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

Surigao - Cagayan De Oro Actual Itinerary / Album // August 29 to September 3, 2018

News of gruesome crimes and countless anecdotes of ferocity and chaos makes Mindanao seemingly an elusive dream destination for many people.  A week-long vacation to some parts of Caraga Region and Cagayan De Oro made me realize that stepping foot to the second largest island in our country is generally safe; contrary to the common hearsays of violence.  This was one of our exciting adventures last year...

The House of Dave goes to the "land of promise"...       

Photos of the Past Adventures

Day 1 - Travelling to Butuan

At NAIA 3, waiting for our plane arrival

Time with the red horse while waiting for the 2 am bus-ride to Mangangoy.  We utilized the travel time to take some nap.  It was a very efficient cost-cutting strategy for the accommodation

Day 2 - Surigao Del Sur

Start of the long and butt-numbing habal-habal ride

Tinuy-an Falls.  At the photo is a friend who put my patience into test during this week-long trip

We rode a bamboo raft which brought us under the high falling cold waters

At the higher tier

These marine creatures are known as curachas.  They are similar to crabs but contained more meat.  I'm allergic to seafood, only the 4 have enjoyed eating those crustaceans!

Bluer than blue! That is the Hinatuan Enchanted River of Surigao

Island Hopping

Sibadan Fish Cage.  Swimming with the sharks and stingrays

Rain poured down at rock island

River wading

At the enchanted river marker before moving back to Butuan

Day 3 - Siargao Part 1

We rented 3 motorcycles rather than hiring local drivers in roaming around.  It is another efficient cost-cutting strategy and truly an amazing experience.  Good thing that we have 3 skilled drivers on the team.  Hmm, skilled? did I use the right word?  Hi Dave!

Beautiful and impressive are both understatement to describe this wide landscape of coconut trees.  One needs to actually visit the place and see it by themselves.  Everyone will surely be filled with awe!  

Mangroves swamp.  I'm sure that crocodiles are lurking around!  Attack Aries!

To Sugba Lagoon!

This is a place in Siargao that I will hardly forget.   There are sea jellies swimming freely in that emerald green water.  One was able to touch my arms and leave a painful mark.  Fortunately, it was not venomous.  I'm still... alive!!!

Smile!

Magpupungko Rock Formation

Wafer with coconut jam on top

Tidal pool.  Swim with the marine creatures that were trapped inside...

Glowing sea surface, reflecting the colors of dusk from above

And our third day has ended at Cloud 9...

Day 4 - Siargao Part 2

At the fish landing, waiting for our boat to Bucas Grande Island

Paddle boat to the home of stingless jellyfish

Jellyfish Sanctuary

Stingless jellyfish.  Their tentacles are highly sensitive and can easily be disintegrated with a very soft touch

Gelatinous sea jellies' eggs

This one is quite huge, but it already lost all its tentacles.  Wait, jellyfish?! I think this is a high time to avenge myself from the painful experience yesterday! :o

Moon Jelly

Our self-proclaimed Vietnamese friend from Manila :o 

The sole entrance to Sohoton Cove which is only accessible during the low-tide.  There are several chambers inside the cove, but currently, only 2 are allowed to be visited

This lime formation is known as the altar.  Locals are claiming that there were times when they heard mysterious voices from it.  We saw a strange creature, but we were uncertain if it was truly a strange one

Preparing to move inside the Hagukan Cavern

The sunlight passing through the water inside the cave makes it glows green, which is creating a magical ambiance.  This is an amazing site to see and one of my favorite spots in Bucas Grande

Magkukuob Cavern.  Moving up to dive.  This was my first time to jump on a cliff, and I will never perform another one again!!!

Naked Island

Daku Island

Hey Dave, you're always looking somewhere every time there's a photo-op... Straighten your sight!

Guyam, the smallest of the three islands

In the swing

Spageti / Spagete... which is which?

Day 5 - To Cagayan De Oro

Dapa Port Marker

"Big Tail, Little Tail chasing all around; Cat and Mouse game never let's down".  Tom and Jerry, the cat and mouse who never goes old...

Day 6 - CDO White Water Rafting

Ready to paddle!!!

