Hello, Hive!
We're almost down to our last month of the year 2023 and yet I am nowhere near the end of my MLD2K blog series. Truth is, I was worried that I won't be able to post about this mountain at first. Not sure of the others but I always find it a challenge to express my thoughts on very special moments or experiences — verbally or in writing. Often, these moments carry not only beautiful scenes but a complex mix of emotions as well. I have this thinking that words won't them justice and that they're too sentimental to be shared. Such is the case for my Mt. Pulag climb that I haven't had the heart to write about until now.
On the other hand, my Mt. Dulang-dulang climb, while also one of those special moments, elicited a different response. It's the first time that I had to urge to share it with others while I'm in the middle of experiencing its grandeur. In fact, I gave you a quick glimpse of Manny's Garden when I was in the mountains.
So without further ado, here's an account of my favorite Bukidnon experience.
Into the heart of Kitanglad Mountain Range
Mt. Dulang-dulang, also known as "D2" to Filipino mountaineers, is the highest peak in the Kitanglad Mountain Range and the second highest mountain in the entire Philippines. At 2,899 MASL, it is home to Bukidnon's most unspoiled mossy forests and a healthy cradle for some of the country's distinct flora and fauna.
After almost two hours of trudging the scenic Langkayugan Ridge, my friends and I finally reached the forested slope that served as entry point to Mt. Dulang-dulang. We didn't waste time confronting its ascending trail which, compared to Mt. Maagnaw's gradual ascent, was slightly steeper and rougher.
Only a few minutes passed when we entered Mt. Dulang-dulang's domain but it felt like we were transported to an otherworldly world. The jungle brims with lush greenery and moss can be found everywhere, from the trees to the forest floors.
We stopped for a quick lunch, hoping that the tail group would catch up to us. While waiting, Datu Nanlibas continued sharing about his ancestor's feats during the war and how the diwatas shielded them from tragedy. He also talked with pride how the Talaandig people, then and now, have untiringly fought for the preservation and protection of this sacred place against those who want to introduce modernization in the guise of "sustainable tourism". According to him, the deities do not need any of it and us humans are but mere guests who must leave their abode alone. We agreed and then resumed the hike.
I find those hours of walking a delightful treat for Mt. Dulang-dulang's trail is nothing short of amazing. It's the second mountain next to Mt. Pulag where I said the most "oohs" and "wows". I even thought that we might miss the famed "avatar forest" since the jungles we've been passing by were already surreal.
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More than halfway through the hike, temperature dropped and fog descended through the forest. Soon, it started to drizzle. Our pacing quickened — driven by the will to reach the campsite before it turns into a heavy downpour. Thankfully, it did not. By the time we reached the "avatar" forest, the rain stopped. The fog, however, stayed.
It was already quarter to 2 PM and since the campsite was just five minutes away, we decided to stop for a few minutes and enjoy the view. We took turns taking pictures since we didn't know if we'll have a chance the next day (given the rainy weather). Even Gio made a quick outfit change as he brought several windbreakers with him for this hike.
After being content with our photos, we went back on the trail and headed straight to the campsite. And let me tell you, this place is mind-blowing. I thought we've already seen the best of Mt. Dulang-dulang but I was wrong. This campsite is by far the most beautiful campsite I've been to.
The whole surrounding was engulfed in thin fog, making the landscape a strange combination of menace and beauty. The trees here are slender, with their trunks and branches gnarled perhaps due to weather or age. Somehow, it also gave me the same vibe as Mt. Madja-as' bonsai forest on a gloomy day.
After pitching our tents and adding layers of clothes, we explored the area to our content — the perk of being the first to reach the campsite. Our eyes feasted on the one-of-a-kind scenery. It felt like we were in the midst of an ancient woodland.
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And since the Mt. Dulang-dulang's highest point is just a few steps away, we decided to go to the summit. Of course, there was nothing to see but a thick blank canvas of fog. We still took pictures as a memento, while also praying to the deities to grant us a better weather and view tomorrow.
Later on, the tail group arrived and we enjoyed the rest of the night laughing with PJ and Abra, eating sumptuous dinner, sipping on hot soup, sharing stories and listening to myriad of mountain experiences.
Maria is a hopeless romantic who travels in pages and places. She is an INFP who loves sunrises and moonlight nights and reading books in between. On weekdays, she works for a self-publishing company as a copywriter. On weekends, she lives her life as a poet or hiker. She hopes to share her love for words and the world with you here on HIVE.
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