Hello, Hive!
...and hello, Decemeber! We're finally counting down the last days of 2023. Have you started your "a year that was" retrospect? Or is your new year's resolution list halfway done?
As for me, I'm still writing down the highlights of my 2023 which, hopefully, will be completed before the month ends. You've already seen the beauty of Mt. Dulang-dulang from my last post, albiet the veil of fog. Now, let me show you Mt. Dulang-dulang in its full glory.
Sunrise from the summit of the Philippines' second highest mountain
I believe it's safe to say that regardless of our circadian rhythm — be it an early bird or a night owl — sunrises will always hold a special place in our hearts. There is something about it that's heartwarming and humbling and full of hope. Don't you agree?
It's the third day of our MLD2K climb here in Bukidnon and I awakened to the soft murmurs of neighboring campers who were evidently excited for the sunrise. Gio and Keight were already up and were calling us out so we wont miss the moment. After putting on two layers of jackets, we rejoined them and headed to the summit that was already crowded by happy spectators.
Mt. Dulang-dulang's summit can only accommodate few people so you have to take turns if you're with a large group. But the advantage of being a small person (like me) is you get to slip into the crowd and easily climb your way to the best spot. HAHA!
I stood there amazed by the mountain scenery before me. It was already 5:20 AM and the sun has started its ascent. France, who was surprisingly the first on the summit, got his camera poised to capture a time lapse video of the beautiful daybreak.
We were all front-row audiences to an uninterrupted view of nature's theatrical show. We watched as the sun's first light delicately caressed the landscape, revealing Bukidnon's sleeping wonders. Silhouettes of trees and distant hills emerged and, altogether, we were bathed in a warm embrace.
Soon, clouds thickened and came closer. It rolled earthwards, lapping on foothills in sluggish surges until, finally, a vast sea of clouds was formed. It was breathtaking. Be it a seasoned mountaineer or a first-time climber, each onlooker was filled with mixed emotions.
While the rest of the group headed to the "avatar" forest, James and I stayed for a little while. We stood there in silence, taking in this once-in-a-lifetime blessing. After a few minutes, the sea of clouds dissipated revealing the mountains flushed with vibrant gold. We took one last photo before heading to our friends.
Mt. Dulang-dulang's infamous mossy forest
Just five minutes away from the summit is the infamous section of Mt. Dulang-dulang's vast mossy forests which most mountaineers call the "avatar" forest because of its similarity to the jungles of Pandora. Others also likens it to the Old Forest featured in The Lord of the Rings. But according to Datu Nanlimbas, if they were to decide, local indigenous peoples wouldn't name it after some foreign films. These are sacred places and should be named after the deities. And rightly so.
We arrived at the famed forest and it seemed like I was seeing it for the first time. With yesterday's fog gone and the sun in full glow, all greeneries popped. Each tree was hugged by thick layers of lichens and mosses, adding to the dramatic landscape.
No, this isn't some scene taken out of a fictional film. This, here, my friends, is Mt. Dulang-dulang real and raw. No CGIs, no editing needed.
On the way back to the campsite, we passed by a forest canopy with pockets of sunshine. It was magical. Those fringing silver rays that seemed to follow my every step were a delightful sight.
The arduous exit from Mt. Dulang-dulang
It was quarter to 10 AM when we started our break camp. By this time, the other group of campers (DENR personnel) have already made their descent.
The way down started very chill — at least for me (being someone who prefers descents). There were steep sections and areas that require you to stretch those legs and hold on to protruding roots. But, mostly, the trail within the mossy forest was manageable.
A few minutes later, we reached Manny's Garden where Datu Nanlimbas showed us the bangkasu. We didn't stay here long and went on with the hike since we still had a long way ahead. Signage were installed along the trail, letting hikers know how far (or near) they are to the summit and base.
By 12 PM, we reached the Alanib River which, according to Datu Nanlimbas, have three sections based on colors of the rocks present on the riverbed: Pula, Itom, and Puti. This river has been sacred since time immemorial. From their culture to spirituality, it has played an important role in the lives of Talaandig people.
After two hours of hiking, we finally saw the end of Mt. Dulang-dulang's forest cover. Ice-cold cola and civilization at last — or so we thought. What came next was a long and grueling hike which made us all realize that entry/exit through Mt. Dulang-dulang is not a good choice.
The first half of our struggle began when we reached the rocky road. It was hard enough to conserve our strength after days of hiking, how much more when we had to skip and hop over these slippery rocks?
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I lost count of the time we were on that trail since I was trying to keep my balance. The next thing I knew, we were face to face with the scenic Kalatungan Mountain Ranges. It would have been an exciting moment had Datu Nanlimbas not pointed out our faraway destination. HAHA!
We continued the arduous hike, but this time, we were trudging on a muddy trail. Our shoes felt like a kilogram heavier with all the soil sticking onto the outsoles. My feet hurt from overpronating and my knees started to refuse bending.
France, April and Gio went ahead, running on the trail as if it's nothing. James, Keight and I were meters apart, walking silently and slowly in pain. Meanwhile, John and Daean were far behind.
It took us almost six hours of hiking through forested, rocky and muddy trails. It was almost 5 PM when we reached Sitio Bol-ogan at Brgy. Songco, Lantapan, where Datu Makatol (Edgar) lives. We were tired, sweaty and aching. But more than anything else, we capped the day feeling fulfilled and happy for a very rewarding climb. Mt. Dulang-dulang is indeed a mountain to revere. We hope it stays untainted and safe.
For major climb bookings with awesome captures, contact France of fv-photography.
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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