Various photos of our rafting experience.  Quite contrary to what I've read in other materials, the experience was not too thrilling, but the views are scenic.  One side of the river belongs to the province of Bukidnon, and the other side to the province of Misamis, Oriental.  There are some parts where we were allowed to jump off the boat and played with the current.  Just beware of snakes!

It is not yet over Aries!!!

Back to Manila!

Indeed, Mindanao is worth to be called as the land of promise.  It is the home of several pristine and jaw-dropping wonders.  I'm looking forward to that day of venturing all of its provinces and becomes deeply fascinated by its beauties...

Actual Itinerary

Day 1 August 29, 2018 (Travel to Butuan)

2:30 PM: Departure Pasig to NAIA 3
3:30 PM: Arrival NAIA 3 (delayed flight)
7:00 PM: Departure NAIA 3 to Bancasi Airport (Butuan)
8:30 PM: Arrival at Bancasi Airport
8:45 PM: Jeep ride to Jollibee near Robinson Butuan
9:00 PM: Meet Santy and dinner
11:00 PM: Tricycle ride to Butuan Integrated Terminal
11:15 PM: Arrival at the bus terminal.  Waiting for the first bus trip to Mangangoy at 2 AM 

Day 2 August 30, 2018 (Hinatuan and Tinuy-an Falls) - Surigao Del Sur

2:00 AM: Departure Butuan to Hinatuan (Sleeping time)
5:30 AM: Arrival at Hinatuan and meet Edchie (contact person)
5:40 AM: Habal-habal ride to Tinuy-an Falls 
7:00 AM: Arrival Tinuy-an Falls.  Waterfalls chasing
9:30 AM: Departure to Hinatuan Enchanted River
11:00 AM: Arrival at the Hinatuan Enchanted River.  Early Lunch
1:00 PM: Island hopping (Sibadan Fish Cage and Rock Island), Photo-ops, afternoon swimming at the enchanted river
4:00 PM: End of Tour. Wash-up
4:40 PM: Departure to the bus terminal
5:00 PM: Departure back to Butuan
9:30 PM: Arrival at Butuan wait for the 11 pm bus trip to Surigao, Dinner
11:00 PM: Departure to Surigao Terminal

Day 3 August 31, 2018 (Sugba Lagoon, Magpupungko, Cloud 9) - Siargao, Surigao Del Norte Part 1

2:00 AM: Arrival Terminal and Tricycle ride to Pier
2:15 AM: Buy a ticket.  As of the writing, the earliest trip to Dapa Port is through Montenegro at 3 AM.  Although the ride is really slow.  
3:00 AM: Departure to Dapa Port
6:45 AM: Arrival at Dapa Port
7:00 AM: Hired a multi-cab to General Luna
7:40 AM: Transient House along Kermit Street.  Breakfast
9:00 AM: Departure to Sugba Lagoon
11:45 AM: Arrival at Sugba Lagoon.  Start of Tour
3:00 PM: Departure to Magpupungko Rock Formation
3:30 PM: Arrival at Magpupungko Rock Formation, Photo-ops
4:30 PM: Departure to Cloud 9 at General Luna.  Unfortunately, we had no sunset
6:00 PM: End of Tour.  Acquisition of food supplies at the market.

Day 4 September 1, 2018 (Bucas Grande and Tri-Island) - Siargao, Surigao Del Norte Part 2

4:30 AM: Wake-up call.  Breakfast
6:00 AM: Departure to Fish Landing (Baybay/Brgy. Olo)
6:30 AM: Departure to Bucas Grande
9:00 AM: Bucas Grande Tour (Swim with the jellyfishes /caving/diving at the Sohoton Cove)
12:30 PM: Departure to Tri-Island (Naked, Daku, and Guyam)
2:30 PM: Start of Tri-Island Tour
4:30 PM: End of Island Hopping Tour.  Back to the Transient house

Day 5 September 2, 2018 (Travel Time Siargao to Cagayan De Oro)

