The Highlands of Bauko, Mountain Province / A Personal Journal // January 26 to 27, 2019

Located in the Mountain Province, Bauko is a town surrounded by several highlands, mostly, are still for exploration.  The extensive and magnificent pine trails of Mt. Polis and the Spanish Trail, are only some of the many hiking grounds, which are currently calling the adventurous spirits of several climbers.

The Past Adventure

Everything was moving smoothly until we heard a sound of deflating tire while passing the highway of Cervantes, which caused a slight disturbance.  Shortly it was confirmed that a tire went flat and, moreover, Nikko failed to bring a spare one.  For 5-long hours, we got stranded on the zigzag road of Ilocos doing several kinds of stuff...

We had a carefree moment in the hi-way as if nothing did happen wrong.

Weeks before this hike, Paul prepared 4 plans that we'll follow in climbing to Mt. Polis, depending on the time of our arrival.  When we reached the jump-off, we were already far behind from the ideal starting time of our chosen route.  Initially, our group aimed to traverse the peaks of Bauko to Sagada using Plan A,  but since we started late, we resorted to Plan C.  The plan of making Sagada as our exit point didn't materialize.  Instead, we ended up doing a reverse-circuit, making our team as the 3rd group who finished this route.

Conceptual route plan prepared by Paul

Our actual route: reverse circuit

At exactly 12 noon while the sun was reigning the sky, we started to march in an open field in moving to the campsite.  The cold climate of Bauko brought us quite a relief from the sun-heat.

The open field

We passed on a dilapidated hanging bridge that gave me quite a chill... 

Then, we gradually ascended a pine trail to the view deck.  

At the view deck.  The summit of Mt. Polis is already visible from this point, but the sun was scorching the campsite.  So, we waited for a while until the time when the fire transformed into a cloud of smoke

Moments at the view deck

After almost an hour of rest, we resumed the hike in the rolling slopes

The last challenge in climbing the summit of Mt. Polis is hurdling the 468 concrete staircases.  There was clearing by the time we reached the campsite; we had a marvelous view of the beautiful landscapes that can be seen below.  It was a strain-free day. We started the socials right after setting up the camp.

The temperature at night can drop as low as 7 degrees Celsius

Night Social

When I woke up the following morning, I was greeted by a sight of thick fog that later made the ground damp. Apparently, someone was bearing a weather talisman.  So, who's who?  Was it Darwin or Ken? :p

Group photo at the campsite of Mt. Polis before descending to the homestay. 

Moving down the 479 steps concrete staircases at the other side

Passing through the lush greenery...

We had lunch at Mount Polis Homestay where Paul is residing.  I love the classy and peaceful ambiance of their home and the other great things that can be seen inside.  This is the first and the only accredited Homestay in Bauko by the Department of Tourism since 2015, Located just 2km away from the jump-off of Mt. Polis in Bagnen Oriente.

Group photo before resuming the trek to the Spanish Trail

The Spanish Trail
The Spanish Trail is a historical landmark.  It is a route that is once used by the Spaniards during the colonization, in strengthening their influence in the north(For God, Gold, and Glory).  

Walking into the lush forest and rolling slopes that are mostly shaded by canopies of pine trees, and reaching the top of other known peaks of Bauko are some of the highlights of the trail.  

Spanish Trail Marker

  Random photos within the Spanish Trail

The Spanish Trail's Peaks

Mt. Kapowan

Spanish Trail's Highest Point

Mt. Bato

Mt. Am-O 1st Peak

Descending the 70 to 80 degrees trail of Mt. Am-O.  I found a good reason for not climbing the same route once again!

Post-climb dinner

Bauko is a great place surrounded by verdant beauty. Their marketing tagline: "Bauko, bau ako sa ganda mo" says it all.    

Thanks, to my usual travel companions and new-found friends in the outdoor community for another fulfilling climb.  More to come!

Bauko Sagada traverse (Conceptual Itinerary by Paul Bill)

BAUKO 7 PEAKS + 1

Day 01

06:00 AM:  ETA Bauko - Jump off @ Brgy. Bila

07:00 AM: Start trek - Inkadang rice terraces

07:20 AM: Mageyad Trail - Assault

08:00 AM: ETA Mt. Am-o entrance - Take 5

08:05 AM: resume trek - Assault, 70°-80° trail.

