including the famous communal ranch nestled at its foot.  The ridge accommodates overnight camping usually held during Lenten season. This time campers noticed sea of clouds at dawn when one can literally say  ‘heaven meets the earth’. However, strict compliance to environmental and local rules had to be observed at all times.  

               

                          Crystal clear stream offered refreshing respite.

               

                         Finally, we've conquered Panimahawa ridge

After enjoying some tasty sandwiches, we began our descent back to Ant Farm, stopping briefly at 9:00 AM to refill our water bottles at a friendly local's house. They even gave us a banana, which was a nice surprise! With renewed energy, we continued our trek at 9:15 AM, smiling all the way. By 10:30 AM, we were back at Base Camp Ant Farm, feeling happy and satisfied after a wonderful hike.

    Add this to your bucket list and enjoy the stunning ridges of Bukidnon. Here you can scream at the top of your lungs, shout without restraint, guffaw in superlative degree but your noise is met with deafening silence, penetrating, permeating yet ultimately rejuvenating!