MT. PALAOPAO: My Mother mountain's guide

 Never underestimate a mountain. That's a significant phrase keep telling myself after grueling experiences I had with Mt. Palaopao.

Mt. Palaopao is one of the prominent mountains in the province of Bukidnon; the alluring beauty from afar can be viewed its stretch of range from the highway of Sumilao, which has captured a lot of adventure-seeker all over Mindanao. Stands 841M or 2,759 FT.(based on peakvisor.com) ASL; succumbs every outdoor enthusiast to induce its peak, but the charm has its own deceitful and tiring way to reach.

Table of contents:

A. How to get there?

B. Hike and Fees

C. Paiyak Cave

D. Rocky Peaks and trails

E. The main Peak and Stunning view

F. The White Cross

G. Other Spots

H. What to bring?

I.    Add Comment

How to get to Sitio Palaopao?

1. The route going to this mountain is composed of a bus ride and an arduous trek. From Cagayan de Oro ride a bus at the Agora bus terminal; bus bound for Davao or any route going south.

2. Alight at Kisolon Terminal, for almost 2 hours travel time.

3. From the bus terminal. Don't hesitate to ask locals. The way to Sitio starts from the back of the terminal.

You'll be traversing through rice paddies

From ricefields, a deep slope meandering descent will lead to this Hanging bridge.

The metal-wired bridge connects the town of Sumilao and Sitio Palaopao of Manolo Fortich in Bukidnon; up to 15 to 30-minute trek you'll reach quaint Sitio Palaopao. 

Hike and Fees

Local settlers of this village having rules and implementation of local guide and registration. Upon hiking, you'll pay 30 pesos each and 350 pesos for the local guide fee per 5pax(group). Cheap, right?

The whole hike may be lengthy, it depends on the pacing. The trail starts to awe you, gigantic rock formations flourishing beneath our eyes. 

The astonishing rock formation of its walls startles me, staircase-like ledges with a lavish greenery veil.

My hike buddies for my second visit

Paiyak Cave

Palaopao mountain range has a lot of recognized caves, one of them can be trailed during the hike.

 A historic cave with some remains of their ancestors believed to be a burial place for Lumad settlers.

Nicole and the remains of Lumad

Rocky Peaks and trails

The real test of endurance by hiking Palaopao is at its peak. Rolling hills to an open trail!

The scorching sun was my verily enemy; depleting, almost cease me. 

This photo was my first ever peak to conquer way back year 2019. Wearing a cotton shirt and shorts with a backpack without any essentials for trekking. I really learned from that point.

My hike buddies got burnt, so am I too. 

The Main Peaks and Stunning view

Picturesque and Alluring view behold us, as we reached its main peak.

Beautiful limestone formation staggering atop; grandiose view of Bukidnon uplifts my heart. 

And some rocky ledge could ignite my fears. Just for the gram!

Always hike with friends for a better experience. 

The White Cross 

This iconic white cross can be seen from afar as the endpoint of its peak, situated near the slope of descending trail.

And also serves as a landmark for pilgrims, perpetuate their religious stuff during holy weeks. 

The scenic descending slope is the trail going back to the community.

Other spots

Aside from Mt. Palaopao, you can also visit ALALUM FALLS along the highway of Sumilao, and BINOONG SPRING 5 kilometers from the highway.

TO MAINTAIN OUR NATURAL WONDER CLEAN, ALWAYS KEEP YOUR GARBAGE.

PLEASE, ALWAYS OBSERVE THE LEAVE NO TRACE PRINCIPLE.

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