09:15 AM: ETA Mt. Am-o 1st peak

09:30 AM: Resume trek;l - Ridge;rolling

10:00 AM: Assault

10:30 AM: ETA Mt. Am-o 2nd peak

10:45 AM: Resume trek; ETD to Spanish trail - rolling; Water source halfway.

11:00 AM: ETA Spanish trail; early lunch.

11:30 AM: resume trek

13:00 PM: ETA Mt. Bato, 3rd peak

13:10 PM: resume trek

14:00 PM: ETA Spanish trail highest point, Mt. Mangasil 4th peak

15:00 PM: ETA Mt. Kapowao, 5th peak

15:10 PM: resume trek

16:00 PM: ETA Brgy. Bagnen Proper -buy last-minute supplies.

16:15 PM: resume trek

16:30 PM: ETA Mt. Polis entrance, Brgy. Bagnen Oriente. -Assault

17:30 PM: ETA Mt. Polis summit/ campsite. 6th peak - Free time, set up camp

19:00 PM: Dinner/socials

22:00 PM: lights off

DAY02

05:00 AM: wakeup call-sunrise and sea of clouds viewing.

07:00 AM: Breakfast

08:00 break camp

09:00 AM: start trek; ETD to Sagada - back trail to Brgy. Bagnen Proper.

09:45 AM: ETA Brgy. Bagnen Proper. - Buy last-minute supply

10:00 AM: resume trek - road hike

11:30 AM: ETA Brgy. Balintaugan - rolling;

12:00 PM: lunch

13:00 PM: resume trek

14:30 PM: ETA Mt. Pakad, 7th peak

14:45 PM: resume trek. - descend

15:30 PM: ETA Mt. Ampacao, Sagada

15:45 PM: resume trek

17:00 PM: ETA Ambasing, Sagada -wash up (End of Tour)

Water Source

Day 1

-          At the jump-off

-          Between the 2^nd peak and Spanish Trail

-          Bagnen Proper and Oriente

Day 2

-          Bagnen Proper and Oriente

-          Balintaugan

Bauko Circuit (Actual Itinerary)

Day 1 – January 25, 2019

9:00 PM: Departure greenfield to Bauko

Day 2 – January 26, 2019

10:00 AM: Arrival Bauko-Jump off Brgy. Bila. Early Lunch and last-minute preparation

12:00 PM: Start trek

1:45 PM: Arrival Viewdeck. Photo Ops

2:30 PM: Resume Trek

4:15 PM: Arrival Mt. Polis Campsite, set up camp and socials (1847 MASL)

Day 3 – January 27, 2019

6:00 AM: Wake-up call

10:00 AM: Resume Trek

11:00 AM: Early lunch at Mt. Polis Homestay

12:15 PM: Resume Trek via Spanish Trail

1:00 PM: Arrival Mt. Kapowao (1864 MASL)

1:45 PM: Arrival Mt. Mangasil (Spanish Trail Highest Point) (1877 MASL)

2:00 PM: Arrival Mt. Bato (1865 MASL)

3:30 PM: Arrival Mt. Am-o 2^nd Peak (1741 MASL)

4:20 PM: Arrival Mt. Am-o 1^st Peak and descend via 70 to 80 degrees trail (1657 MASL)

5:30 PM: Mountain Base

6:15 PM: End of the hike.  Wash-up and dinner

Day 4 – January 28, 2019

4:00 AM: Home Sweet Home (Sick Leave :P)

Major Expenses

Van: 16,000 Php (12 Pax)

Tour Expenses (guide fee, registration, etc.): 650 Php / Pax

Foods: Toka-Toka System

Guides

-          Paul Bill Mapangdol (Contact Person)

-          Jomar Buclay

Note
- There are times when the Spanish Trail is closed due to certain "activities" of a group of people, who discovered new "life's calling" beyond the norms of society.  Proper communication with the local guides/authorities must be made prior to a climb.

Something to Look Back
- Find the Go Pro
- Bignay Wine
- Nagluluto pa rin kayo? - Noah
- Alfredo by Chef Rodel
- Rodel, kung saan saan nakakarating yang kamay mo!
- Jella's mother mountain
- Planning of a holy week climb in Antique (Madjaas and Nausang)
- May mga konting nature vampire tayong maeencounter - Paul
- Sira tent mo?
- A coconut cup

End

-JSC