My Adventure Chasing Heights to the Peak of Mt. Hibok-Hibok

It's good to be back!

Since I've been gone for months, I want to write about a very special, fun, and memorable adventure: our Mt. Hibok-Hibok climb in Camiguin, Philippines, with my hiker/mountaineer friends, which took place two months ago.

In March 2024, Cebu Pacific Airlines had a seat sale, and yes, we didn’t let that opportunity pass. We booked our flights to Camiguin. As a joiner, I simply waited to be informed about the costs for accommodation, guides for the hike, transportation, etc. It gave off a bit of a 'Disney princess' vibe, hahaha. Thanks to @kev.incredible and the gang for organizing our 3-Day DIY Camiguin Trip!

We had a packed itinerary for our 3-Day DIY Camiguin Trip, but this blog will focus solely on the climb I was eagerly anticipating. I’ll share details about the other adventures and tourist spots in my next blog (hopefully). Hehe

Mount Hibok-Hibok is located on Camiguin Island in Northern Mindanao, Philippines. Rising 1,200 meters above sea level, Mount Hibok-Hibok – also known as Catarman Volcano – is the most active of at least 14 volcanoes in the Philippines' second-smallest province, Camiguin. No wonder the province is often called the "Island Born of Fire."

The volcano’s name is derived from the Kamigin word that means "to heave," referring to the mountain’s restless nature. Mt. Hibok-Hibok has erupted five times in recorded history, most notably from 1871 to 1875, which formed the volcanic cone Mt. Vulcan and destroyed Catarman town. This eruption left behind the Sunken Cemetery and Gui-ob Church Ruins, now famous tourist landmarks on the island.

To climb the mountain, we paid the following fees prior to the hike: a permit for Php 500, a guide fee of Php 500 per person, and a garbage fee of Php 50. Early on the second day of our stay on the island, we began our day with breakfast at a small carinderia, where we met our guide, Kuya Gerry. We then hopped on a rented jeepney to the jump-off point, where we registered our names in the logbook before starting our journey.

We prayed for guidance before beginning the hike. We had three guides with us, and actually, there were five guides in total – including two cute local dogs that accompanied us all the way to the summit. They were so cute, for real!

Thankfully, the weather was pleasant – not too sunny. However, I was a bit concerned about the trail since it had rained heavily the night before. The first part of the climb was through a vast coconut grove covering several hectares. The guides advised us not to stop directly under coconut trees due to the risk of falling coconuts or branches.

I was already feeling tired after the first 2km, likely because I wasn’t physically prepared, having done no prior physical activities. However, I soon felt better as the adrenaline kicked in and was able to enjoy every step of the way. We made several stops and took water breaks to regain our energy for the continuous ascent

The famous white sandbar can be seen from the higher ground of Mt. Hibok-Hibok, where we stopped to enjoy the view and take some pictures. We even exchanged a few jokes, hahaha.

As we continued our ascent, we gradually entered a mossy forest with trees growing taller and stockier. The view was surreal, and I was soaking in the wonders of the climb. I was truly amazed by what I was seeing.

When we reached the view deck overlooking the crater lake, I was once again struck by its beauty. The strong winds and cold added an extra thrill and excitement to the experience. Continuing to the summit, we encountered huge and slippery boulders, which only heightened my excitement. But, of course, we had to be extra careful to avoid any mishaps.

Upon finally reaching the summit, we enjoyed a brief clearing and took solo pictures before the fog rolled in. The scenic beauty was overwhelming—I felt like I could see all of Camiguin from up there. I felt incredibly proud of myself for conquering the summit and am already manifesting my next climbing adventure!

The journey wasn’t easy, but with perseverance and a focus on what lies ahead, you can achieve your goals. Just take your own steps and walk at your own pace because IT’S NOT A RACE.

Adios!

_{Hello there! I'm Danah, a Marketing Services Associate by profession. I'm an adventurous person, always seeking to discover new experiences and extract valuable life lessons from each of them. I'm passionate about dancing and performing on stages in front of the crowd. I thrive on exploring the great outdoors and capturing memories.}

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