7:00 AM: Wake-up call.  
9:00 AM: Church Passing, It's Sunday!
10:00 AM: Departure to Dapa Port
11:30 AM: Departure to Surigao (Pier)
3:00 PM: Arrival at Pier, tricycle ride to Surigao Terminal
3:30 PM: Late lunch
5:30 PM: Departure Surigao to Butuan
8:30 PM: Bus boarding 
9:00 PM: Departure to Cagayan De Oro (Agora Market)

Day 6 September 3, 2018 (Cagayan White Water Rafting) - Cagayan De Oro, Misamis Oriental

2:00 AM: Arrival Agora Market, check-in at Win Min Transient House for  4 hours)
6:30 AM: Departure to Plaza Divisoria, breakfast at Jollibee and waiting for the contact person (KAGAY)
8:00 AM: Departure to water rafting jump-off (Advanced level)
9:00 AM: Start of water rafting
12:30 PM: Departure to Kagay Adventure office
1:00 PM: Wash-up and waiting for the pictures
1:45 PM: Late lunch buffet at the hungry plate
3:00 PM: Mall hopping, check-in at Win-Min
9:15 PM: Departure to Lgundingan Airport
10:40 PM: Boarding Time
12:20 AM: We're home Manila!

Note: The actual itinerary was based on the conceptual itinerary prepared by Sheng Pontiveros when she ventured the whole CARAGA Region.  Our group made a twist as we set Cagayan De Oro as our exit point.  However, we weren't able to visit Dinagat Island due to time constraint.

Summary of Actual Expenses for 5 pax

Major Expenses

Fare from Butuan to Hinatuan: 232 Php / pax
Habal-habal ride in Hinatuan: 500 Php / pax
Indigenous Fee at Tinuy-an: 150 Php
Registration at Tinuy-an and locker fee: 118 Php / pax
Registration at Hinatuan River: 200 Php / Pax
Island hopping at Hinatuan: 500 Php per boat
Entrance Sinabad and rock formation: 20 Php each island
Fare from Butuan to Surigao: 226 Php / pax
Roro fare: 180 Php / pax
Terminal fee: 50 Php / pax
Transient house: 450 Php / pax
Rent of Haba-habal ride (self-drive): 400 Php / motor
Boat ride Sugba Lagoon: 1,600 Php / boat
Registration Sugba Lagoon: 50 Php / pax
Magpupungko Entrance: 50 Php / pax
Cloud 9 Entrance: 50 Php / pax
Boat ride to Bucas Grande: 5,000 Php / boat
Registration at Bucas Grande: 100 Php / pax
Safety gears: 40 Php / pax
Sohoton Cove Eco Tour: 830 Php / trip (8 pax)
Paddle boating at jelly fish sanctuary: 100 Php / pax
Registration at Guyam island: 30 Php / pax
Fare Butuan to CDO: 400 Php / pax
Waterrafting Advance Level: 1,800 Php / pax

Contacts

Hinatuan
Edchie: 0926-552-9636 (our group contact)
Cesar Sarmiento: 0948-575-0496 (Highly recommended by Sheng)

Siargao
Sir Vincent: 0948-950-6934 / 0938-208-8672 (our group contact)
Nicolas Salgado (Bebot) 0930-974-9974 / 0906-459-5679 (Highly recommended by Sheng)

Cagayan De Oro
Kagay Adventure Office: 0917-712-2442 / 0922-388-6200

Team and Major Roles



Worth Knowing

The Legend of Tinuy-an Falls
"Tinuyo-an or Tinuy-an means an intentional act or performance to attain an objective or goal.

Legend revealed that long before, the Magdiwata Mountain Settlers were enslaved by cruel tribesman coming from the hinterlands of Agusan.  They were mistreated by their masters and were forced to perform hard manual labor.  

Tired of the maltreatment, the brave natives convened among themselves and created a plan to be free of the cruelty.  So, one day, while rowing the gakit (bamboo raft) boarded by the masters, the slaves jumped off and intentionally shoved the gakit towards the waterfalls killing all their vicious masters and attaining the freedom that they longed for.

From then on, the high falling waters is called Tinuy-an Falls to commemorate the courage and gallantry of the heroic natives." (Source: Commemorative metal plate)

Photo Credits to the owners

End

-JSC