Mt. Kalatungan view from Mt. Wiji
It’s no easy feat indeed but our strong will and courage coupled with prayer led us to the Philippine’s 5th highest mountain. The bonus point is reaching the scenic peak of Mt. Lumpanag/Wiji. Being one of the top 10 mountains in the Philippines by elevation, we aimed at reaching the top point of Mt. Kalatungan no matter the circumstances. Our Mt. Kalatungan-Mt. Wiji Traverse is long overdue. Thankful enough, we were blessed with fine weather and fascinatingly beautiful naturescape in most of our 3-day climb.
At Mt. Wiji Summit
A Bit of Mt. Kalatungan and Mt. Wiji
Mt. Kalatungan view from jumpoff
Volcanic mountain Mt. Kalatungan is situated in the central part of Bukidnon province. The mountain is one of the high elevation peaks in the province’s Kalatungan Mountain Range with an elevation of 2,860 masl.
So many folklores and tales this mountain have including the presence of a tree in the middle of Lake Napalit, which is at the foot of Kalatungan.
Locally known as Mt. Lumpanag, Mt. Wiji is a peak adjacent to Mt. Kalatungan and stands at 2,819 masl. It is typically used as a traverse trail by mountaineers.
Jumpoff
The Climb
Our entry and exit points for this traverse are in Brgy. Mendis, Pangantucan, Bukidnon. This is a major climb with 8/9 difficulty and 3-4 trail class. Expect tribal domain, slopes, cliffs, mossy forest, ranges, and a lot more throughout the adventure.
Before the Climb
If you’re not from Bukidnon or other areas with similar climates, it would be better to spend at least a night here to acclimate your body temperature. We camped at their tourist receiving area a night before the proper climb schedule. There’s a faucet, toilet, hut, and function area here so no worries at all.
Tribal Ceremonies
Datu Inahan from the Manobo and Talaandig tribes perform the tribal ritual and prayers using their native tongue using coins, wine, rice, native chicken, cloth, etc. A solemn dinner with the fairies and guardians followed. This is vital to pay tribute to the fairies and mountain guardians residing in the sacred forests of Mt. Kalatungan. Also, it summons for our guidance throughout the journey.
View deck
Day 1: Trek to the View Deck
It’s 9 am and everyone was set for our first day of short trek to the view deck. We pass through a community, so we need to put on our masks as we are strictly prohibited to get near or have physical contact with them due to the pandemic. It’s an open trail, passing through a wooden bridge crossing a river then some tall bushes before entering the forest part. After 2 hours, we were welcomed by dense fog at the view deck. We stayed our first night here and had long hours of rest and just commune with nature.
A stunning panoramic view of hills, ranges, and forest as well as the burst of beautiful sunshine greeted us the following morning. What a great day to start with.
Day 2: Mt. Kalatungan Summit – Bamboo Camp
We started our second day with a meal, prayer for another day of guidance then depart for Kalatungan summit with short breaks in between. After an hour, we passed through Kikikoka Peak, continued walking an hour to Buko Buko sa Anay, then 20 minutes further until we had a view of the scenic Muleta Falls afar. Rested for 30 minutes, we continued our venture passing through Sako Camp.
Muleta Falls at a distant
We ate lunch at the Junction and rest for a while, waiting for the others before heading to the summit at 1 pm. Unfortunately, a heavy downpour welcomed our pack at the summit. The others were lucky enough to have cleared the sky when they reached the peak.
Bamboo Campsite
It’s already past 2 pm when we arrived at the Bamboo Campsite for the second night. What a tiring day indeed as we were all soaked in the rain coupled with very cold weather.
Day 3: To the 360-View of Great Mountains at Mt. Wiji
This would be the last ascent of this adventure and we started it around 4:30 am to catch the sunrise at Mt. Wiji. It took us roughly an hour to reach the summit. Imagine ascending the mountain together with the rising sun? It’s awesome and magical. I feel every moment as I step forward. The breeze kissing my cheeks and the rays of the sun slowly peeking through the towering mountains of Kitanglad and Kalatungan.
It feels like the universe conspires, showing off its unmatched beauty. Can I stop the time and hold on to this moment for long? How I wished for this moment to come, and I’m so blessed to have reached this far in this lifetime.
You know the drill, everyone’s having photo-ops, never letting this moment pass by without snaps. Meanwhile, our organizer (Sir John) and some of our guides started preparing our breakfast then we extended help afterward.
We ate our breakfast, relax a bit then prepared for our final descent at 8 am. As much as we still want to spend more hours, we need to head back as the sun is already high. Be extra careful in going down, especially in the danger zone, which is a knife-edge then passing through Lisihun Creek and Sitio Mahayahay (slippery area). We hurried down because some of our friends already developed foot and knee injuries and the fog starts to make the trail invisible.
At last, we found ourselves back to Brgy. Mendis around noon. This is the only time my tired feet began to silently scream for pain. We washed up and waited for the others to arrive.
Back to jumpoff
Yes, and another yes for this love of nature venture. The ordeal of seeing nature’s beauty is no easy, but we made it through together, safe and sound.
Signing of forms and waiver
Thank God and thank you to everyone who made their part in this event in whatever way. Kudos and congratulations to us. We’re so blessed to have surpassed the ordeal despite the unfavorable circumstances. We may have fallen and stumbled several times along the trail, standing up firm and moving forward still matters the most. Our experience and memories with these mountains will forever be engraved in our hearts.
Travel Tips and Notes
- With the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, always check the Tourism Office or FB page of your destination before your scheduled trip for the requirements as they may change from time to time.
- Major mountains here in Bukidnon need prior booking/reservation.
- Always do your research. Ask permission from the local government unit of Brgy. Mendis in Pangantucan, Bukidnon. Secure all the necessary permits.
- Give a courtesy call to the LGU, barangay officials, command center, organizers, and locals in the area out of respect, guidance and security.
- Never go for a major climb without proper preparation.
- Be mindful to leave no trace (LNT) principles and follow the Dos and DON’Ts set by the LGU.
- Always follow the heath and government protocols.
- Always be a responsible traveler/adventurer wherever you go.