Climbing Mt. Hibok-hibok at Camiguin Island, Philippines

  

             


                                                    
             
                 Trekking Mt. Hibok-hibok, an Asean Heritage Park at Camiguin Island, Philippines

       Centuries have passed when our forefathers have walked on fours, then walked in two legs upright and barefoot  to journey the earth and discover the bounties of the world, however, today human can explore earth fully clad to surmount challenges and enjoy the nature in his own favorable time. Because we admire nature amply, how else can we show our deep connection with it than spending great deal of time with seas, mountains, volcanos, pines, bushes, springs, ponds and the like. Today, we’ll let you take a glimpse of an active volcano known for trekking down south the Philippines.

                
           Each step was hard labor.                     Staring closely at the marker cautions illegal climbers.

    Here’s a quick guide to go on a  trek at Mt. Hibok-hibok, a stratovolcano, 1332 meters above sea level, an Asean Heritage Natural Park in Camiguin Island, Region 10, Philippines. You can get there by either take a direct flight from Manila to Mambajao, the capital of the island or you can drive or commute from Cagayan De Oro City, capital of Misamis Oriental, to nearby town name Balingoan for 2 hours and from where ferry boat transporting locals and tourists to Camiguin departs as early as 5 in the morning and has hourly schedule bound for the island. It takes an hour sea trip to reach the place. Upon arrival at Benoni port, jeepneys are on queue at the entrance waiting for passengers boarding and bound for Mambajao. It wil take 30-minute drive to reach the capital where to obtain permit to climb from Department of environment and natural resources, a government agency that issues permit and to which a payment of 500 pesos entrance fee, 50 pesos environmental fee per head is made. Moreover, The office organizes and contacts tour guide to guide you on your trek with 1500 pesos fee for three climbers. From here, you will hop on a three-wheeled tricycle going to Yumbing, the jump off area to Hibok-Hibok Peak. 


                                                    




    The summit is reached 4-5 hour ascent, the trail is clear, winding and  rugged though densely  vegetative. Best time to climb is summertime, rain seldom visits rendering trail wet and slippery and you get to avoid blanketing fog that obscure vision. Guide reminds you that while you still notice coconut, there is community, once coconuts are gone you now begin to trek the protected area. Here, the arduous ascent begins. Large roots serve as steps to the summit. Thicket of long-winding rattan and robust dark-red Philippine Mahogany densely populate the area whose lush foliage form shed against rain and rays. Indigenous tree that yields hardwood lumber is a common sight and cutting it is absolutely prohibited. The wide array of flora, not to mention the fauna, thrives here such as this wild orchid.   


        
     Lush foliage of rattan lining narrow way          Wild orchids thriving the protected area

Forest breathing, forest bathing and when you’re up there all you think of is forest bedding  due to laborious trek. Demographics talks about European, Chinese and Korean are frequent climbers to the summit such this couple who before heading back to Spain made a ascent in this captivating natural park, down south Philippines. Defy heights, explore the unknown, trek Hibok-hibok Peak, an Asean heritage Park even once in your lifetime!


                                 

                           Double couple in one frame Espanol and Filipinos






Location: Mount Hibok-Hibok, Catarman, Camiguin, Philippines

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