"Luck wasn’t on our side. It was gloomy and the weather was unpredictable. Rain was pouring so badly. Sir Oliver Ocinar one of our team members had jock itch then Sir JayR Saavedra followed later. They had a hard time to move and trek. My estimated time of trekking was between 13-17 hours only but due to uncomfortable situation they had and unfavorable weather conditions we done it 23 hours."
Mt. Guiting-guiting traverse dayhike
Sibuyan Island, Romblon
Trail: Sitio Olango, San Fernando to DENR Magdiwang
July 27, 2014
Day 0 - 1 [July 25 - 26, 2014]
Undoubtedly, mount Guiting-guiting has one of the longest trails but also a time consuming travel to reach its destination - the jump off. You will realize one of the expensive climb ever even you’re in a small or big group. Almost all of the expense are fixed (per person basis) - fares, permit fee except from guide fee and his fare back to San Fernando. If you’re taking a traverse trail from Olango, San Fernando, guide fee there is fixed whether doing 1, 2 or 3 days climb. The rate is 2400pesos per guide. Upon reaching Sibuyan Island, hikers are required to register and get their permit at DENR prior to climb.
For 1 or 2 days climb, side trip might come first. Either refresh in Lambingan Falls or try diving in Cantigas River or better visit both. Chances of rain are very high from June to October. In our case, heavy rains, flooded roads and even flash flood were encountered. Some part was impassable. We got stranded and waited for almost 2 hours for water to subside. Summer months are ideal to climb Mount Guiting-guiting and the best chance for good weather.
Day 2 [July 27, 2014] - G2 Dayhike traverse
Thanks to Sir Remy for making and providing a shelter for mountaineers like us. Despite of little rest and sleep we assured to pursue our plan. At exactly 0207H, our hike started. Perhaps the easiest part is up to Olango River which is mostly flat. Upon crossing the small river , an uphill climb starts. Dense forest, sheer ascent and narrow trail were guarantee and absolutely thrilling.
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| Pitcher Plant in Mt. Guiting-guiting |
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| Olango Trail |
I was very excited to experience trekking and seeing the boulders and knife edge of Mt. Guiting-guiting. Unfortunately, there was no view just thick clouds. Visibility was 5-10 meters only.
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| Mt. Guiting-guiting summit |
After I took some picture at the summit with white background I hurriedly hid at tree-covered campsite. Drenched and shivering from cold while waiting for my friends. I brought 2 wind breakers, raincoat and 2 extra clothes so I could change and last the cold temperature. When we moved out, wind was extremely strong and rain drops feels like hit by a pellet gun.
Sir Remy told me to continue and he will be in the middle to assist Sir Oliver and JayR who had been left behind. Our guide was worried for us and hoping we can reach the Mayo’s Peak on day time. With Sir Peter Paccarangan who once climbed Mount Guiting-guiting in 2006, we trek together over the knife edge. I led regardless of unfamiliarity of the trail. Experience and over confidence led me though it is easy to find the right track.
We regrouped at the campsite near the Mayo’s peak. No time has been wasted and we resume our descent. I’m still cheerful and have energy until we finish maybe because I’m the most prepared among them. Dizziness, tiredness and jock itch made them slow but we barely made it.
On the same day I went back to Manila then climb Mt. Palay-palay (Pico de Loro).
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| Sir Remy, JayR, Ken, Oliver and Peter |
Itinerary
Day 0 - July 25, 2014
1300 Depart for Batangas Pier - Bus 168.00php
1530 Batangas City Pier - buy ticket - 850.00php (discounted)
1730 Depart for Cajidiocan, Sibuyan Island, Romblon
Day 1 July 26, 2014
0315 Stop over at Romblon Port - Romblon, Romblon
0800 Cajidiocan Port - meet Sir Remy
~ Breakfast
0840 Proceed to DENR - Magdiwang
0935 DENR Magdiwang. Register, orientation and get your climb permit - 300.00php
1030 Proceed to Lambingan falls
1043 Lambingan fall jump off.
Entrance fee: 30.00php; 5-10 minutes walk
1135 Depart for San Fernandon
1235 Lunch at Cajidiocan
Got 2 hours stranded on way to jump off
1700 Sitio Olango, San Fernando, La Union
Final preparation and rest.
Day 2 July 27, 2014
0207 Start trek
0252 Olango river
0425 Camp 1
0612 Camp 2
0642 Helipad ~ breakfast
0720 Resume
0735 Camp 3
0825 Crash site
1050 Remvaldys Peak
1255 Mt. Guiting-guiting summit 2,058+ masl
1320 Descent
1340 Peak of deception
1350 Mabel's spring
~ kiss the wall
1655 Mayo's Peak
1805 Resume descent
1845 Camp 3
2230 Camp 2
Day 3 July 28, 2014
0010 Camp 1
0050 Tampayan river
0132 DENR Magdiwang
~ head to Bagumbayan Beach 15 minutes away - trike 75.00php
~ Fan room 150.00/ head
Rest muna...
0820 Head to Ambulong port - Trike 25.00php
0830 Ambulong Port
RORO fare 324.00php (Ambulong to San Agustin port)
1130 Romblon port
1345 San Agustin port - Tablas Island
1400 Take jeep to Odiongan port - fare 120.00php
1540 Odiongan Port
1700 RORO fare 700 (Odiongan to Batangas City port)
Day 4
0400 Batangas City port
0600 Manila
