Mt. Timbak
Atok, Benguet
Trail: KM.55 to Kabayan Central to Mt. Pulag Akiki jump off
Moving Time and Day(s): 4 hours and 35 minutes | 1 day
June 2 2012
DONE! Timbak-Pulag
duo over the weekend! Approximately 38km. of leg excruciating trek and a
total of 10+ hours ascent-descent on 1st and 3rd highest peak of
Luzon. This duo starts at KM 55 Halsema Highway Atok, Benguet down to Kabayan
Central Benguet that ends up in Babadac Ranger Station (ambangeg) also in
Kabayan, Benguet.
Mt.
Timbak traverse to Kabayan (central) Benguet | Day 1
Mt.
Timbak jump-off starts at KM 55. The trek is on a steep paved road. Take left
on the first fork which is few meters away from the jump off. Mt. Timbak is a
community area of farmers. Just ask for direction heading to sir Salvador house
near Timbak Summit. I took a shortcut going to Sir Salvador place via chapel
(tips given by local I’ve met along the way). Trail via chapel may be confusing
but you can also take the paved road to avoid stepping on vegetable
plants. I reached Sir Salvador place after 50-minutes of trekking, Camsol
family welcomed me with warm smile and they treated me like we all have known
each other since before. Hot Soy Bean Coffee was served (sarap,bawal
tanggihan at pangpainit) and meal was offered to me but I refuse to
eat (nakakahiya naman). Summit/ Mini Calvary is 5 minutes away from Camsol
house. I did some picture-picture even though the clouds hide the
grandest view of Mt. Timbak. There’s no visibility in Timbak during rainny
season (most often on june-august) and it is always surrounded by clouds.
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| with sir Salvador and his daughter. Pencils and crayons |
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| Mt. Timbak Summit
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I get
back in Sir Salvador’s house to get my backpack for I was getting ready to
descend. They pointed and told me the way going to Kabayan Central. I just
follow the paved road down. I didn’t go to Timbak Mummies because I
think it would be a long long descend to Kabayan. Just got lucky when 1 4x4
owner-type jeep passed by. My leg had a rest for about 15 minute’s hitch-ride.
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| to timbak mummies |
I took left in fork (few meters away was the first gate). When I saw the first house after the first gate, I took the trail out of the road (short cut). This trail will lead me to the same road that I was heading. There is another fork (last fork), I took the right direction which lead me to the correct way and saw the second house. From the second house, the bridge near Tinochol Cave can be seen.
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| First gate near the fork |
I reached Tinochol Cave entrance 1 hour from the first gate. I didn’t also go in Tinochol Cave.
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waiting shed near the bridge;Y-Junction. Left: to Kabayan Barrio; Right: to Kabayan Central
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I took a rest in the waiting shed near the
bridge and did some chat with the locals. I took right direction (shortcut)
going to Kabayan Central while the left direction lead to Kabayan Barrio. I
arrived in Kabayan Central at 1400H and took my lunch there then bought some
supplies. Then I headed to Akiki jump-off which is 20-minutes away from Kabayan
Central. The park ranger allowed me to sleep in the Akiki Visitor Center and to
use comfort room. Moments later, 1 mountaineer had arrived. We both sleep in
the school.
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| View from Akiki visitor center: Timbak trail to Kabayan Benguet |
follow my 2nd day adventure:
Mt. Pulag Akiki-Ambangeg Dayhike | Day 2
