Weekend Getaway 2: Boracay, The Peninsula Mountains and Malumpati
And so after a week, we were already planning for our next climb. I took 2 days off from work to go to Boracay; but since we couldn't resist the call of the mountains we looked for a mountain near Aklan where we could go for an overnight or at least a day hike.
We can't afford to go to Mt. Madjaas just yet so we decided to explore this mountain near the place where we're staying. From what we've heard it's a part of the Panay Peninsula Mountain Range and relatively unexplored since it's a private land. But we were able to acquire a permit to hike and had a guide to help us along the way. The trail I would say is not difficult. Mostly grasslands to the assault; no steep path nor challenging rocky track.
The trail isn't established that we got lost twice. From time to time our guide had to cut trees blocking our path. The route is a thick forest, where different flora and fauna thrive. What set the mountain apart from the others is the presence of fern- lots and lots of it. They were clinging on our leggings and shorts and skin, which caused scars and bruises. There weren't a lot of tall trees on the trail, so we were hiking under the sun. We even had to use makeshift trekking poles to back us up when we got out of balance.
We passed by a small spring where we replenished our bladders and bottles.We were treading for an hour and a half already when we reached the summit. The afternoon sun burned our skin and our legs were very tired from walking but they were replaced with ecstasy and pride. The breathtaking view of Boracay Island from the top stunned us in awe. And since the mountain is relatively uncharted, we considered ourselves "pioneer" of that mountain.
If you're looking for a side stop from the hustle and bustle of Boracay and want peace and solitude the mountain offers, you may try this. From Caticlan, you will need to ride a bus (I recommend Ceres Bus if you want a bus ride that's a ride of a lifetime!) going to San Jose or Iloilo via Antique (not the buses bound to Iloilo via Kalibo), which will cost you 30php for the non- airconditioned bus. For airconditioned buses it would cost you 50php, SUV's for 30php. The conductors and drivers were speaking their local dialect but they understand Tagalog or English. Ask the conductor to drop you off at Buang. There is a store just at the drop off where you'll be able to buy supplies.
Because the trail is unexplored, a hike guide is ESSENTIAL. You may acquire a guide from Pastor Val or Tita Odette who mans the registration area. The guide will cost you 300 bucks for a dayhike and the registration fee for 30php. Should you decide to stay in the mountain for an overnight retreat, you may advise Pastor Val and he will give you a place where you could pitch your tent. The area is near a water source so you won't be having any difficulty bathing or refilling your empty water bottles. Not to mention a whole lot of mango trees.
This trail also leads to another part of the mountain range which we haven't blazed yet. When I come back to Boracay, I will make sure to come back for more of the Peninsula Mountain Range, as well as Mt. Madjaas. I just hope that by then, I am very much prepared.
We can't afford to go to Mt. Madjaas just yet so we decided to explore this mountain near the place where we're staying. From what we've heard it's a part of the Panay Peninsula Mountain Range and relatively unexplored since it's a private land. But we were able to acquire a permit to hike and had a guide to help us along the way. The trail I would say is not difficult. Mostly grasslands to the assault; no steep path nor challenging rocky track.
Our guide, trimming the plants along the way
We passed by a small spring where we replenished our bladders and bottles.We were treading for an hour and a half already when we reached the summit. The afternoon sun burned our skin and our legs were very tired from walking but they were replaced with ecstasy and pride. The breathtaking view of Boracay Island from the top stunned us in awe. And since the mountain is relatively uncharted, we considered ourselves "pioneer" of that mountain.
Spider near our campsite
If you're looking for a side stop from the hustle and bustle of Boracay and want peace and solitude the mountain offers, you may try this. From Caticlan, you will need to ride a bus (I recommend Ceres Bus if you want a bus ride that's a ride of a lifetime!) going to San Jose or Iloilo via Antique (not the buses bound to Iloilo via Kalibo), which will cost you 30php for the non- airconditioned bus. For airconditioned buses it would cost you 50php, SUV's for 30php. The conductors and drivers were speaking their local dialect but they understand Tagalog or English. Ask the conductor to drop you off at Buang. There is a store just at the drop off where you'll be able to buy supplies.
Because the trail is unexplored, a hike guide is ESSENTIAL. You may acquire a guide from Pastor Val or Tita Odette who mans the registration area. The guide will cost you 300 bucks for a dayhike and the registration fee for 30php. Should you decide to stay in the mountain for an overnight retreat, you may advise Pastor Val and he will give you a place where you could pitch your tent. The area is near a water source so you won't be having any difficulty bathing or refilling your empty water bottles. Not to mention a whole lot of mango trees.
This trail also leads to another part of the mountain range which we haven't blazed yet. When I come back to Boracay, I will make sure to come back for more of the Peninsula Mountain Range, as well as Mt. Madjaas. I just hope that by then, I am very much prepared.
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