Mount Kalatungan is one of the 2-thousander peaks of Bukidnon and ranked as #6 highest peaks in the Philippines next to Mt. Ragang. Another notable peak in Kalatungan Mountain Range is Wiji peak. Wiji Peak elevation is quite impressive but not considered in the top highest mountain because of its proximity to the summit of Mt. Kalatungan. According to my Guide Warson they also called it Macaupao Peak which derives from the wild fire happened at the peak.
Day 1
Some tips that might help you:
- Communicate with the tourism office of Pangantucan prior to your climb dates.
Tourism Contact Person
Renato Sabado - +639 262478796
Dahlia - +639 358699121
- They have organized and accredited mountain guides and porters. You don’t have to worry about who will be your guide.
- Fill out all the form and pay climb permit fee: 300.00php
- Guide and Porter rates are fixed. Guide fee: 350.00php/ day
- Bring mandatory materials that will be used in tribal ritual: White Chicken, rice, wine, 4 different colors of cloths, Coins and Cigarette. All materials needed for tribal ritual must be given to tribal chieftain.
- Get your climb permit copies.
- Take habal-habal going to jump off.
- Register at the barangay hall then give 1 copy of climb permit.
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| with tribal chieftain |
In my humble opinion, arranging climb with authorities in Mt. Kalatungan is better than organizing climb in Kitanglad Mountain Range.
I was introduced to local officials of Barangay Mendis. The conference hall was my shelter but it was too big for me and a little bit creepy. So, I decided to sleep outside.
Day 2 - Mt. Kalatungan - Wiji Peak (Circuit) Dayhike
The sky was clear and moonlight shine over the mighty mountain. It is huge and far from where we started. Everything was surrounded by silence but only sounds of nature prevail. The trail is wide and gradually ascending. We had a little rest with 30 minutes interval - ngiti lang ang pahing. Entering the forest part was dense and confusing. In the last part of forest trail before reaching the Buko buko sa Anay ridge is rolling and sometimes flat.
My guide was surprised when we reach Buko buko sa Anay after 2 hours hike. Buko buko sa Anay is an expose ridge trail composed of dense and tall grass, and sheer ascent. Between the two peaks of Kalatungan and Wiji is the magnificent Mueleta falls.
The scenery was more beautiful after the Buko buko sa Anay ridge. Entering the mossy forest was pristine and much exiting as we go higher. We had a quick breakfast at the campsite near the water source. It was cold but as long as you move your body it remain warm. At the junction where two trails meet between 2 peaks is the final ascent to the summit.
After 4 hours and 25 minutes of trekking we have reached the summit of Mt. Kalatungan at 2880+ m, the 6th highest mountain in the Philippines. View at the summit was spectacular even shrouded by some trees. Mountains can be seen from the summit are Kitanglad range, Apo, Piapayungan Range and many more.
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| Mt. Apo as seen from Mt. Kalatungan |
For the completion of Kalatungan - Wiji peak circuit, we headed back at the junction and took the trail going to Wiji Peak. It was wet and slippery descend to bamboo campsite. Moss was ticker reminiscent of Mt. Dulang-dulang mossy forest.
Bamboo campsite is located at the saddle part - between the two peaks. The ascent to peak of Wiji was steep and cloaked by thorny plants. It will take 20-30 minutes ascent from the campsite to Wiji Peak. The view from there was better and more spectacular than at the summit of Kalatungan. There are old dead trees remain standing at the peak. Network signal is also present at Wiji.
The first part of the descent is rolling with few and little ascent and the rest is pure downhill. Trail here was more established, wide and covered by trees. According to my guide, the trail of Wiji (Macaupao or Lumpanag) is regularly used by the local coming from other side of the mountain. Several sightings of wild boar activities was scattered and pointed by my guide. After 9 hours and 27 minutes we completed the circuit trail of Mt. Kalatungan and Wiji Peak.
Wiji Peak
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| Mt. Kalatungan |
(After the climb, I met with my friends in Davao City then, we did a 3 days climb in Mt. Apo via Kidapawan trail.)
First of all I would like to thank the very accommodating people of Pangantucan, Bukidnon. The tourism office never failed to reply on my queries. For the assistance they had given me. This will not be successful without the people who helped and believed in me.
Mt. Kalatungan - Wiji Dayhike Itinerary (Actual)
Day 1
0430 Departure from Manila
0605 Laguindingan Airport (CDO)
0625 Take Van to Agora Terminal - 200.00php
0740 Agora Bus Terminal
Take breakfast
0818 Depart for Maramag - 230.00php
Take bus that will pass by Maramag (bound for Davao) or
Take bus going to Wao then drop at Pangantucan
1233 Maramag, Bukidnon
Lunch first!
1330 Depart for Pangantucan - 30.00php
Take Van (30php) or Bus (25php) bound for Wao then drop at Pangantucan
1400 Pangantucan, Bukidnon
Proceed to tourism office. Get your permit
1518 Proceed to Barangay Mendis (Dulo) - Habal-habal 80.00php
1530 Barangay Mendis Hall - register
Sleep at the Barangay conference hall or camp at the front of Hall
Day 2 - Mt. Kalatungan and Wiji Peak (Circuit) Dayhike
0333 Start trek
0411 Base Camp
0535 Buko buko sa Anay Ridge
~ view of Mulueta Falls
0658 Resume
0642 Campsite with water source ~ Breakfast
0658 Resume
0729 Crossing/ Campsite; Junction going to summit and Wiji Peak
Head to summit
0758 Mt. Kalatungan summit 2880 Meter ASL
0821 Descent
0838 Junction; Head to Wiji Peak
0903 Bamboo Campsite with water source
0955 Wiji Peak or Macaupao Peak
1033 Descent
1300 ETA barangay hall (jump off) - end of trek
~ Wash up
1430 Back to Poblacion - Habal-habal 200.00php
1500 Poblacion Bus terminal
1530 Back to Maramag - Bus 25.00php
1600 Maramag Bus terminal
Take bus back to CDO or Davao
2030 Davao City - Bus 305.00php
